Be smart by utilizing material handling lift tables and work positioners to make work easier and faster for employees doing it. This way, your staff members don’t have to bend, reach, lift, or move things over and over again. Eliminating the strain allows more time and money to gain!
Lift and bend less Lift tables raise or lower loads to a comfortable working height, so you don't have to do as much physical work.
Make things more ergonomic Work positioners let workers put parts, tools, bins, and other things at the right height and angle.
Move materials faster Workers can move heavy or awkward loads with less manual labor, which cuts down on the time it takes to move from one production step to the next.
Keep workers from getting tired Handling things with less stress can help your workers keep up a steady pace throughout their shift.
Make positioning more accurate Positioners make it easier to tilt, rotate, and precisely place cumbersome items where they need to be safely stored.
Minimize product damage Manually lifting or moving large components is not as safe as controlled movement and positioning.
Maintain productivity By staging materials near the point of use, needless walking to search for items can be avoided.
Promote safer operations Well-designed lifting and positioning equipment minimizes the need for workers to carry out difficult, awkward and manual handling duties that can result in injury.
The basic productivity chain is:
Better material positioning → less operator effort → less fatigue → faster, more consistent work → fewer handling errors → greater throughput and production yield.
A lift table, for instance, can raise a pallet of parts to waist height during the assembly process. Individual parts can then be brought straight into the operator's desired working position using a work positioner. The operator may focus on assembly and value-added production rather than constantly bending over, lifting items, and having to turn with them.
As a result, the material-handling process may become more efficient and ergonomic while producing more completed tasks per hour with fewer disruptions, better worker comfort, and more consistent quality.
College move-in is one of the busiest periods of the year for universities, and efficient material handling plays a critical role in creating a smooth experience for students, parents, and staff. Moving into a college dorm can feel hectic, but a little planning makes the day much smoother. The right equipment helps reduce congestion, improve safety, and speed up the move-in process.;
Before you arrive:
Pack in stackable boxes, bins, or rolling totes . They're easier to carry and can be used for storage.
Label everything with your name, residence hall, room number, and phone number.
Coordinate with your roommate to avoid bringing duplicate items like a mini fridge, microwave, TV, or coffee maker.
Review your school's packing list and prohibited items before move-in day.
Common material handling solutions used during college move-in include:
Plastic storage bins – Makes an easy way to pack necessities for move-in day. These bins can give your student dust-free storage all year in the dorm and are great for storing things during summer break.
Platform carts – Ideal for transporting boxes, mini refrigerators, televisions, luggage, and other bulky belongings from vehicles to residence halls.
Rolling utility carts – Used by housing staff and volunteers to move supplies, cleaning materials, and maintenance equipment.
Hand trucks and dollies – Perfect for heavy appliances, furniture, and stacked boxes.
Temporary modular storage – Provides secure storage for overflow furniture, packages, and move-in materials during peak periods.
Mobile shelving and storage racks – Organize move-in supplies, signage, and packages before and during student arrival.
Bedding and pillow
Toiletries and shower shoes
Change of clothes
Phone charger
Medications
Water bottle and snacks
Important documents (student ID, driver's license, insurance card)
This prevents you from digging through boxes after a long day of moving in.
Benefits of effective material handling during move-in
Accelerates room setup and student check-in
Lowers the danger of physical strain and injuries for volunteers, parents, and students
Minimizes traffic congestion around residence halls
Prevents damage to personal items while being transported
Improves operational efficiency for housing and facilities departments
Gives prospective students and their families a more orderly and favorable first impression
Combined with clear traffic flow and designated unloading zones, these material handling practices can significantly improve the overall move-in experience.
A simple move-in checklist:
Bedding and linens
Clothes and laundry supplies
Toiletries
School supplies and laptop
Electronics and chargers
Storage organizers
Cleaning supplies
Snacks and reusable water bottle
Basic first-aid kit
Important documents and IDs
Planning ahead and focusing on the essentials first can help you settle into your new space quickly, leaving more time to meet classmates and enjoy the start of college.
As America’s celebrates its 250th birthday this year, it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 — The date traditionally recognized as the founding of the United States. It is the milestone of 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence giving us all the freedom that makes America great.
Our 250th anniversary is a chance to:
• Recognize the events that created the United States
• Examine the country’s successes and struggles over 250 years
• Celebrate contributions from generations of Americans
• Encourage civic participation and historical learning
• BUY AMERICAN
In celebration, many official efforts will focus on reflecting on the nation’s history, civic life, and future. Equally important is the purchasing of American-made products for your business, school or home.
Using American-made material handling products can matter for several reasons, especially for businesses that depend on equipment reliability, safety, and supply chain consistency:
1. Quality and durability o Many U.S.-made material handling products are built to meet established manufacturing standards and workplace safety expectations. o Domestic manufacturers often have tighter oversight of materials, fabrication, and quality control, which can lead to longer service life and fewer failures.
2. Faster availability and shorter lead times o Sourcing domestically can reduce delays caused by overseas shipping, customs, port congestion, and international logistics issues. o Replacement parts and service support are often easier to obtain quickly.
3. Supply chain security o Relying on domestic suppliers reduces exposure to global disruptions, tariffs, transportation problems, and geopolitical issues. o This is especially important for critical equipment such as carts, racks, conveyors, lifts, and warehouse systems.
4. Worker safety and compliance
o American manufacturers commonly design products around U.S. workplace requirements, including standards from organizations such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and industry guidelines.
o Better-designed equipment can reduce workplace injuries and downtime.
5. Supporting domestic manufacturing
o Purchasing U.S.-made products supports American factories, engineering jobs, skilled trades, and local economies.
o It helps maintain manufacturing capabilities that are important during emergencies or shortages.
6. Customization and customer support
o Domestic suppliers are often better positioned to collaborate on custom solutions, modifications, and engineering changes.
o Communication, troubleshooting, and warranty support may be simpler when working in the same market and time zones.
7. Lower total cost over time
o A lower purchase price from overseas does not always mean lower cost. Shipping, delays, spare parts, repairs, and premature replacement can increase the lifetime cost.
o A higher-quality product with better support may provide better value over its service life.
For operations where downtime is expensive—such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, hospitals, and distribution centers—the reliability and support advantages of American-made material handling products can be a significant factor.
June marks the 30th Anniversary of National Safety Month, an annual observance spearheaded by the National Safety Council (NSC) to reduce preventable injuries and deaths. Throughout the month, organizations, employers, and communities focus on education, prevention, and action.
Since the National Safety Council originally declared June to be National Safety Month in 1996, this yearly celebration has grown to become a major occasion for workplace safety experts around the country. The 30th anniversary signifies not only three decades of awareness campaigns but also concrete advancements in workplace safety, such as notable declines in fatal occupational injuries, enhanced worker safety technologies, and stricter regulations guaranteeing safer workplaces. Workplace cultural changes acknowledge that avoidable injuries are unacceptable and prevent unavoidable expenses of conducting business.
Workplace injuries are still much too common despite significant advancements. Every year, millions of workers suffer non-fatal injuries that require medical attention or cause lost work time, thousands of workers die from avoidable occupational injuries, and innumerable near-misses indicate systemic hazards that, if ignored, might result in major injuries or fatalities. The necessity to continue paying attention to workplace safety, address new risks as workplaces and technology change, and guarantee that new hires receive thorough safety training are the reasons why National Safety Month is still relevant today.
Effective workplace safety needs a persistent commitment to upgrading rules, procedures, and practices. Regular hazard assessments that identify new risks, near-miss reporting systems that record opportunities for preventive interventions, employee engagement that solicits input from frontline workers regarding safety concerns, and data analysis that reveals patterns suggesting systemic issues requiring attention are all components of continuous improvement.
The 30th anniversary offers organizations special chances to review safety advancements while recommitting to ongoing development. Historical viewpoints that demonstrate how workplace safety has changed over the course of three decades can spur further development, acknowledge long-tenured safety professionals who have devoted their careers to worker protection, and rekindle enthusiasm for tackling enduring issues that persist despite decades of effort.
National Forklift Safety Day: The material handling industry highlights safety and prevention during National Safety Month in June and the 13th annual National Forklift Safety Day on June 9, 2026. These observances focus on reducing preventable injuries, preventing warehouse falls, and enforcing strict OSHA powered industrial vehicle standards.
Targeted OSHA Emphasis: OSHA currently enforces a National Emphasis Program for warehouses and distribution centers. Inspectors are heavily scrutinizing material handling storage, forklift operations, and fire protection.
Open to all, National Forklift Safety Day 2026 on June 9 will continue the successful format established in previous years, featuring presentations from government representatives, safety experts, and industry leaders. This consistent approach ensures a valuable forum for sharing insights, reinforcing best practices, and advancing our collective commitment to forklift safety.
To help structure safety initiatives, the NSC highlights aspecific focus area for each week of the month:
· Week 1 (June 1–6): Moving Safety Forward (Forward-thinking strategies and safety cultures) Advance a culture of safety with forward-thinkingstrategies and tools.
· Week 2 (June 7–13): StayingSafe on the Roads (Practical guidance for drivers, pedestrians, and fleets) Help reduce crashes with practical guidance for drivers, pedestrians, and fleets.
· Week 3 (June 14–20): Promoting Holistic Worker Health (Mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing) Support total worker wellbeing with insights on mental, physical, and emotional health.
· Week 4 (June 21–30): Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls (Hazard reduction strategies) Reduce common workplace and home hazards with targeted prevention resources.
Get Involved
Individuals and businesses can participate by utilizing free educational materials and taking actionable safety steps:
· Resources: Access campaign posters, weekly fact sheets, and 5-minute safety talks via the National Safety Council.
· Community Actions: Hold family emergency drills, learn CPR, assemble a first-aid kit, or take a defensive driving course.
· Workplace Campaigns: Register your organization on the NSC National Safety Month Materials page to download curated videos, member-exclusive case studies, and the "Go Green for Safety" sign.
National Military Appreciation Month is observed every May in the United States to honor current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces—including those who have served, are serving, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This month-long celebration, which was started in 1999, is not just about ceremonies—it’s also meant to encourage everyday Americans to pause and appreciate the people behind the uniform. While individual military holidays already existed, this month ties them together into one broader tribute.
Active-duty service members protecting the country today
Veterans who have completed their service
Fallen heroes who gave their lives
Military families, whose support and sacrifices often go unseen
Attending memorial services, parades, or base events
Visiting veterans’ hospitals or cemeteries
Donating to military and veteran support organizations
Displaying flags or patriotic symbols
Simple gestures of thanking a service member or veteran
There are many products and services Custom Equipment Company provides that not only are put to good use by our Armed Forces, but by many national and international businesses in the security storage and material handling fields.
Safety and Security are obviously vital to our military as well as industry. Secure guard booths and gates provide protection for property and vital assets.
Modular In-Plant Offices make warehouse management less difficult. It can be intensely busy with trucks arriving and departing and staff relocating items and inventory.
Work Environments are equally important in the military and business. Whether it's an office, warehouse or in the field, there is the need for strong team cohesion as service members work closely with colleagues to achieve shared objectives.
Military Work environments are highly structured, disciplined, and mission-focused, often involving long hours, including 24-hour shifts.
Protection is paramount. Whether it's barriers, security cages, or even matting, personnel needs to be protected from the mishaps and strains that can come with the job.
Security and structure is important to operations that work under a clear chain of command, emphasizing accountability, discipline, and standardized procedures. This often requires high-stress adaptability, teamwork, and adherence to strict appearance and behavioral standards.
Custom Equipment Company has been a top supplier of outstanding storage and material handling solutions! Our unwavering dedication to providing top-notch products guarantees that our clients receive the best possible solutions for all material handling needs. In addition to our excellent goods and professional advice, we provide full support all the way through the implementation process.
Material handling warehouse organization maximizes efficiency and safety by optimizing layout, using vertical space, and implementing logical product placement. Key practices include creating clear, wide aisles, placing high-demand items in accessible zones, utilizing racking systems, and utilizing warehouse management systems to track inventory. Regular equipment maintenance and safety training are also essential.
Increased Safety: Reduces workplace injuries from manual lifting and equipment accidents.
Higher Throughput: Speeds up order fulfillment and reduces cycle times.
Reduced Costs: Minimizes product damage, waste, and unnecessary labor expenses.
Space Efficiency: Maximizes every square foot, avoiding the need for costly expansions.
Systems for handling materials in warehouses are integrated solutions that include a range of infrastructure tools, methods, and procedures. Optimizing the movement, storage, and administration of commodities in a warehouse or distribution center is their main goal. Additionally, they want to guarantee order fulfillment on time, cut costs, and optimize operations.
Custom Equipment Company has been a top supplier of outstanding storage and material handling solutions! Our unwavering dedication to providing top-notch products guarantees that our clients receive the best possible solutions for all material handling needs. In addition to our excellent goods and professional advice, we provide full support all the way through the implementation process.
Locker Rooms often represent a special place for team members to congregate, so primarily not only to change clothes or clean up, but to come together as one unified group.
Practically, these changing areas typically include several standard types of lockers and benches and are designed for safety, convenience, and efficient use of space. The specific styles can vary by facility (gyms, pools, schools, workplaces, clubs, etc.), but here are the common ones you’ll find...
There are many different locker room-style ideas for different settings, so you can customize your environment accordingly. It is recommended you tailor your design based on the setting... Examples being Industrial or Office Workspace, Athletic, School or Club.
Custom Equipment Company can provide all locker room equipment for just the right environment as well as provide a place to congregate as a team.
Click On The Links Below To See Some of Custom Equipment Company's Locker Room Lockers and Benches...
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Custom Equipment Company (CEC), a family-run business, offers creative solutions for our clients' packaging and material handling requirements. We serve both the continental US and international markets from our port city location in Charleston, South Carolina. We offer both conventional and custom pallets, containers, totes, and packaging in addition to goods for facilities, ergonomics, and storage. Aerospace, automotive, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food processing are just a few of the industries we serve. We offer a complete solution depending on your application and, most crucially, your budget following a careful study and evaluation of your requirement or requirements. You may be sure that we will assist you in selecting the best option for all of your material handling requirements.
...To offer customers creative solutions for their material handling and packaging needs
In May 1978, Custom Equipment Company Inc. (CEC) began as a manufacturer and distributor. We represent large manufacturing facilities in the Southeastern United States with material handling products. We began as a modest startup in Charleston, South Carolina, and swiftly grew by providing cutting-edge products to businesses in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Before turning "green" was a catchphrase or a mandate for being ecologically conscious, Custom Equipment Company was one of the pioneers in environmental protection. Our product line started out as custom metal and wood fabrication, but it later changed to include the first usage of plastics for pallets, totes, and returnable containers. Because plastic is recyclable and less expensive and lighter in weight than steel or other reusable materials, it serves an important use for returnable packing. While we have kept the course in delivering conventional items, we also excell in developing products that address the problems of our clients by utilizing our knowledge of material handling and packaging solutions. On the east coast, we were and still are among the few stocking distributors and dealers of returnable packaging. We have a variety of fixed and collapsible bulk containers, lids, and other items in store. Custom pallets are viewed as capital expenditures by manufacturers, warehouses, and world-class, cutting-edge distribution facilities. This kind of equipment is essential to their business model and is depreciable. Custom Equipment Company creates tools, designs, and plastic pallets for businesses in a range of sectors. Our engineers and sales staff collaborate with our clients to assess the project's viability and help with ROI analysis. Our engineers create a customized pallet design based on thorough study. 3-D diagrams of the designs were displayed. This helps our clients see their ideas and the final outcome more clearly. We proceed with a prototype if the idea is accepted. This is to ensure that the pallet satisfies every criterion. The prototype is rigorously tested in the real world. This mimics the worst-case situations that the pallet will have to endure. Our expertise and understanding of this procedure guarantee a return on investment that is essential to your company. Get in touch with Custom Equipment Company if your business need a custom pallet solution.
A customer once contacted us regarding a material handling problem involving specially made wooden pallets. Large spools of material were being transported, and the wooden pallets had a short lifespan and were prone to damage. The customer was required to cover the freight costs in order to return the pallets to the factory due to the high cost of production. Pallet inventory management began to need an excessive amount of resources. They had to unload and fix the damaged pallets when a shipment returned. They had just paid for the return of an unusable pallet since, in many cases, the pallets were irreparably damaged. A coil pallet was required.Plastic Spool Pallet
Examination
Together with our engineer, we went to the plant and tracked their goods from production to delivery, documenting every setback. Our goal was to develop a sturdy plastic spool pallet that could endure the demanding transportation and manufacturing conditions. In order to reduce the amount of space needed for the return trip to the factory, we also had to design a product that could be stacked and nestled. Lastly, in order to save freight and facilitate the management of their pallet inventory system, we must lower the pallet's size and weight.
The Answer
We realized that a (vacuum) thermoformed plastic pallet was the best option because of our industry knowledge. An injection-molded product would not withstand the severe climate because it was too fragile. We were able to lower the weight by 40% and the size by 30%. Additionally, the new spool pallet has a 15-fold longer lifespan than timber pallets. They had an instant return on investment because we were able to mass produce this new product, which also decreased the cost and time of their pallet production. ⭐Robotics & Automation EverywhereAdopting automation—from basic conveyors to extremely intelligent robots—is the largest trend for the future. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming commonplace technologies for transporting goods inside factories and warehouses without the need for human drivers. Transport, picking, sorting, palletizing, and other tasks are all done with these systems.
Robots with sophisticated sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) can adapt to various jobs and situations
AMRs are anticipated to handle a significant portion of material transport tasks.
According to market forecasts, material-handling robotics will rise dramatically through 2035.
According to recent studies, traditional equipment may eventually be replaced by vision-guided semi-independent forklifts and other automated vehicles. ⭐Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence By giving automated systems "intelligence," artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing operations. For example…
Predictive maintenance prolongs equipment life and reduces malfunctions.
Better demand forecasting and inventory tracking maximize stock choices and cut down on waste.
AI can increase delivery accuracy and drastically lower picking errors.
AI is transforming whole supply chains to make them more resilient and responsive, not just powering robots. ⭐Electrification and Sustainability The industry is moving toward greener techniques due to environmental concerns:
Older combustion models are being replaced by electric cars and lithium-ion battery-powered forklifts.
Warehouses are lowering carbon footprints, integrating solar power, and optimizing energy use.
Sustainability is evolving from a "nice-to-have" to a fundamental prerequisite for competitiveness. ⭐E-Commerce and On-Demand Delivery Material handling is being irreversibly altered by the explosive expansion of e-commerce:
Order processing must be extremely quick and precise for fulfillment centers.
To fulfill same-day and next-day delivery requirements at scale, robotics and automated sorting systems are crucial.
To address final delivery issues, last-mile innovations are emerging, such as autonomous ground robots and delivery drones.
⭐Machine and Human AllianceEven with sophisticated technology, people are still essential:
Cobots, or collaborative robots, are made to function safely alongside humans, supplementing rather than completely replacing human duties.
Humanoid robots are being tested by several businesses for difficult jobs, but their widespread use is still in its infancy.
⭐Adaptable and Modular Systems Future warehouses are moving away from rigid systems and fixed conveyor belts and toward modular designs:
Quickly expandable or reconfigurable systems enable firms to adjust to changing demand without incurring significant costs or rebuilds.
Digital, automated, linked, sustainable, and human-centered material handling is the way of the future. Future facilities will be data-driven, robot-assisted spaces that are geared for speed, precision, and flexibility rather than manual, labor-intensive procedures.
Automation will allow for reduced labor expenses and increased throughput.
AI and predictive technology will enhance decision-making and decrease downtime.
Electrification and sustainability will lessen the impact on the environment.
The needs of e-commerce will drive additional advancements in robotics and delivery systems.
Onward and Upward! In the next five to fifteen years, the material handling industry is expected to experience significant change. Technology, labor trends, supply chain complexity, e-commerce demand, and sustainability constraints are the main drivers of these shifts. These are the main paths that the industry is taking.
Click On The Links Below To See Some of Custom Equipment Company's Products For Warehouse Pallet Rack Safety, Storage and Security
Custom Equipment Company HELPS! Do you need additional bins, totes and containers to help in the organization of your warehouse? Take a look at our products and services for Totes Here,Containers Here, and Bins Here and get in touch with us at sales@cecmhs.com or by calling (855)905-0875, if you require any additional information. CEC Product Collection VideoCustom Equipment Company, empathizes with any Material Handling Shipping and Storage issues you may be experiencing. When using us as a supplier, please work closely with your CEC Customer Representative, to make certain your order is fulfilled in an expedient and efficient manner.
Visit dev.cecmhs.com/To Select From A Large Variety of Custom Equipment Company's Material Handling Products, Plus Customized Items To Meet Your Specific Needs.
Containers and Totes For Shipping Holiday Gifts From the comparatively ordinary to the genuinely inventive, containers and totes are a great way to ship and deliver holiday gifts to your customers, family, and friends.
If you’re looking for good containers and totes to use for shipping Christmas packages (or for organizing gifts to ship), there are a number of sturdy containers and totes that work especially well. Choosing a tote or container should be based on two principles: simplicity and the basics. Cost-effectiveness, longevity, and customization are other important factors.
Bulk Containers For Christmas Gift Transport If you are sending many gifts and large packages for Christmas, bulk containers are perfect because of their size and durability.
What to Know When Shipping with Containers and Totes
Shipping carriers and postal services recommend using sturdy containers, totes, or boxes (often cardboard) instead of reused or overly flexible containers.
If you do use plastic totes, make sure contents are well-cushioned (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, shredded paper) so items don’t shift during transit.
Tape the seams very securely using heavy-duty packing tape — regular masking or scotch tape isn’t safe for shipping.
For fragile or valuable items, it’s often safer to double-box: put the gift in a padded inner box, then place that inside a sturdier outer box (or a tote + box combo).
Recommendations For Christmas Shipping
If you’re shipping multiple gifts or bulky items (coats, blankets, toys, holiday decorations), pick a large, heavy-duty bulk container or tote
If you’re mailing smaller amounts or lighter gifts, a medium tote may offer the right balance of size and manageability.
If the items inside are fragile or valuable, consider boxing them and adding proper cushioning — Maybe even using a tote as outer protection rather than relying on it as the main shipping container.
Click On The Links Below To See Some of Custom Equipment Company's Totes and Containers for Holiday Material Handling Shipping & Transport
Do you need additional bins, totes and containers to help in the organization of your warehouse? Take a look at our products and services for Totes Here,Containers Here, and Bins Here and get in touch with us at sales@cecmhs.com or by calling (855)905-0875, if you require any additional information. CEC Product Collection VideoCustom Equipment Company, empathizes with any Material Handling Shipping and Storage issues you may be experiencing. When using us as a supplier, please work closely with your CEC Customer Representative, to make certain your order is fulfilled in an expedient and efficient manner.
Visit dev.cecmhs.com/To Select From A Large Variety of Custom Equipment Company's Material Handling Products, Plus Customized Items To Meet Your Specific Needs.