Material Handling Blog

Discover how blue safety lights on forklifts are revolutionizing workplace safety by enhancing visibility and reducing accidents in high-traffic industrial environments.

If you’re in the market for forklift attachments, finding the right attachment for your capacity requirements can be a little bit confusing. Here's how to do it.

Your forklift is not just for lifting pallets! It’s a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for many types of tasks with the right accessories.

Maintaining operations in a refrigerated warehouse or freezer can be difficult on both personnel and equipment. Raymond offers ideal solutions for cold storage facilities.

Ongoing use (or misuse) can cause wear, cracks and bends to your lift truck forks. Here's how to conduct a thorough inspection and determine when forks need to be replaced.

Did you know the Raymond West Parts Departments stock parts for just about everything in your warehouse? Learn more about our Parts Programs.

Are you thinking about making the jump to Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems for your warehouse or distribution center? Here are a few things to consider.

Used lift trucks are a great option for many businesses. Get the lowdown on our used truck programs and the benefits they provide.

One of the most basic factors to consider when buying a lift truck is how it is powered. Should you buy gas, diesel, propane or electric?

In an independent performance study, Raymond’s 7530 High Capacity Reach Fork Truck was put to the test against its main competition, the Crown RMD 6092. The results speak for themselves.

All forklifts have a maximum stated capacity. That number can change based on how your truck is equipped and how it is used. Learn how capacity ratings are calculated and what you need to know to maximize safety.

Raymond’s forklift operator training program has helped employers protect their people, equipment, and materials since its inception almost 30 years ago.

To address critical labor shortages, manufacturers are collaborating with technology companies to create virtual reality (VR) simulators that can be used as educational tools to help attract new generations.

Raymond’s 8000 Series pallet trucks are designed to lower your total cost of ownership by minimizing downtime and reducing your maintenance costs.

If you’re looking for an ultra-rugged, high performance tugger, the Raymond 8610 is an ideal choice.

AGVs can reduce demand on your existing equipment and free up labor hours for more complex tasks while automating routine horizontal transport jobs.

Raymond offers two different sideloaders, depending on your requirements and the configuration of your storage operation.

Each year, there are roughly 62,000 forklift accidents in the United States. More than half of those result in serious injury. Forklift safety should be a number one priority for everyone that works in a warehouse.

What do you need to consider when replacing the wheels on your pallet jack?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggests the following key safety practices in their Publication 2000-112.

For some applications, specialized lift truck forks can make your job easier, safer and more efficient.

Crucial steps employers and forklift operators can take to ensure pedestrian safety in a warehouse environment, include the use of audible and visible warnings, physical separation, employee training, and personal protective equipment.

Discover a range of sleek, advanced, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly electric utility vehicles through the partnership between Cruise Car and Raymond West.

Learn about specialized manual pallet jacks and their diverse applications, from clean room options to heavy duty industrial uses.

The Raymond Corporation has introduced its first electric forklifts designed for outdoor use.

Learn about OSHA's powered industrial truck classifications and find the perfect forklift for your specific operational needs.

Nearly 20% of reported forklift incidents involve pedestrians. Proper training can prevent injuries and save lives.

Regular inspection and maintenance of forklift chains can help prevent accidents and prolong the life of your lift truck

Proper response to forklift incidents can minimize injury, reduce downtime, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Three equipment categories, one common source of confusion, and real consequences for getting it wrong.

Learn the key differences between cushion and pneumatic forklift tires, including where each performs best, how tire selection impacts safety and maintenance costs, and how to choose the right option for your operating environment.

Industrial utility vehicles reduce travel time, improve productivity, and move people, tools, and materials efficiently across warehouses and facilities.

The small metal tag bolted near the controls holds answers your operators are currently guessing at.

Three brands, three very different jobs. Knowing which is which saves money and keeps your fleet legal on the property line.

Compare lead acid, lithium-ion, and hydrogen fuel cells to find the best power source for your Raymond electric forklifts and boost efficiency, uptime, and ROI.

Raymond’s modern lithium-ion batteries offer our customers a power solution that not only meets their operational needs but also enhances efficiency and productivity.

Our new 24v and 36v lithium ion batteries are designed to seamlessly integrate into your lift trucks, providing advanced data insights and wireless communication for remote diagnostics and upgrades.

Lithium ion batteries can reduce your operational costs, improve efficiency and even enhance safety at your facility. But all of those benefits come with a catch—buying lithium ion batteries is quite a bit more expensive than going with traditional lead acid batteries. Here’s what to expect if you do switch battery technologies.

Lithium-ion batteries are slowly but surely finding their place in today's warehouses. Learn about the differences by understanding UL ratings.

In many operations, practicing good battery management is often the exception rather than the rule. Smart battery management can identify problems and save you significant amounts of money. Learn the basics, and get on the path to operational savings.

Preparing forklift batteries for long term storage of more than a few weeks can help you avoid costly repair or replacement down the road. Keep your batteries in top shape and ready to go back online when needed with these simple tips.

Safety should be your top priority when managing industrial batteries. Review these 10 guidelines to keep you and your employees out of harm’s way.

Learn about the three main types of forklift battery charging systems - conventional, opportunity, and fast charging - and their pros and cons for cost, downtime, and battery life.

Extend the life of your forklift battery with these key maintenance tips from Raymond West's battery experts, including proper watering, charging practices, and cleaning.

Maximize your electric forklift battery life. Learn proper watering, safety, and when to water in this essential guide for longevity and performance.

Forklift battery disposal requires sustainable practices to prevent environmental and safety risks. From certified recycling partnerships to safe handling procedures, responsible disposal ensures compliance, minimizes hazards, and supports corporate sustainability goals.

Reduce energy costs, extend battery life, and minimize downtime with ACT intelligent chargers—delivering measurable ROI through smart, data-driven warehouse power management.

If your operation is about to outgrow your existing warehouse space, it may be time to build a mezzanine level. Raymond West is here to help you weight your options.

Damaged or improperly installed racking can lead to inventory loss, property damage, legal action and even injury. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure the safety of your team and warehouse. Here is what you need to know.

Cantilever rack is the perfect solution for storing large, long or odd sized items like carpet rolls, plywood or steel. It allows you to store bulky items more efficiently and in far greater quantities.

If you're considering adding or replacing rack, knowing what factors to consider and the right way to measure pallet racks is crucial. Here's a handy guide to get you up to speed.

Pallet flow rack may be an excellent way to make meaningful improvements to your warehouse efficiency.

Fire safety is a top concern for many material handling organizations. Maintaining correct flue space between your racks can help slow the spread of fire, should one occur in your warehouse.

As companies relocate, expand or reconfigure their warehouse spaces, one question that often comes up is whether they can mix and match components from different pallet rack manufacturers.

Modular office systems can add noise shielded, protected, climate controlled space to just about any industrial building.

Although wooden pallets are the de facto standard in most of the supply chain, corrugated paper pallets offer some surprising advantages that many businesses may not know about.

How do you know when racks need to be unloaded and repaired, or completely torn down and replaced? There are actually some industry guidelines that you can go by, set by the Rack Manufacturer’s Institute (RMI).

Many material handling operations are starting to use slip sheets in place of pallets to save money and increase efficiency.

Raymond West offers certified Damotech pallet rack repair for warehouses and industrial clients.

Calculating the minimum aisle width is an important step in determining which forklifts to consider purchasing.

Proper lighting in your warehouse can help you improve productivity, enhance safety and reduce energy costs.

Wire decking is superior to plywood in many ways, and a small investment up front can pay big dividends in the future.

Beyond pallet rack, there are many different types of shelving for storage and industrial applications.

Here are eight tips from the material handling experts at Raymond West to help your warehouse move go a little bit smoother.

Mezzanines can be used for a wide range of purposes, and they can frequently offer a rapid return on investment.

Anchoring your racks is not merely a suggestion, the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) guidelines have stringent specifications on base plates, anchors and surfaces.

A high piled storage permit is necessary for fire safety and regulation compliance in warehouses storing combustible materials stacked high on vertical storage racks.

Determine whether your concrete floor can support a mezzanine system, including factors like concrete thickness, load capacity, platform load rating, and column spacing; and what to do if your floor won't support it.

Learn the difference between an industrial mezzanine and a work platform, and why calling your elevated platform a mezzanine could cost you money in taxes, code compliance, and depreciation.

Boost order fulfillment efficiency with a Carton Flow System. Explore benefits and choose the right solution for your business at Raymond West.

Uncover the essential role of standardized pallets in North American logistics. Explore guidelines, compliance, and efficiency for improved material handling.

The iWarehouse Integrated Tether System is designed to reinforce forklift operator training and best practices.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize the warehouse and material handling industry, transforming operations, boosting efficiency, and significantly reducing costs.

Navigating OSHA's stringent fall protection regulations in warehouses is critical for safeguarding employees from one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive compliance plans and rigorous safety measures.

Conducting a warehouse risk assessment is one of the best things you can do for maintaining a safe working environment, ensuring regulatory compliance, and preventing costly accidents.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), worker fatigue costs employers in the US an estimated $136B in health-related lost productivity annually.

Although most forklift impacts are minor, some can cause real damage. By tracking forklift impacts in real time you can improve operator accountability while making your facility a safer place to work.

Telematics systems can help you right-size your lift truck fleet, as well as zero in on exactly what types of trucks you’ll need to maximize efficiency

Many organizations make changes to their operation based on assumptions, not hard data. Warehouse optimization provides the data you need to build solid ROI models.

With over 400 technicians and 19 locations, Raymond West serves the Western United States from Alaska all the way to Arizona. With our network of other Raymond dealers across the country, we can service nearly any location in the country.

From making small adjustments to larger investments in technology, we’ll take a look at how warehouses can operate more efficiently while also cutting down on energy expenses.

To help improve the workplace environment, warehouse ergonomics can be used to reduce the risk of injury and make the workplace more comfortable and efficient.

To help warehouse operators stay safe and prepared, here are some important fire safety tips to keep in mind.

Conveyor systems are an essential part of many industrial operations. From preventative maintenance to regular inspection, cleaning and lubrication, and even keeping spare parts on hand, we'll cover everything you need to know to keep your conveyors running flawlessly.

Advantages of pick-to-light systems in warehouse automation include increased accuracy, productivity, and cost savings, as well as real-time inventory tracking and easy integration with other automation systems.

Discover how voice picking systems can streamline warehouse operations and increase productivity, accuracy, and worker morale with clear and concise instructions.

Warehouse loss prevention is a critical aspect of managing any distribution or storage facility.

Discover crucial Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for warehouse workers' safety. From helmets to high-visibility gear, ensure a secure work environment.

Elevate efficiency and reduce costs. Optimize warehouse, boost energy efficiency, recycle, and adopt eco-friendly packaging for a sustainable future.

Discover the future of warehouse efficiency with iWarehouse Fleet Optimization. Real-time monitoring, operator tracking, and data-driven decisions for enhanced safety and productivity.

Raymond is reshaping the way businesses handle material goods within their facilities with a comprehensive intralogistics solutions.

The In Aisle Detection System is designed to alert operators when objects are detected in the truck's path, bringing the truck to a controlled stop.

Intralogistics is more than just a buzzword, but only if you have the right partner to help you implement it.

Proper preparation can minimize damage, ensure employee safety, and maintain business continuity.

Effective inventory management is essential for warehouse managers to ensure smooth operations, minimize costs, and prevent disruptions.

Warehouse organization is key to maintaining a streamlined, safe, and productive environment.

Automated palletizing is transforming high-volume warehouse operations by enhancing efficiency, precision, and safety. These systems—ranging from conventional palletizers to advanced robotic solutions—streamline the stacking and storage process, reducing errors and increasing throughput.

Warehouses are fast-paced environments, but hidden inefficiencies can slow operations and drain profits. Embracing Lean isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about creating a smarter, more agile warehouse that benefits both employees and the bottom line.

Predictive forklift maintenance can significantly reduce downtime and costs in warehouses. Raymond’s iTrack system leverages real-time data and analytics to anticipate maintenance needs, streamline repairs, and optimize fleet performance for improved efficiency and reliability.

The iWAREHOUSE ObjectSense Detection and Notification System enhances warehouse safety by using lidar-scanning technology to adapt detection fields based on forklift speed and steer angle, reducing collision risks. By integrating real-time data and analytics, it not only prevents accidents but also provides actionable insights for optimizing training, maintenance, and traffic flow.

AI-driven warehouse layout design boosts efficiency, reduces labor costs, and adapts in real time to maximize space, speed, and accuracy across your operations.

Go beyond telematics with advanced data analytics to right-size your material handling fleet, cut costs, boost utilization, and maximize warehouse efficiency.

Go beyond telematics with advanced data analytics to right-size your material handling fleet, cut costs, boost utilization, and maximize warehouse efficiency.

Discover how smart glasses, voice-picking headsets, and wearable scanners can boost accuracy, speed up training, and improve safety—transforming your existing warehouse into a more efficient, hands-free operation.

Learn how modern Labor Management Systems uncover missing time, optimize indirect work, and boost direct labor productivity—turning workforce visibility into one of the highest-ROI opportunities in today’s warehouse operations.

Evaluate your facility's transportation needs and learn about solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing electric fleet.

Discover how how commercial-grade cleaning solutions integrate with your material handling fleet management strategy.

Electric utility vehicles are proving their value in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and campuses where quiet, zero-emission transport of people, tools, and materials is essential.

Modern warehouse management systems like Raymond's iWarehouse suite transform labor productivity measurement by tracking the metrics that matter most.

Boost warehouse productivity, safety, and training speed with Raymond operator assist technologies—reducing labor strain, improving accuracy, and delivering measurable performance gains.

Learn the key equipment, racking, and layout differences between e-commerce fulfillment centers and wholesale distribution warehouses, and discover how warehouse design should align with your order profile, workflow, and growth strategy.

Not sure whether your facility needs a floor sweeper, scrubber, or combination machine? Learn the key differences, ideal applications, and how to choose the right walk-behind or ride-on cleaning equipment for your warehouse or manufacturing operation.

Discover the hidden costs impacting warehouse profitability, from wasted labor and underutilized space to product damage, and learn practical strategies to improve efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce operating expenses.

Learn how cold storage environments impact lift trucks, batteries, and operators, and discover solutions that improve uptime, safety, and productivity.

Price drives most scrubber decisions. It's the one variable that stops mattering after the first year.