Peak season can put a warehouse fleet to the test. More inventory coming in, higher order volume, additional shifts, and tighter shipping schedules can quickly leave teams competing for available equipment. But a temporary increase in demand doesn’t always mean you need another permanent forklift.
A flexible fleet strategy starts with equipment sized for your typical workload, then adds temporary support when volume increases. Papé Rents can help warehouses and distribution centers add forklifts and material handling equipment for fall and holiday demand without permanently expanding the fleet for a seasonal need.
Identify Where You Need Extra Capacity
Before adding equipment, look at how your fleet performs during a typical week and where things change during peak season.
Review utilization by shift, department, and equipment type. Which forklifts stay busy throughout the year? Which units regularly sit idle? Where did bottlenecks occur during last year’s peak season, and what do current forecasts and shift schedules suggest for this year?
Watch for signs that additional equipment may be needed, including:
- Receiving docks backing up during high-volume periods
- Forklifts being pulled between departments
- Picking or replenishment teams waiting for equipment
- Pallets accumulating in staging areas
- Additional shifts increasing equipment hours
- Outbound shipping exceeding normal dock capacity
Also consider how long the increased workload is expected to last. A six-week holiday rush may be well suited for rental equipment, while consistent growth that continues beyond peak season could signal a longer-term fleet need.
Before adding equipment, also consider battery charging or fueling capacity, aisle conditions, dock space, and workflow. Sometimes improving another part of the operation can help address a delay without adding another forklift.
Match Rental Equipment to the Job
Once you’ve identified where additional support is needed, match the rental equipment to the specific application rather than simply adding extra forklifts.
Papé Rents offers late-model, low-hour rental equipment, including forklifts from manufacturers such as Hyster and Yale. Our rental specialists can help determine which equipment best fits your application and expected workload.
Keep Your Fleet Moving When Service Is Needed
Maintenance needs don’t always happen at a convenient time, especially during peak season. Papé Material Handling provides on-site service to help address maintenance and repair needs at your facility, reducing the need to transport equipment and making it easier to work service around your operation.
If a repair requires more time and a forklift needs to be taken out of service, rental equipment can help fill the gap. A temporary replacement can provide additional capacity while your equipment is being repaired, helping your operation continue to meet demand without putting unnecessary pressure on the rest of the fleet.
Prepare for Peak Season With Papé Rents
A flexible rental plan can help your operation respond to changing workloads without committing to equipment you may not need year-round.
You don’t have to determine those needs on your own. Papé Rents specialists can work with your team to understand your expected workload, applications, facility, and existing fleet. From there, we can help identify the right equipment, quantity, and rental timeline to support your operation through peak demand.
Whether you need additional forklifts for a seasonal surge, temporary equipment while a unit is being serviced, or support for a specific application, our rental experts can help build a plan around your operation.
Contact your local Papé Material Handling team to start planning for your fall and holiday equipment needs.
