Nuts & Bolts Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler

Tiger Group completes full Xytel Equipment sale in 30 days

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:02:10 +0000

Targeted marketing campaign drives nearly 6,000 bids across the global buyer base Tiger Group sold hundreds of assets from Xytel Corp.’s former plant in Roebuck, South Carolina, in just 30 days, from initial mobilization to the sale of the last available item. Xytel Corp., a provider of pilot plants for the chemical processing, pharmaceutical, biotech, and food production industries, had completed more than 1,000 projects since 1974 prior to the plant closure. Working closely with a restructuring firm, Tiger rapidly deployed its Commercial & Industrial team to assess, catalog, and market the assets, launching a focused, multi-channel campaign designed to drive competitive bidding within a compressed timeline. The effort generated 5,878 bids across 227 lots, reflecting strong engagement from both domestic and international buyers. Assets sold included tools, rolling stock, and specialized equipment for metalworking, fabrication, plant support, and testing and measurement. Brands included Genie, Freightliner, JLG, Hitachi, Toyota, and Nissan. While the majority of activity came from U.S. buyers, the campaign also attracted participation from Canada, Mexico, India, and select international markets, including France, Guatemala, and Pakistan. The results demonstrated the breadth of demand generated by Tiger’s marketing platform, noted Chad Farrell, Senior Managing Director of Tiger’s Commercial & Industrial division. “This engagement highlights our ability to quickly stand up a disciplined sales process and execute at a high level under tight timing constraints,” Farrell said. “Through targeted marketing and coordinated execution, we were able to drive broad participation and convert assets to cash in just 30 days.” Tiger’s integrated approach combines rapid on-site mobilization, detailed asset presentation, and an aggressive digital and direct-to-buyer marketing strategy. “It enabled our team to maximize exposure, create competitive tension, and efficiently manage the sale through closing,” Farrell said.

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Felling Trailers, Inc. names the 2026 Trailer for a Cause beneficiary

Fri, 08 May 2026 18:35:42 +0000

Felling Trailers, Inc. has announced that Henry’s Heroes is the 2026 beneficiary of the 14th annual Trailer for a Cause auction. This time-honored tradition involves auctioning a custom Felling FT-12 Pan drop deck trailer online, with 100% of the winning bid donated to the selected nonprofit organization. In the past 14 years, the Trailer for a Cause auction has raised over $57,000 for nonprofits such as the American Brain Tumor Association, Special Olympics, Pockets of Hope, and Backing the Blue. The goal is to raise awareness for organizations making a difference and support their vital work. The 2026 Trailer for a Cause auction beneficiary, Henry’s Heroes, was selected by Felling Trailers’ employees in a vote. Team members cast their votes for the organization of their choice in early spring this year. When the last of the votes were tallied, Henry’s Heroes held the popular vote. “This is incredible news, and thank you so much! On behalf of all of us at Henry’s Heroes, we are truly honored to have been selected as the 2026 Trailer for a Cause® beneficiary. We are excited to partner with you on this project and can’t wait to see the FT-12 Pan utility trailer come to life, representing Henry’s Heroes,” stated the Henry’s Heroes Team. “When our team cast their votes, and Henry’s Heroes rose to the top, I wasn’t surprised. As a mother, I was moved. Some of them know firsthand how a NICU journey can turn a family’s world upside down and how unexpected contributions make an impact. The work that the Henry’s Heroes team does to ensure no family in our region has to walk that path alone is exactly the kind of cause our Trailer for a Cause tradition was built to support. We are proud to put Felling Trailers’ craftsmanship behind an organization doing such meaningful work for families right here in our own backyard,” said Brenda Jennissen, president of Felling Trailers, Inc. Henry’s Heroes is a Central Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families navigating the emotional and financial challenges of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey. The Henry’s Heroes team provides various forms of assistance to the NICU families they serve, including direct financial donations to help offset the real-world costs of a NICU stay, thoughtfully curated care packages to bring comfort and encouragement during long hospital stays, and community outreach to connect families with resources and a network of people who understand the road they are traveling. Felling Trailers is proud to support an organization that gives so holistically and generously to families in Central Minnesota. A mid-Fall 2026 auction is being planned for the Trailer for a Cause. Leading up to the auction, Felling Trailers will collaborate with Henry’s Heroes to raise awareness about the work they do and the families and community members they serve throughout Central Minnesota and beyond.

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Flux Power sees Q3 sales decline to $6.6M but signals recovery with expected 20% Q4 growth

Thu, 07 May 2026 23:00:13 +0000

Flux Power Holdings, Inc., a developer of advanced lithium-ion energy storage solutions and software-driven electrification for commercial and industrial equipment, today reported financial and operational results for the 2026 fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2026. Third Quarter and Recent Business Highlights Third quarter revenue was $6.6 million Implemented additional cost reduction actions, resulting in quarterly operating expenses decreasing 30% year-over-year Won Innovation in Sustainability Award at MODEX 2026 from a distinguished panel of industry experts, highlighting Flux Power’s leadership in clean energy solutions for the material handling industry Engaging with more OEMs and optimizing the OEM pricing structure for white-label products, improving competitiveness, and securing increased volume commitments Added a new large cargo airline customer with a $1.2 million battery order for its material handling equipment CEO Commentary “As expected, third quarter revenue was impacted mainly by our most significant material handling customer implementing a capital freeze and dynamic order patterns across the business,” said Krishna Vanka, Flux Power’s CEO. “Additionally, the onset of the geopolitical tensions towards the end of the quarter resulted in fuel price increases that unexpectedly delayed some customer order decisions. “In response to these near-term challenges, we promptly implemented additional expense reduction actions to maintain our lean cost structure and to enhance future operating leverage. We have also taken steps to optimize our pricing structure to drive OEM volume purchases, enhance our sales organization with new leadership focused on OEM growth, and expand our marketing outreach initiatives and brand awareness. We also had an extremely successful MODEX trade show, winning a coveted industry Sustainability Award, while also meeting with many customers, partners, and OEMs in our booth.” “As a result of these proactive efforts, we have seen other positive indications of increased order activity across the business that we believe point to renewed sequential revenue growth of about 20% in our fourth quarter. Looking longer-term, we remain focused on executing our strategic initiatives and capitalizing on the many opportunities in the global lithium-ion battery industry, which continues to grow at an increasing rate across the markets we serve.” 2026 Fiscal Third Quarter Financial Results Revenue for the third fiscal quarter of 2026 was $6.6 million, compared to $16.7 million in the same quarter a year ago. Gross profit for the third fiscal quarter of 2026 was $1.8 million, or 27.3% of revenue, compared to $5.3 million, or 32.0% of revenue, in the third fiscal quarter of 2025. Operating expenses for the third quarter were $4.8 million, compared to $6.9 million in the same quarter a year ago. The year-over-year decline in operating expenses primarily reflects recent actions taken to reduce headcount and streamline the operating model. Operating loss for the third quarter was $3.0 million, compared to an operating loss of $1.6 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2025. Excluding costs associated with stock-based compensation, the third quarter non-GAAP operating loss was $2.8 million, compared to a non-GAAP operating loss of $0.8 million in the prior year quarter, which also excluded costs associated with the multi-year restatement of previously issued financial statements. Net loss for the third quarter was $3.2 million, or ($0.15) per share, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million, or ($0.12) per share, in the third fiscal quarter of 2025. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding the above-referenced stock-based compensation costs, the third quarter net loss was $2.9 million, or ($0.14) per share, compared to net loss of $1.1 million, or ($0.07) per share, in the same quarter a year ago, which also excluded the above-referenced restatement costs. Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was negative $2.5 million compared to negative adjusted EBITDA of $0.5 million in the prior year period. Balance Sheet Cash as of March 31, 2026, was $0.4 million compared to $1.3 million as of June 30, 2025. FLUX Power Reports FY 2026 3Q Financial Results.pdf

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Alta Equipment posts Q1 loss, highlights strong Lift Truck bookings and market recovery signs

Thu, 07 May 2026 22:43:35 +0000

First Quarter Financial Highlights: Total revenues decreased $12.5 million year over year to $410.5 million. On an organic basis*, revenues decreased $8.6 million year over year, or 2.1% Material Handling revenues decreased $7.4 million year over year to $150.5 million, while Construction Equipment and Master Distribution revenues decreased a combined $1.8 million year over year to $261.4 million. On an organic basis*, Material Handling and Construction Equipment segment revenues were down $4.7 million and $0.3 million year over year, respectively Material Handling and Construction Equipment segments’ new and used equipment sales gross profit margins both remained stable year over year at 19.6% and 11.7%, respectively, and improved notably on a sequential basis Service gross profit percentage increased 10 basis points year over year to 60.2% Interest expense decreased $2.4 million year over year to $19.5 million in the quarter Rental equipment sales increased 44.5% year over year to $30.2 million in the quarter Rental fleet, gross book value decreased $59.5 million year over year to $524.6 million Net cash provided by operating activities of $20.8 million Net loss available to common stockholders of $(20.3) million Basic and diluted net loss per share of $(0.62) Adjusted basic and diluted pre-tax net loss per share* of $(0.55) Adjusted EBITDA* decreased $5.5 million year over year to $28.1 million Alta Equipment Group Inc., a provider of premium material handling, construction, and environmental processing equipment and related services, has announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Ryan Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer of Alta, said, “While our first quarter financial performance and the harsh winter weather conditions served as a reminder of the seasonality of our business, we observed increased momentum within the quarter. We are proud of the steps taken to continue to optimize our rental fleet and are encouraged by the current trends emerging across our major segments, particularly within our Material Handling business. To that end, first-quarter bookings of lift trucks in our Material Handling segment were 12.7% above the first quarter of last year, with March 2026 representing the highest monthly booking level for Alta since June of 2023. This more normalized and increased level of bookings continued through April, and we are bullish that our Material Handling segment’s equipment sales in 2026 will outperform 2025, as the segment’s equipment sales continued to increase versus year-end. The increase in bookings was broad-based and evident across our diverse end markets and geographies.” Mr. Greenawalt continued, “For our Construction Equipment segment, industry volumes of general prime equipment in our regions continued to experience modest downward pressure, and our service and rental operations incurred an amplified negative impact from winter weather conditions year over year. While the delayed start to the construction season impacted first-quarter results, we are pleased with the progress made to optimize our rental fleet, as the team generated $26.3 million of rental equipment sales during the quarter, driving further de-fleeting and better positioning the fleet to drive higher utilization in the coming quarters. This disciplined approach to rental fleet and inventory management helped to generate $20.8 million of operating cash flows in the quarter, representing a $38.3 million improvement compared to last year. Notably, the Balance Sheet optimization yielded $2.4 million of interest savings year over year. Also, new and used construction equipment gross margins improved 240 basis points sequentially, which we believe signals an improvement in the supply/demand dynamic in the heavy equipment marketplace. We continue to see strong quoting activity across our markets with demand particularly strong for heavy earthmoving equipment in South Florida. As an important reminder, our construction business is levered to fully funded state and federal infrastructure projects that are expected to generate work for years to come as state DOT budgets in our geographies continue to increase and a federal highway reauthorization bill is expected in September. For our Master Distribution segment, we believe the first quarter marks the tail end of the tariff-induced margin compression that has impacted the segment since the beginning of last year, as renegotiated OEM pricing and the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the IPEEA tariffs will restore normal gross margins on our European sourced environmental processing equipment going forward.” In conclusion, Mr. Greenawalt said, “While our first quarter results were challenged, we remain optimistic about the underlying fundamentals of our business, including the strength of our dealership-related operations, our growing backlog, improving customer sentiment, and the continued optimization of our rental fleet, particularly within our Construction Equipment segment. We remain focused on disciplined capital management, expanding market share in key geographies, and the optimization of our business. As we enter peak activity season, our 2,700 employees remain committed to serving our customers with the equipment and services needed to keep their businesses moving and their projects on schedule. Our business model is proven, encompasses a vast product portfolio, and enables our team to execute quickly and efficiently. After several years of industry retraction in our geographies, due to factors outside our control, we believe 2026 will provide for a pivot point that will validate the long-term strength and value of our dealership model.”

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Battery Builders launches “Real Forklift Heroes” campaign to recognize the people in material handling

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:44:01 +0000

New industry initiative invites professionals to honor the unsung heroes behind uptime, efficiency, and daily operations Battery Builders (BBI) has launched its Real Forklift Heroes campaign, a new industry-wide effort designed to recognize and celebrate the individuals who power material handling operations every day. Part of BBI’s broader “Bringing the Juice” campaign, the Real Forklift Heroes initiative invites anyone in the material handling industry – from operators and technicians to sales teams and leadership – to submit a tribute honoring a colleague, employee, or peer. Each submission generates a personalized tribute web page that can be shared directly with the recipient and across social channels. “Material handling runs on more than equipment. it runs on people,” said John Gaughan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Battery Builders. “The Real Forklift Heroes campaign is about recognizing the individuals who show up every day, solve problems, and keep operations moving. These are the people who don’t always get the spotlight, but absolutely deserve it,” added Gaughan. The campaign features a series of larger-than-life personas that reflect real roles across the industry, including the Headset Hero, the calm voice navigating customer chaos; the Great SKU-Dini, a parts expert who can track down anything; the Downtime Destroyer, relentlessly keeping fleets up and running; and the Lord of the Lift, a master operator who keeps product flowing. Each persona is brought to life through a dedicated landing page and over-the-top audio tributes reminiscent of the “Real Men of Genius” radio spots from Bud Light in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Participants can submit a tribute in just a few steps. After entering a short message about their “hero,” the platform generates a customized digital tribute page, creating a shareable moment of recognition that extends beyond a simple thank-you. “At a time when the industry continues to face labor challenges, retention pressures, and increasing operational demands, recognition matters more than ever,” Gaughan said. “This campaign gives companies and individuals a simple way to celebrate their teams and reinforce the value of the people behind the work.” The Real Forklift Heroes campaign is now live and open to all members of the material handling community. Submit a tribute or learn more at: https://www.realforkliftheroes.com

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April 2026 Logistics Manager’s Index Report® LMI® at 69.9

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:58:48 +0000

Growth is INCREASING AT AN INCREASING RATE for: Inventory Levels, Warehousing Utilization, Warehousing Prices, Transportation Utilization, and Transportation Prices Growth is INCREASING AT A DECREASING RATE for: Inventory Costs Warehousing Capacity and Transportation Capacity are CONTRACTING The March Logistics Manager’s Index reads in at 69.9, up (+4.2) from March’s reading of 65.7. This is the fastest level of expansion since March 2022’s reading of 76.2, as logistics movements are now knocking on the door of 70.0 and significant expansion. This is driven by continued expansion in the freight market. Transportation Prices continue on their sharp upward trajectory (+5.6) in April to 95.0. This is the second-fastest rate of expansion for this, or any, metric that we have recorded in our 9.5-year history of the LMI. Mirroring this movement, the April 2026 reading also features the second-lowest reading ever for Transportation Capacity, which is down (-10.9) to 28.4. The 66.6-point spread between Transportation Prices and Transportation Capacity is the largest delta we have ever read. Taken together, this means that we have never before tracked the transportation metric getting simultaneously tighter or more expensive. Freight markets were already on a strong upward trajectory coming into 2026; the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent increase in fuel costs have supercharged these movements. While this is good news for carriers in the near-term, it remains unclear what the long-term effects will be. Inventory Costs (74.7) and Warehousing Prices (72.2) both came in above 70.0, which we consider the threshold for “significant” expansion. Aggregating these three costs together, we see that upward movements in logistics costs are in at 242.4. This is the fastest rate of expansion since March of 2022 and represents a 46.8-point increase from the much milder reading of 195.7 from December. Previous readings above 240.0 for aggregate logistics costs have been strongly significantly predictive of future supply-induced inflation. in at. Freight markets have been resilient thus far, partly because low inventories have meant that firms need to keep goods moving. Interestingly, we saw Inventory level expansion increase (+7.3) from 52.4 to 59.8 over the course of April, corroborating other reporting that inventories have begun increasing as firms consolidate shipments to avoid transportation surcharges [1]. Researchers at Arizona State University, Colorado State University, Florida Atlantic University, Rutgers University, and the University of Nevada, Reno, and in conjunction with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) issued this report today. Results Overview The LMI score is a combination of eight unique components that make up the logistics industry, including: Inventory Levels and Costs, Warehousing Capacity, Utilization, and Prices, and Transportation Capacity, Utilization, and Prices. The LMI is calculated using a diffusion index, in which any reading above 50.0 indicates that logistics is expanding; a reading below 50.0 is indicative of a shrinking logistics industry. The latest results of the LMI summarize the responses of supply chain professionals collected in April 2026. The April LMI read in at 69.9, which is up (+4.2) from March’s reading of 65.7. This is well above the all-time average of 61.4 and is the fastest rate of expansion since March of 2022. This robust rate of expansion is consistent across respondents, with no significant differences between Upstream and Downstream (66.1 and 62.3) and early and late (64.0 and 65.7). There was however a marginally statically significant difference between smaller (66.7) and larger (62.5) respondents – which is largely driven by tighter available Warehousing Capacity and faster expansion in Inventory Levels and Transportation Utilization for smaller respondents. The moves in the logistics industry reflect (and often precede) the movements in the overall economy. The economy continues to be in an interesting place in April, growth is continuing in spite of – or in some cases due to – increasing prices. For instance, U.S. retail sales were up 1.7% in March. However, this increase was fueled by increased fuel costs, if gasoline is removed from this calculation the reading drops to 0.6% [2]. The average retail gasoline price in the U.S. was $3.95 per gallon in the U.S. (and over $5.00 on the West Coast). The national average is up 41.2% from the final reading before the war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. It is a similar story for diesel which, despite being down 19-cents from two weeks ago, is up 40% from pre-war readings[3]. Relatedly, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index was up by 0.7 month-over-months and up 3.5% year-over-year in March, which are the largest increases since May of 2023 – which was the tail-end of the inflation caused by the invasion of Ukraine. Core inflation is up 0.3% month-over month and 3.2% year-over-year. Core inflation excludes food and energy prices, so the impacts of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will take longer to show up there. Analysts believe that inflation was the primary driver behind the 0.9% increase in consumer spending last month [4]. This echoes the 3.3% year-over-year increase in the CPI that was reported earlier in April [5]. Increased costs are clearly weighing heavily on consumers. The University of Michigan Survey of Consumers was down (-3.5) to 49.8 and contraction in April. This is the lowest reading in the history of that index, surpassing the previous nadir of 50.0 in June 2022, which was the peak of post-Ukraine invasion inflation Respondents reported slower (-5.9) expansion in Current Economic Conditions at 52.5, and contraction (-7.0) in Consumer Expectations at 48.1 [6]. Inflation is clearly on the mind of the Federal Reserve as well. In the final Fed meeting under Chairman Powell, the board announced its play to keep interest rates steady for the third consecutive time. They did however state that “additional” reductions may be on the horizon, leading analysts to believe they will have a bias towards easing monetary policy in the near future. This raised some disagreement among Fed Presidents, with three dissenting. Interestingly, the dissent was a response to easing policy, as some members did not believe such a move is necessary while employment remained

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Jungheinrich in first quarter of 2026: Mixed start to financial year 2026; quarterly earnings adversely affected by one-off effects, forecast unchanged

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:40:46 +0000

Incoming orders: 1,535 million euros; revenue: 1,272 million euros EBIT / EBIT ROS: 56.5 million euros / 4.4 per cent EBIT / EBIT ROS (adjusted): 83.2 million euros / 6.5 per cent Earnings adversely affected by one-off effects and increased competitive pressure Reporting based on new segment structure for the first time: Industrial Trucks & Services (ITS) and Automation & Warehouse Equipment (AWE) Forecast for the whole of 2026 unchanged Jungheinrich AG had a mixed start to the financial year 2026 against the backdrop of ongoing challenges in a market environment characterised by increased competitive and price pressure as well as negative volume and capacity utilisation effects. The comparatively weak incoming orders recorded by the company in the fourth quarter of 2025 were reflected in the first quarter’s weaker revenue and earnings. One-off effects from the sale of the Russian subsidiary, the strike at the Lüneburg plant and the transformation programme also had a significant adverse effect on earnings. Revenue in the reporting period was slightly lower than in the previous year. By contrast, the development of incoming orders was very positive, due to pull-forward effects resulting from price increases, among other things. “Our start to 2026 did not meet our expectations,” said Dr Lars Brzoska, Chairman of the Board of Management of Jungheinrich AG. “In addition to the intense competitive environment, we were adversely affected in particular by one-off effects from the sale of our Russian subsidiary, the strike at our Lüneburg plant, which ended in mid-February, and expenses related to our transformation programme. At the same time, our incoming orders were very good in the first quarter. Our forecast for the whole year remains unchanged.” Business trend, earnings and financial position The Jungheinrich Group’s incoming orders in the reporting period amounted to 1,535 million euros, 10.8 per cent higher than in the previous year (1,386 million euros). This positive development was boosted by pull-forward effects related to price increases, among other reasons. In the first quarter of 2026, Group revenue came to 1,272 million euros and was thus 2.5 per cent lower than the previous year’s figure of 1,305 million euros. Falling revenue from new business in the Industrial Trucks & Services (ITS) segment could only partly be offset by increases in customer services. Jungheinrich recorded revenue growth in the Automation & Warehouse Equipment (AWE) segment, particularly in the business field of automation. EBIT at the group level declined very significantly in the reporting period to 56.5 million euros, from 104.5 million euros in the same period of the previous year. EBIT return on sales (EBIT ROS) was 4.4 per cent (previous year: 8.0 per cent). Significant adverse factors were one-off effects amounting to 26.7 million euros, of which 20.5 million euros resulted from the sale of the Russian subsidiary, 4.8 million euros from the strike at the Lüneburg plant and 1.4 million euros from the transformation programme. Adjusted for these effects, EBIT would have been 83.2 million euros, with an EBIT return on sales of 6.5 per cent. Consolidated earnings after taxes amounted to 26.2 million euros, which was significantly lower than in the previous year. Free cash flow was 0 million euros in the first quarter and was thus noticeably lower than in the same period of the previous year (16 million euros) Segment performance In the ITS segment, incoming orders increased by 9.4 per cent to 1,275 million euros. Revenue fell by 4.8 per cent to 1,079 million euros. Increases in customer services could only partly offset decreases in new business. The segment’s EBIT declined very significantly to 51.6 million euros and was adversely affected in particular by one-off effects amounting to 27.6 million euros. EBIT return on sales came to 4.8 per cent. Adjusted, the segment’s EBIT would have come to 79.2 million euros, while its EBIT return on sales would have been 7.3 per cent. The AWE segment recorded a positive performance in the first quarter. Incoming orders rose by 17.9 per cent to 277 million euros, while revenue increased by 8.5 per cent to 205 million euros. EBIT improved to –4.5 million euros and EBIT return on sales was –2.2 per cent. In addition to the operating growth, this includes a release of provisions from the transformation programme in the amount of 0.9 million euros. Adjusted, the segment’s EBIT would have come to –5.4 million euros, while its EBIT return on sales would have been –2.6 per cent. Forecast The Board of Management has made no changes to the forecast for the financial year 2026 published on 27 March 2026. Jungheinrich expects incoming orders to range between 5.4 billion euros and 6.0 billion euros (2025: 5.4 billion euros) in the current year. The Board of Management estimates that Group revenue will range between 5.2 billion euros and 5.8 billion euros (2025: 5.5 billion euros) and that EBIT will amount to between 380 million euros and 450 million euros (2025: 228 million euros). The Group anticipates an EBIT return on sales of between 7.2 per cent and 8.0 per cent (2025: 4.2 per cent). In the ITS segment, Jungheinrich is expecting incoming orders of between 4.4 billion euros and 4.8 billion euros (2025: 4.5 billion euros) and revenue of between 4.3 billion euros and 4.7 billion euros (2025: 4.6 billion euros). The Board of Management anticipates that the ITS segment will record an EBIT of between 360 million euros and 420 million euros (2025: 222 million euros) and an EBIT return on sales of between 8.3 per cent and 8.9 per cent (2025: 4.8 per cent). In the AWE segment, the company is expecting incoming orders of between 1.0 billion euros and 1.2 billion euros (2025: 0.9 billion euros) and revenue of between 0.9 billion euros and 1.1 billion euros (2025: 0.9 billion euros). Jungheinrich anticipates that the AWE segment will record an EBIT of between 0 million euros and 15 million euros (2025: –21 million euros) and an EBIT return on sales of between 0.0 per cent and 1.5 per cent

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U.S. rail traffic report for the week ending May 02, 2026

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:32:24 +0000

The Association of American Railroads has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 2, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 518,773 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending May 2 were 235,049 carloads, up 4.0 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 283,724 containers and trailers, up 3.9 percent compared to 2025. Nine of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included metallic ores and metals, up 3,950 carloads, to 23,164; grain, up 3,734 carloads, to 24,973; and nonmetallic minerals, up 1,602 carloads, to 32,530. One commodity group posted a decrease compared with the same week in 2025: coal, down 4,358 carloads, to 54,607. For the first 17 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 3,837,643 carloads, up 3.6 percent from the same point last year; and 4,697,928 intermodal units, up 0.4 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 17 weeks of 2026 was 8,535,571 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 1.8 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending May 2, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 345,137 carloads, up 3.9 percent compared with the same week last year, and 372,439 intermodal units, up 3.0 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 717,576 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.4 percent. North American rail volume for the first 17 weeks of 2026 was 11,761,179 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.0 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 97,096 carloads for the week, up 2.9 percent, and 76,692 intermodal units, down 2.1 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 17 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,773,152 carloads, containers and trailers, up 0.4 percent. Mexican railroads reported 12,992 carloads for the week, up 8.9 percent compared with the same week last year, and 12,023 intermodal units, up 18.1 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 17 weeks of 2026 was 452,456 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 16.5 percent from the same point last year.

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CLARK announces expanded partnership with Material Handling Inc. (MHI)

Fri, 01 May 2026 16:45:13 +0000

CLARK Material Handling Company announces the continued expansion of its partnership with Material Handling Inc. (MHI), strengthening CLARK’s growing dealer network across Georgia. With a location in Savannah, MHI will continue representing the full line of CLARK products and expand product availability and support in these key markets. For more than 50 years, MHI has been a dedicated CLARK dealer partner, delivering new lift truck sales, rental solutions, equipment service, and parts support to customers across the region. This expanded partnership shows both companies’ commitment to long-term growth, customer-first service, and stronger product support across the markets they serve. “CLARK is experiencing rapid expansion across North America as more dealerships seek to represent this iconic brand in its next chapter,” said Brandon Bullard, Vice President of Sales for CLARK Material Handling Company. “The continued growth of our dealer network is a testament to the strength of our product, our people, and our forward-looking strategy. MHI has been a trusted partner for more than five decades, and this expansion strengthens our relationship. Together, we are building greater coverage, deeper product support, and increased access to CLARK’s industry-leading equipment for customers throughout Georgia.” With a presence in Dalton and at the Savannah port and logistics hub, MHI is ready to support industries from manufacturing and distribution to port operations and regional logistics. The expansion further increases MHI’s footprint with CLARK while strengthening equipment availability, parts distribution, and service responsiveness in these growing markets. “We are incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship with CLARK and excited about this next phase of growth together,” said Mike Sain, President of MHI. “For more than 50 years, CLARK has been a foundational part of our success. The brand carries tremendous respect in the marketplace, and its recent growth and momentum have been impressive. As CLARK continues to expand and invest in its dealer network, we are eager to deepen our partnership and bring even greater value to our customers throughout Georgia.” MHI is an authorized dealer for the full range of CLARK forklifts and material-handling equipment, including electric, internal-combustion, and narrow-aisle models.

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Compensation costs increase in 1st quarter

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:27:08 +0000

Compensation costs for civilian workers increased 0.9 percent, seasonally adjusted, for the 3-month period ending in March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported April 30, 2026. Wages and salaries increased by 0.8 percent, and benefit costs by 1.2 percent, from December 2025. Compensation costs for civilian workers increased 3.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted, for the 12-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased 3.4 percent, and benefit costs increased 3.6 percent over the year. Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 0.9 percent, seasonally adjusted, for the 3-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased by 0.7 percent, and benefit costs by 1.3 percent, from December 2025. Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 3.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted, for the 12-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased by 3.4 percent, and benefit costs by 3.6 percent over the year. Inflation-adjusted (constant dollar) wages and salaries increased 0.1 percent over the year. Compensation costs for state and local government workers increased 1.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, for the 3-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased by 1.0 percent, and benefit costs by 1.2 percent, from December 2025. Compensation costs for state and local government workers increased 3.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted, for the 12-month period ending in March 2026. Wages and salaries increased 3.4 percent, and benefit costs increased 3.6 percent over the year. Inflation-adjusted (constant dollar) wages and salaries increased 0.1 percent over the year. The Employment Cost Index for June 2026 is scheduled to be released on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. (ET).

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Polystyrene Recycling Continues Improving with a Big Step Forward in Nashville, Tennessee

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:23 +0000

New Infrastructure Enables EPS Recycling for More Than 715,000 Residents The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance has announced a new collaboration with Foam Cycle and the Nashville Department of Waste Services (NWS), to significantly expand EPS recycling to keep it out of landfills and return it to the circular economy as an essential, reusable material. PSRA assisted with the donation and installation of Foam Cycle’s patented foam collection and densification system at NWS-operated East Convenience Center in Nashville. Foam Cycle systems—already in use across multiple states—allow municipalities to efficiently collect and process EPS, turning a global waste challenge into a local recycling solution. “We’re excited to partner with PSRA and Foam Cycle to provide this EPS recycling solution for Nashvillians” said Tracey Thurman, Director of the Nashville Department of Waste Services. “This adds yet another material to our recycling program to ensure our residents can support a circular economy while also keeping material out of landfills.” All formats of EPS will be collected, including transport packaging and clean food service and food packaging, and then densified with Foam Cycle’s patented equipment so that it can be transported efficiently to EFP’s EPS manufacturing facility in La Vergne, TN which will serve as the primary offtake partner for the recycled material. The program also creates new opportunities to capture EPS generated internally across Metro Nashville departments—from product shipments to staff use—while strengthening public-facing recycling access. In addition, a portable trailer system enables on-demand collection at universities, festivals, and seasonal events, ensuring the program can grow and adapt as community participation increases. “We applaud Metro Nashville for taking this big step forward,” said Justin Riney, Chair of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA). “EPS is a great material for many applications and is also an important feedstock in a circular economy where it can be collected and repurposed into new products.” Several companies in Tennessee are active members of PSRA, including EFP, LLC, Republic Plastics, and Styropek. “Foam Cycle is committed to closing the loop for expanded polystyrene,” said Lou Troiano, President of Foam Cycle. “With systems operating across the country, this project is the latest step in our mission to make recycling easy and convenient for consumers. We’re confident that this approach will boost recycling rates and ensure that material once destined for a landfill becomes an essential resource for the circular economy.” This initiative supports Nashville’s mission to manage its waste stream responsibly, foster environmental stewardship, and increase landfill diversion. Together, PSRA, NWS, and Foam Cycle are demonstrating how government and industry collaboration and market-based innovation can accelerate a more sustainable future for plastics recycling in North America. The project is expected to launch on April 22, 2026.

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Plastics Industry Association: New Analysis Examines Shifting U.S.-Japan Trade Dynamics Amid Rising Tariffs and Global Uncertainty

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:27:36 +0000

The Plastics Industry Association Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis exploring how recent changes in U.S. trade policy are reshaping global plastics trade—framed through a cross-border conversation with international trade expert Professor Shujiro Urata. The analysis examines the evolving U.S.-Japan trade relationship against a backdrop of higher tariffs, shifting supply chains, and increased global economic uncertainty. New data show U.S. plastics trade declined in 2025, while import duties surged—signaling a more complex trade environment driven by rising costs and changing sourcing decisions. Dr. Pineda writes, “While the smaller trade deficit may appear positive on the surface, the data suggest a more complex picture—one shaped by reduced trade flows, higher costs, and shifting sourcing decisions rather than stronger underlying competitiveness. “The broader global trade environment has shifted, forcing countries to reassess commercial relationships as supply chains adapt to new tariffs, geopolitical risks, and slower global growth. For the plastics industry, that means the U.S.-Japan trade relationship is no longer just about bilateral flows—it is increasingly about resilience, competitiveness, and strategic alignment in a changing global economy.” The conversation also explores how changes in exchange rates, investment trends, industrial policy, and consumer demand are influencing global trade and supply chain alignment. Click here to read Dr. Pineda’s full conversation with Prof. Shujiro Urata.

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U.S. Rail Traffic report for the week ending April 25, 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:53:19 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 25, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 511,616 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending April 25 were 229,828 carloads, down 1.5 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 281,788 containers and trailers, up 4.9 percent compared to 2025. Five of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included motor vehicles and parts, up 1,050 carloads, to 16,675; metallic ores and metals, up 935 carloads, to 21,223; and farm products excl. grain, and food, up 854 carloads, to 17,649. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 4,642 carloads, to 55,082; chemicals, down 1,080 carloads, to 34,093; and miscellaneous carloads, down 916 carloads, to 8,900. For the first 16 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 3,602,594 carloads, up 3.5 percent from the same point last year; and 4,414,204 intermodal units, up 0.2 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 16 weeks of 2026 was 8,016,798 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 1.7 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending April 25, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 338,280 carloads, down 0.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 369,176 intermodal units, up 2.6 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 707,456 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.0 percent. North American rail volume for the first 16 weeks of 2026 was 11,043,603 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.9 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 94,289 carloads for the week, up 0.1 percent, and 72,740 intermodal units, down 9.4 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 16 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,599,364 carloads, containers and trailers, up 0.4 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,163 carloads for the week, up 6.4 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,648 intermodal units, up 37.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 16 weeks of 2026 was 427,441 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 16.6 percent from the same point last year.

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Hangcha Forklift Canada Strengthens Quebec Footprint with Province-Wide Dealer Network

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:53:30 +0000

EM expansion from an exclusive dealer model to a 15-dealer network drives early momentum across the province Hangcha Forklift Canada has expanded its Quebec dealer network, transitioning from a single-dealer model to a province-wide structure that improves access to equipment sales, rentals, mobile service, parts distribution, and fleet management support. The network includes authorized dealers across key regions, including Montreal, Quebec City, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Mauricie, Estrie, and Eastern Quebec. Customers are now supported by more than 100 field technicians, along with a 30,000-square-foot parts operation at Hangcha Canada’s head office in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Early indicators from Q1 2026 point to strong momentum following the transition, with bookings in Quebec increasing by 52 per cent compared to the same period in 2025. Based on data reported to the Industrial Truck Association, Hangcha Canada’s market share in Quebec also increased by 2.6 per cent for orders booked and 9.9 per cent for orders shipped. “What we’re seeing in Quebec confirms the value of a more efficient, scalable support model,” said Yan Lamontagne, Sales and Product Director, at Hangcha Canada. “We’ve shortened the distance between customers and the service they rely on.” These 15 dealers were selected based on operational capabilities and alignment with long-term growth. Criteria included geographic coverage, number of shop and road technicians, existing customer base, rental fleet presence, parts infrastructure, showroom availability, and salesforce strength. Hangcha Canada also evaluated competitive positioning and the ability of each partner to represent the brand effectively in their respective markets. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen the Hangcha brand gain traction in Quebec, supported by product performance and positive customer feedback,” said Louis Gauthier, President of Gauthier Chariots Élévateurs. “Today, with parts more readily available than ever through their provincial headquarters and a broad range of innovative equipment, we’re confident in the value it brings to customers and the opportunity to grow with the brand as part of the new dealer network.” To support the transition, Hangcha Canada hosted a Quebec dealer kickoff event at its headquarters on January 14 and 15, bringing together approximately 40 participants, many of whom were new to working directly with Hangcha Canada. The program included product training, commercial policy alignment, market share planning, and hands-on equipment demonstrations, along with external training focused on customer communication. In March 2026, Hangcha Canada hosted a factory tour at Hangcha Group’s global headquarters in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, bringing together 20 participants from 12 dealerships across its network, with strong representation from Quebec. Attendees toured large-scale manufacturing operations, including advanced assembly lines and smart manufacturing systems supported by more than 700 robots. The experience provided direct visibility into product quality, engineering, and lithium-ion technology capabilities, strengthening dealer confidence and positioning in the Quebec market. Hangcha Canada is also introducing a targeted warranty incentive for Quebec customers as part of the transition. Existing customers who transfer their service to an authorized Hangcha dealer in Quebec are eligible for an additional one year or 2000 hours of full warranty coverage at no cost. The expanded dealer network delivers measurable benefits for Quebec businesses that rely on material handling equipment. Improved access to local service reduces downtime, while stronger parts availability and technical support enable more efficient fleet management. This model supports productivity across key industries, including automotive, warehousing, manufacturing, retail, transportation and logistics, and food and beverage, contributing to economic activity across the province. Looking ahead, Hangcha Canada sees a significant growth opportunity in Quebec over the next 12 to 24 months. The Company plans to continue investing in dealer development through training, marketing support, and product education, while maintaining a focus on lithium-ion adoption and full-line equipment availability. Success will be measured through sustained market share growth, alongside continued expansion of customer relationships and service capabilities.

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CapEx Finance Index March 2026: Q1 New Equipment Demand at Record High

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:51:53 +0000

The latest CapEx Finance Index (CFI), released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), shows that while new deal growth edged down in March, total new business volumes (NBV) recorded its strongest quarter on record. Financial conditions remain stable despite ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East. The industry maintains a strong buffer against the surge in energy prices and the upcoming leadership transition at the Federal Reserve. Total NBV among surveyed ELFA member companies was $10.8 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis. Year-to-date NBV rose by 18.6% relative to the same period in 2025. Year-over-year, NBV increased by 12.5% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. “Geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty appear to have hit another gear in 2026, but demand for equipment has so far been unaffected,” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO at ELFA. “New business volume growth slowed modestly in March, but the industry just experienced its strongest quarter ever. The full economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East has not yet been felt in the data, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see some deterioration in demand heading into the summer. That said, financial conditions remain healthy, and I’m optimistic that our industry can weather the dual impact of higher prices and a changing of the guard at the Fed.” Equipment demand remained strong. Total NBV grew by $10.8 billion in March, a contraction of 1.8% from the $11.0 billion recorded in February. The total new volume series tracks the amount of new activity added by banks, independents, and captives in a given month. While the headline index has declined for two consecutive months, total new volumes hit their highest quarterly dollar amount ever at the start of the year. New volume growth is on pace to exceed its 2024 annual total, which was the largest dollar amount ever recorded in the survey’s history. Small ticket volume growth tracks broader economic conditions and is an important barometer of aggregate demand for equipment. Small ticket deals grew by $3.4 billion, down 17.7% from February. December through February saw the strongest total small deal volume dollar amount ever, and the March dollar amount is just under its trailing 12-month average of $3.6 billion. Activity at banks and independents rose by 2.3%, while new volumes declined by a modest 0.2% at captives. New deals at independents plummeted 34.3% from the prior month but were only down 0.3% year over year. The overall credit approval held firm at a high level. The industry-wide average ticked up to 77.2% in March, up 0.1 percentage points from the prior month. Over the last year, the credit approval rate was up 1.1 percentage points. The average small ticket approval rate rose for only the second time in six months, to 79.8%. The rate at banks dropped by 0.2 percentage points, while the rate at captives rose 0.8 percentage points, and the rate at independents was unchanged. The delinquency rate edged up, and the loss rate rose further. The overall delinquency rate rose to 2.0% in March, in line with its average over the last two years. The delinquency rate at banks rose by 0.4 percentage points, while the rate at captives fell by 0.21 percentage points. The rate at independents was up 0.04 percentage points. The overall loss rate increased by 0.07 percentage points to 0.62%. The average loss rate for small ticket deals also rose to 0.93%, driven predominantly by a single survey respondent. The average loss rate for all three industry groups increased from the prior month. Industry Confidence The Monthly Confidence Index tracks the sentiment of executives in the industry. The index in April is 54.6, a decrease from 61.0 in March, and the lowest level since May 2025. “Tariffs may have stalled decision-making in 2025, but 2026 is all about execution,” said John Paradisi, Chief Executive Officer of Libertas Funding. “We are seeing strong activity across construction, healthcare, and manufacturing, where businesses are moving on expansion projects and equipment upgrades that require both equipment financing and working capital. Geopolitical uncertainty, including the situation in Iran, continues to pressure supply chains and input costs, making access to flexible working capital even more critical. As borrowing costs remain elevated, businesses are prioritizing speed and access to capital over cost alone. Working capital has become the bridge that keeps large-scale projects moving forward on schedule.” Technical Note New business volume data are concurrently seasonally adjusted each month to capture the latest seasonal patterns. Data in previous months and years may change due to updated seasonal factors.

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PLASTICS Announces 2026 Plastic Sustainability Innovation Award Winners

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:05:53 +0000

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has announced the winners of its 2026 Sustainability Innovation Awards, recognizing innovation and leadership across five categories: Leadership in Sustainability Innovation, Sustainability Innovation in Design, Sustainability Innovation in Material, Sustainability Innovation in End-of-Life, and Social Impact. This year’s winners highlight advancements across the plastics value chain—from circular design and next-generation materials to closed-loop systems and workforce leadership. Award recipients include: Leadership in Sustainability Innovation Award: LyondellBasell – LYB Cincinnati Technology Center (CTC) Circularity Lab Sustainability Innovation in Design Award: Greiner Packaging Corporation – K3® r100 self-separating cardboard-plastic packaging Sustainability Innovation in Material Award: Ecovaleric – e-P4HV biobased material Sustainability Innovation in End-of-Life Award: Plastic Ingenuity – Pharmaceutical closed-loop recycling with thermoformed trays Social Impact Award: Ecolopharm – Socially impactful workplace practices “This year’s Sustainability Innovation Award winners demonstrate how sustainability is being put into action across the plastics industry—from packaging design and material innovation to end-of-life solutions,” said Patrick Krieger, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Policy at PLASTICS. “These award-winning innovations show what’s possible when companies focus on practical, scalable solutions that improve recyclability, expand the use of recycled content, and deliver measurable environmental impact.” “Finding solutions that advance circularity takes innovation and expertise,” said Harry Mavridis, Director of Product Development and Circular Design at LyondellBasell (LYB). “The team at our Cincinnati Technology Center (CTC) Circularity Lab develops solutions for our customers across a number of industries, leveraging our innovative spirit, technical know-how and global integrated ecosystem to help meet the challenges of tomorrow, today. We are proud to be recognized by the Plastics Industry Association for our team’s work to advance circularity and sustainability.” “K3® r100 is already a highly innovative packaging solution, combining the key advantages of plastic, such as extended shelf life, with a significant reduction in plastic usage. Thanks to the automatic separation of materials, the plastic component can be directed into the appropriate recycling stream. With K3® r100, we are taking a major step forward toward a circular economy,” said Jonas Kristensson, Director of Commercial Operations, Greiner. “e-P4HV expands the capabilities of bioplastics. By combining high performance with designed biodegradability and a new electricity-driven pathway from biomass, our material opens applications where functionality and end-of-life must work together. We’re honored to have this innovation recognized by the plastics industry,” said Roberta Leão, Ecovaleric. “We’re pleased to help advance circularity in the pharmaceutical industry with the success of this take-back program, and excited for the greater visibility this award helps bring to end-of-life sustainability initiatives,” said Zach Muscato, Director of Sustainability & Innovation at Plastic Ingenuity. “Sustainable innovation is not built on a single breakthrough idea, but on hundreds of smart decisions made throughout the development process. Behind every choice of material, format, or process lies a concrete opportunity to reduce our footprint. At EcoloPharm, we believe that eco-design is not a compromise, but a better way to design and manufacture. By doing more with less, we can generate real impact: environmental, operational, and economic,” said Sandrine Milante, CEO, EcoloPharm.

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Used Equipment softens in Q1 as United Rentals expands rental revenue

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:00:31 +0000

United Rentals reported strong first-quarter 2026 results, with total revenue reaching $3.985 billion, up 7.2% year over year. Equipment rental revenue rose 8.7% to $3.419 billion, driven largely by continued demand in specialty segments. The key takeaway is mixed performance in equipment sales. New equipment sales increased 20% to $84 million, signaling continued investment in fleets. However, used equipment sales declined 7.2% to $350 million, which may indicate softer secondary-market demand or tighter fleet-management strategies. Growth in the specialty rental segment—up 13.8%—continues to outpace general rentals, reflecting rising demand for specialized material handling and jobsite solutions. This trend can create opportunities for forklift dealers to supply niche equipment or partner on integrated solutions. Adjusted EBITDA reached $1.759 billion with a 44.1% margin, highlighting strong operational efficiency and fleet productivity gains. Looking ahead, United Rentals raised its full-year revenue guidance to between $16.9 billion and $17.4 billion, citing momentum in large projects and key verticals. For forklift dealers, this outlook suggests steady rental demand, ongoing fleet refresh cycles, and potential growth tied to large-scale construction and industrial projects—especially where specialized equipment is required.

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MODEX 2026 breaks records and announces expanded MODEX 2028

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:28:00 +0000

MODEX, the largest event for manufacturing and supply chain professionals in 2026, concluded its most successful edition to date, breaking records for attendance, exhibition, and global participation. The 2026 event, sponsored by MHI, welcomed 50,000 registered visitors from every U.S. state and 132 countries, alongside 1,057 exhibitors covering 630,000 net square feet and representing all segments of the material handling, logistics, and transportation industry, from traditional, manual equipment to digital, automated systems, robotics, AI-connected supply chain orchestration technologies, and last-mile logistics. MODEX attendees represented manufacturing and supply chain decision‑makers from the world’s largest enterprises, including Fortune 1000 companies, the top 100 retailers, and the top 100 consumer goods firms. The milestone turnout at MODEX 2026 underscores the growing importance of supply chain agility, innovation, and collaboration amidst the growing uncertainty in today’s global economy. “This year’s show exceeded every expectation,” said John Paxton, CEO of MHI. “From groundbreaking product launches to standing‑room‑only educational sessions, the energy on the show floor reflected an industry that is rapidly evolving—and eager to connect, collaborate, and lead.” The event featured 189 educational sessions, including four keynote presentations from industry executives and thought leaders, and hands‑on demonstrations showcasing emerging technologies such as AI‑driven planning, warehouse automation, real‑time visibility platforms, and sustainable logistics solutions. Attendees praised the show’s ability to blend strategic insight with practical, real‑world applications. “The value of this event is unmatched,” said Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer of MHI. “Attendees left with actionable ideas, new partners, and a clear view of what’s next for the supply chain industry.” In addition to thought leadership, Modex delivered measurable business results. Exhibitors reported strong lead generation, high‑quality conversations with supply chain decision‑makers from the Fortune 500 and top retailers and consumer goods firms, as well as expanded international exposure, making the event a critical growth platform for equipment and technology providers. The show also featured an Industry Night event with comedian Jim Gaffigan. That event featured the presentation of several awards, including: The 2026 MHI Innovation Awards: Best IT Innovation – ProGlove Best New Innovation – Dexory Best Robotics Innovation – Anyware Robotics Inc Best Sustainability Innovation – Flux Power MHI also announced the recipient of the 2026 MHI StartUp Award during MHI Industry Night. The StartUp Award honors an emerging company selected from participants in the Modex 2026 StartUp Pavilion, an area of the show floor dedicated to showcasing breakthrough supply chain technologies from early-stage innovators. This year’s StartUp Award winner is Fork Mule. Building on this year’s momentum, MHI announced that MODEX will return to Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center on April 3-5, 2028, and launch a new MODEX West event to be held October 18-20, 2028, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with plans to expand programming, global partnerships, and interactive experiences. Information on both 2028 events will be launched on MODEXshow.com in the coming months. ProMat 2027 will be held in Chicago’s McCormick Place from April 19-21, 2027.

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U.S. Rail Traffic report for the week ending April 18, 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:16:56 +0000

The Association of American Railroads has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 18, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 508,303 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending April 18 were 230,749 carloads, up 3.0 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 277,554 containers and trailers, up 2.2 percent compared to 2025. Eight of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included grain, up 4,677 carloads, to 25,079; petroleum and petroleum products, up 1,498 carloads, to 11,158; and nonmetallic minerals, up 1,368 carloads, to 32,168. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 were coal, down 2,669 carloads, to 54,601; and miscellaneous carloads, down 1,019 carloads, to 9,035. For the first 15 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 3,372,766 carloads, up 3.9 percent from the same point last year; and 4,132,416 intermodal units, down 0.1 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 15 weeks of 2026 was 7,505,182 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 1.6 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending April 18, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 339,795 carloads, up 4.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 364,495 intermodal units, up 2.9 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 704,290 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.8 percent. North American rail volume for the first 15 weeks of 2026 was 10,336,147 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.9 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 95,736 carloads for the week, up 4.7 percent, and 72,297 intermodal units, down 2.1 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 15 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,432,335 carloads, containers and trailers, up 0.8 percent. Mexican railroads reported 13,310 carloads for the week, up 47.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,644 intermodal units, up 68.9 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 15 weeks of 2026 was 398,630 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 16.4 percent from the same point last year.

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Bobcat Names Top-Performing Material Handling Dealers at MODEX 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:29:55 +0000

Dealer Leadership Group recognizes operational excellence across North America network Bobcat Company announced its 2026 Dealer Leadership Group for the material handling division, recognizing 12 dealerships across North America. The dealerships were honored at MODEX 2026, where Bobcat also showcased its new lithium‑ion battery packs and key material handling equipment. Honorees were recognized for exceptional performance, operational excellence and market leadership in serving customers across warehousing, logistics and manufacturing environments. Selected through Bobcat’s rigorous Dealer Performance Review, the Dealer Leadership Group represents the highest-performing material handling dealers in the company’s North American network. The evaluation measures key indicators including business performance, operational execution and customer support, while enabling dealers to benchmark against peers. “We are proud to recognize these top-performing members of the Bobcat dealer network,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc. “Our dealers are instrumental in advancing the Bobcat brand across North America, and their commitment to customers, communities and operational excellence drives our continued success.” 2026 Bobcat Material Handling Dealer Leadership Group: All Pro Alaska – Alaska Alliance Material Handling, Inc. – Maryland* Associated Supply Company, Inc. – Texas* Atlantic Forklift Services, LLC – North Carolina Burwell Material Handling – South Dakota Forklift Systems, Inc. – Tennessee Forklifts of Minnesota – Minnesota Lift Power, Inc. – Florida Lift Truck Sales & Service, Inc. – Missouri* Material Handling, Inc. – Tennessee Quality Lift Trucks – California Wolter, Inc. – Wisconsin *Denotes consecutive year named to Dealer Leadership Group “Being part of the Dealer Leadership Group reflects the dedication and teamwork these organizations bring to Bobcat every day,” said Jarrod Steck, vice president of material handling products, Bobcat. “This group reflects not only strong performance, but a shared commitment to helping customers accomplish more.” As members of the Dealer Leadership Groups, representatives from these dealerships serve as strategic advisors to Bobcat leadership, providing insight, feedback and market perspective that help guide future product development, programs and initiatives.

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