Material handling equipment is any tool used to aid in the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products. Without the proper equipment and systems in place, your company is more likely to damage products or fall behind in productivity. By knowing more about material handling equipment, you can better equip your warehouse or distribution center with the proper equipment and systems for your company’s needs.
The 4 Categories of Material Handling Equipment
1) Storage and Handling Equipment
This equipment category is self-explanatory. Storage and handling equipment is used to hold materials while they aren’t being used. The material commonly stored on this type of equipment is usually waiting to enter the production cycle or waiting to be transported. Here are some of the most common pieces of storage and handling equipment:
Drawers, bins, and shelves: These are the most basic storage items commonly used to store smaller materials in an organized manner.
Racks: Racks help companies store materials in accessible locations, and they save floor space.
Stacking Frames: These are interlocking units that enable materials to get stacked without being crushed.
2) Bulk Handling Equipment
Bulk handling equipment refers to equipment that transports, stores, and controls bulk materials. This type of equipment is generally used to move and store materials in a loose form. Common examples of this type of equipment include:
Stackers: Like forklifts, stackers help lift and stack heavy loads on the dock or in the warehouse.
Reclaimers: These are large machines used to recover bulk materials from a stockpile.
Bucket elevators: These elevators (also known as grain legs) assist with hauling bulk materials vertically.
Silos: Silos are towers that hold materials. Materials that are typically stored in silos include grain, woodchips, coal, and sawdust.
3) Industrial Trucks
Industrial trucks are essential for warehouses and distribution centers. These powered trucks, such as forklifts, move large quantities of materials around the manufacturing floor. They are also utilized to load or unload heavy objects onto delivery trucks efficiently.
Hand trucks: Hand trucks (also called dollies) are a simple piece of equipment designed to give operators the leverage they need to move heavy materials to new locations.
Sideloaders: Sideloaders are built to fit in narrow aisles. They pick up items from different directions, making them ideal when a warehouse has aisles close together.
Pallet trucks: Otherwise known as forklifts, pallet trucks are machines operators use to lift heavy pallets. The forks slip under the pallet, lift it, and secure it as the operator takes it to a new location.
4) Automated Systems
Automated or engineered systems refer to automated material handling equipment made to help transport and store materials. Rather than a single piece of equipment, an automated system is generally made out of several units. Here are some examples of automated systems:
Conveyor systems: Automated conveyor systems carry heavy materials to specified destinations using belts, flexible chains, or live rollers. It is highly efficient equipment to move large volumes of material quickly.
Automated guided vehicles: These vehicles are mobile robots that follow specific markers or wires in the floor to move large materials around a manufacturing facility or warehouse. Vision, magnets, or lasers can be used as methods for AGV navigation.
Robotic delivery systems: Robotic delivery systems transport goods and materials around a facility. These systems usually help move goods along an assembly line.
New Material Handling Equipment Incorporated by Logistics Plus
The Logistics Plus warehouse teams are in the process of upgrading our warehouse handling equipment (as shown in the slideshow above). For example, our Chino, CA warehouse has purchased several electric forklifts as part of our environmental and sustainability initiatives. We also purchased uniquely efficient Combilifts to meet the needs of our growing solar business. These specialized lifts help us get heavy solar products on high racks within a limited space. Our Chicago, IL warehouse purchased new Aisle Master units specially designed to work in narrow aisle rack configurations.
With the help of proper material handling equipment, you can ensure your products are stored safely and appropriately. If you’re searching for a warehousing and distribution partner you can trust, contact Logistics Plus today. We have the equipment and resources needed to take your business to the next level.
The Logistics Plus Chicago team continues to host MSA Security at our new 190,000 square foot warehouse facility to complete K9 training exercises and certification. The training exercises are designed to get the K9 units into an actual warehouse setting for real training scenarios. They are trained for explosive detection, air cargo screening, and other potential threats. After the certification process, the K9 units are utilized in the police force, TSA, personal security, and other purposes.
Logistics Plus Midwest Manager Christian Marz was more than happy to invite the MSA security team back for another round of training. “Hosting these trainings at our warehouse has been awesome to see.” Christian added, “Working in the logistics industry really makes you understand the importance of cargo screening and safety measures. That’s why we wanted to help in any way we can.”
About MSA Security MSA provides security, intelligence, training, and investigative services to protect millions of Americans every week. From training Explosive Detection Canines to identifying explosives for X-ray technicians, and much more. MSA Security Training Services offer clients a range of customized training modules tailored to fit their team needs, all taught by expert, certified instructors with backgrounds in areas including:
Logistics Plus Ranks Among America’s Top 3PLs According to Multiple Transport Topics 2021 Lists
Logistics Plus ranks as a top freight brokerage firm and a top dry storage warehousing firm in the $231 billion U.S. third-party logistics industry.
ERIE, PA (April 6, 2021) – Logistics Plus Inc., a leading worldwide provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions, has again been named to two top third-party logistics provider lists in the April 5, 2021 issue of Transport Topics magazine. Logistics Plus ranks number 61 on the Transport TopicsTop Freight Brokerage Firms list and number 62 on the Transport TopicsTop Dry Storage Warehousing Firms list.
Industry research firm Armstrong & Associates estimates the U.S. third-party logistics (3PL) market grew 8.8% in 2020, bringing the total market to $231.5 billion. Domestic transportation management represents the largest segment of the U.S. 3PL market, followed by international transportation management, value-added warehousing and distribution, dedicated contract logistics, and logistics software.
Transport Topics publishes an annual list of the top 50 logistics companies along with its sector lists for freight brokerage, dry storage warehousing, refrigerated warehousing, dedicated, ocean freight, and air freight services. To read more about the largest logistics companies in America, visit Transport Topics at https://www.ttnews.com/top50/logistics/2021.
About Transport Topics
Transport Topics is the news leader in freight transportation and has been for the last 80 years. When it comes to major issues, industry events, and new developments, Transport Topics journalists are there first and most often. Our hallmark coverage of the regulatory environment and the business and technology landscapes makes TT unique — a major multimedia channel, personalized for transportation. Read us daily at www.ttnews.com.
About Logistics Plus Inc.
Logistics Plus Inc. is a 21st-century logistics company that provides freight transportation, Warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, and supply chain management solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. The company was founded 25 years ago in Erie, PA, by local entrepreneur Jim Berlin. Today, Logistics Plus is a highly regarded, fast-growing, and award-winning transportation and logistics company. With a Passion For Excellence™, its employees put the “plus” in logistics by doing the big things properly, plus the countless little things, that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus® network includes offices, warehouses, and agents located in Erie, PA; Akron, OH; Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Chino, CA; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Des Moines, IA; Detroit, MI; Fort Worth, TX; Haslet TX; Houston, TX; Laredo, TX; Lexington, NC; Los Angeles, CA; Melbourne, FL; Nashville, TN; New York, NY; Olean, NY; San Francisco, CA; Australia; Bahrain; Belgium; Canada; China; Colombia; Czech Republic; Egypt; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Libya; Mexico; Netherlands; Poland; Saudi Arabia; Taiwan; Turkey; UAE; Ukraine; Uganda; and United Kingdom; with additional agents around the world. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.
The Logistics Plus (LP) Chicago warehouse had a few (unusual) visitors last week. In conjunction with MSA Security, the LP Chicago team volunteered to allow K9 units into our new 190,000 square foot warehouse facility as a part of a training exercise. This training session helped MSA Security get the K9 unit dogs out of their typical outdoor environment and into an actual warehouse for real training scenarios. These K9 units are utilized for the police force and TSA in the Chicago area.
Logistics Plus Midwest Manager Christian Marz got to experience the training session first-hand. “Once the Division for Explosive Detection Canine Unit asked us if we’d be willing to help them with this training, it was a no-brainer.” Christian added, “We responded with a supporting message and told them they are welcome to come in for as many days as they need. We are a proud sponsor and will continue to support the MSA K9 Compliance Unit in any ways that we can.”
Out of respect to the MSA Security team, limited photos were taken during the training sessions.
About MSA Security MSA provides security, intelligence, training, and investigative services to protect millions of Americans every week. From training Explosive Detection Canines to identifying explosives for X-ray technicians, and much more. MSA Security Training Services offer clients a range of customized training modules tailored to fit their team needs, all taught by expert, certified instructors with backgrounds in areas including:
More than ever, choosing the right warehousing and fulfillment partner is crucial to your business’s success. As the e-commerce world continues to grow, consumers expect fast delivery times and quality services. First and foremost, your warehousing partner is responsible for storing your product safely. They will also act as an extension of your operation before your products reach your customers. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, choosing the right warehousing and fulfillment partner is an important consideration.
Here are the top things you should consider:
1. Warehouse Location
Identify which cities and states most of your orders originate from and prioritize a warehousing and fulfillment partner with locations in those areas. If you have customers across the country, look for a partner with an expansive warehousing footprint. Since transportation costs tend to make up most logistics expenses, having warehouse locations close to your customers can greatly benefit you.
2. Pricing
There is a price for everything when it comes to warehousing and fulfillment. After outlining your requirements and service needs, make sure you receive transparent pricing from your warehouse partner. The number of orders shipped, the number of items picked, warehouse management fees, pallet storage, and packaging costs are all things you should know upfront.
3. Market Knowledge
Even if the location and pricing seem to be right, make sure your warehouse partner is familiar with your sales market or industry. Don’t make the mistake of choosing a warehouse that handles mainly industrial cargo if you are running an apparel company. With retail requirements becoming more complex, a warehouse partner with experience in your market will serve you well.
4. Services Offered
Your warehousing and fulfillment needs will likely change as your business grows. After confirming that your current requirements are covered, find out more about other warehousing services offered by your partner. Down the road, you may find yourself in need of those services for things like importing and exporting, transportation management, customs brokerage, trade compliance, business intelligence reporting, etc. Like Logistics Plus, many warehousing and fulfillment partners offer a wide variety of solutions to meet the client’s exact needs.
The video below highlights various warehousing services Logistics Plus offers. It is also available on the Logistics Plus YouTube Channel.
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More than ever, choosing the right