For every challenge, a reliable solution. What challenges does your business face? Are you facing rising operation costs?  Are you in need for more skilled workers? Are you not reaching the efficiency levels needed? At Toyota Industries Group, we understand that every business faces a unique set of challenges. Our job is to ensure you are equipped with a team of experts to help face those challenges with solutions.

Toyota Industries Group brings together the collective strength of industry leaders in their specific solution spaces. Four companies with one strategic vision – Toyota Material Handling, Vanderlande, Bastian Solutions and Raymond – means our customers have every resource and innovation they need throughout their operation.

Our goal is always to be the best provider possible, to be able to help customers solve any problem with the right solution. Toyota Industries Group delivers on that promise. By coupling Toyota Industries Group’s industry-leading expertise with its flagship brands, Toyota Industries Group offers a wide range of solutions in areas such as automation, forklifts, telematics, and robotics.

If it’s a more versatile forklift and warehouse fleet you need, we can help. If you need small scale automation and robotics, we can help. If you need massive automation overhauls, we can help with that, too. And if you need a combination of these things, our four major companies and other strategic operations are partnered to offer one integrative approach.

TIG is at the forefront of advancements in digital technologies and innovations that are driving massive change and creating efficiencies in the supply chain industry to meet demands in e-commerce, inventory management, warehouse operations, and more. Toyota Industries Group is commitment to continued innovation is helping prepare customers for the challenges of tomorrow.

From the factory to the field, Toyota Industries Group meets the diverse needs of customers all around the world. For every challenge, Toyota Industries Group has a reliable solution.

Original Post:  Sarah Nolting, Marketing Manager, Toyota Material Handling

Shipping containers are typically used to store and transport goods. However, they’ve gotten a second life lately as low-cost housing, retail building, and even swimming pools. As shipping container use continues to increase, you might see more of them in your city, far away from the ports where you expect to see them. Let’s explore the history and specifics of shipping containers, and the innovative ways people are using them today.

Who invented the shipping container?

The first shipping container was invented and patented in 1956 by a man from North Carolina named Malcolm McLean.

What is a shipping container?

Shipping containers are often called “The Box.” Most of them are made of steel with hinged doors and are typically used to store goods and stack on container ships for transport.

What are the measurements of a shipping container?

The standard measurement for a shipping container is called TEU. It stands for twenty-foot, equivalent unit. In other words, a twenty-foot container is one TEU. A forty-foot container is two TEUs. The width of a shipping container is always eight feet, although their heights can vary.

How much do they weigh?

Per ISO standards, shipping containers can weigh up to 11,000 pounds when empty and up to 68,000 pounds when loaded.

Where do you usually find shipping containers?

Many companies use shipping containers, but typically you see them at ports, rail yards, offsite storage facilities and manufacturing plants.

How has the expansion of the Panama Canal changed cargo transport?

With the completion of the expansion of the Panama Canal, ships capable of holding over 12,000 TEUs can now make the passage. That’s almost triple the previous capacity!

The completion of the expansion is expected to increase the number of TEUs being handled by approximately 5 percent per year, with the majority of the growth occurring on the East Coast.

The increase in ship size will drastically reduce the shipping time and cost from Asia to the East Coast and the growth will require more equipment to handle the increased volume. It will also improve business for the railroads and other support industries like storage yards.

What other ways do people use shipping containers?

Beyond housing, retail building and swimming pools, people use shipping containers as indoor gardens, saunas, portable toilets, fire training facilities, schools, and emergency hospitals.

 Original Post: Samantha Horton, Content and Communications Consultant, Toyota Material Handling USA

Whether it’s navigating through narrow aisles, moving pallets or picking large paper rolls, various environments present unique challenges for material handlers. IC and electric forklifts are divided into seven different classes that handle a wide range of needs. The types of forklifts in each class include:

• Class I: Electric motor rider forklifts are typically suitable for loading and unloading tractor-trailers and handling pallets. They’re ideal for indoor applications because they are quieter than other forklifts and create no emissions.

• Class II: Electric motor narrow aisle forklifts (reach trucks, order pickers) have maneuverability features that allow them to operate in tight spaces and narrow aisles. Typical uses for this class of forklifts include picking and storing inventory. These trucks provide users the ability to increase racking space without expanding their current warehouse.

• Class III: Electric pallet jacks, stackers and tow tractors comes in both rider and walk-behind models, often used to unload deliveries and move loads to a staging area where they can be handled by other types of forklifts.

• Class IV: IC cushion tire forklifts are IC-powered sit-down units designed for a wide range of indoor applications. Their solid, cushioned tires provide a smooth ride on indoor surfaces and they’re puncture-proof since they are not air-filled. Some of the specific applications in this class include forklifts built specifically to lift paper rolls, lifts designed for use in railcars and lifts that can move steel coils.

• Class V: IC pneumatic tire forklifts are similar to those in Class IV but were built primarily for outdoor use, including lumberyards, construction sites
and other outdoor applications.

• Class VI: Electric/IC engine tow tractors includes electric and IC engine tow tractors. These machines are most commonly used for towing loads rather than lifting. Trucks in this class are ideal for use at airports but are also commonly used in assembly line areas.

• Class VII: Rough terrain forklifts feature large, tractor-style tires and are powered almost exclusively by diesel engines for outdoor use in rugged terrain. Class VII trucks are most commonly used at lumberyards or construction sites to lift building materials to elevated work sites.

Of course, the types of applications will help determine which forklift is ideal for each operation. One of the other important considerations includes the cost of battery charging infrastructure vs. fuel expenses.

For the past 50 years, Toyota Material Handling has been working to bring you everything you need to help with your material handling needs. In an effort to innovate, TMH is proud to collaborate with Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics (TAL) company. TAL was formed in 2017, when Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) acquired Bastian Solutions, LLC to better align with market changes and customer needs in the area of logistics. TAL focuses on effectively blending advanced warehouse automation with material handling solutions TAL companies are working towards bringing technological enhancements to our customer’s facilities and provide solutions to clients to excel in their markets. Together with Toyota Material Handling, the North American leaders in forklift manufacturing and automation technology work as one to deliver quality and success in a new era of material handling solutions.

What are Advanced Logistics?

Logistics needs are shifting across industries to respond to a changing, internet sales driven era. When we speak of advanced logistics, we mean providing companies with technologies that respond to increased demands of the market and providing integrated material handling solutions that marry automated processes to manual operation. This could be many different things, from automated guided vehicles, to conveyor systems, and even different types of automated order picking machines. There are plenty of technologies that companies can use, and you can work with TAL professionals to see which types would work best for you.

What else does Toyota Advanced Logistics Offer?

As well as offering products to increase your throughput, TAL also offers several services that can assist you in achieving logistics success. Bastian Solutions, for example, can assist with conveyor design, labor management, distribution facility design, and fleet optimization. TAL and Bastian leadership understand the importance of ensuring that your operations are running at maximum efficiency, even after the implementation of the new technology. Operator and Supervisory training, change management, and workforce planning and forecasting are available. Toyota Material Handling and TAL want to make sure you receive a total logistics solution before, during, and after the automation process is installed.

As you can see, Toyota Material Handling and TAL are partnered to deliver on the promise to be the complete solution to your material handling needs. With so many different solutions, we are bound to help your operations increase efficiency, make use of your space, and continually help you reach your highest potential.

Original Post: Lucas Collom, Digital Projects Administrator, Toyota Material Handling

Did you know: 10,000 baby boomers will retire today – and every day – for the next 10 years?

The management and decision-making roles they leave vacant will be filled with the largest group in the U.S. workforce – millennials. Millennials have spent the better part of their lives online, connecting with friends on social media, conducting research with a simple Google search, and shopping for anything they desire – all from the comfort of their own homes. To stay relevant with this new generation of consumers, companies must be willing to adapt to the rapidly changing customer expectations.

One of my favorite quotes is attributed to Grace Hopper:

“The most dangerous phrase in the language is ‘We’ve always done it this way.’”

That rings true in many scenarios, but especially when it comes to meeting the ever changing needs of customers. The way business is conducted has changed over the years from face-to-face, to paper, to over the phone, and now to online-centric. The demand for convenient online business platforms will continue to rise as Generation Z enters the workforce.

For businesses, this means a higher demand for self-service portals, offering alternative ways to have questions answered without picking up the phone, and making business purchases as quick and easy as buying products at the touch of a button.

To hear more about “The Amazon Effect and the Need for Speed in Forklift Parts and Equipment Delivery”, listen to the webinar featuring Nick Ostergaard, Manager of eCommerce Sales & Operations and Marketing Systems at Toyota Material Handling.

Original Post:  Kayla Lumpford-Mitchell, eCommerce Marketing Specialist, Toyota Material Handling

1.  A History of Excellence and Leadership: Toyota’s forklift division began in 1956 in Japan with the introduction of the first Toyota forklift. Today, Toyota is the world leader in forklift sales.

2.  Safety Innovation: Toyota introduced the world’s first and only System of Active Stability (SAS). The system electronically monitors the forklift’s operations to help reduce the likelihood of both lateral and longitudinal tip-overs.

3.  Technical Innovation: In 2000, Toyota became the first major forklift manufacturer in the United States to offer AC technology to provide high performance and efficiency. The AC motor contains no springs, brushes, commutators or directional contractors, making is virtually maintenance free.

4.  #1 in Quality, Durability, Reliability, Value and Lowest Cost of Ownership: Toyota forklifts are ranked number one in numerous studies conducted by Peerless Research Group.

5.  More Than a Forklift Manufacturer, Toyota is a Full-Line Supplier: In addition to a full line of high-quality forklifts, Toyota offers other industrial equipment products including narrow aisle solutions, walkie stackers, automated guided vehicles (AGV’s) and tow tractors.

Click here to learn more about why you should consider choosing a Toyota forklift from Dillon Toyota Lift.

There are a lot of moving parts on a forklift that are critical to its operation and the mast chains are no exception. As you may already know, a forklift uses hydraulic pressure to raise the mast up by raising the lift cylinders. This, in turn, raises the inner mast channels, but without the lift chains, your forks and carriage aren’t going anywhere. And if your forks aren’t being lifted, you aren’t going to be getting much work done.

So how does it all work? As I explained, the lift cylinders will lift the inner mast rails, but the mast chains are actually responsible for lifting the carriage and forks. Each mast chain is attached to the carriage and then routed up and over a chain wheel that acts as a pulley. The chain is then bolted into a boss that is welded onto the inner mast rail. So when the mast rails raise, the chains also raise and thus the carriage goes up with it.

Mast Chain Wear and Inspection 

As you can imagine, having to carry the bulk of your load weight during thousands of lift and lower cycles can take its toll. This wear will eventually cause the mast chains to elongate or even show other signs of disrepair depending on their age, use, and operating conditions. Since the chains are responsible for holding up the forklift’s carriage and ultimately a potentially large and heavy load, ignoring these warning signs could lead to product damage, injuries, or worse.

Your mast chains should be inspected at the start of every shift as part of your inspection of the forklift’s lift/lower systems. When inspecting the chains, be sure to look out for the following warning signs:
1.Broken Links: Broken links can be caused by abnormal force on the chains whether from dropping a load or working on an uneven surface.
2.Turned Pins: Lack of lubrication will cause pins to turn. If you see one turned pin, it’s likely there will be more. Always make sure the chains are properly lubricated prior to use.
3.Wear or Elongation Over Three Percent**: Over time, forklift chains wear out. You’ll need a chain gauge to measure wear and elongation. If your chain has elongated over three percent, it’s time to replace it.

Be mindful that chain pitch can vary with different chain designs and different pitches have different limits for stretch or elongation. Most chain gages will have wear guides for multiple types and pitches, so be sure you are following the instructions based on your specific type.

If you’re ever in doubt, be sure to reach out to Dillon Toyota Lift for assistance with inspecting your forklifts. They can even schedule planned maintenance with you so that a technician can inspect your forklifts at pre-determined intervals for all of these issues and more.

** Any elongation of your forklift chain should be properly inspected by a qualified technician.

Original Post:  Trinton Castetter, Product Marketing Specialist, Toyota Material Handling, USA

Peak seasons are an exciting time for any business. These busy seasons can mean increased orders, fulfillment requests, and, best of all, revenue. But peak seasons can also be stressful times that lead to warehouse inefficiencies and cause lost opportunities. Lead time can get extended and damage your reputation if you haven’t planned effectively for a higher than normal volume. Here are three useful questions to ask as you prepare for your upcoming peak season:

Do I have the right equipment for increased velocity?

Sometimes the right warehouse equipment is a full sit-down forklift (like a 3-wheel electric) that can move large pallets of numerous individual products to high velocity picking areas. For other warehouses in peak seasons, versatile hand pallet or electric walkie pallet jacks that can quickly cover short distances with limited touches are the answer. But as you come into your peak season, take an inventory and make sure you have the right material handling equipment to get the job done.

Do I need to reorganize my warehouse during peak seasons?

Perhaps it makes sense to keep pallets of high velocity, peak season products on pallets near the shipping area. Or maybe high velocity products need to be placed on lower racking levels for easier access by forklift operators and order picking personnel. Your distribution and supply chain needs will dictate what you need, but it’s worth asking if you can reorganize to be more efficient during peak seasons.

Can I increase efficiency by cross docking?

The goal of any productive warehouse is to eliminate touches on each product. If you can decrease the number of times a product needs to be moved, then you can shorten your lead time for customer delivery. During high-demand periods, you might consider whether you have an opportunity for cross docking, or the process of receiving a product and then shipping it to its next location without ever moving it to short or long term storage in a warehouse. If peak seasons demand quick delivery of products, it might be best to grab a hand pallet or electric walkie pallet jack and immediately put that received product on the next truck for shipping.

Original Post:  Jake Stewart, Digital Copywriter, Toyota Material Handling, USA

Toyota Forklifts are built to be reliable, but the life of all material handling equipment will eventually come to an end. As an operations manager, you’re in control of when to get new machines into your operation. And as an operator, you know when your forklift is breaking down way too often. When bigger issues arise or when several small issues are keeping your forklift out of use, you may be asking yourself “Is it worth the time and money to put into this old machine?” This question means you’re considering the economic life of your forklift. Every forklift has two lives, its useful life, and its economic life. Useful life is pretty simple. If your forklift cannot be repaired, and is no longer used productively, then it has seen the end of its useful life. Economic life is more complicated, and requires more planning for both use and material procurement. This information can help you decide if your forklift’s economic life is coming to an end.

Economic life is the time span it makes financial sense to maintain your forklift, rather than replacing it. You know your forklift has reached the end of its economic life when the cost of the repairs are more expensive than the cost of purchasing a new one. The stress of having a forklift out of service on both an operation and the people who run it should lead you to have a good understanding of a forklift’s economic life. First, make sure you are planning for the replacement of your older forklifts. On average, most forklifts will need to be replaced around 10,000 hours, but can even be around 8,000 hours or less for those in unique applications. With the help of our economic life of a forklift calculator, you can get insight into when your forklift will need to be replaced. This allows you to easily determine a budget, and make it a more positive experience for you and your company. It can also influence your decision on whether you want to lease or buy your next forklift or forklift fleet. Leasing is sometimes an option that can help you reduce diminishing returns from a forklift with an expired economic life.

If you are putting off getting a new forklift and constantly maintaining your old one, you could be losing a lot of profits while the forklift is experiencing downtime. It’s never too late to start planning to improve the efficiency of your operation, whether you’re looking to acquire a forklift soon, have just done so, or are using an old forklift that might be past its prime. 

Original post:  Lucas Collom, Digital Projects Administrator, Toyota Material Handling, USA