Unlock Tax Savings Through Section 179 As 2023 concludes, how can businesses cut costs while expanding operations? Section 179 is the answer. Section 179 of the US Tax Code offers a powerful solution, allowing companies to deduct the entire purchase price of qualifying material handling equipment in the year of acquisition. What is Section 179? Traditionally, businesses could only write off equipment depreciation annually. Section 179 changes the game, enabling companies to deduct the full purchase cost immediately. This section of the U.S. internal revenue code is an immediate expense deduct ..read more

It’s hard to believe 2023 is in full swing. The 2020s have been a wild ride, especially for those in the material handling industry. The global supply chain has faced unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While many business pundits predict that trends in material handling will likely continue to inch toward normalcy, there are a few changes likely on the horizon. The biggest industry trends in 2023 will likely be based on recovery from supply chain disruption and movement toward more advanced warehouse automation. Staying on top of these emerging trends can help your busi ..read more

Are you considering a career where you’re always on the move? If you like the idea of staying active at work and providing an essential service to supply chains, you might enjoy being a forklift operator. These skilled professionals work with industrial machines to lift and carry heavy loads in all kinds of settings. It’s a big job and involves safety training and know-how. Forklift operators are essential to keeping materials moving. But just how much do forklift drivers make? According to information from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forklift drivers and material movin ..read more

The future is now when it comes to material handling. Automated material handling solutions are changing the way manufacturing facilities and warehouses operate.  There are many reasons why letting technology take over your material handling operation can be a huge benefit. Let’s take a deeper look at why an automated material handling system from Naumann/Hobbs can improve operations and keep goods moving. What is an Automated Material Handling System? Efficiency reigns supreme in material handling. An automated material handling system can help you run an efficient warehouse or plant wit ..read more

Forklifts are an important part of many operations. You’ll find these powered industrial trucks on loading docks and in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and even certain retail stockrooms. Despite their importance in all kinds of businesses, there is some risk associated with using a forklift.  Data from the National Safety Council (NSC) indicates that forklifts caused 7,290 on-the-job injuries and 78 work-related fatalities in 2020. What are the main causes of injuries when using forklifts? Causes range from insufficient training to inefficient warehouse design. Naumann/Hobbs is prepare ..read more

Forklifts are powerful machines that keep materials moving. As such, they need to be in top working order for every use. Regular inspections can help make sure your equipment is ready when you need it. But how often should operators inspect their forklift? The answer might surprise you. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), powered industrial trucks, like forklifts, require regular inspections. Operators need to inspect their forklift every day or at every shift change. Doing so can help you stay safe as you get the job done. However, there’s more to forklift i ..read more

Knowing how to organize warehouse shelves means keeping a lean operation and making the most of the space in your facility. Organized warehouse shelves are essential to inventory management and keeping you functioning at peak efficiency. Even if your facility is operating well, optimizations to your shelving organization can prepare your warehouse for growth. How do you know how to organize warehouse shelves for maximum efficiency? Naumann/Hobbs, your strategic material handling partner, offers warehouse design and layout planning services to help you make the most of your space. Organizing yo ..read more

Why Training for Warehouse Workers Matters Warehouse and distribution centers around the country have been moving non-stop to fill nationwide orders. This means many facilities have to onboard new employees fast, without disrupting current workflows. Which makes operator safety training for those new employees top of mind. Training for warehouse workers is essential during the holiday rush and beyond. The right training program ensures optimal operational efficiency and is paramount for injury prevention. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there were 253,100 employer-repo ..read more

It’s almost hard to believe: 2022 has come to a close and 2023 has begun. The 2020s have been a wild ride, especially for those in the material handling industry. The global supply chain has faced unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While many business pundits predict that trends in material handling will likely continue to inch toward normalcy, there are a few changes likely on the horizon. The biggest industry trends in 2023 will likely be based on recovery from supply chain disruption and movement toward more advanced warehouse automation. Staying on top of these emer ..read more

Industrial storage spaces are filling up fast and warehouse capacity has become a hot topic for logistics and material handling businesses. Products, especially durable goods, are sitting in distribution centers as retail inventory increases while consumer demand decreases, resulting in an “inventory bloat.” A recent commercial real estate journal report suggests that warehouse vacancies hover around 1% in major markets, and some experts are predicting this most likely will last for several years.  In an ever-tightening market, many businesses are seeking solutions to deal with limited wa ..read more