Material handling is very important when it comes to the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products in industries like manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and more. We have material handling equipment available today which makes the material handling job easy and fast.

The most common tasks involved in material handling are offloading, storing, picking, and transporting goods efficiently and safely throughout the supply chain. Efficient management of materials is essential for maximizing output, cutting expenses, and guaranteeing prompt order fulfillment. Businesses can improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and material handling safety by implementing equipment, automation, and standard operating procedures. This process plays a vital role in logistics, manufacturing, and other sectors by streamlining material flow and improving overall warehouse management.

Types of Material Handling Equipment

The 4 main types of material handling equipment are storage and handling equipment, industrial trucks, engineered systems, and bulk material handling equipment.

Here is each one of them and their common uses:

1. Storage and Handling Equipment

This category includes shelves, bins, drawers, stacking frames, and racks used to hold items when they are not being transported.

Common Uses:

• Shelves – Free up floor space while keeping items accessible.
• Stacking Frames – Save space and protect fragile items.
• Bins and Drawers – Hold small to medium-sized items.
• Mezzanines – Add extra floor space for storage.

2. Industrial Trucks

Vehicles and transportation items are used to move materials within a facility.

Common Uses:

• Forklifts – Lift and transport heavy objects.
• Order Pickers – Efficiently load or unload heavy objects.
• Pallet Jacks – Transport materials on pallets.

3. Engineered Systems

Automated systems that transport large amounts of products around the facility.

Common Uses:

• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) – Efficient storage and retrieval of items.
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) – Automated transportation within the facility.

4. Bulk Material Handling Equipment

Equipment for controlling and transporting bulk materials in loose form.

Common Uses:

• Conveyors – Mechanical handling equipment that moves materials from one location to another.
• Stackers – Lift and stack heavy loads in warehouses.
• Hoppers – Funnel loose materials into containers.

Each type of material handling equipment serves a specific purpose in efficiently moving, storing, and processing goods within a facility or warehouse.