Keeping your stock organized is the key to doing business smoothly, and material handling distributors offer products that can help you transport, position, load, store and identify the goods you sell. From large equipment like conveyors and cranes to smaller equipment such as dollies and shelving, material handling equipment can make identifying products easy. The equipment can also reduce workplace-related injuries due to lifting heavy loads and improperly placed products that may fall either during storage or transport.

The first universal pallet was designed and utilized during World War II. Industries started relying regularly on forklifts soon after, when companies started utilizing air space with taller shelves in an effort to clear up floor space. Material handling distributors still deal mainly in pallets, shelving and forklifts. Some material handling equipment distributors offer more innovative alternatives to bulkier equipment as well as equipment specifically dedicated to safety.

Consider the following options before deciding on which material handling equipment manufacturer offers you the right equipment:

1. Material handling equipment manufacturers that offer smaller alternatives

2. Forklifts and accessories

3. Used material handling supplies

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for alternatives to forklifts for a simpler solution to material handing equipment

If your warehouse doesn't offer much room to maneuver or you're concerned about workplace safety, an alternative to the traditional forklift or additional safety equipment might be what you need. Material handling equipment manufacturers now offer small lifting equipment such as tilts and hydraulic lift systems that can be operated by hand. They also offer movable shelving units, or corrals, that can help you stack and rearrange your products without bulky equipment. If you have to rely on forklifts, safety cages can keep your employees safe from moving equipment and product that may fall during storage or transport.

I recommend: Topper Industrial offers a full line of forklift alternatives. Material handling manufacturer Tec Container S.A. sells a variety of safety cages.

Find forklifts from leading material handling companies online

If you run a large warehouse and have the right staff to operate big equipment properly, you might need a forklift for extra heavy products stored on higher shelves. Be sure to look for forklifts from a material handling manufacturer that offers safety features like backup lights and power steering.

I recommend: Northern Tool + Equipment and Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc., both industry leaders, offer a full line of forklifts and accessories.

Get the best bargain with used material handling tools

Material handling supplies, both hand operated and fuel-powered, can be very expensive. There are plenty of material handling tool manufacturers that offer used lines forklifts and smaller equipment. Online you can find companies who specialize in used equipment as well as websites that can put you in contact with individual sellers.

I recommend: Contact SJF Material Handling for used material handling products including pallets, conveyor systems and forklifts. Eliftruck.com can help you find specific models of used equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In addition to industrial material handling equipment, your staff will likely need hard hats, safety glasses, or even vests that offer more protection and better visibility.