UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / January 20, 2026 / Pallet Truck Shop, the UK’s largest supplier of pallet and sack trucks, is urging warehouses to reassess the importance of reliable, easy-to-use manual handling equipment as labour shortages continue to put pressure on logistics operations nationwide.

Recruitment challenges across warehousing and distribution show little sign of easing, with many operators relying on agency staff, temporary workers and accelerated onboarding to keep pace with demand. While much attention is paid to wages and retention, too many businesses forget that equipment choice is just as critical to maintain productivity and safety.

In environments where staff turnover is high, complex or temperamental equipment can quickly become a liability. Workers unfamiliar with a site or its systems may struggle with poorly maintained pallet trucks or equipment that requires specialist knowledge, leading to slower workflows and a higher risk of incidents. By contrast, robust manual handling tools that are intuitive and dependable allow new starters to be productive almost immediately.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said the sector is underestimating how much “simple” equipment matters when labour is stretched.

“Warehouses are onboarding people faster than ever, and often with less time for training,” he said. “If the equipment isn’t straightforward and reliable, productivity suffers straight away. A well-built pallet truck that works exactly as expected can make the difference between a shift running smoothly and falling behind.

“Agency staff are more vulnerable to injury if they’re dealing with stiff hydraulics, damaged wheels or equipment that doesn’t handle predictably. Investing in quality manual handling tools reduces risk and gives workers confidence from their first day on site. This approach simplifies training, reduces confusion, and ensures that workers moving between shifts or locations encounter familiar equipment.”

Further, reliable manual handling equipment helps maximise output when headcount is limited. When fewer people are available to do the same volume of work, reducing physical effort and unnecessary handling steps becomes essential. Durable pallet trucks, stackers and table trucks help teams move goods efficiently without relying on additional labour.

With recruitment pressures expected to persist, Pallet Truck Shop believes warehouses that prioritise dependable, easy-to-use equipment will be better placed to cope.

To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk.