Nuts & Bolts Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler

Port of Long Beach awards nearly $400k in scholarships

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:54:35 +0000

Record award goes to 165 local students in port-related fields The Port of Long Beach presented a record of almost $400,000 in scholarships to 165 local high school and college students to study and train in port-related fields including engineering, environmental science, maritime law and technical trades. The scholarships were announced during Celebrating Education, an annual event that brings together students, educators, policymakers and business leaders to highlight the Port’s education and workforce outreach programs while also recognizing the accomplishments of students involved. The event also honored the 2026 class of 31 summer high school interns. “Building the Port of the Future starts now by recruiting and training the local workforce who will build and operate the cutting-edge infrastructure that will allow us to move cargo more quickly, efficiently and sustainably,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “Our education and workforce development programs continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our local students as we build the next generation of leaders at the Port of Long Beach.” “We made a decision that education is at the core of what we do at the Port,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Scholarships are an important tool to make sure we nurture tomorrow’s workforce, grown from our own community, benefiting our neighbors and ultimately making our city better.” Since 1993, the Port has awarded about $2.6 million in scholarships to students pursuing careers in international trade and goods movement. This year’s scholarships went to students from local high schools, Long Beach City College, Cal State Long Beach, Orange Coast College, and Cal Poly Maritime Academy. High school pathway programs are a significant part of the Port of Long Beach’s education outreach, offering an on-campus curriculum for Long Beach-area students to pursue careers in the goods movement industry. Almost 1,000 students are enrolled in three programs the Port maintains with the Long Beach Unified School District: The Academy of Global Logistics at Cabrillo High School, opened in 2016 and focusing on the business and economics of trade The ACE Academy at Jordan High School (Advanced Manufacturing, Construction and Engineering) launched in 2021 for students interested in careers in advanced manufacturing, construction and engineering And the new NOVA at Long Beach Polytechnic High. NOVA (Next-Gen Opportunities in Vehicles and Alternative Energy) gives students the opportunity to explore the exciting world of clean energy, smart technology and sustainable innovation.

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Noblelift receives major scissor lift order

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:42:28 +0000

Malaysia-based rental company Ban Ngai has placed a major order for 2,500 scissor lifts with Chinese manufacturer Noblelift, strengthening their 20-year partnership. The deal includes telematics integration and ERP connectivity to support fleet management and expansion across Southeast Asia. Ban Ngai’s aerial fleet is expected to exceed 5,000 units by Q1 2027, positioning the company among the region’s largest rental providers. The order, valued at around USD25 million, also includes forklifts and reach trucks with upgraded lithium-ion battery technology.

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Raymond to showcase latest advancements in automation solutions at Automate 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:58:24 +0000

Attendees of Automate will have access to an exclusive preview of the new Raymond Courier™ Automated Tow Tractor launching later this year The Raymond Corporation continues to build upon its legacy of over 100 years as a global intralogistics solutions leader with technologies and products that are revolutionizing material handling by showcasing capabilities that optimize, connect and automate warehouse operations at Automate 2026. “Raymond is committed to serving as a comprehensive intralogistics solutions provider supporting our customers in their automation journey to help improve their operations,” said Shawn Donahue, Product Marketing Manager, The Raymond Corporation, a brand of Toyota Material Handling North America. “Raymond offers intelligent intralogistics solutions, from automated guided vehicles and robotics to automated storage and retrieval systems, that will support our customers’ specific material handling needs. At Automate, we look forward to showcasing how attendees can optimize, connect and automate their operations.” Attendees of the show, scheduled for June 22-25 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will be able to visit Raymond at Booth 3248 to see its products and solutions in action, and speak with experts from the team to learn firsthand how optimizing, integrating, automating and managing the logistical flow of information within a warehouse or distribution center will provide flexibility and future scalability. Raymond’s Automate exhibit will include automated material handling solutions, integrated intelligent warehouse technologies and operator assist technologies. Automated Material Handling Solutions Raymond offers comprehensive, integrated automation solutions designed to optimize supply chain, warehousing and material handling operations aimed at improving productivity and labor efficiency. Solutions on display will include: Exclusive Preview: New Raymond Courier™ Automated Trucks Raymond Automated Swing-Reach® Truck Radioshuttle® Storage and Retrieval System Integrated Intelligent Warehouse Technologies Raymond provides integrated warehouse solutions through the iWAREHOUSE® Intelligent Warehouse Solutions suite, combining telematics, automation and labor management tools to enhance efficiency by collecting and reporting vehicle and operator data to help drive productivity across operations to create an optimized and intelligent warehouse. The iWAREHOUSE connected technologies solutions to be demonstrated include: iWAREHOUSE FieldSense (iW.FieldSense) Designed to be a robust proximity notification system, iW.FieldSense alerts pedestrians and lift truck operators when they come within a predefined distance between properly equipped lift trucks and pedestrians. iWAREHOUSE ObjectSense Detection & Notification System (iW.ObjectSense) Developed to reinforce operator training and best practices, iW.ObjectSense is a flexible and reliable way to alert operators with audible and visual notifications of objects within the lift truck’s approximate travel path and provides slowdown or stop functionality based on application needs and environment. iWAREHOUSE Real-Time Location System (iW.RTLS) The next-generation iW.RTLS supports lift truck operation by slowing a Raymond lift truck down or bringing it to a controlled stop within a facility’s defined zones, designed to help keep operators and lift trucks in the right place at the right time. iWAREHOUSE Integrated Tether System The Integrated Tether System is a first-of-a-kind operator assist tool designed to alert operators and managers and to limit lift truck functionality if an operator is not properly tethered. The wireless connection in the Integrated Tether System is compatible with Raymond lift trucks and can be paired with iWAREHOUSE technologies. Operator Assist Technologies Operator assist technologies — which operate by using multiple data sources, like lidar and voice or visual cue systems — work by guiding operators in real time and reinforcing operator training. Innovative operator assist technologies and order picking solutions can be a great way to optimize operations, maximize labor and assist the optimization process.

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20 years of KION – connecting the heritage with the future at the Annual General Meeting 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:18:31 +0000

Three new members of KION GROUP AG’s Supervisory Board elected Supervisory Board and Executive Board proposals approved with majority vote Dividend of € 0.62 per share to be paid out Contract of Michael Larsson, President KION IAS and ITS Americas, extended until December 2029 World trade is more interconnected than ever, and supply chains and trade routes around the globe are extremely complex, with countless of items moving per day. A sophisticated and vulnerable orchestra that needs a conductor. At the 2026 Annual General Meeting of KION GROUP AG, shareholders were shown that KION is present at every point in the world’s supply chains: in factories, warehouses, ports, and logistics centers, as a driving force in its industry. KION combines all elements of modern supply chains In his speech, KION’s CEO Rob Smith looked back to the business performance of financial year 2025 and referred to the company’s and its brands’ strong heritage: “KION’s roots stretch back more than 200 years. That’s 200 years of excellence, innovation, and the trust of our customers. And for the past 20 years, we have been shaping the future of supply chains under the name KION”. In the third decade of its journey, the company is now on its way to becoming “The Supply Chain Solutions Company”, with its business combining all elements of modern supply chains: industrial trucks, automation, robotics, software, and physical AI. ”Our people, our technology, and our ecosystem partnerships give us the strength to drive innovation and seize new opportunities — in a market that is evolving at incredible speed,” Smith added. Three new members of the Supervisory Board elected Another important item on the day’s agenda was the election of new members to KION GROUP AG’s Supervisory Board. The members of the Board Dr. Alexander Dibelius, Kui Jiang and Dr. Shaojun Sun resigned from their positions with effect from the end of the Annual General Meeting. “On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Alexander Dibelius, Kui Jiang and Dr. Shaojun Sun for their valuable contributions to KION’s journey during their respective tenures,” says Mohsen Sohi, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KION GROUP AG. “Alexander Dibelius is our longest-serving board member and spent 19 years with the company and its predecessor. As one of KION’s ‘founding fathers’ he played a key role in laying the groundwork for the group that is becoming the Supply Chain Solutions Company now. Kui Jiang’s and Shaojun Sun’s years of service are closely linked to our trusting partnership with our anchor shareholder Weichai Power – a best practice example for a longstanding German-Chinese cooperation benefitting both parties mutually.” Based on a corresponding proposal by the Nomination Committee, three internationally experienced senior executives were elected with majority vote to the Supervisory Board: Dr. Ralf Krieger (Independent Management Consultant), Decheng Wang (Deputy Chairman of Weichai Holding Group), and Zhao Jin (Vice General Manager of Weichai Holding Group). “I am very pleased that we have succeeded in attracting these three highly qualified individuals for the Supervisory Board who will effectively strengthen the body in the performance of its duties,” says Mohsen Sohi. Supervisory Board and Executive Board proposals approved with majority vote More than 79 percent of the share capital was present at the Annual General Meeting. During the Annual General Meeting, the majority of shareholders approved all of the proposals put forward by the Supervisory Board and Executive Board, including the dividend distribution of € 0.62 per share, which corresponds to a payout ratio of around 35 percent. Contract of Board Member Michael Larsson extended KION’s Supervisory Board has extended the contract of Michael Larsson, President KION IAS and ITS Americas until December 2029. “Michael Larsson has successfully driven forward Dematic’s development during recent years”, says Mohsen Sohi. “The Supervisory Board is convinced that with his leadership and deep industry knowledge, Dematic will be positioned to an even larger extent in the supply chain orchestration space, and together with the brands Linde Material Handling and STILL jointly serve the fast-growing start-up automation market.”

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The Second Global Unmanned Forklift Application Scenario finals 2026 concluded successfully

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:36:45 +0000

On May 22, the highly anticipated “The Second Unmanned Forklift Application Scenario Competition Finals and Embodied Wheeled Humanoid Robot Skill Demonstration 2026,” which garnered significant industry attention, was held in Hangzhou’s Qiantang District. Under the theme “Human-Machine Collaboration, Intelligence Leading the Future,” the event brought together leading unmanned forklift manufacturers and cutting-edge companies developing embodied wheeled humanoid robots for competitive demonstrations. This annual flagship gathering for intelligent logistics and smart manufacturing attracted nearly 10,000 professional attendees from across the country, both in-person and online, who witnessed the proceedings. Numerous end-user enterprises participated in on-site business discussions, generating a cumulative intended order value of RMB 500 million during the event. This competition is jointly organized by the Development and Reform Bureau of Qiantang District, Hangzhou Cit, the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), the Xinwan Subdistrict Office of the People’s Government of Qiantang District, Hangzhou City, China Mobile Robot Industry Alliance (CMRA), and Humanoid Robot Scene Application Alliance (HRAA), undertaken by Shenzhen New Strategy Media Co., Ltd., and co-organized by the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of Qiantang District, Hangzhou City, Hangzhou Polytechnic, Zhejiang HCGZ Intelligence Technology Robot Co., Ltd., Hefei Gen-song Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., Kuka Robotics (Guangdong) Co., Ltd., Hangzhou EED Transmission Equipment Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Zhongzhi Chuangtuo Technology Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang Rebot Technology Co., Ltd. The competition also received strong support from five technical support partners: Hangzhou LINKOM Information Technology Co., Ltd., Shandong Free-Optics Technology Co., Ltd., Zhejiang IPLUSMOBOT Technology Co., Ltd., Orange Rabbit Automation Manufacturing (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., and Deutronic Electronic Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., which provided precise positioning, detection, and network support for the event. The Second Unmanned Forklift Application Scenario Competition Finals 2026 continued to focus on real industrial scenarios, featuring three competition tracks: Track 1 emphasized high-precision stacking and transfer; Track 2 focused on flexible handling and obstacle avoidance; and the outdoor track tested platform loading/unloading and stacking capabilities. Eight companies advanced to the finals, competing fiercely with their unmanned forklift solutions. Compared to the inaugural competition, the most significant innovation of this event is the introduction of an embodied wheeled humanoid robot skill demonstration. The manufacturers of these robots showcased models capable of autonomous reasoning, training-free disordered grasping, 3D visual perception, and “multi-form” collaborative control capabilities. To ensure the professionalism and fairness of the competition, a panel of judges from terminal manufacturing companies monitored the entire event. Additionally, referees, commentators, technical consultants, and notaries were invited to conduct rigorous evaluations on multiple criteria, including processing time, precision, safety, and compliance with standards. After a day of intense competition, the major awards were finally announced: [Outdoor Track] Gold award Hefei Gen-song Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Silver award Zhejiang HCGZ Intelligence Technology Robot Co., Ltd. Bronze award Hefei Hagong Kuxun Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Image: Chi Ma, Deputy General Manager of Siasun and Chairman Unit of CMRA, presented the award to Gen-song Image: Chi Ma, Deputy General Manager of Siasun and Chairman Unit of CMRA, presented the award to HCGZ Intelligence Image: Chi Ma, Deputy General Manager of Siasun and Chairman Unit of CMRA, presented the award to HRG [Track 1] Gold award Shanghai Noblelift Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Silver award Shenzhen New Trend International Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. Bronze award Zhejiang HCGZ Intelligence Technology Robot Co., Ltd. Suzhou Beacon Robot Technology Co., Ltd. Efficiency Excellence Award Suzhou AGV Robot Co., Ltd. Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to Noblelift Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to NTI Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to HCGZ Intelligence Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to Beacon Robot Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to AGV [Track 2] Gold award Shenzhen New Trend International Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. Silver award Shanghai Noblelift Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Bronze award Suzhou Beacon Robot Technology Co., Ltd. Smart Scheduling Award AGILOX China Co., Ltd. Suzhou AGV Robot Co., Ltd. Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to NTI Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to Noblelift Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to Beacon Robot Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to AGV Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to AGV [Comprehensive Performance Award] Gold award Shanghai Noblelift Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Zhejiang HCGZ Intelligence Technology Robot Co., Ltd. Silver award Shenzhen New Trend International Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. Bronze award Suzhou Beacon Robot Technology Co., Ltd. Suzhou AGV Robot Co., Ltd. Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to Noblelift Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to HCGZ Intelligence Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to NTI Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to Beacon Robot Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to AGV The First Wheeled Humanoid Robot Skill Demonstration Excellent innovation award Chengdu Ruixinxing Technology Co., Ltd. Elite Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd. Guian New Area VMR Technology Co., Ltd. Anhui LindenBot Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to the winning enterprises This competition serves not only as

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Noblelift wins two Gold awards and one Silver at the 2026 Unmanned Forklift Application Competition

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:29:44 +0000

From May 21–23, 2026, the 2nd Unmanned Forklift & Wheeled Humanoid Robot Industry Forum and Competition took place in Hangzhou. The competition focused on real-world logistics scenarios, including unmanned forklifts, high-density storage, loading/unloading, sorting, and multi-system coordination. For participating teams, it was more than a technical showcase—it was a comprehensive test of execution, stability, efficiency, and adaptability to real-world scenarios. This year, Noblelift’s consistent performance earned: 🏆 Gold – Unmanned Forklift for Efficient Loading & Sorting 🏆 Gold – Unmanned Forklift for High-Density Storage 🥈 Silver – Overall Performance Award Noblelift was the only team to win two gold awards and one silver in this competition. Last year, Noblelift also won double championships. From last year’s success to this year’s two gold awards and one silver, these results reflect long-term technical expertise and practical scenario experience. Unmanned forklifts are moving from demonstration to practical intralogistics applications. In loading and sorting, equipment must respond quickly, follow paths accurately, and ensure smooth material flow. In high-density storage, systems need precise positioning, stable control, and reliable path planning in tight spaces. Overall performance tests include not only speed but also safety, stability, collaboration, and continuous operation—key challenges for implementing intelligent logistics. The competition has ended, but the real-world application of smart logistics continues. As unmanned forklifts, AGVs, smart warehousing systems, and robotics evolve, the industry increasingly asks: Can the technology operate reliably in real-world warehouse environments? This remains a key focus for Noblelift. Looking ahead, Noblelift will continue to apply its technology in real-world scenarios, enhancing product reliability, system adaptability, and solution implementation capabilities, thereby driving intelligent logistics toward greater stability and efficiency. Noblelift thanks the competition organizers, judges, and all on-site industry partners for their participation and support. From technical expertise to real-world validation, Noblelift will continue advancing intelligent intralogistics.

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AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending May 23, 2026

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:21:32 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 23, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 523,574 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending May 23 were 230,831 carloads, up 2.2 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 292,743 containers and trailers, up 11.5 percent compared to 2025. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included grain, up 3,064 carloads, to 23,151; metallic ores and metals, up 1,933 carloads, to 23,420; and motor vehicles and parts, up 382 carloads, to 16,866. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 733 carloads, to 55,526; miscellaneous carloads, down 281 carloads, to 10,245; and forest products, down 64 carloads, to 8,275. For the first 20 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 4,528,563 carloads, up 3.3 percent from the same point last year, and 5,555,553 intermodal units, up 1.4 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 20 weeks of 2026 was 10,084,116 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 2.3 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending May 23, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 340,946 carloads, up 3.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 381,548 intermodal units, up 10.3 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 722,494 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.2 percent. North American rail volume for the first 20 weeks of 2026 was 13,877,362 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.1 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 95,467 carloads for the week, up 9.2 percent, and 73,496 intermodal units, up 1.2 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 20 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,284,768 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,648 carloads for the week, down 4.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 15,309 intermodal units, up 45.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 20 weeks of 2026 was 508,478 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 9.6 percent from the same point last year.

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Expert Lineup Revealed for National Forklift Safety Day

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:27:19 +0000

Thirteenth annual in-person and hybrid event to be held June 9, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Industrial Truck Association’s (ITA) 13th annual National Forklift Safety Day will take place on Tuesday, June 9 at 9:00 a.m. EDT at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event will feature both an in-person program and a virtual attendance option. National Forklift Safety Day serves as a critical annual platform for forklift manufacturers to highlight the safe use of material handling equipment, the vital importance of rigorous operator training, and the necessity of daily equipment inspections. ITA has announced the lineup of speakers for National Forklift Safety Day 2026, including: Brian Feehan, President, Industrial Truck Association Jim Mozer, ITA Chairman of the Board and Senior Vice President, Crown Equipment Corporation David Keeling, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Carl Modesette, Director – Americas Design Center, Logisnext Americas Inc. Bill Sims, President, The Bill Sims Company, Beyond Zero Injuries National Forklift Safety Day is free of charge and open to anyone interested in advancing workplace safety. The 2026 event will continue the successful format established in previous years, featuring presentations from government regulators, safety experts and material handling industry leaders. This consistent approach ensures a high-value forum for sharing fresh insights, reinforcing regulatory compliance and advancing a collective, nationwide commitment to incident-free workplaces. “As the material handling landscape rapidly adopts new technologies and automated solutions, the human element remains our most critical asset,” said Brian Feehan, president of ITA. “Hosting the 13th annual National Forklift Safety Day allows our industry to realign on the fundamentals: comprehensive operator education and proactive daily equipment checks. Safety cannot be a secondary priority; it must be incorporated directly into the culture of every warehouse, manufacturing floor and distribution center across the country.”

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Market sentiment improves for forklift buyers, with throughput the top goal

Tue, 26 May 2026 16:45:42 +0000

Market sentiment is improving among forklift and pallet handling customers Throughput is the most important KPI in 2026, followed by orders and automation 26.3% of Voice of Market survey respondents cited forklifts as their top technology problem, largely due to their widespread use and technological changes Market sentiment among forklift customers has improved in 2026 compared to 2025, according to new research from Interact Analysis. The market intelligence specialist reveals in its new Voice of Market report that nearly half of respondents who expect capital expenditure on forklift and pallet-handling technology to increase from 12 months ago anticipate growth of more than 15%. E-commerce companies were significantly more bullish than retail, manufacturing/production, third-party logistics, and parcel, with an automation spend index of 82.9 (where 50 is neutral). Among the decision-makers and influencers surveyed, Interact Analysis found that throughput is the highest-ranked key performance indicator (KPI) for 2026, followed by orders and automation. Currently, the processes with the highest levels of automation include storage, receiving & unloading, and transport & movement. These are also areas with a high number of fully automated operations, including inventory management. Companies are increasingly using automation involving forklifts and pallet handling solutions, but significant numbers continue to employ manual processes Receiving and unloading suffer from accuracy and damage issues When it comes to the top priority for automation, receiving & unloading leads the way, with 54% of respondents choosing it. Challenges associated with receiving & unloading include accuracy and stock damage. At present, this workflow is 26% fully automated, with a further 50% of respondents using some form of automation and the remainder operating fully manual processes. To address problems with receiving & unloading, 68% of those surveyed plan to invest in additional labor, and 56% plan to invest in additional technology. As companies continue to invest in more autonomy and warehouse technologies, it is important that spending is carefully planned to ensure that solutions integrate effectively and safely into their existing operations. Monica Sanchez, Senior Research Lead for Voice of Market at Interact Analysis, explains, “There is a trend towards autonomy, creating an asymmetric environment which impacts multiple warehouse KPIs – including productivity, efficiency, and throughput. While there is clear demand for hybrid manual-autonomous forklifts, it is important to recognize that operating both vehicle types in tight, high-paced dock environments introduces coordination and safety complexities that will need to be carefully addressed in solution design. “With safety being the top priority when selecting a new technology supplier, operating manual and automated equipment, vendors can differentiate by highlighting product features which focus on this attribute.” About the report The Forklift and Pallet Handling Voice of Market Tracker is a twice-yearly syndicated study that delivers impartial insights – market health, sentiment, investment appetite, pain points, and emerging trends. Facility types covered are: e-commerce, retail, manufacturing/production, third-party logistics, and parcel. Our responses are drawn from decision-makers and influencers involved in the use, selection, and purchase of automation technology for their facilities worldwide. It is not representative of the entire warehousing industry, but rather of the subset of warehouses that are already using or actively exploring automation solutions. As such, results may differ substantially from the comprehensive industry reports we issue.

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Q1 New Equipment Demand at Record High

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:24:25 +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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Humanoid robot revenue to reach $15bn by 2035

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:06:37 +0000

The humanoid robot sector is ‘an emerging market with huge opportunities for growth’. Annual shipments projected to reach >700,000 units and $15bn revenue by 2035. China is expected to account for over 65% of real-world application shipments in 2035. Only ~10% of the robots produced were deployed in real-world operations by 2025, but this segment will become dominant by 2035. Humanoid robots are not yet seeing commercial deployment at scale in the workforce, but strong growth is forecast during the 2030s. According to new research from Interact Analysis, with annual shipments still below 100,000 units, demand is driven by small-scale deployments, subsidies, and strategic partnerships rather than workforce-scale commercial economics. The new Humanoid Robots – 2026 report from the market intelligence specialist predicts that the long-term commercial inflection point will occur in 2032, with shipments exceeding 700,000 units in 2035 and market revenue reaching approximately $15 billion. However, this outlook remains conditional on achieving economic viability thresholds, as well as breakthroughs in embodied AI to enable autonomous, reliable task execution, clearer regulatory frameworks, and acceptable efficiency rates. China and the US to dominate humanoid robot demand by 2035 By 2035, Interact Analysis anticipates China will account for over 65% of real-world application shipments. This will be driven by government investment, subsidies, and procurement by state-owned enterprises. The US market, in a distant second place, will see growth driven by capital markets, AI investment, and high labor costs. Together, China and the US will account for over 85% of the demand for humanoid robots by 2035. Short-term mass commercialization of humanoid robots is restricted by immature core technologies and the lack of established regulations and industry standards. At present, industrial manufacturing and warehousing are leading near-term deployments due to structured environments and a high concentration of early technology adopters. This is followed by public services, driven by Chinese state-backed programs. Household use cases remain a longer-term opportunity, constrained by safety and environmental complexity. Four end-use sectors forecast to experience transformative growth Interact Analysis forecasts that the following four end-use sectors will show significant growth in humanoid robot adoption through 2035: Real-world applications Academic R&D Robot training and data collection Entertainment While academic R&D and entertainment applications currently dominate production volume statistics, both are expected to grow at more moderate rates once markets mature. The robot training and data collection sector, on the other hand, is forecast to expand in the short term but stabilize over the long term as simulation technologies advance. However, the most transformative growth is expected to come from the real-world applications sector, which is forecast to expand from around 10% of total production in 2025 to become the dominant market segment by 2035. Real-world applications are set to dominate the humanoid robots market by 203 Marco Wang, Research Analyst at Interact Analysis, says, “Within the humanoid robots market, technology readiness remains a primary constraint, with gaps in embodied AI capability, severe data scarcity, and insufficient hardware durability and manufacturing consistency. Ecosystem and risk frameworks remain underdeveloped, with safety standards, certification pathways, and insurance mechanisms still required to enable economically viable deployment. “The market is shifting from hype to pragmatism, with vendors and early adopters prioritizing operational stability over headline specifications. For example, wheeled platforms are emerging as the preferred near-term form factor for real-world industrial deployment.”

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AAR statement on House T&I Surface Transportation Markup

Thu, 21 May 2026 21:28:39 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) released the following statement from President and CEO Ian Jefferies after the Build America 250 Act cleared the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Freight railroads have been clear from the beginning of the surface transportation reauthorization process: rail policy provisions should be targeted, justified by data, and tied to clearly demonstrated operational or safety needs. Unfortunately, some provisions advanced today fail that test. Rather than focusing narrowly on evidence-based reforms connected to the actual causes of incidents like East Palestine, the package includes a wide range of extraneous mandates under the veil of safety that will only increase costs throughout the freight network and broader supply chain with no proven safety benefit – ultimately harming rail customers, manufacturers, energy producers, farmers, and American consumers already facing significant affordability pressures. That’s precisely why so many rail customer groups expressed concern about these very provisions. This approach is particularly misguided given that 2025 marked the safest year in freight rail industry history across several key safety measures, including historic lows in derailments, equipment-caused accidents, track-caused accidents, and employee injury rates. These gains were achieved through sustained private investment, technological innovation, and data-driven safety practices – not static federal mandates. The Railway Safety Act, as written, violates the President’s pledge to lower costs, and is an unfortunate example that politics and special-interest pressure can sometimes usurp sound, data-driven policymaking during today’s proceedings. Today’s markup is the first step in what will be a long legislative process, and freight railroads will continue working constructively with lawmakers to support policies that strengthen safety, promote innovation, and preserve an efficient and competitive freight transportation system. At a time when Congress is simultaneously greenlighting autonomous transportation technologies in other sectors, efforts to include rail policies that lock yesterday’s operating models into federal law are nothing more than hypocrisy.”

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American Rental Association releases increased Equipment, Event Economic forecasts for North America

Thu, 21 May 2026 16:48:18 +0000

The American Rental Association (ARA) indicates that the combined U.S. construction and industrial equipment (CIE) and general tool rental industry is projected to increase by 3.6 percent in 2026, totaling $83.5 billion. In its latest economic forecast, the American Rental Association (ARA) indicates that the combined U.S. construction and industrial equipment (CIE) and general tool rental industry is projected to increase by 3.6 percent in 2026, totaling $83.5 billion. This is an increase from last quarter’s projection of a 2.8 percent increase in 2026, totaling $82.9 billion. “Rental revenue continued to grow, particularly in areas where the large and megaproject work is,” said Tom Doyle, ARA vice president, program development. “The trend toward more rental versus ownership also continues. Rental tailwinds include project uncertainty, market volatility, sustainability, financial flexibility for the renter, and the high cost of ownership. Rental companies are focused on delivering better solutions.” Beyond 2026, combined U.S. CIE and general tool rental revenue is projected to grow at 3.8 percent in 2027 and 4.4 percent in 2028. Scott Hazelton, managing director at S&P Global, the international forecasting firm that compiles data and analysis for the ARA forecast, said equipment rental’s projected growth over the next couple of years relates to the anticipated shedding of “uncertainty around so many things — geopolitics, energy prices, tariffs and a lot of things that are holding back investment decisions that, as we get more clarity, will get better and better.” Hazelton said growth in the CIE segment is in stasis because of a construction market that is currently stagnant, while the general tool segment is advancing. “This year [general tool] is a little bit weak, but overall, in the outer years, it is strong. Part of that is increased adoption, part of that is an increased housing outlook, and part of that is the manufacturing sector that gets a little more strength as we get past some of these tariff-inflicted pains of last year.” In Canada, the combined CIE and general tool rental industry is forecast to grow 5 percent this year, totaling $6.3 billion. This is an increase from the previous quarter, when this segment was projected to reach $6 billion in 2026. Beyond 2026, growth in combined Canadian CIE and general tool rental revenue is projected at 5.8 percent in 2027 before dipping slightly to 5.4 percent in 2028. The softer growth projected for overall Canadian equipment rental revenue beyond 2027 is attributed to moderations in rental revenue as construction markets and industrial production cool. Event rental segment Also in its updated forecast, ARA shared that the U.S. event rental industry is forecast to grow 8 percent in 2026 to total $6.1 billion — an increase from last quarter’s projection of 5.8 percent growth to total $5.9 billion this year. Beyond 2026, growth in U.S. event rental revenue is projected to soften to 5.5 percent in 2027 and 4.6 percent in 2028. The Canadian event rental industry is now expected to grow 6.3 percent in 2026, totaling $280 million. Beyond 2026, growth in Canadian event rental revenue is projected at 7.2 percent in 2027 and 5.6 percent in 2028. “The updated forecast points to a solid year ahead for the U.S. event rental industry, with growth around 8 percent in 2026 before moderating to the mid-5 percent range in 2027,” said Bryan Bolt, ARA senior director of tenting solutions. “While overall momentum remains positive, the easing reflects broader economic headwinds, including slower GDP growth, elevated inflation, and higher interest rate conditions. Canada shows a slightly steadier trajectory, supported by improving investment activity and a rebound following a softer 2025.” For more in-depth economic data, learn more about Rentalytics™ at ararental.org/ARA-Rentalytics.

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Northside Tool Rental acquires Able 2 Rent All, Patrick’s Rentals & Sales

Thu, 21 May 2026 16:36:43 +0000

Northside Tool Rental (NTR), a family-owned equipment rental company in Atlanta, has acquired Able 2 Rent All in Fayetteville and Patrick’s Rentals & Sales in McDonough, expanding to six metro Atlanta locations. The deal unites three longtime Atlanta rental families — the Milling, Nickell, and Douville families — under one company. NTR, founded in 1953 by Roy Milling, is now led by Jeff and Steffen Lignugaris, with Josh Nickell serving as CEO. NTR said the acquisitions support its strategy to grow across Atlanta while serving small- and mid-size contractors. The Fayetteville and McDonough locations will rebrand as Northside Tool Rental but keep their staff and customer-focused approach. The Douville family will retain ownership of the properties. Cooper Douville will remain with the company, leading NTR’s south Atlanta operations and helping integrate the new locations. NTR also plans to invest in fleet, technology, and staffing at both branches through 2026.

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Equipment Finance Industry confidence improves in May

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:42:12 +0000

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) has released its May 2026 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI), revealing that confidence in the equipment finance market is 59.9, up from the April index of 54.6. The index provides a qualitative assessment from key executives in the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry. May 2026 Survey Results: Business Conditions – When assessing the next four months, 27.3 11.8% of responding executives believe business conditions will improve, up from 11.8% in April. Those who believe business conditions will remain the same increased to 63.6% from 58.8% the previous month. The percentage of executives who believe business conditions will worsen decreased to 9.1% from 29.4% in April. Capex Demand – Over the next four months, 26.1% of survey respondents expect demand for leases and loans to fund capital expenditures (capex) to increase (up from 10.5% in April). Additionally, 73.9% expect demand to remain the same (up from 68.4% last month), and none believe demand will decline (down from 21.1% in April). Access to Capital – Over the next four months, 17.4% of respondents expect greater access to capital to fund equipment acquisitions, a decrease from 31.6% in April. The majority (78.3%) anticipate having “same” access to capital to fund their business, up from 63.2% the previous month. Those expecting “less” access to capital decreased to 4.4%, down from 5.3% in April. Employment – Over the next four months, 40.9% of executives expect to hire more employees, down from 42.1% in April. Also, 50% foresee no change in headcount (down from 52.6% last month), and 9.1% expect to hire fewer employees, up from 5.3% in April. U.S. Economy – Of the respondents, 9.1% evaluate the current U.S. economy as “excellent,” up from none in April; 90.9% assess it as “fair,” down from 94.4% last month; and none evaluate it as “poor,” down from 5.6% in April. Economic Outlook – Over the next six months, 30.4% of respondents believe that U.S. economic conditions will “get better,” an increase from 15.8% in April. Another 47.8% expect the U.S. economy to “stay the same,” relatively unchanged from last month, and 21.7% believe economic conditions will worsen, down from 36.8% in April. Business Development Spending – Over the next six months, 27.3% of respondents believe their company will increase spending on business development activities, a decrease from 47.4% in April. Those who believe there will be “no change” in business development spending increased to 68.2% (from 52.6% in April), and 4.6% believe there will be a decrease in spending, up from none last month. May 2026 MCI-EFI Survey Comments from Industry Executive Leadership: Bank, Small Ticket “Despite geopolitical events and high oil, the economy is still reacting positively. In many ways, we are in unchartered territory. Though we are cautious about the future, we remain optimistic.” Charles Jones, Senior Vice President, 1st Equipment Finance, Inc. “The first quarter was a solid start to the year in terms of new business volume with reasonable yields. Small business appears to be stressed as illustrated by materially increased Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings year over year. This is validated by slight increases in delinquency and normalized credit charges in this specific segment. I expect this to continue for much of 2026. With that said, volume and overall performance are strong and I expect Wintrust Specialty Finance will have a strong year in 2026 as illustrated by the start in Q1.” David Normandin, CLFP, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wintrust Specialty Finance Independent, Middle Ticket “Energy shock, inflation and recessionary fears will reduce capex spending, but raise yields as conservative lenders pull back from lending, leaving less competition for remaining required capex spending. Some business models will thrive in this type of economy; equipment finance is one that can operate quite well.” Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, CEO, Elevex Capital Independent, Small Ticket “The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is having the effect of driving up fuel costs. The small and mid-sized businesses that don’t have the ability to pass along the higher costs are having the biggest challenge in managing their cash flow as a result.” James D. Jenks, CEO, Global Finance and Leasing Services, LLC

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Machine vision industry forecast to reach $8.3bn in 2030

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:32:10 +0000

The machine vision industry outperformed expectations, growing 5.2% in 202 Market predicted to reach $8.3 billion in 2030, growing at an average annual rate of 7.2% 3D cameras and vision software, along with autonomous driving and bin picking applications, drive market growth The machine vision industry had a positive 2025, exceeding expectations and growing by 5.2%, according to Interact Analysis. Despite anticipated tariff impacts, the market is forecast to achieve an average annual growth rate of 7.2% from 2025-30, rising from $5.9 billion to $8.3 billion over the forecast period. The latest machine vision report from the market intelligence specialist suggests growth was underpinned by strong advancements in 3D cameras and vision software, as increasing demand for precision and high-grade inspection accelerates the shift toward more intelligent vision systems. Autonomous driving and bin picking also lead the way as key applications for machine vision, which are driving growth in the industry. Interact Analysis analysts predict that APAC (excluding Japan) will remain the fastest growing region for machine vision, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1% from 2025-30, while Japan is forecast to achieve the lowest growth rate at 6%. The EMEA region experienced the lowest level of growth in 2025 at 0.8%, although the region still exceeded expectations, with earlier forecasts predicting a -1.4% decline. Despite a poor 2025, the machine vision industry in the EMEA region is expected to improve in 2026, with projected growth of 3.9%, and the region is expected to outpace Japan from 2025-30, with an average annual increase of 6.7%. APAC remains the largest and fastest-growing region for machine vision out to 2030 Logistics forecast to be the fastest-growing industry for machine vision Interact Analysis reports that rising automation in warehousing, sorting, and distribution has driven demand for machine vision in the logistics industry. Logistics is predicted to be the fastest-growing industry for machine vision from 2025-30, expanding from $494 million to $898 million at an average of 12.7% a year. The report also reveals that bin picking and autonomous mobile robots are the fastest-growing applications for machine vision within the logistics industry. Despite the strong growth of the logistics industry, electrical and electronics is anticipated to remain the largest industry for machine vision, expanding from $742 million to almost $1.1 billion between 2025 and 2030. Tariffs had a minimal impact on growth Despite initial caution within the machine vision market in early 2025, Interact Analysis has revealed that tariffs have ultimately had a small impact on machine vision, and demand remains strong. Tariffs have resulted in modest price increases being passed through to end-users, although this has had minimal impact on demand, and prices are projected to stabilize going forward. Jonathan Sparkes, Interact Analysis Market Analyst, says, “Tariffs introduced in early 2025 initially created uncertainty for the machine vision market, as vendors and end-users assessed potential cost implications and adjusted purchasing plans. Despite these concerns, the market has demonstrated notable resilience, with continued adoption across manufacturing and non-manufacturing applications. In many cases, additional costs have been partially passed through as modest price increases, which have helped support revenue growth and partially offset margin pressures.” About the Report: This report provides an understanding of the market and economic trends that drive and constrain the growth of machine vision products by industry, application, and country. It is built through extensive primary research and supplier reporting, and utilizes data from Interact Analysis’s “Manufacturing Industry Output Tracker,” well respected for its credible, country-level industry forecasts, which inform the machine vision forecast. The report now features a Premium edition, which includes an additional 3D camera analysis (highly granular data) and a mid-year update to all forecasts. About Interact Analysis With over 200 years of combined experience, Interact Analysis is the market intelligence authority for global supply chain automation. Our research covers the entire automation value chain – from the technology used to automate factory production, through inventory storage and distribution channels, to the transportation of the finished goods. The world’s leading companies trust us to surface robust insights and opportunities for technology-driven growth.

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U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 16, 2026

Wed, 20 May 2026 18:15:14 +0000

The Association of American Railroads has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 16, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 511,216 carloads and intermodal units, up 4.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending May 16 were 230,497 carloads, up 0.6 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 280,719 containers and trailers, up 7.3 percent compared to 2025. Seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included grain, up 2,066 carloads, to 23,173; metallic ores and metals, up 1,044 carloads, to 22,450; and petroleum and petroleum products, up 1,004 carloads, to 11,278. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 were coal, down 3,667 carloads, to 55,302; miscellaneous carloads, down 634 carloads, to 9,658; and nonmetallic minerals, down 136 carloads, to 32,515. For the first 19 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 4,297,732 carloads, up 3.4 percent from the same point last year; and 5,262,810 intermodal units, up 0.9 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 19 weeks of 2026 was 9,560,542 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 2.0 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending May 16, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 341,822 carloads, up 1.6 percent compared with the same week last year, and 374,372 intermodal units, up 6.7 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 716,194 carloads and intermodal units, up 4.2 percent. North American rail volume for the first 19 weeks of 2026 was 13,154,868 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.9 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 96,919 carloads for the week, up 4.4 percent, and 78,109 intermodal units, up 1.0 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 19 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,115,805 carloads, containers and trailers, up 0.3 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,406 carloads for the week, down 1.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 15,544 intermodal units, up 29.2 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 19 weeks of 2026 was 478,521 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 9.2 percent from the same point last year.

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Transvaal training confirmed as official judges for the Forklift Driver Competition taking place at Electra Mining Africa

Wed, 20 May 2026 13:34:23 +0000

Following the tremendous success of the 2024 Forklift Driver Competition, Lifting Africa has announced that Transvaal Training has once again been confirmed as the official judging partner for the upcoming Forklift Driver Competition taking place at Electra Mining Africa. The return of Transvaal Training reinforces the competition’s strong focus on operator excellence, safety standards, and professional skills development in the materials-handling industry. Their involvement as judges during the 2024 competition was widely praised for ensuring fair, professional, and technically accurate assessments throughout the event. Hosted by Lifting Africa and supported by Platinum Sponsors Acrow Racking & Shelving and Jungheinrich, the Forklift Driver Competition has rapidly established itself as one of the most exciting live industry activations at Electra Mining Africa. Industry Expertise Ensuring World-Class Standards Transvaal Training is one of South Africa’s leading operator training and skills development providers, with extensive experience in forklift operator certification, lifting machinery training, occupational safety, and compliance education. Their team of experienced instructors and assessors brings valuable technical expertise and real-world operational knowledge to the judging process. Competitors will be evaluated across a series of practical challenges designed to simulate real operating conditions, with judging criteria focused on: Safety compliance Precision handling Operational efficiency Equipment control Technical competence Professionalism under pressure The involvement of Transvaal Training ensures that the competition maintains the highest possible industry standards while promoting the importance of accredited operator training and workplace safety. Building on the Momentum of 2024 The 2024 competition attracted significant attention from the materials handling, logistics, warehousing, and mining sectors, drawing skilled operators from across South Africa and creating a high-energy environment that showcased the professionalism of forklift operators within modern industry. “The response to the 2024 competition exceeded all expectations,” says Surita Marx, owner of Lifting Africa and organiser of the competition. “Having Transvaal Training return as our official judges adds tremendous credibility to the competition and further strengthens our commitment to promoting safety, skills development, and operator excellence across the industry.” Entries Open for Licensed Operators Licensed forklift operators from across Southern Africa are encouraged to enter and compete for substantial cash prizes, industry recognition, and the prestigious title of Forklift Driver Champion. Participants will compete live at Electra Mining Africa in front of thousands of exhibition visitors, industry professionals, and media representatives. Entries can be submitted via: www.forkliftdrivercompetition.co.za or email forkliftcompetition@liftingafrica.co.za About the Forklift Driver Competition The Forklift Driver Competition was created to celebrate the critical role forklift operators play in ensuring safe and efficient operations in industrial, warehousing, mining, and logistics. The competition provides a professional platform for operators to demonstrate their technical skills while highlighting the importance of ongoing training and safety awareness in the workplace. Media Invitation Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the competition during Electra Mining Africa. The event offers exciting live-action visuals, human-interest stories, technical demonstrations, and valuable insight into one of the most important operational roles within the industry.

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Harmony in Motion: MHEDA’s 2026 Convention unites the industry in Nashville

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:36:09 +0000

The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) successfully concluded its 2026 Annual Convention & Exhibitor Showcase, held May 2–6 in Nashville, Tennessee. Centered around the theme “Harmony in Motion”, the event welcomed more than 670 industry professionals representing over 280 companies for a week of education, networking, collaboration, and strategic industry insight. The sold-out Exhibitor Showcase featured leading companies from across the industry, highlighting innovative products, technologies, and solutions designed to help businesses remain competitive in an evolving market. The showcase served as a hub for valuable relationship-building, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussion. The Convention featured an engaging lineup of keynote speakers and industry experts, including Jimmy Yeary, John O’Leary, and Joe Mull, who shared perspectives on leadership, innovation, workforce development, technology, economic trends, and business growth strategies. Attendees also participated in workshops, roundtable discussions, and peer-to-peer conversations focused on the real-world challenges impacting material handling companies today. In addition to educational programming, attendees enjoyed a variety of networking experiences throughout Nashville, creating opportunities to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and build new connections across all segments of the industry. The MHEDA Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament also returned this year, bringing attendees together in support of the MHEDA Foundation Scholarship Fund. MHEDA extends its sincere appreciation to all attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and industry partners who helped make the 2026 Convention & Exhibitor Showcase a success. Attendees can relive the experience by visiting the 2026 Convention Recap page on the MHEDA website. MHEDA looks forward to continuing to support the industry through year-round programs, education, networking opportunities, and resources. Save the date for MHEDA’s 2027 Convention, May 1–5, at the Loews Arlington Hotel in Arlington, Texas. Learn more at https://www.mheda.org/future-convention-dates/

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How Bobcat Company and The Salvation Army are Helping Communities Prepare Before Disaster Strikes

Tue, 19 May 2026 16:38:56 +0000

Bobcat Expands Disaster Relief Partnership with The Salvation Army, Reaching $1.35M in Equipment Donations Since 2024 Bobcat Company is expanding its partnership with The Salvation Army to further support disaster preparedness and relief efforts. Through this expanded commitment, Bobcat has donated an additional $465,000 in equipment—bringing total donations to more than $1.35 million since 2024.  In 2024, Bobcat donated 23 critical pieces of equipment, including forklifts, portable generators and light towers, to aid The Salvation Army’s disaster response operations following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. That donation was deployed across the Southeast, ensuring faster, more effective relief for impacted communities. Its latest donation, which includes portable generators and light towers, will support six Salvation Army locations across the United States—Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and New York—strengthening the organization’s fleet across multiple territories. With the continued support of Bobcat, The Salvation Army is equipped to respond quickly to emergencies and provide sustained relief in communities most impacted by natural disasters.   “The support from Bobcat enables our Emergency Disaster Services teams to respond quickly and effectively when communities face disasters,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “With reliable equipment like generators, forklifts and light towers, we can provide critical services—meals, distribution of emergency supplies, and emotional and spiritual care—without delay. We are deeply grateful for Bobcat’s ongoing partnership and commitment to helping us serve those in greatest need across the country.” According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the United States averaged 23 billion‑dollar weather disasters per year between 2020 and 2024—up from an average of just three per year in the 1980s. As disasters become more frequent and severe, emergency response organizations like The Salvation Army increasingly rely on mobile power and lighting solutions, including generators and light towers, to operate continuously and deliver essential support when communities need it most. Bobcat’s investment builds on a strong legacy of supporting the communities where its employees, dealers and customers live and work. The company’s equipment is often at the forefront of cleanup and recovery efforts following hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires—helping communities rebuild faster and stronger.  “Our mission at Bobcat is to empower people to accomplish more, and that includes lifting up communities in their time of greatest need,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc. “By deepening our partnership with The Salvation Army, we’re helping their teams reach more individuals, deliver more services and make a greater impact when it matters most.” Together, Bobcat and The Salvation Army are ensuring disaster relief teams are equipped to respond efficiently, extend their reach and provide essential services to individuals and families across the country. 

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