Whether you're running a compact urban warehouse or scaling up your fulfillment center, choosing the right material handling equipment can make or break your operational flow.
From electric pallet jacks to warehouse conveyors, each piece of industrial machinery plays a unique role in boosting efficiency, reducing strain on your team, and maximizing throughput.
What is Material Handling Equipment?
In the logistics and warehouse industry, material handling refers to the movement, protection, storage, and control of goods throughout manufacturing and distribution. The tools that support this process are known as material handling equipment, and they include:
- Lifting tools like material lifts and forklifts
- Transport tools like pallet jacks and reach trucks
- Sorting and flow systems like warehouse conveyors
Choosing the right combination depends on your facility’s size, ceiling height, load capacity, and workflow layout.
Electric Pallet Jack: The Backbone of Modern Material Handling
The electric pallet jack is a must-have in any warehouse looking to reduce labor intensity and move goods quickly. Unlike manual jacks, these machines:
- Offer battery-powered mobility
- Are ideal for frequent loading/unloading tasks
- Reduce operator fatigue, especially in high-volume facilities
Perfect for small-to-mid-size operations, the electric pallet jack is a budget-conscious way to automate movement.
  
Forklifts: Know Your Types Before You Buy
When people say forklift truck, they’re often referring to standard sit-down models. But in reality, there are many forklift types, and the one you choose depends on your warehouse layout.
Common Forklift Types:
| Type | Best Use Case |
|---|---|
| Warehouse Forklift | Indoor loading, warehouse aisles |
| Reach Forklift / Reach Truck Forklift | Narrow aisles, high shelves |
| Material Lift | Lifting to mezzanines or elevated platforms |
Each model serves a different material handler role. For example, reach forklifts are perfect for navigating tight spaces and maximizing vertical storage—especially where a traditional forklift truck can’t maneuver.
Warehouse Conveyor Systems: Automate the Flow
Adding a warehouse conveyor helps streamline internal product movement. They're especially useful in:
- Pick-and-pack operations
- Assembly lines
- Multi-station warehouses
While conveyors are a bigger investment, they pay off with faster processing times and fewer human errors.
Before investing in any industrial machinery, consider:
- Your daily workflow — What’s slowing you down now?
- Aisle width — Can a forklift navigate your space?
- Load type & weight — Are you moving pallets, boxes, or equipment?
- Vertical needs — Do you need a material lift or a reach truck forklift?
Sometimes, a simple electric pallet jack and a compact warehouse forklift can solve 90% of your problems without breaking the bank.
 
BIGSKU offers a growing range of material handling equipment tailored for Canadian warehouses of all sizes. Whether you're starting out or upgrading your operations, we’re here to help you move smarter.
