Forklifts, pallet jacks, order-pickers and the rest of the lift-truck family are rarely the headline grabbers — but they quietly keep U.S. warehouses, factories and distribution networks moving. The economic footprint of this industry is large and rising: it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, contributes tens of billions to U.S. GDP, and sits at the center of major trends reshaping manufacturing and logistics (electrification, automation, reshoring). Below I break down the numbers, the channels of impact, and the opportunities and risks to watch.
Investing in forklifts, sideloaders, piggyback forklifts and other material-handling equipment is a necessity for warehouse, manufacturing, distribution and port operations. But in 2025, thanks to favorable tax rules, such purchases can also deliver a powerful tax benefit right away: Section 179 expensing (plus bonus depreciation).
Sit-down rider forklift certainly do the mainstay of the lifting in most material handling and storage operations. But there are many times when an electric pallet jack or an electric walkie-rider can do the same job, at significantly reduced costs. Below are some the situations you may want to consider and electric pallet jack in lieu of a traditional sit-down forklift:
As more of our industry migrates towards electric forklifts, it is important to maintain your forklift batteries and chargers. Properly maintained forklift batteries and chargers will:
Maintaining forklift tires properly can extend their life, improve safety, and enhance operator comfort. Here are some practical tips for keeping your forklift tires in good condition:
As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks for heat-related illnesses—especially for workers in the material handling and warehouse industries, where physical exertion and limited airflow are part of the daily routine. Whether employees are loading trucks outdoors, managing logistics in open-air yards, or working in non-climate-controlled warehouses, staying cool isn’t just a matter of comfort—it’s a matter of safety. Employers have a responsibility to protect their teams from heat stress and related hazards. This article offers practical, proven tips to help keep your workforce safe, cool, and productive throughout the hottest months of the year.
The Industrial Truck Association (ITA) will soon be celebrating increasing awareness to the importance of forklift safety. Forklift Safety Day is a great opportunity to review your forklift safety program and/or plan. And if you don’t have a program or plan, this would be a great opportunity to create one! Here's a link to the events taking place in Washington on June 10 and 11.
Your forklift’s forks bear the brunt of your loading and unloading operations. Wear and tear, or damage to either component can create a dangerous situation for your employees and anyone working around your fleet. And a 10% wear on your forks can reduce your safe lifting capacity by 20%, making your 5,000lb. forklift, a 4,000lb. forklift.
Proper forklift operator training to meet OSHA requirements consists of classroom instruction by a credible source, hands-on evaluation and equipment- and facility- specific training. Most companies have a handle on the first two components. In many cases, employers also follow up with specific training using the equipment in their facilities. However, all too often, companies ignore the final aspect of ensuring full compliance with OSHA requirements.
There have always been benefits to renting forklifts, aerial lifts and other material handling equipment. With the advancements being made regularly, sometimes getting locked into any one type of equipment can present problems.
Winter is upon us, and heating a warehouse or manufacturing facility can be costly. To retain heat in your warehouse during the winter and improve energy efficiency, here are several strategies:
We’ve written about what you can do to avoid overheating of your forklift’s engine. Now let’s discuss the damage that can occur if you allow it to happen.
Getting hot under the collar is about as good for your forklifts as it is for you. Heat results in increased engine wear, part failure and lift truck maintenance expenses. Like most other facets of your operation, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and keeping your engine operating at recommended manufacturer temperatures will improve your productivity and bottom line.
Ensuring that warehouse employees stay cool during the summer is of paramount importance for several reasons.
With warehouse and storage space at a premium, more companies are looking for alternatives to increasing their footprint by expanding current space or purchasing new space. Sometimes a reach truck can be the perfect solution to increasing space, and productivity in your material handling and storage operation. While a reach truck is not suited for all operations, where it can be used, provides three significant benefits.
A walkie rider, often referred to as a rider pallet jack or rider pallet truck, is a type of electric material handling equipment used for transporting and moving pallets in warehouses and distribution centers. It is designed to be ridden by the operator, providing several advantages over a standard electric pallet jack , which is typically operated by walking behind it. Here are some benefits of a walkie rider over a standard electric pallet jack:
Whether you're purchasing a new UniCarriers forklift or servicing one with OEM parts, you can count on UniCarriers to back them up with industry leading warranties. This gives you the security of knowing your equipment and parts are being backed by a company with the conifidence that its products perform, under the toughest applications.
Forklift operators are typically required to undergo refresher training at specific intervals to ensure they continue to operate forklifts safely and effectively. The specific requirements for refresher training can vary by country, region, and organization, but some common guidelines and triggers for refresher training include:
Taking good care of your forklift tires is essential to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the forklift, as well as to extend the lifespan of the tires. Here are some tips to help you maintain your forklift tires:
Improving safety on a warehouse dock is crucial for preventing accidents and maintaining a secure work environment. Here are some recommendations to enhance safety:
UniCarriers MX Series electric forklifts provide the benefits of electric forklifts while maintaining the same productivity as their internal combustion forklift counterparts. The MX Series indoor/outdoor electric forklifts are equipped with powerful 48 Volt and 80 Volt (for higher capacity models) motors, and are sealed to make them perfect for indoor or outdoor usage. Like all UniCarriers forklifts, the MX Series are covered by their best-in-class 2 year unlimited warranty.