The Material Handling Blog

A question our customers have asked us several times, your forklifts reach higher and heavier, but … ‘Can it do the job, will it do the job, and how will it fit into my operation’ – a similar question asked by many warehouse and Logistics companies when hiring new personnel. A little like hiring your operational staff, it’s a big decision and commitment taking on new overhead costs. How can you ensure you are making the right decision when purchasing your reach truck?

Whilst many food service businesses are in the process of returning to work, there has been much to consider and think about whilst planning the reopening and adapting of their food business during the pandemic. Having to plan the implementation of important guidance from the government, and put into place any procedures to reduce the risk of infection as much as possible. Conversely, for those businesses that use materials handling equipment, there are added challenges concerning health and safety; and equipment availability due to changes in demand.

Winter has well and truly arrived, and it's time to wrap up warm, switch the heating on and start scraping the car in the mornings.

But when the temperature drops below zero, spare a thought for forklift operators working in cold stores — where temperatures can be as low as -35°C all year round.

Working in these extreme environments isn't easy on the workers. High-performance thermal clothing is a must to avoid hypothermia or frostbite, and heated truck cabins may be required if drivers are spending long shifts inside the cold store.

However, these kinds of temperatures place some major stresses on the truck as well, which can cause huge problems for the operation if not managed properly.

The UK is scheduled to leave the EU at 11pm UK time on Friday, 29 March 2019, although if all 28 EU members agree it can be postponed.  As a business, do you want to postpone your materials handling operation?  

For the last few months, the papers have been filled with stories about the storage issues that companies across the country are facing. A shortage of storage space is becoming more and more of an issue for all kinds of businesses, as companies begin to stockpile goods due to fears of Brexit-related disruption. Warehousing and capacity is therefore a major challenge.

Cold store operations are one of the toughest material handling challenges.

Not only do the sub-zero temperatures affect your trucks’ battery capacity, electronics, lubrication, bodywork and drivers’ ability to operate the truck, the need for high storage density can reduce selectivity and throughput.