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North America Material Handling Vehicles Market Forecast 2025-2032

Publisher Inkwood Research
Published Oct 11, 2025
Length 203 Pages
SKU # INKR20463315

Description

The North America material handling vehicles market size is valued at $10.66 billion as of 2025 and is expected to reach $15.14 billion by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 5.14% during the forecast period, 2025 to 2032.

MARKET INSIGHTS

North America leads the global material handling vehicles market through advanced warehouse automation infrastructure and significant e-commerce penetration. The region experiences persistent labor shortages that accelerate the adoption of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous forklifts. Major retailers and third-party logistics providers invest heavily in distribution center automation to meet consumer demands for rapid delivery.

Additionally, stringent environmental regulations drive the transition toward electric material handling equipment and sustainable power sources. Government incentives for clean energy adoption further support market expansion across industrial sectors. Manufacturing resurgence initiatives and nearshoring trends create additional demand for industrial material handling systems throughout the region.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The North America material handling vehicles market growth assessment includes the analysis of the United States and Canada.

The United States dominates the North America material handling vehicles market due to its massive e-commerce infrastructure and advanced logistics networks. Amazon, Walmart, and Target operate extensive distribution center networks requiring sophisticated warehouse automation solutions. Labor cost pressures intensify as warehouse worker wages rise amid persistent workforce shortages. Consequently, companies accelerate investments in autonomous material handling systems to maintain operational efficiency.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces strict safety standards that drive demand for modern equipment with advanced collision avoidance systems. California’s emissions regulations push warehouses toward electric warehouse vehicles and zero-emission technologies. Moreover, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates funding for transportation and logistics infrastructure improvements. Manufacturing sectors in automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods rely heavily on material handling solutions for production efficiency.

E-commerce sales continue growing as online shopping becomes increasingly dominant across consumer segments. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, e-commerce maintains strong growth trajectories despite economic uncertainties. Cold storage facilities expand rapidly to support grocery delivery services and meal kit companies. Third-party logistics providers consolidate operations while upgrading equipment fleets with smart warehouse technologies. Battery technology advancements make electric forklifts more attractive as Li-ion options offer fast charging capabilities.

On the other hand, Canada’s material handling vehicles market benefits from robust manufacturing sectors and growing e-commerce adoption across provinces. The country’s vast geography creates unique logistics challenges requiring efficient material transport systems for distribution networks. Food processing, natural resources, and automotive manufacturing represent significant demand drivers for industrial trucks and lifts. Ontario and Quebec lead market growth due to concentrated manufacturing activity and proximity to U.S. trade corridors.

Cold climate operations necessitate specialized equipment capable of functioning in harsh weather conditions and refrigerated environments. Government infrastructure investments support warehouse development projects in strategic logistics hubs. Canadian companies increasingly adopt sustainability practices, driving interest in electric and hybrid material handling vehicles that reduce carbon footprints.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

The North America material handling vehicles market is segmented into vehicle type, application, power source, and ownership model. The vehicle type segment is further categorized into forklifts, pallet jacks, tow tractors, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The forklifts segment includes sub-segments by load capacity (below 5 tons, 5-10 tons, 11-36 tons, above 36 tons) and by class (class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/5).

Electric power source represents one of the top segments in North America’s material handling vehicles market. Environmental regulations across states increasingly restrict internal combustion engines in indoor facilities and urban distribution centers. Li-ion battery technology dominates new equipment purchases due to superior performance characteristics compared to traditional lead acid alternatives. Fast charging infrastructure deployment enables continuous operations without extended downtime for battery replacement.

Moreover, the total cost of ownership favors electric solutions as maintenance requirements decrease and energy costs remain predictable. California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation mandates zero-emission vehicle adoption timelines for commercial fleets. Federal tax credits and state-level incentives reduce upfront investment barriers for electric material handling equipment.

Businesses prioritize operational efficiency gains from electric vehicles, including quieter operation and reduced facility ventilation requirements. Battery swapping systems gain traction in high-intensity operations where charging downtime affects productivity metrics. In this regard, hydrogen fuel cells emerge as viable alternatives for heavy-duty applications requiring extended runtime capabilities.

Charging infrastructure investments and electrical grid capacity considerations require strategic planning for large-scale deployments. Vendors offering comprehensive energy management solutions and flexible financing options capture significant market share across the region. Consequently, the electric segment continues expanding as technological advancements address remaining operational challenges and cost barriers diminish through economies of scale.

COMPETITIVE INSIGHTS

Some of the top players operating in the North America material handling vehicles market include Toyota Industries Corporation, Crown Equipment Corporation, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc, Kion Group AG, etc.

Crown Equipment Corporation operates as a leading American manufacturer of material handling equipment and warehouse automation solutions. Based in New Bremen, Ohio, the company maintains a strong presence across North America through manufacturing facilities and service networks. Crown specializes in electric forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and order pickers designed for warehouse and distribution center operations.

The company’s product lines emphasize ergonomic design, operator comfort, and advanced safety features that reduce workplace injuries. Crown’s proprietary technologies include AC drive systems, integrated lithium-ion power solutions, and InfoLink wireless fleet management platforms. Additionally, the company develops vision-guided automated vehicles that navigate warehouses without infrastructure modifications.

Crown equipment serves major retailers, third-party logistics providers, food and beverage distributors, and manufacturing facilities throughout the region. The company’s direct sales model and factory-trained service technicians ensure consistent customer support and rapid response times. Flexible financing programs and equipment rental options provide customers with accessible pathways to fleet modernization without significant capital expenditures.

Please Note: Report includes PDF + Excel

Table of Contents

203 Pages
1. Research Scope & Methodology
1.1. Study Objectives
1.2. Methodology
1.3. Assumptions & Limitations
2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Size & Forecast
2.2. Market Overview
2.3. Scope Of Study
2.4. Crisis Scenario Analysis
2.5. Major Market Findings
2.5.1. The Market Is Experiencing Strong Demand Due To The Increasing Need For Automated Solutions In Warehousing And Logistics
2.5.2. E-commerce Expansion Is Significantly Boosting The Adoption Of Material Handling Vehicles Across Distribution Centers Worldwide
2.5.3. The Market Is Seeing Growth In Electric And Hybrid Vehicles As Companies Prioritize Sustainability And Lower Operating Costs
2.5.4. Rising Labor Shortages In Developed Regions Are Driving Investments In Highly Automated And Robotic Material Handling Systems
3. Market Dynamics
3.1. Key Drivers
3.1.1. Rapid Expansion Of E-commerce And Online Retail
3.1.2. Increasing Warehouse Automation And Digitalization
3.1.3. Shift Toward Sustainable And Electric Vehicles
3.1.4. Rising Industrialization In Emerging Economies
3.2. Key Restraints
3.2.1. High Initial Investment And Maintenance Costs
3.2.2. Lack Of Skilled Operators For Advanced Systems
3.2.3. Limited Infrastructure In Developing Countries
3.2.4. Safety Concerns And Strict Regulatory Compliance
4. Key Analytics
4.1. Key Market Trends
4.1.1. Adoption Of Autonomous And Semi-autonomous Vehicles
4.1.2. Integration Of Iot And Ai For Smart Fleet Management
4.1.3. Growing Demand For Battery Swapping And Fast Charging Systems
4.1.4. Increased Focus On Collaborative Robots For Material Handling
4.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
4.2.1. Buyers Power
4.2.2. Suppliers Power
4.2.3. Substitution
4.2.4. New Entrants
4.2.5. Industry Rivalry
4.3. Growth Prospect Mapping
4.3.1. Growth Prospect Mapping For North America
4.4. Market Maturity Analysis
4.5. Market Concentration Analysis
4.6. Value Chain Analysis
4.6.1. Raw Material And Component Suppliers
4.6.2. Subsystem And Component Manufacturers
4.6.3. Original Equipment Manufacturers (Oems)
4.6.4. System Integrators And Solution Providers
4.6.5. Distribution And Sales Channels
4.6.6. End-users And Application Industries
4.6.7. Aftermarket Services And Support Providers
4.7. Key Buying Criteria
4.7.1. Reliability And Durability Of Equipment
4.7.2. Load Capacity And Performance Specifications
4.7.3. Automation And Technology Integration
4.7.4. Energy Efficiency And Power Consumption
4.7.5. After-sales Service And Support
4.7.6. Ease Of Operation And Operator Training
4.7.7. Flexibility And Customization Options
4.7.8. Safety And Regulatory Compliance
4.7.9. Vendor Reputation And Customer References
4.8. Regulatory Framework
5. Material Handling Vehicles Market By Vehicle Type
5.1. Forklifts
5.1.1. By Load Capacity
5.1.1.1. Below 5 Tons
5.1.1.2. 5-10 Tons
5.1.1.3. 11-36 Tons
5.1.1.4. Above 36 Tons
5.1.2. By Class
5.1.2.1. Class 1
5.1.2.2. Class 2
5.1.2.3. Class 3
5.1.2.4. Class 4/5
5.2. Pallet Jacks
5.3. Tow Tractors
5.4. Automated Guided Vehicles (Agvs)
6. Material Handling Vehicles Market By Application
6.1. Manufacturing
6.1.1. Durable
6.1.2. Non-durable
6.2. Third-party Logistics (3pl)
6.3. E-commerce
6.4. General Merchandise
6.5. Food & Beverage
6.6. Other Applications
7. Material Handling Vehicles Market By Power Source
7.1. Electric
7.1.1. Li-ion
7.1.2. Lead Acid
7.2. Internal Combustion Engine
7.3. Hydrogen Fuel Cells
7.4. Hybrid
8. Material Handling Vehicles Market By Ownership Model
8.1. Lease
8.2. Purchasing
8.3. Renting
8.4. Used Equipment
9. Geographical Analysis
9.1. North America
9.1.1. Market Size & Estimates
9.1.2. North America Market Drivers
9.1.3. North America Market Challenges
9.1.4. Key Players In North America Material Handling Vehicles Market
9.1.5. Country Analysis
9.1.5.1. United States
9.1.5.1.1. United States Market Size & Opportunities
9.1.5.2. Canada
9.1.5.2.1. Canada Market Size & Opportunities
10. Competitive Landscape
10.1. Key Strategic Developments
10.1.1. Mergers & Acquisitions
10.1.2. Product Launches & Developments
10.1.3. Partnerships & Agreements
10.1.4. Business Expansions & Divestitures
10.2. Company Profiles
10.2.1. Anhui Heli Co Ltd
10.2.1.1. Company Overview
10.2.1.2. Products
10.2.1.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.2. Bluebotics
10.2.2.1. Company Overview
10.2.2.2. Products
10.2.2.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.3. Clark Material Handling Company
10.2.3.1. Company Overview
10.2.3.2. Products
10.2.3.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.4. Crown Equipment Corporation
10.2.4.1. Company Overview
10.2.4.2. Products
10.2.4.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.5. Doosan Industrial Vehicle
10.2.5.1. Company Overview
10.2.5.2. Products
10.2.5.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.6. Ep Equipment
10.2.6.1. Company Overview
10.2.6.2. Products
10.2.6.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.7. Flexqube Ab
10.2.7.1. Company Overview
10.2.7.2. Products
10.2.7.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.8. Hangcha Group Co Ltd
10.2.8.1. Company Overview
10.2.8.2. Products
10.2.8.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.9. Hyster-yale Materials Handling Inc
10.2.9.1. Company Overview
10.2.9.2. Products
10.2.9.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.10. Jungheinrich Ag
10.2.10.1. Company Overview
10.2.10.2. Products
10.2.10.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.11. Kion Group Ag
10.2.11.1. Company Overview
10.2.11.2. Products
10.2.11.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.12. Komatsu Ltd
10.2.12.1. Company Overview
10.2.12.2. Products
10.2.12.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.13. Mitsubishi Logisnext Co Ltd
10.2.13.1. Company Overview
10.2.13.2. Products
10.2.13.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.14. Seegrid Corporation
10.2.14.1. Company Overview
10.2.14.2. Products
10.2.14.3. Strengths & Challenges
10.2.15. Toyota Industries Corporation
10.2.15.1. Company Overview
10.2.15.2. Products
10.2.15.3. Strengths & Challenges
List Of Tables
Table 1: Market Snapshot – Material Handling Vehicles
Table 2: Market By Vehicle Type, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 3: Market By Vehicle Type, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 4: Market By Forklifts, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 5: Market By Forklifts, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 6: Market By Load Capacity, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 7: Market By Load Capacity, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 8: Market By Class, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 9: Market By Class, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 10: Market By Application, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 11: Market By Application, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 12: Market By Manufacturing, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 13: Market By Manufacturing, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 14: Market By Power Source, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 15: Market By Power Source, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 16: Market By Electric, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 17: Market By Electric, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 18: Market By Ownership Model, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 19: Market By Ownership Model, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 20: North America Market, Country Analysis, Historical Years, 2018-2023 (In $ Million)
Table 21: North America Market, Country Analysis, Forecast Years, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Table 22: Key Players Operating In The North American Market
Table 23: List Of Mergers & Acquisitions
Table 24: List Of Product Launches & Developments
Table 25: List Of Partnerships & Agreements
Table 26: List Of Business Expansions & Divestitures
List Of Figures
Figure 1: Key Market Trends
Figure 2: Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
Figure 3: Growth Prospect Mapping For North America
Figure 4: Market Maturity Analysis
Figure 5: Market Concentration Analysis
Figure 6: Value Chain Analysis
Figure 7: Key Buying Criteria
Figure 8: Segment Growth Potential, By Vehicle Type, In 2024
Figure 9: Forklifts Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 10: Segment Growth Potential, By Forklifts, In 2024
Figure 11: Load Capacity Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 12: Segment Growth Potential, By Load Capacity, In 2024
Figure 13: Below 5 Tons Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 14: 5-10 Tons Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 15: 11-36 Tons Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 16: Above 36 Tons Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 17: Segment Growth Potential, By Class, In 2024
Figure 18: Class 1 Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 19: Class 2 Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 20: Class 3 Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 21: Class 4/5 Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 22: Pallet Jacks Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 23: Tow Tractors Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 24: Automated Guided Vehicles (Agvs) Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 25: Segment Growth Potential, By Application, In 2024
Figure 26: Manufacturing Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 27: Segment Growth Potential, By Manufacturing, In 2024
Figure 28: Durable Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 29: Non-durable Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 30: Third-party Logistics Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 31: E-commerce Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 32: General Merchandise Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 33: Food & Beverage Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 34: Other Applications Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 35: Segment Growth Potential, By Power Source, In 2024
Figure 36: Electric Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 37: Segment Growth Potential, By Electric, In 2024
Figure 38: Li-ion Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 39: Lead Acid Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 40: Internal Combustion Engine Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 41: Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 42: Hybrid Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 43: Segment Growth Potential, By Ownership Model, In 2024
Figure 44: Lease Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 45: Purchasing Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 46: Renting Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 47: Used Equipment Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 48: North America Material Handling Vehicles Market, Country Outlook, 2024 & 2032 (In %)
Figure 49: United States Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
Figure 50: Canada Market Size, 2025-2032 (In $ Million)
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