It is difficult to imagine the effective implementation of logistics processes without the use of mechanization for handling operations and technological transport. Various devices are used to carry out these activities. One of the most widespread groups of technological transport devices are manual and powered industrial trucks, including lifting and towing trucks. The group of lifting trucks includes pallet trucks and stackers. Using the terminology regarding industrial trucks contained in the standards:
– PN-ISO 5053:1999 Powered industrial trucks. Terminology
– PN-M-78100:1977 Powered industrial trucks. Classification, definitions and symbols
– PN-M-78101:1977 Manual and trailer industrial trucks. Classification, definitions and symbols
I would like to present the general offer of this group of technological transport devices, as presented on the websites of domestic suppliers of the most well-known brands of this type of equipment. The offer is presented in Table 1.
Analyzing the information presented in the table, it can be noted that the suppliers’ offer does not include all types of trucks mentioned. This does not mean, however, that the trucks not marked in the table are not offered on the market. They are certainly trucks that are less commonly used in practice. It can also be observed that the variety of Japanese-branded trucks offered is relatively small. However, as the media reports, Japanese corporations are striving to acquire companies already operating on the European market to enrich their offer. An example of this is the acquisition by Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, through its European subsidiary Nissan Forklift Europe B.V., of 100% of the shares of the Swedish company ATLET AB. As life shows, it can be assumed that further company consolidations are inevitable. In order to meet customer expectations, many suppliers offer truck rentals and the sale of used trucks, not necessarily of the brand that is the main subject of their offer. Arrangements in this regard were also made based on data contained on the suppliers’ websites, which is reflected at the bottom of Table 1.
The truck rental offer is intended for companies that:
– do not need to have their own truck at all times
– need to quickly but temporarily increase the number of trucks at their disposal.
The sale of used trucks is intended to meet the needs of companies in the SME sector that need to have their own good equipment of this type, but for economic reasons cannot afford to buy new transport equipment.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 2/2008.