The right new or used material handling equipment can make a big difference in your efficiency and maximization of space utilization. Both impact your productivity, safety, and costs. The more efficiently you can operate your warehouse or distribution center, the lower your labor costs will be.

Material handling equipment comes in four main types.

The Four Main Types of Material Handling Equipment

Storage and Handling Equipment

Storage equipment is used to hold materials while they wait to be transported to their final destinations or used in production. It includes:

• Pallet racks, push-back racks, drive-through racks
• Shelves, bins, and drawers
• Mezzanines

Engineered Systems

New or used material handling equipment includes engineered systems that work autonomously for efficient storage and transportation. Systems include:

• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
• Conveyor systems
• Robotic delivery systems
• Automated guided vehicles (AGV)

Bulk Material Handling Equipment

Some warehouses have bulk handling requirements to move materials that are loose or in large quantities. Bulk material handling equipment can include:

• Conveyor belt systems
• Reclaimers
• Hoppers
• Silos

Industrial Trucks

Industrial trucks include the equipment you use to load or unload items, such as:

• Forklifts
• Pallet jacks
• Hand trucks
• Walkie stackers

Used Material Handling Equipment for Sale

While many operators buy new equipment, used material handling equipment for sale is also a viable option. When budgets are tight or you need to replace equipment, buying used can save money and still provide high-quality material handling equipment.

By working with Conesco Storage Systems, you can find used material handling equipment for sale, with years of life left. Conesco is one of the industry’s largest suppliers of material handling equipment and largest warehouse liquidators, giving you the option to evaluate both new and used equipment to find the right fit.

At Conesco, we make sure any used equipment we sell maintains structural integrity so it functions safely. We can find anything you need and work with your budget to provide the used material handling equipment you need. Conesco is not an auction house, but a specialist in warehouse solutions, so you get high-quality, functioning material handling equipment when you work with us.

With locations in Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Utah, Washington, and Illinois, Conesco sells nationwide, backed by a team with a combined 400+ years of industry experience. Services include installs, freight and coordination, warehouse plans and strategy, and material handling consulting.

Considering Used Material Handling Equipment?

Should you buy new or used? The decision is yours, but there are some advantages to buying used.

Cost Savings

Of course, the biggest is substantial cost savings. Equipment has been depreciated by the original owner, so you can get material handling equipment at a steep discount from the original price, sometimes up to 30% to 50% less.

For operators working with tight CapEx budgets, used equipment may allow for the purchase of equipment and automation systems that would otherwise be out of reach.

Balance of Costs and Functionality

Used material handling equipment may lack some of the technological advancements or manufacturer warranties, but it can still deliver the core functionality you need to strike the right balance between capability and cost-effectiveness.

Adding Short-Term Capacity

Many operators find used equipment is a flexible option for adding capacity to handle temporary needs or seasonal peak volumes. This keeps warehouses running smoothly without requiring large, long-term capital investments that might not deliver the ROI you need.

Risk Mitigation

Buying used can mitigate risks associated with long equipment replacement cycles. Fluctuations in customer demand, evolving technology, shifting distribution models, and industry consolidation can make large capital outlays risky or unwise.

Get Used Material Handling Equipment You Can Trust

At Conesco, high-volume purchasing enables us to secure quality used equipment at highly affordable costs, with savings passed on to our customers. But more importantly, Conesco is your experienced partner in optimizing used equipment for maximum productivity in your unique operations. Beyond just selling equipment, our team offers complete support and guidance—conducting in-depth assessments to fully understand your workflows, volumes, and pain points before recommending used equipment solutions.

Our team will work with you to develop a custom plan tailored to your specifications and capacity thresholds, while designing layouts that seamlessly integrate equipment with your existing infrastructure. We handle equipment configuration, facility modifications, and installation services and provide trained technicians so your expanded operations powered by used handling systems can get up and running smoothly.

Call the Conesco team at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation online to discuss your used material handling equipment.

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. CONTACT US.

Conesco can help. Complete our contact form or call us directly at: (303) 690-9591.

It seems that we all have that one piece of equipment. Maybe it is a forklift that’s aging. The lift is slow, the mast shimmies at full extension, and the battery does not hold its charge long. Upgrading to a new model with a more rugged triple mast and side shift is what you need, but it costs more than your budget can manage.

Maybe it’s that pallet rack that seems to work fine but is showing signs of age, and you are concerned about its condition and safety.

The solution might be buying high-quality used material handling equipment—if you know what to look for and where to find it. Whether you need storage systems, automation, or industrial trucks, the team at Conesco Storage Systems can help you find exactly what you need to get the job done safely, efficiently, and affordably.

If you are searching for “used material handling equipment for sale near me,” here is the information you need.

Why Buy Used Material Handling Equipment?

When you purchase used equipment, you get a substantial discount, often ranging from 30% to 50% off prices for new models. This lets you upgrade, replace, or add material handling equipment you might not otherwise be able to afford. Even if you have the capital available, you want to spend it in the most cost-effective way. With the right equipment, you have a more efficient and productive warehouse operation.

Cost savings are not the only reason to consider purchasing “used material handling equipment near you.” If the equipment has been properly maintained, it can have a long lifecycle and often functions just as well as new.

Many warehouses and distribution centers opt for used equipment to mitigate risk. For example, when you buy new equipment, it requires a significant long-term capital investment. Yet, fluctuating demand may limit its use. New technologies might hit the market that you need. You might be thinking about M&A or consolidation. Used equipment can be an attractive option to avoid tying up cash in equipment that you may or may not need for the long term.

Pros and Cons of New vs Used Material Handling Equipment

There are pros and cons to buying used, just as there are for new equipment. You will want to consider each in terms of your operation to find the best fit. Here is a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing new vs. used material handling equipment.

As you can see, used equipment can provide significant benefits, but it is not always the solution. You will want to work with material handling experts to identify the right fit for you.

Used Material Handling Equipment for Sale Near Me

One of the keys to finding high-quality used material handling equipment is working with the right partner. Conesco Storage Systems is an industry leader in new and used material handling equipment and one of the nation’s top warehouse liquidators. This gives our team access to a wide variety of used equipment.

With 400+ years of combined industry experience, the Conesco team can properly assess the quality and condition of used equipment. This avoids buying equipment that is in poor condition or taking a risk on buying at auction sites. With Conesco, you will know exactly what you are getting and the results you can expect.

Conesco also provides additional services that can streamline the purchasing and installation process, including:

• Installs, teardowns, and transitions
• Freight and coordination
• Warehouse planning
• Engineering and permitting
• Material handling consulting

Regardless of your material handling equipment needs—new or used—Conesco has industry-leading solutions that fit your budget. We offer a wide variety of options for pallet racking, conveyance, mezzanines, pick modules, specialty equipment, and more. Our team works to maximize your investment so you get efficient, affordable solutions for full facility utilization.

To explore options, request a free consultation to discuss your needs. The Conesco team will help you to identify the right types of equipment, timelines, and priorities. Our team will source equipment options, and you will get a custom proposal.

Conesco Storage Systems operates nationwide. Call the Conesco team at (303) 690-9591 to find high-quality “used material handling equipment near you.”

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. CONTACT US.

Conesco can help. Complete our contact form or call us directly at: (303) 690-9591.

The warehouse industry is experiencing a significant evolution. Rapidly changing customer demand and broad industry consolidation are just two recent trends that impact how operators staff and equip their facilities.

Whether you are in the market to buy used material handling equipment for sale or looking to sell some or all of your material handling equipment, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will explain how to sell used material equipment near you, how to buy the right type of used equipment, the four types of material handling equipment, and how to choose the best supplier for the best deals.

This information can help you get top dollar for equipment and material handling machines you are selling and find high-quality used equipment at a significant discount from buying new.

Essential Material Handling Equipment List

While your warehouse equipment list may vary, it generally breaks down into four types of material handling equipment.

Storage and Racking Solutions

Warehouses utilize specialized storage equipment and racking to optimize space while allowing easy access to inventory. Common examples include:

• Pallet racks, push-back racks, drive-in racks, drive-through racks for dense storage and easy retrievability
• Cantilever racks or t-slot racks for handling long items
• Shelving for smaller items or hand loading
• Mezzanines to add additional storage capacity above equipment

Automated Handling Systems

Advanced facilities often incorporate engineered material handling systems that automate key functions, such as:

• Conveyors to move goods from one location to the next via rollers or belts
• Sortation systems to automate routing to processing or production stations
• Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRs) to load pallets without human interaction
• Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) to streamline production and reduce labor costs

Lift Trucks and Accessories

Lift trucks are on the essential material handling equipment list as they are needed to unload, load, and transport palletized goods. Examples include:

• Forklifts to lift pallets to various heights and move items
• Pallet jacks to slide under pallets for loading and unloading
• Hand trucks for manual transport
• Lift tables for raising and lowering items

Bulk Storage and Transport

Some inventories are better handled in large quantities than as pallets or packages. Typical bulk handling gear includes:

• Front-end loaders and lift trucks to move loose material from piles or storage
• Conveyor belts for transporting high volumes quickly across distances
• Silos to contain bulk liquids, grains, powders, or aggregates
• Reclaimers to retrieve commodities quickly

Used Material Handling Equipment for Sale

Whether you are looking to sell or buy used material handling equipment for sale, there are some key things you need to know. Who you work with is crucial to getting a fair deal. Let’s break down best practices for buying and selling used material handling equipment near you.

Buying “Used Material Handling Equipment Near Me”

Buying quality pre-owned equipment can often net your savings of 30% to 50% off the purchase price of new equipment. This makes upgrading equipment more affordable, as well as allowing you to buy material handling equipment you otherwise might not be able to purchase.

Even if you have the capital available to spend, you should evaluate the option of used material handling equipment for sale before overspending. Any savings can be invested in other areas of your operation.

As the warehouse industry is constantly changing, there is often a large stock of available quality units that match current models’ durability and functionality. When properly maintained, material handling equipment can have a long lifecycle. By working with reputable resellers, you can get years of problem-free service.

Business mergers, emerging technology, and fluctuating inventory levels due to customer demand can make long-term investments riskier. Used equipment buyers commit to spending less for acquisition, maintaining more flexibility, and will not need to take a big write-down if conditions force resale.

Evaluating Used Equipment

Before you start shopping, you should take stock of the equipment you currently have and your realistic needs. Look for areas where you need replacement or additions, focusing on areas that will bring the greatest return on investment. This helps prioritize purchases by creating a wish list that suppliers can use to make recommendations and focuses on the total cost of operation (TCO) over time to maximize your investment.

The professionals at Conesco Storage Systems provide a no-cost, no-obligation assessment of your warehouse needs to develop an optimal warehouse equipment list.

You will need to be comfortable that the equipment you are buying will be durable and meet your needs. Reputable sellers will furnish you with detailed histories to make decisions easier. When discussing equipment options, ask for specifics about:

• Manufacturer make, model, age, and purchase dates
• Price when initially purchased
• Maintenance and repair records (if available)
• Safety certifications
• Remaining warranty (if applicable)
• Previous ownership and number of owners

You will also want the option of doing an on-site inspection to see the material handling equipment first-hand or enable an independent inspection before finalizing a purchase. Even though used material handling equipment for sale is less expensive, it is still a significant investment, and you want to ensure it is the right fit for your warehouse or distribution center.

Conesco has a wide variety of material handling equipment available, so we can find you what you need to operate your warehouse efficiently, affordably, and safely. You can find deals for new and used equipment, including:

• Pallet racking
• Conveyors
• Mezzanines
• Cantilever racks
• Pick modules
• Lifts and machines
• Wire decking and shelving
• Carousels
• Lockers
• Automated storage and retrieval (AS/RS)
• And more.

Selling “Used Material Handling Equipment Near Me”

When you have used material handling equipment for sale, you want to get fair market value for your items. Who you work with is key to ensuring a smooth process and getting top dollar.

Your best bet is to work with a team like Conesco Storage Systems, an industry leader in warehouse liquidations. A team of dedicated and experienced buyers will work with you, doing an on-site visit to evaluate and document the material handling equipment you have for sale.

After examination, Conesco can put together an offer to maximize the value of your equipment.

There is a high demand for used material handling equipment. Because of the volume of deals Conesco handles, we have the purchasing power to support buying equipment in large quantities and a turnkey process to handle things from start to finish. Not only can we find a new home for your equipment and get you top dollar, but we can also help decommission equipment and disassemble, pack, and transport it securely to new locations to avoid any damage that could hurt your profits. We can also clean up after teardown, dispose of debris, grind down any floor anchors, and sweep the floors clean.

If you are downsizing, relocating, liquidating, consolidating, or replacing existing equipment, schedule a free consultation to discuss your options. The Conesco team will provide a detailed proposal for you in just a few days.

Finding the Right Supplier for Used Material Handling Equipment

When checking off your warehouse equipment list, you should be aware that there can be a big difference between sellers you consider buying from. You need to do your due diligence not just into the equipment you are considering, but also evaluate the source. Here are some of the key areas to probe.

Experience

Seasoned material handling equipment suppliers have expertise in evaluating gear qualities and flaws. They understand regulations, safety precautions, and equipment intricacies.

You should review seller backgrounds and look for established vendors known for quality. Study client references, reviews, and testimonials. Reputable firms earn customer trust one sale at a time, so look for someone who has a long list of satisfied clients.

Range of Inventory

Before buying, browse the seller’s inventory for needed products. Some dealers stock minimal equipment; others maintain vast warehouses. When you work with a supplier with a nationwide footprint and reputation as a leading warehouse liquidator, you will find more options.

Detailed Evaluations

A quality seller will provide a thorough evaluation of equipment histories. Ask for specifics like make, model, age, hours in use, maintenance records detailing repairs and part swaps, safety inspections, and any remaining manufacturer warranty coverage.

Ethical sellers furnish details. If you get vague responses, you should be wary.

Value-Added Services

Reputable used equipment sellers will make sure you get fully operational products.

The best companies offering used material handling equipment for sale will take the time to understand your specific needs to ensure you get the optimal gear—not just sell you what they have on hand. They will also provide a range of other services, such as:

• Logistics coordination, including securely packing and transporting equipment
• Expert labor services for installation, integration, and tear-down
• Warehouse planning and strategy
• Project management
• Facility and material handling equipment consulting

Working with a trusted partner takes the risks out of buying or selling pre-owned equipment.

Partnering With Conesco Storage Systems

When buying or selling “used material handling equipment near me,” you need an experienced partner to guide you through the process and maximize your results. Conesco Storage Systems is an industry leader in procuring and selling material handling equipment and warehouse liquidations.

On the buying side, Conesco offers access to one of the nation’s largest used equipment inventories. This wide range of inventory enables better equipment matching for specific operational needs. With more than 400 years of combined experience in the industry, the Conesco team ensures items meet strict safety and reliability standards before delivery.

For those selling excess material handling equipment, Conesco facilitates liquidating unneeded assets at fair market prices. During over three decades in business, Conesco has developed a large network of buyers and sellers to consistently move inventory.

In used material handling equipment, few providers match the breadth of Conesco’s offerings, in-house expertise, transparency, and customer service commitment. Conesco Storage Systems is your trusted partner, doing the heavy lifting, so you can stop worrying about your material handling needs and focus on growing a profitable business.

Frequently Asked Questions—FAQs

What are the four main purposes of material handling systems?

The four main purposes of material handling systems include:

• Streamlining movement and optimizing workflow: This leads to increased productivity and lower costs.
• Minimizing manual labor, maximizing space utilization, and reducing product damage: This results in less waste and higher profitability.
• Ensuring accurate tracking and providing real-time monitoring: This improves control over production and distribution.
• Automating or semi-automating material handling tasks: This reduces workplace injuries associated with heavy loads and creates a safer work environment.

Who are the top five pallet manufacturers?

According to Expert Market Research (EMR), the top five companies globally in the pallet market are:

• Brambles Limited: Australia
• Schoeller Allibert ABL: North Holland
• LOSCAM Group: Hong Kong
• Orbis Corporation: United States
• CABKA Group: Germany and the United States

Other major U.S. pallet manufacturers include New Pig, Illing Company, and Elkhart Plastics.

What are three types of storing equipment?

Depending on the type of business you operate, the three types of storage equipment may vary. Generally, they include:

• Racking systems, such as pallet racks, drive-in racks, and cantilever racks
• Shelving for items that do not require pallets
• Storage tanks or silos for loose or raw materials

Other common types of warehouse storage equipment include mezzanines, lockers, carousels, and automation equipment for efficient operations.

Contact Conesco Storage Systems at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation online to find your best options for “used material handling equipment for sale near me.”

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. CONTACT US.

Conesco can help. Complete our contact form or call us directly at: (303) 690-9591.

The warehouse industry is undergoing significant change. Rising labor costs, pressure to reduce operating expenses, and fluctuating demand are top-of-the-list items. Many warehouse operators trying to improve operations within tight budgets are searching for “used material handling equipment near me” as a way to maximize value.

Why Consider Used Material Handling Equipment?

The most compelling reason to buy used materials handling equipment is the significant cost savings over buying new—but there are other reasons, too.

Cost Savings

Used equipment has already been depreciated, so it is often available at a big discount. In other cases, warehouse liquidation has forced sellers to dispose of high-quality equipment that still has years of life. You can often find used materials handling equipment at prices 30% to 50% less than new, freeing up capital for other investments or adding to the bottom line.

Meeting Budget Constraints

Another key benefit of buying used is the ability to meet tighter budget constraints. New automated sorting systems and conveyors can be expensive enough to put them out of reach for many warehouse operators. The right used equipment can be a great solution.

Handling Short-Term/Seasonal Capacity

Used equipment can be a good option to fill shorter-term capacity, such as seasonal peaks. Paying large capital costs for equipment only needed for part of the year may not pencil out. Used equipment bridges this gap without straining budgets.

Mitigating Risk

Buying used material handling equipment mitigates risks associated with large, long-term capital investments into warehouse infrastructure. Demand fluctuations, new technologies, consolidation trends, and changing distribution models can make long equipment lifecycles risky.

Finding the Right Balance

Used equipment does come with some compromises. You may not get the most advanced technologies, energy efficiencies, and longer warranties, which come with new models. However, used equipment can deliver the core functionality you need and strike the right balance of functionality and value.

Used Material Handling Equipment Near Me

To find “used material handling equipment near me,” contact the material handling equipment experts at Conesco Storage Systems. As one of the industry’s largest warehouse equipment suppliers and warehouse liquidators, Conesco has access to a huge amount of used material handling equipment, including:

• Mezzanine
• Conveyors
• Push back racks
• Drive-in racks
• Pallet flows
• Stack racks
• Carousels
• Lockers
• Lifts
• Wire decking
• Cantilever racks
• Shelving
• Pallet racks
• Pick modules
• And more.

Because Conesco handles a high volume, you get affordable pricing on high-quality used equipment you can trust. Conesco also helps with design, planning, installation, and manpower to ensure your used material handling equipment is optimized throughout your warehouse. Conesco is more than just a seller. Our team will conduct an in-depth analysis to determine the extent of your needs and develop a plan to find the equipment you need to save time and money.

With a global network of industry partners and a wide variety of used and new options, we can help you maximize your investment for the full utilization of your warehouse facilities.

Conesco also offers a wide range of new and customized material handling equipment, often at a surprising discount compared to other distributors. Leveraging bulk buying power and deep relationships with vendors, you can find deals on new equipment that fits your budget.

Used Material Handling Equipment You Can Trust

When buying used equipment, you must work with a seller you trust. Conesco evaluates every piece of used equipment it takes in and provides an honest assessment of its condition and useful life. If available, we can provide maintenance logs and equipment histories as well as test functionality to ensure the equipment is in proper condition.

Dismantling, transporting, and reassembling materials handling equipment also takes experience to avoid damage. Conesco’s team of material equipment handling experts knows how to handle this process to avoid costly mistakes. Whether you are looking to expand, retrofit, redesign, or relocate your warehouse, our team of architects, engineers, and construction experts can help you find a custom solution that fits your business. We also provide highly-trained labor for safe and reliable relocation and assembly.

Call the Conesco team at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation online to discuss your used material handling equipment needs or request a quote.

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. CONTACT US.

Conesco can help. Complete our contact form or call us directly at: (303) 690-9591.

Your warehouse layout and equipment make a significant difference when it comes to flow and throughput. When you are looking to buy material handler equipment, it’s about more than just equipment pricing. Designing and operating an efficient warehouse requires a partner who understands modern warehouse needs and has deep experience in creating productive environments.

What Is Material Handling Equipment?

Material handling equipment includes all of the equipment you use to move, store, control, and process your materials and inventory. Over the past few years, there have been significant improvements in material handler equipment, creating opportunities for warehouse operators to streamline operations and cut costs. This has been particularly important in light of today’s challenging (and increasingly expensive) labor market and volatile economic conditions. With labor costs rising more than 7% over the past year, finding efficiencies and automating processes is key to cost control.

Warehouse Needs Are Evolving

The growth of eCommerce has led to increasing fulfillment challenges. Whether you are in the eCommerce business or not, you have probably seen the increased demand from customers for faster order processing and shipping. This demands increased efficiency.

An increased emphasis on automation to assure consistency and speed is crucial in meeting these needs. At the same time, some warehouse operators are looking for ways to downsize their workforce or facility infrastructure to reduce costs. Automation helps in both cases.

So, when you are looking to create these efficiencies, you need more than just a material handling equipment seller. You need an experienced partner who understands warehouse operations.

How to Find the Right Material Handler Equipment Partner

Here are a few areas to evaluate to find the right material handling equipment partner for your warehouse.

Consultative Approach

The right partner will take a consultative approach, taking the time to understand your current warehouse operations and challenges. This includes assessing your inventory systems, order profiles, fulfillment workflows, peak volumes, and bottlenecks. With this understanding, they can then recommend equipment and layout optimizations tailored to your needs.

Warehouse Design Experience

Partner with a company that has expertise in warehouse design and optimization. They should evaluate factors such as space constraints, inventory slots, order-picking strategies, storage methods, safety protocols, and automation integration. Experienced partners can develop smart facility layouts and material flows to reduce travel time and optimize productivity.

Workflow Assessments

Before installing any equipment, your partner should complete an in-depth workflow assessment. This evaluation can identify bottlenecks, redundancy, excess motion, and opportunities to streamline. Understanding workflow pain points ensures the right equipment gets placed in the right facility areas to address fulfillment process constraints.

Knowledge of Technology

The materials handling industry continually releases new equipment technology like smart conveyors, picking robots, autonomous mobile robots, and more. An ideal partner stays on top of these developments and can explain your options clearly.

They can then help select the best technologies for your operations today as well as build in flexibility for future technology adoption.

Automation Integration

Many warehouses are automating elements like inventory tracking, order routing, equipment controls, and metrics analysis. When adding automated equipment, make sure your partner has competence with relevant hardware and software integration. This experience ensures cohesive integration of automated controls and optimization of data tracking.

Customization

While many equipment options are turnkey, custom capabilities can optimize for unique layouts and workflows. Determine if your partner offers customized conveyors, platforms, controls, or modified picking stations tailored to your facility. These custom touches ensure optimized flow.

Choosing the Right Material Handling Equipment Partner

The right warehouse equipment can transform your operations, but mistakes are costly. It is crucial you find a warehouse equipment partner and not just an equipment vendor. Besides selling you equipment, a partner like Conesco will take the time to determine the extent of your needs and create a material handler equipment plan to maximize your operations.

Conesco has more than 30 years of experience in the material handler equipment business and is an industry leader in warehouse operations. Conseco can help you find cost-saving opportunities, including pre-owned material handling equipment. High-quality used material handling equipment like pallet racking, pick modules, conveyors, mezzanines, cantilever racking, carton flow, drive-in, and push back can reduce costs while providing significant operational improvements.

Call the Conesco team at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation online to discuss your warehouse equipment needs.

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. CONTACT US.

Conesco can help. Complete our contact form or call us directly at: (303) 690-9591.

We have seen the grim headlines. Ongoing labor shortage. Inflation continues. Recession may be looming. Customers are more demanding than ever. Shipping costs are rising. It’s clear the warehouse operations industry is challenging today. Warehouse operators need to focus on the opportunities in this uncertain economy, manage costs effectively, and still leverage growth opportunities.

Within that framework, warehouse operators are building budgets that focus on a few key areas for the year ahead. Here are some of the key warehouse planning trends for 2024, that you need to take into consideration.

Efficient and Agile Operations

As operations scale and evolve, warehouse budget planning and forecasts become more important than ever. Owners and operators seek ways to improve efficiency and reduce expenses.

You won’t get much relief on the labor side. Not only are wages rising and competition for warehouse workers increasing, but the number of people willing to perform warehouse jobs is declining.

An Amazon memo said the company could run out of available warehouse workers in the U.S. by 2024 unless it makes substantive changes to its business model. While Amazon has a notoriously high turnover rate, everyone is feeling the pinch. Some of the changes in the works include improvements in cost control, inventory management, maintenance, and automation.

Regardless of the economy, warehouse planning needs to focus on improving throughput and economies of scale. Warehouse budget planning for 2024 for equipment should include financial modeling and ROI analysis for investments to accomplish these goals.

Efficiency improvements through layout optimization and process streamlining can pay off in measurable ways.

Automation

Part of that efficiency is an increasing investment in automation. The warehouse automation market is expected to grow by another 15% per year, hitting $51.4 billion by 2025.

These are some inherent challenges in integrating automated systems with legacy warehouse management systems, so warehouse budget planning for 2024 should examine the ROI of deploying automation, including:

• Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
• Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
• Collaborative robots
• Articulated robotic arms
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Many operators are including the expansion of RFID tags in their warehouse planning. Rather than having to scan every bar code at entry, storage, pickup, and exit points, RFID can provide real-time inventory updates through the warehouse lifecycle.

Wearables, tracking beacons, and other Internet of Things solutions are on the agenda for many operators. 2024 may be the year to retool and examine emerging tech for more seamless operations.

Sustainable Practices

Automation is playing a role in sustainability as well. Automatic handling equipment like AS/RS can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel use by reducing forklift use.

It is not just automation, however. Companies today are looking for ways to incorporate more eco-friendly practices in warehouse planning and lower costs. 2024’s warehouse planning is likely to include looking at the viability of sustainable practices, such as:

• LED lighting
• Solar panels
• Reduced packaging
• Compact storage systems

Making the most of your storage space is key to maximizing operations. The optimal warehouse layout and storage system can be both efficient and eco-friendly.

Safe Operations

Attracting and retaining workers also requires a focus on safety as a priority. Without the proper warehouse layout, processes, and systems, a warehouse can be a dangerous place—second only to construction when it comes to fatal work injuries.

Warehouse planners are looking closely at workflow, making sure processes are in place to improve safety, promote ergonomics, and avoid setups with potential conflicts that can lead to accidents. Wider aisles, low-level racking, and increased ventilation are all under review heading into 2024. A well-designed warehouse layout and focus on safety training can go a long way toward creating safer conditions.

Contact Conesco Storage Systems

Conesco Storage Systems is a nationwide leader in warehouse material handling, providing full-service pallet racking, pick modules, conveyors, and more. Conesco helps warehouse operators maximize value, improve efficiency, amplify their space, and save time and money.

If you are looking for new or used material handling equipment or need help with your warehouse planning, the team of experts at Conesco is here to help with:

• Pallet racking
• Conveyors
• Mezzanines
• Cantilever racks
• Pick modules
• Lifts and machines
• Wire decking
• Shelving
• And more

Whether you are planning a new layout or installation, updating your current warehouse or storage systems, or decommissioning your warehouse, Conesco can help from design to project management, equipment, labor, engineering, and permitting.

Need help with material handling equipment or want to discuss your warehouse planning for 2024? Call the Conesco team at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation online.

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. CONTACT US.

Conesco can help. Complete our contact form or call us directly at: (303) 690-9591.