Reach Trucks Are Still Nearly Impossible to Get — Here's Why (And What You Can Do About It)
If your warehouse operation depends on reach trucks, you’ve probably already felt the squeeze. Whether you're expanding, replacing aging equipment, or just trying to stay ahead of wear and tear, the search for reach trucks has become a serious challenge.
And unfortunately, the shortage isn’t letting up.
Lead Times Are Still Pushing 100+ Weeks
The two largest manufacturers in the industry are quoting lead times of over 100 weeks in some cases. That’s not a typo—two full years.
This isn’t a recent development, either. We’ve been seeing extended lead times for five years running, and there’s still no sign of a return to pre-pandemic production cycles.
What's Behind the Long Wait?
This issue is driven by two overlapping problems:
1. High Demand
As warehouses continue to optimize for vertical storage and narrow aisle setups, reach trucks have become essential. Their ability to operate in tight spaces while reaching high racks makes them ideal for maximizing warehouse efficiency—especially in urban or high-rent areas where every square foot counts.
So even as availability has dropped, demand has only increased. This surge is putting more pressure on an already stressed supply chain.
2. Ongoing Supply Chain Issues
Even as other industries have started to bounce back from pandemic-era disruptions, heavy equipment manufacturing continues to feel the impact. Delays in sourcing components, electronic chips, and steel have all slowed production.
When manufacturers can’t get parts, they can’t build trucks. And when trucks don’t get built, they don’t hit the market—new or used.
No New Trucks = No Used Trucks
There’s a trickle-down effect here that many operations overlook.
Because new reach trucks are so hard to get, businesses are hanging on to their current fleets much longer than planned. That means fewer trade-ins, fewer units entering the used market, and higher mileage on aging trucks across the board.
In short: the aftermarket is dry.
Older Fleets Are Breaking Down More Often
As trucks age and hours climb, repair costs rise. We’re seeing more and more operations stuck in a loop of breakdowns, service delays, and emergency rentals—just to keep up with day-to-day demands.
This spike in demand for rental trucks and demonstrator models has created another shortage. Even short-term fixes are harder to find and more expensive than they were just a few years ago.
What Can You Do?
If you're planning to buy, start the process early. We recommend beginning your search at least 3 to 6 months in advance—even longer if you are trying to replace multiple units or have no flexibility in specifications.
This gives you time to:
- Explore availability across multiple manufacturers and sellers
- Consider rental stopgaps or demo models
- Get on waiting lists before they get longer
- Avoid panic-buying or overpaying due to last-minute needs
How We Can Help
At Level Warehouse Equipment, we specialize in helping businesses navigate this tough market. We’re not a manufacturer—we’re the experts that connect buyers with real options:
- Access to new and used inventory across multiple channels
- Sourcing rental units when you need temporary support
- Honest advice based on real-time availability
If you’re even thinking about reach trucks, don’t wait. Contact us now to talk through your needs, get a realistic timeline, and put a plan in motion before you're stuck waiting two years for equipment you needed yesterday.