Three months on from the ABA’s updated workplace transport groupings taking effect, the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) is urging employers and training providers not to mistake a simpler framework for a lower bar. The Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) introduced revised groupings in January 2026, developed alongside the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), and accrediting bodies including AITT, RTITB, ITSSAR, NPORS, and LANTRA. The changes modernise how truck types are categorised, removing outdated limitations, such as arbitrary height restrictions, and better reflecting the range of equipment in use today.
This article was first published in the June 15th 2026 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
At its facilities near Barcelona, ITW España, a leading manufacturer of precision plastic and fastening components for the automotive industry, faced growing space constraints that limited its ability to expand storage capacity and streamline material handling. Traditional forklifts required 3.5 metre aisles and additional room for turning, which restricted storage density and efficiency. After local material handling dealer Politractor conducted a thorough site survey and a detailed analysis of ITW’s operations, it was determined that the Aisle Master from Irish material handling specialist Combilift would be the ideal solution to increase space utilisation significantly and enhance material handling processes.
Every materials handling operation faces individual challenges and needs equipment that matches its particular needs. Covering all possibilities by adding a wide range of options and extras when specifying an internal combustion engine (ICE) forklift may seem like a good workaround. However, by over-equipping a forklift, operations can waste money on features that don’t translate to business value. Under-equipping a lift truck can prove costly too. The key is to choose equipment that is ideally matched to the specific application’s needs, says Phil Mean, Global Product Manager, of Hyster.
Clark has unveiled a new generation of five low-lift pallet truck models – ELP15, BPT15, WLE20, WEP20 and RPE20 – that cover virtually all requirements for internal material handling with load capacities of 1500 kg and 2000 kg, as well as walk-behind and ride-on variants. Whether for short transport distances in confined retail spaces, in production or in demanding warehouse logistics: the new low-lift pallet trucks impress with their compact design, high manoeuvrability, ergonomic operation and modern drive technology. Thanks to maintenance-free lithium-ion batteries (in four of the five models) and the option for flexible mid-shift charging, traditional battery maintenance such as topping up water is no longer required.
Linde Material Handling (MH) has further refined its unique vehicle concept with the release of the Linde N20 and N25 horizontal order pickers. This concept, unparalleled in the industry, features a battery positioned behind the operator’s stand. The new order picker version with an integrated Li-ION battery is now the most compact on the market, enabling operators to access goods more quickly and manoeuvre more easily in tight spaces.
While the ABA’s updated workplace groupings streamline the framework, they should not be interpreted as a reduction in standards.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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