THE TOP 5 MATERIAL HANDLING TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2026

As global supply chains evolve, so too do the demands placed on warehouses, factories and distribution centres. The year ahead promises further shifts driven by technology, sustainability pressures and the ongoing pursuit of efficiency.  

Here are five key trends that we think are set to shape material handling in 2026. 

1. The Continued Shift to Electrification 

Electric trucks are no longer a niche option, they are becoming the backbone of modern fleets. Advances in battery technology are extending runtimes and reducing charging times, addressing concerns that once held businesses back from making the switch. At the same time, mounting regulatory and corporate pressure to cut emissions makes electrification not only a responsible choice but also a competitive one. For many operators, the coming year will mark the tipping point where electric fleets move from aspiration to standard practice.  

2. Smarter Fleet Management Through Data 

Telematics and fleet management software are no longer reserved for the largest operators. In 2026, even medium-sized businesses are expected to embrace data-driven decision-making. Real-time monitoring of usage, energy consumption and operator performance allows managers to pinpoint inefficiencies and reallocate resources quickly. More importantly, predictive maintenance, powered by these insights, is replacing reactive servicing reducing downtime and extending equipment life.  

3. Sustainability as Standard 

Sustainability has moved beyond a corporate buzzword. Customers, regulators and investors increasingly expect demonstrable progress on carbon reduction. For material handling, this means greater adoption of low-emission equipment, energy-efficient warehouses, recycling or reuse programmes for components. Businesses that align their operations with net-zero targets are not only meeting compliance requirements but also appealing to customers across the supply chain who demand greener partners.  

4. Flexibility in Fleet Models 

The volatility of recent years has underscored the need for agility. Peaks in demand, supply chain disruptions and changing trade flows have made rigid fleet ownership models less attractive. In 2026, more businesses will turn to flexible hire and leasing options, enabling them to scale up or down quickly without locking up capital. Multi-brand suppliers, capable of tailoring fleets across a wide range of equipment, will play an increasingly important role in helping businesses maintain this agility.  

5. The Human Factor: Training and Retention 

While technology grabs the headlines, people remain at the heart of material handling. Skilled operators ensure safety, efficiency and productivity, yet the industry continues to face challenges in recruitment and retention. Expect to see renewed investment in operator training programmes, alongside initiatives to create safer and more appealing work environments. In many cases, the focus will sift from simply filling roles to developing long-term skills that support both employee retention and fleet performance.  

Taken together, these trends paint a picture of an industry that is becoming smarter, greener and more agile. For businesses that depend on material handling equipment, the next year represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is to adapt quickly, the opportunity lies in leveraging these changes to build more resilient, efficient operations. 

At Rushlift, we see these developments not as abstract predictions, but as the realities shaping our customers’ operations today. From multi-brand fleets and nationwide service support to electrification and data-driven management tools, our focus is on helping businesses navigate these trends with confidence.  

The future of material handling will be defined by those who can combine technology, sustainability, flexibility and skilled people into cohesive strategies. In 2026, efficiency will not simply be about moving goods, it will be about creating fleets that move businesses forward.