Maryland has a thriving commercial sector, ranging from logistics and distribution centers along the I-95 corridor to manufacturing facilities in the Baltimore metropolitan area. For these businesses, efficient material handling forms the foundation of their operations. Who are the top forklift dealers in Maryland if you're in the market for this industrial vehicle?
Knowing your clearest options can help you narrow down your selection. Here are eight of the best enterprises in the area, catering to a variety of business types.
1. Eastern lift truck co.
Eastern Lift Truck Co.) is one of the best forklift dealers in Maryland, thanks to its multiple full-service locations, including Baltimore, Queenstown, Upper Marlboro and Williamsport. It offers new, used and rental forklifts, with more than 4,000 lift trucks available for rent or purchase. Eastern Lift Truck Co. is also an award-winning, authorized dealer for Hyster and Yale, two of the industry's leading brands.
This family-owned business boasts one of the largest rental fleets in the region, offering short- and long-term rentals of forklifts, aerial lifts and other industrial equipment. Its inventory includes thousands of new and used units for immediate use, from standard forklifts to specialized machinery.
Eastern Lift Truck Co. provides same-day or next-day repair service and emergency solutions outside of business hours, including weekends. Its factory-trained technicians and massive parts inventory for more than 175 brands ensure fast and effective service. The company also offers regular maintenance and safety inspection programs to ensure your equipment is in top condition.
2. Wiese USA (Atlantic lift truck)
Wiese USA is another industry leader that specializes in material handling equipment, automation solutions and warehouse management systems. It operates in Baltimore as Atlantic Lift Truck and is strategically located to serve the metro area and beyond, offering new and used forklifts, equipment rentals and service.
Atlantic Lift Truck is an authorized dealer of various top-tier lift truck brands, including Caterpillar (Cat), Mitsubishi and Jungheinrich. This diverse catalog allows the entity to cater to a wide range of operational and budgetary needs. It includes everything from reach trucks and electric forklifts to turret trucks and IC forklifts.
As one of the leading local forklift dealers, Wiese USA offers 24/7 emergency repair service to help businesses get operations back up and running quickly after an equipment issue. Its certified technicians can also perform routine maintenance and safety checks on various types of material handling equipment.
3. Toyotalift northeast
ToyotaLift Northeast is an exclusive and authorized dealer for Toyota Industrial Equipment, a brand known for vehicles with impressive reliability, durability and low cost of ownership. Its Annapolis Junction location caters to Maryland's central region, offering access to the world's leading forklift brand, with its extensive catalog.
This full-service forklift dealer sells and rents out lift trucks and offers service and repairs. It maintains a large and diverse rental fleet of Toyota forklifts and other material handling equipment to deliver flexible solutions for seasonal peaks and temporary needs. The company also sells and services other top forklift brands, including JLG and Genie.
ToyotaLift Northeast offers the Toyota 360 Support, which includes assistance from factory-trained technicians and a guaranteed four-hour response time for service calls. Businesses can get further peace of mind with its extensive warranty coverage and massive parts inventory.
4. Alliance material handling
Known for its customer-first culture and extensive lift truck sales, rentals and solutions, Alliance Material Handling is one of the top forklift dealers in Maryland. It has a facility in Jessup, serving the critical Baltimore-Washington D.C. corridor.
This employee-owned company is an authorized dealer for Crown and CLARK forklifts. Crown is a leader in electric equipment, making Alliance Material Handling a strong choice for warehouse and distribution center applications. This dealer also offers other specialized brands, including Combilift for narrow aisles and Bobcat for more rugged utility vehicles.
Alliance Material Handling is a full-service facility offering new and used forklifts and equipment rentals. It also carries parts for various brands and provides comprehensive lift truck solutions, including repairs, maintenance, storage and emergency services.
5. Matthai material handling
Matthai Material Handling is a family-owned and operated dealership that has been serving Baltimore for decades. It's an authorized dealer for Linde and Baoli forklifts, which are some of the most cost-effective lift trucks on the market. It also offers forklifts from other top brands, including Combilift, Big Joe and Aisle Master.
The dealer sells new and used lift trucks and offers seasonal and long-term equipment rentals. It offers forklift solutions to ensure hassle-free operations, including 24-hour emergency services, planned maintenance agreements, repairs and safety inspections. Matthai Material Handling assigns a dedicated technician to each client's lift truck fleet to ensure an efficient response to emergencies in under four hours.
6. Chalk's industrial equipment
For businesses that only need forklifts for a few weeks or months, Chalk's Industrial Equipment offers a reliable and affordable alternative. It specializes in selling and servicing used forklifts, which is why it's one of the go-to forklift dealers in Maryland for budget-conscious operations searching for reliable used machinery.
This independent, Baltimore-based dealer has a large and rotating inventory, with more than 100 units from various major brands, including Toyota, Hyster and Crown. It repairs and maintains lift trucks of all makes and models, which makes it a great partner for businesses with mixed fleets. Chalk's Industrial Equipment also carries parts for major lift truck brands.
7. Maryland industrial trucks
In Linthicum Heights, Maryland Industrial Trucks is a dedicated forklift dealership that specializes in high-value companies. It offers a strong alternative for businesses in the market for powerful and versatile material handling equipment. It's an authorized dealer for UniCarrier lift equipment, including everything from electric rider forklifts to "walkie" stackers.
Maryland Industrial Trucks sells, services, and rents out forklifts and other material handling vehicles. Its broad parts inventory includes OEM and multiple replacement products to remove guesswork and limit downtimes due to forklift problems.
8. Sunbelt rentals
Sunbelt Rentals is a national leader in the equipment rental industry with several locations throughout Maryland. It may not be a traditional dealer, but it is a great partner for enterprises that need forklifts without the commitment of a purchase.
It offers short-term and long-term rentals, making it ideal for those managing seasonal peaks, handling special projects or needing a temporary replacement for a down machine. Sunbelt Rentals has a wide range of material handling equipment, industrial forklifts, telehandlers and more. Businesses can reserve a unit, pick it up or have it delivered, and return it or have it picked up once they no longer need it.
Comparing the top forklift dealers in Maryland
Here are the key features of these top forklift dealers at a glance.
Methodology for ranking Maryland's top forklift dealers
The forklift dealers on this list were evaluated based on the following criteria.
How to choose the right forklift dealer for your business
Consider these tips to determine the right material handling partner for your needs.
1. Assess your needs
Move beyond your basic capacity requirements and examine your forklift applications in detail. What are your aisle widths? What's the maximum lift height you need? Will you use the forklift outdoors, indoors or both? Will it operate on a smooth concrete surface or rough terrain?
2. Compare new, used and rental options
A new forklift is ideal for high-usage applications that need the latest technology and a full warranty. Used is great for lower-hour needs or tighter budgets. Renting is perfect for seasonal peaks, temporary projects and test runs.
3. Calculate the total cost of ownership
The industrial vehicle's price is only part of the cost. Consider its long-term value and expenses. Ask potential dealers about the cost of planned maintenance programs, parts availability and average response times for service calls.
4. Analyze the financing and leasing options
Ask the dealer for its in-house financing and leasing rates, but also get a quote from your bank. Compare the annual percentage rate to reveal potential savings. Look for hidden fees like early termination penalties and end-of-lease charges for factors like exceeding hour limits and excess wear and tear.
5. Request a consultation
Talk to several forklift dealers in Maryland about your needs and get quotes for equipment and service plans. Compare their offers to make an informed decision.
Also, request a site survey. A dealer may recommend a specific machine after seeing the operation site firsthand.
6. Evaluate the dealer's service infrastructure
Dig into the specifics of its service department's capabilities. Are the technicians factory-certified for the specific brands and models you are considering? What is their average on-site response time for emergency calls in your zip code?
7. Gauge the parts inventory
Beyond skilled technicians, the dealer must have a well-stocked parts inventory to avoid long wait times for replacement parts. Ask about its first-pass fill rate, which is an industry metric that measures how often the company has a necessary part in stock upon the first request. If you have a mixed fleet, ensure the dealer's parts inventory can support it.
8. Verify the dealer's reputation
A credible dealer is typically willing to provide references from current customers, even if their website already features testimonials. Request contacts from industries similar to yours, and prepare your questions before you call a reference.
9. Inquire about technology and fleet management solutions
A forward-thinking dealer may offer technology that can help you manage your forklift or fleet more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve safety. Ask if the forklift can be fitted with a telematics system to track operator access, monitor impacts and streamline maintenance requests. Request a demonstration of the software.
10. Understand the dealer's account management structure
Will you have a single, dedicated account manager who understands your business to coordinate sales, service and parts? Or will you have to work through the different departments for every issue? Clarify crucial processes like reporting an emergency forklift breakdown and scheduling routine maintenance.
11. Review the service agreement and warranty fine print
Ensure you understand the terms, from the maintenance plan to the equipment warranty, before signing it. If you opt for a full maintenance and service agreement, request a detailed list of what it includes. Are wear items such as tires and forks covered?
Also, understand the specifics of the equipment warranty. Determine what is covered and for how long.
Empower your business with the right forklift partner
Maryland has a diverse selection of forklift dealers, which ensures there is a solution for every type of enterprise. The best choice depends on your operational needs. Do you need a comprehensive service agreement with a major brand dealer or a cost-effective used machine from an independent supplier? Do you want to rent your equipment, or do you need it for a longer term?
Use this guide as a starting point. Assess your needs and contact your top contenders to find the perfect fit for your business.
More must-read stories from Enterprise League:
- Learn the critical factors when choosing your business location for maximum success.
- Discover whether it's better to invest in buying used vs new equipment for operations.
- Understand the essential reasons why your company vehicle needs insurance coverage.
- Master the art of managing a fleet of vehicles for business efficiency.
- Explore the hidden benefits of preventive maintenance for your equipment.
