Warehouses and logistics hubs are heading into 2026 under mounting pressure to perform — with safety, sustainability, and digital transformation set to define how material handling operations evolve.
Craig Davenport, Sales Director at Rushlift, has identified seven key trends that will shape the industry in the coming year, from smarter safety systems to the rise of electric and connected fleets.
Safety remains the top priority. Around 1,300 people a year are involved in forklift-related accidents in the UK, according to the British Safety Council, with several proving fatal. As Davenport explains, “getting the best value from a truck in terms of safety is now widely seen as absolutely essential.” That means ensuring vehicles are properly specified, fitted with key safety systems, and operated by trained staff. Technologies such as automatic parking brakes, anti-collision sensors and pedestrian awareness lights are becoming standard, while operators are increasingly focusing on fostering a workplace culture that goes beyond legal compliance.
Sustainability will also be a key differentiator. Warehouses are turning to rooftop solar, smart HVAC systems and low-emission vehicles as part of a drive to cut carbon and meet growing customer expectations. Davenport notes that businesses adopting green energy solutions “are not just cutting costs — they’re gaining a competitive edge.”
Electric forklifts are set to dominate the market. The traditional 60–40 split in favour of internal combustion (IC) trucks is rapidly shifting as electric models become more capable of handling heavy loads and outdoor environments. Advances in lithium-ion batteries have made all-day operation possible, while hydrogen fuel options could soon offer an alternative for those looking to phase out diesel and LPG.
Flexibility will be another defining theme. Unpredictable market conditions mean companies will prioritise agility — scaling fleets up or down quickly without tying up capital. “Reliability, flexibility and performance will be the core attributes required of the materials handling fleet in 2026,” says Davenport. This shift is driving demand for mixed fleets and flexible leasing options that allow businesses to adapt to peaks and changes in product demand.
People will remain central to performance. Skilled, well-trained operators are key to productivity, safety and staff retention. As a result, companies are expected to increase investment in training and wellbeing programmes that enhance safety awareness and promote continuous improvement.
The rise of the ‘connected fleet’ will also accelerate digital transformation. Telematics, automation, and intelligent fleet software are becoming mainstream, enabling managers to monitor equipment remotely, optimise resources, and anticipate maintenance needs. Rushlift’s own fleet management system, Davenport says, provides real-time data to “make data-driven decisions that improve uptime and operational resilience.”
Finally, managing complexity will be crucial for maintaining productivity as cost pressures rise. Davenport believes that close collaboration with expert service providers can help businesses get more from their fleets — from specifying the right trucks to providing maintenance and analysis that drive efficiency and cost savings throughout a contract’s life cycle.
As he concludes, “2026 will be a year where safety, sustainability and smart technology converge — reshaping material handling into a more connected, efficient and responsible industry.”