Toyota Material Handling UK has strengthened its support for the Road Haulage Industry by becoming a Gold Member of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and exhibiting at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

The Road Haulage Association, one of the joint owners of the Commercial Vehicle Show, provides expert advice and support for the haulage industry. By joining the RHA Toyota will provide dedicated advice and share its knowledge and experience of materials handling with road haulage members.

The Commercial Vehicle Show which runs from 24 - 26 April at the NEC Birmingham, will enable Toyota to demonstrate specific trucks and options that are tailored to logistics and transport operations and provide a range of free safety resources to visitors to the stand (Stand 3C04).

Tony Wallis, Operations Director for Toyota Material Handling UK, comments: "Statistics from the HSE show that over the last 5 years nearly 60 employees were killed and 5000 seriously injured in the haulage and distribution industry. This includes accidents relating to loading and unloading and injuries caused by manual handling. The Commercial Vehicle Show is an ideal opportunity for us to demonstrate our innovative solutions, provide support and advice for this key industry and support the Road Haulage Association."

The Toyota stand will include both the Toyota Tonero engine-powered and the Toyota Traigo electric-powered counterbalance forklifts - which feature Toyota's System Active Stability (SAS) as standard. SAS is designed to protect both the driver and the load in the event of lateral instability, improving safety and reducing the risk of damage costs.

To reduce manual handling, Toyota will showcase the unique BT Pro Lifter hand pallet truck - which reduces the initial effort required to move a load by up to 67%. For more intense handling, Toyota will present the entry level powered pallet truck, the BT Levio LWE130. With a load capacity of 1300kgs, the BT Levio is available with integrated fork pockets and vehicle on-board charging capabilities, two essential options for road haulage operations. The added benefit of a low chassis weight means this powered pallet truck is perfectly suited to working in the back of vehicles or for loading and unloading duties.

In addition, Toyota will demonstrate the unique BT Silent Lifter - the ideal choice for companies operating in noise sensitive environments or night time deliveries.

Wallis adds: "Our products are safer by design and highly productive, making them fit for the challenges of the haulage industry - from the durability of our proven industrial engines in our forklifts to the innovative warehouse solutions that are available, customers can be sure they are in safe hands."