Determine the right material handling system for your business

A material handling system may include pallet racks, which come in many configurations and weight classes and can be configured to meet your exact business needs. The weight of the product and the amount of time it may sit in the warehouse all factor into how sturdy the pallet rack needs to be.

I recommend: GlobalIndustrial.com offers a multitude of material handling system components, including pallet rack systems that can accommodate varying degrees of weight. Handling Innovations deals exclusively in plastic pallets, while Coastal Pallet Corp. custom builds wood pallets for its customers. 

Make sure your warehouse equipment list includes lifting devices

Some form of lifting device, such as a forklift or vertical conveyor, is a necessary piece of warehouse equipment as it allows complete pallets to be easily transferred throughout the warehouse and stacked floor to ceiling if necessary.

I recommend: Register for free at GlobalSpec.com and gain access to its searchable database of 464 companies specializing in the sale of warehouse equipment, such as forklifts. For a more modular vertical transportation option, check out the spiral conveyors at Apollo VTS, which are available in a variety of colors.  

Invest in strong industrial shelving

Because the warehouse setting is much more rugged than the retail environment, you need industrial shelving that is of a higher caliber than standard consumer-strength shelves.

I recommend: Mecalux offers a wide variety of warehouse ready, industrial shelving, including drive-in racking, mobile pallet racking and a push-back system. Other vendors specializing in heavy metal industrial shelving include Material Handling Exchange and Yankee Supply. For a variety of options, take a look at Business.com's directory pages on storage racks, steel shelving and wire shelving.  

Save money by leasing material handling equipment

Leasing used warehouse equipment can provide business owners with an additional source of credit while allowing them to conserve capital and expand their budget.

I recommend: Learn the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding equipment leasing, and specifically forklift leasing, from Ervin Leasing and Liberty Lease, respectively. A selection of additional used material handling equipment, including rolling ladders, is available at RackExpress.