FLTA Reveals Materials Handling’s “Biggest Mistake”

14th August 2018

Logistics BusinessFLTA Reveals Materials Handling’s “Biggest Mistake”

The UK’s Fork Lift Truck Association is urging companies employing forklifts to use caution when appointing new suppliers.

While there are many ways for lift truck purchases to go less than smoothly, one of the most common pitfalls is the mistaken belief that all dealers are created equally, it says.

Fork Lift Truck Association Peter Harvey MBE explains: “It’s material handling’s biggest mistake and it’s an easy one to make. By creating this ‘level’ playing field, you overlook crucial details, such as accreditations, registration and standards of working. Typically, you are entering into a contract which could last at least five years.

“Think for a moment about the last time you were contacted – with no prior warning – by a supplier. Were they hoping to provide you with expert advice and exceptional service as part of a complete package? Or were they simply hoping to profit, while delivering the minimum in return?

“Sometimes that difference isn’t so clear. We regularly hear reports of suppliers who won’t specify a truck they don’t currently hold in stock – even if it’s the most suitable truck for the task at hand. A company like this would find it tough suggesting you could reduce fleet size, wouldn’t it? They would. But it’s not their fault. After all, their job is to make money.”

But it doesn’t have to be this way, according to Mr Harvey. He says: “At the FLTA, our Membership’s core objective is to establish and develop customer relationships that are based on excellent service, continued provision and buttoned-down costs.”

FLTA Members operate throughout the UK and include lift truck dealers, service and maintenance companies, manufacturers and suppliers.

Despite their vast differences, these group share a passion for delivering outstanding customer care., which is underpinned by the FLTA Code of Practice. FLTA Member companies must expressly agree to achieve and maintain Association- defined standards for safety, efficiency and integrity. Any company can apply for Membership, but only those meeting stringent FLTA criteria, abiding to the nationally ratified Code of Practice and passing routine inspections can bear the FLTA marque.