The rapid growth of e-commerce in Brazil has been causing a profound transformation in the logistics chain, especially in distribution centers. According to data from Abcomm (Brazilian Association of Electronic Commerce), e-commerce revenue grew by 227.1% during the period since the pandemic, rising from R$ 89.96 billion in 2019 to R$ 204.27 billion in 2024.
Such advancement intensifies the pressure on warehouses, which need to adapt to ensure quick, safe, and efficient deliveries. This necessarily involves investing in equipment such as modern and automated forklifts.
In light of this new dynamic, the forklift market is experiencing significant growth, with increased demand for electric, compact models with greater maneuverability in optimized environments. Manufacturers and distributors have expanded their portfolios to meet the growing demand from logistics operators, industries, and large retail chains that are expanding their infrastructure to accommodate the volume of e-commerce orders.
"The digitization of sales has imposed a new standard of efficiency for the entire supply chain. Today, those who do not invest in agility lose competitiveness. Therefore, companies are increasingly attentive to technology in forklifts," says Humberto Mello, director of Tria Empilhadeiras, a brand of handling and transportation machinery.
This scenario has encouraged the modernization of distribution centers, which aim to reduce operation time and maximize the use of physical space. Forklifts with greater vertical reach and millimeter precision have become key components in reorganizing inventories, and with that, interest in automated models is also growing, which operate with minimal human intervention and help reduce errors.
Another factor driving the replacement of old equipment is sustainability. Electric models are gaining ground for offering silent operation, zero gas emissions, and lower maintenance costs. "The transition to more sustainable forklifts is now a requirement, especially among major brands committed to ESG goals. Lithium batteries are, precisely, the prime example of this transformation," reinforces Mello.
With an eye on this booming market, companies in the sector have been heavily investing in innovation and operator training. According to data from the Brazilian Association of the Machinery and Equipment Industry (Abimaq), the material handling and storage segment grew by 12% in 2023 alone, driven by demand from e-commerce.
The expectation for the coming years is that the market will remain active, as the revenue of the Brazilian e-commerce will exceed R$ 234 billion in 2025, with a growth of nearly 15%, according to Abcomm's forecast, which should keep the demand for increasingly efficient and intelligent logistics solutions high.
"Modern logistics is a strategic ally of digital retail, and in this scenario, forklifts have evolved from simple loading equipment to technological tools that make a difference in the performance and results of operations," concludes the executive of Tria Forklifts.
