Interroll vs. Spantrack: Which Carton Flow System Is Right For You?

July 9, 2020

The smartest of storage rack systems, carton flow rack is a gravity flow-based racking solution used mostly by warehouses and distribution centers. Essentially, carton flow racking systems follow the...

What Type of Warehouse Fan is Right for Me?

June 30, 2020

Temperature control is extremely important to maintain a comfortable and healthy working environment in your warehouse. Industrial facilities usually experience hot and humid internal temperature...

Used Stack and Nest Bins Available Now!

June 8, 2020

You won't want to miss our latest stock of used stack and nest bins, which function as either nestable bins or stackable bins depending on which direction you flip each bin. Our nest and stack...

15 Years of Manufacturing Econo-200 Modular Offices

May 20, 2020

American Surplus has recently reached its 15th anniversary of manufacturing our ECONO-200 Modular Office units that offer premium quality customizable modular offices.American Surplus is pleased to...

How Much Does Used Pallet Racking Cost?

May 11, 2020

As one of the most common types of warehouse storage systems in the world, pallet racking is also one of the most important investments a company can make. Unlike steel shelving, which usually costs...

Pallet Racking Component Glossary

January 23, 2020

When purchasing used pallet racking there are lots of details to consider to ensure you choose the right storage system for your operation. The size of the products you’re storing, as well as the...

Six Automotive Warehousing Must-Haves

January 8, 2020

At ASI, we know that no two material handling facilities are the same. Although there are similarities from one warehouse to the next, the specific set up of each material handling operation varies...

Why Do I Need A Permit For A Used Mezzanine?

September 9, 2019

First and foremost, your town wants to make sure your design has been approved by a licensed engineer. This gives them a sense of assurance that your facility will be safe for workers. In addition, ...

The Importance of Properly Securing Your Pallets

January 14, 2019

There are many reasons as to why someone would want pallets properly secured, but most importantly is to ensure that the load gets to its destination in the same condition it left the facility. ...

Pallets vs. Skids - What is Best for You?

January 9, 2019

In order to help you determine whether a pallet or a skid would be best for you, you first need to know what the differences are between the two. Skid A skid offers a different style of support...

Crown Spotlight

November 8, 2018

At American Surplus we have genuine, high-quality Crown equipment. Not only do we offer the highly durable genuine Crown manual and electric pallet jacks and order pickers, we offer them at a...

Expanding Your Business' Potential With an Inplant Office

September 10, 2018

Inplant Offices provide a modular solution to a rigid problem: Where can I find space for my administrative staff and sales team? Real Estate near your warehouse or distribution center may be too...

Advantages of Utilizing Stack Racks in Your Warehouse

May 25, 2018

Stack Racks are a flexible warehouse storage solution that allow you to optimize the density of your storage space while allowing for a configurable layout. Unlike semi-permanent solutions such as...

Used Conveyor Installation

February 23, 2018

American Surplus recently completed a used conveyor installation in Reno, NV. This project had two phases of conveyor installations. The first consisted of 300 linear feet of used transport style...

Pallet Rack Installation

January 25, 2018

Check out our most recent pallet rack installation. This was a new teardrop pallet rack installation because the size was so large it was more beneficial to the customer to go with the new option. ...

3 Ways to Save Money in Your Warehouse in 2018

January 12, 2018

1. Invest In a Used Steel Mezzanine Mezzanines, also called storage platforms, are a perfect way to add area to your warehouse without renting additional space. You can incorporate conveyor, ...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from American Surplus

December 21, 2017

From everyone at American Surplus, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We have had a great year and want to thank all our customers, vendors, employees, subcontractors and everyone else...

Huge Tax Savings Available for Used & New Warehouse & Material Handling Equipment

November 7, 2017

It is hard to believe that 2017 is ending already, but that means it is time to talk about the Section 179 Deduction program again. This tax program can save your business thousands and should be...

How Can a Used Baler Save you Money?

October 5, 2017

Balers in the material handling industry are used to compress disposable waste products such as plastics, paper, cardboard, metals, and other materials. Originally, balers were used in agriculture to...

Benefits of Buying a Used Steel Mezzanine

September 14, 2017

American Surplus custom designs used mezzanine systems using CAD drawings to suit your specific needs. Some of the benefits of a custom designed used mezzanine from ASI include: Cost Effective –...

Your Guide to Buying Used Steel Shelving

August 8, 2017

Steel shelving is ideal for hand loading small inventory items, parts, tools, etc. There are several other terms for steel shelving, we also call it warehouse shelving and industrial shelving. When...

Exercise Your Creativity with These Unique Inplant Office Ideas

July 19, 2017

One of the best features of inplant offices is their modular construction. All the components are interchangeable, so when it comes to what sort of spaces you can create in your facility, offices are...

Used Cantilever Rack In - Stock Now

June 16, 2017

American Surplus has used cantilever rack now in stock. With five different capacity styles, we are bound to have something perfect for your application. Cantilever Rack is perfect for storing...

Used Pallet Rack: Which Type Is Best for You?

May 23, 2017

Used Pallet Rack: Which Type Is Best for You? Whether you are opening a new warehouse, adding on to your existing used pallet racks due to business growth, or moving into a new facility, you have...

Improve Your Shipping & Receiving Department

April 17, 2017

Flexible Conveyors are a great investment for your shipping and receiving department. This product is a powerless, gravity driven conveyor that transports products throughout the warehouse. They are...

5 Tips to Optimize Your Warehouse Space

March 13, 2017

Maintaining and organizing a warehouse is no easy task. If you have ever worked in a warehouse you can imagine the difficulties a manager faces while trying to squeeze efficiency from the building’s...

New Teardrop Pallet Rack Quick Ship Program

February 22, 2017

American Surplus is now stocking new teardrop pallet rack. Pallet Rack Frames, Beams, and Wire Decks are in stock and ready to ship to you. We understand that price, quality and convenience...

American Surplus is headed to Promat 2017

February 1, 2017

We are very excited to have 5 ASI team members headed to the 2017 Promat Show iin April this year. It is a great way to network and put a face with the vendors and customers we talk with all year. ...

Happy Thanksgiving from American Surplus

November 21, 2016

We would like to wish all our friends, family, and customers a very Happy Thanksgiving. American Surplus is a family business and we value family above all else. We strive to treat our customers and...

Speed Up Your Shipping Department with A Stretch Wrapper

October 14, 2016

Stretch Wrappers, also known as pallet wrappers, are commonly used in warehouses across the globe to make packing orders for shipping much more efficient. Using low density polyethylene stretch film, ...

When Your Pallet Racking Needs to Be Replaced

September 22, 2016

Pallet Racking will typically last a lifetime; however, collisions, wear and tear, and accidents are always a possibility. Forklift operators have a tough job and with heavy objects and tall racks, ...

Benefits of Wire Decking

August 26, 2016

When designing your pallet rack system there are many things to consider before making a decision on your purchase. The basic decision involves purchasing your frames and beams. This step is usually...

Used Flammable Cabinets- Save Money and Comply with Code

August 12, 2016

A fire could rage through your facility in literally seconds, leaving nothing to spare. This is just one of the reasons why it is extremely important to keep flammable/toxic chemicals and other...

Your Guide to Investing in Used Material Handling Equipment

August 2, 2016

When researching and purchasing used material handling equipment, there are many factors to consider. Used Warehouse Equipment can save you a lot of money, but if you are not careful, it could be a...

What’s New at American Surplus This Summer?

July 15, 2016

American Surplus is having a great year so far and we are looking forward to the second half. A couple of weeks ago we had one of our employee appreciation events at the Paw Sox Game and it was a...

Save money by creating office space & storage space at the same time!

June 17, 2016

Maximizing your warehouse space is a tricky task. As a warehouse manager, you want to be able to store as much product as you can in the smallest amount of space. At the same time, you want to store...

What Type of Forklift Should I Buy?

May 31, 2016

Forklift manufacturers have made substantial improvements to all types of lift trucks in recent years, from diesel and propane to gasoline and electric. Each forklift type has definitive advantages...

American Surplus Department Tour

March 15, 2016

Here at American Surplus we have 5 main departments. These departments are Conveyor, Fabrication, Forklift, Racking and Shelving. Below is a video tour of our building that will take you to each of...

4 Mistakes Buyers Make in the Material Handling Industry

February 19, 2016

Buying equipment for your company can be a long and painful process, but if you avoid these mistakes, you can have an easy buying process in no time. Poor Time Management Amazon has changed...

4 Reasons why a Mezzanine is right for your warehouse

January 29, 2016

Whenever a company grows beyond its current warehouse capabilities the first thought is “We need to move to a larger warehouse.” But I am here to tell you that there may be another option that will...

Changes at American Surplus

January 15, 2016

2015 was a great year for us here at American Surplus. We set new records in sales and expanded our warehouse, so we have even more space now. With these expansions we added some new people to our...

5 Striking Benefits of Powered Conveyor in a Modern Warehouse

October 27, 2015

Any conveyor machine is simply a movable or even immobile machine intended to handle products routinely from one position to another. It really is one of the most conventional procedures applied...

5 Ways to Improve your Packaging System

October 9, 2015

Whether you are shrink wrapping pallets or sealing boxes full of your product, your packaging system is most likely a very important part of your warehouse. Making sure you are getting the efficiency...

Employee Safety with Scissor Lift Tables

September 18, 2015

Scissor lift tables provide an ergonomic solution to lifting, positioning, and transporting heavy loads. Scissor lifts can be used to safely move and lift loads to better ergonomic positions. Lift...

Should I Buy Material Handling Equipment at an Auction?

August 28, 2015

There are a multitude of reasons why you should not buy your Material Handling and Storage equipment at an auction. Buying equipment at an auction is a very complex purchase process because the...

Difference Between a Hydraulic and Mechanical Vertical Lift

August 7, 2015

Before we get into what the differences are between these two styles of vertical lifts that American Surplus sells, you should have a basic understanding of what a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor...

Industrial Shelving Comparison Guide

April 15, 2015

Industrial steel shelving is designed to store small, light to very large heavy, bulky items. There are several application and shelving features that must be compared and considered when...

Pushback Racking –Solid Reasons for Buying

April 6, 2015

When considering the various types of pallet racking for your facility it can be a difficult choice if you have a wide range of load sizes, types of pallets, weights, and a high inventory turnover. ...

10-Points to Consider when Buying Material Handling Equipment

March 30, 2015

Survey says: Buy a standard brand that has been time tested and from a company with an excellent reputation. When comparing products, expect that the latest model with a higher price should...

When to Stop Hand Taping your Cases

March 16, 2015

Both hand taping systems are generally priced under $1,000, versus the automatics which are priced around $10,000 new. Will both systems get the job done? Actually, yes! The hand taping system is...

The Best Choice is a Used Case Sealer

March 9, 2015

A used case sealer is an effective high-volume method of applying sealing tape to a cardboard case. Operators, depending on the application, fold the bottom flaps of the case and, while holding the...

Used Cantilever Rack Styles & Applications

February 23, 2015

Cantilever rack with out decking Cantilever is a popular style of racking for storing long, bulky, bundled or loose tubes, cylinders, and piping, including flat stock such as lumber, metal or...

Types of Used Forklifts: Styles and Sizes for your Warehouse Operation

February 10, 2015

Forklifts are one of the most significant pieces of material handling equipment in most industries. Lifts come in various types and sizes for material handling operations from warehouses, ...

Finding Ways to Increase Warehouse Storage Space

January 22, 2015

My Current warehouse storage is at 80% of total available floorspace. How can I use my current storage space more effectively? There are two factors that must be considered: Storage Density:...

Why you Need an Electric Pallet Jack

January 8, 2015

American Surplus has a large inventory of used pallet jacks, both standard and electric. Here are some factors that can help determine which is most appropriate for your material handling...

Types of Forklifts: What you Need to Know

October 23, 2014

Electric Pallet Jack: picking from low level storage locations Power Operated Stacker: lower weight and lifting capabilities for internal transport Power Counterbalanced 3 and 4 Wheel Fork Lift...

Used Stack Racks – Tier Rack vs. Nestainers

October 6, 2014

If you are looking for flexibility when choosing a racking system, the most popular option is stack racks. American Surplus sells two different style stack racks: Tier Rack and Nestainers. These...

Consolidating, Downsizing, Liquidating? Call ASI

August 4, 2014

Moving into a new facility or need to consolidate your existing facility? American Surplus is constantly seeking used material handling equipment, including but not limited to: Conveyor –...

Join Our Growing Sales Force!

July 18, 2014

American Surplus Inc. has been in the business of buying and selling used material handling equipment for over 20 years. We are constantly expanding and require additional sales representatives to...

Which Type of Industrial Shelving is Right for Me?

June 25, 2014

A warehouse or industrial facility is constantly changing its inventory as new items are being acquired and stored, and products are being distributed. One of the most important factors in laying out...

Tips to Extend The Life of Your Forklift Battery

June 3, 2014

Forklift batteries are extremely heavy duty and can be recharged a number of times. Taking proper care of this super duty battery will really help extend its lifespan. By following these basic tips, ...

Daily Forklift Operation Checklist: What You Need to Know

May 22, 2014

Operating a forklift is fun and can be exciting. However, it is no cake walk. You must adhere to strict guidelines and safety practices to get the most out of your experience as a forklift operator...

Ways to Avoid Pallet Rack Failure

May 15, 2014

Forklifts are one of the most common causes of destruction in a warehouse facility, as they are constantly weaving through aisles upon aisles of pallet racks.One little mistake can cause the forklift...

Conveyor System History

March 5, 2014

Conveyors have been around for hundreds of years, and they were originally used in agricultural settings. Farmers would use conveyor belts to load grain onto ships, but these devices were not even...

A Brief History of Forklifts

February 26, 2014

Before forklifts, manually powered hoists were typically used to lift loads. These hoists were mainly composed of chains and winches. The first platform trucks were essentially hoists that were...

Dock Plates, Dock Boards, & Dock Levelers

February 18, 2014

One problem to overcome with loading docks is bridging the gap between the open end of the truck bed and the warehouse floor. This causes a problem because not all warehouse floors are the same...

Conveyor Safety Tips

January 24, 2014

Safety around any equipment in a warehouse facility is crucial, and this is especially true around conveyor equipment. With many moving parts, chains, gears, and pinch points, it can be dangerous for...

Strapping Methods

January 23, 2014

Strapping is the process of securing pieces of equipment together for shipment or for storage and is also known as “bundling” or “banding”. This improves the organization of product being stored, ...

Warehouse Safety Tips

January 9, 2014

Warehouse facilities can be hazardous to your safety in several ways, if the proper safety procedures are not being followed. Some of these scenarios are more common than others, but we will discuss...

Save Money and the Environment!

January 6, 2014

National and global attention is shifting towards the responsible use of energy, and it is being implemented in homes and businesses via solar panels, wind turbines, paperless billing, and more. What...

Lessons for the Holiday Season

December 12, 2013

Although improvements to your material handling processes are usually done during the slow season, you can learn a lot from the busy holiday months. If you can stay focused during these chaotic...

Methods of Palletization

December 9, 2013

Palletization is the process of taking cases of product and packing them together in one unit on a pallet for storage or transportation. There are three categories for palletizing products: manual, ...

The Benefits of Buying Used Shelving

December 6, 2013

Many people are obviously hesitant when considering purchasing used shelving for their warehouse facility. This is very reasonable because not all used industrial warehouse equipment is treated the...

Which Type of Racking is Right for Me?

December 4, 2013

When deciding the storage device to be utilized for a new warehouse facility or an existing one, you must first consider what kind of material you are handling. There are many factors that will...

Tips to Keep your Conveyor System Running Efficiently

November 22, 2013

Companies that often depend on their conveyor system for their daily operations do not always take proper care of them, so when a breakdown occurs the company can be out of commission for a long...

Effectively Slotting Your Warehouse Facility

November 4, 2013

If you are in an existing warehouse or storage facility looking to improve efficiency, or you are moving to a new facility, you should consider a slotting analysis. Slotting is the activity of...

How to Determine Which Stretch Wrapper is Right for You

November 1, 2013

Stretch wrappers most commonly use low-density polyethylene, which can stretch up to 500% of its length before breaking. The film is typically only stretched 100-300% when in use and, once it is...

Ways to Improve Efficiency in your Material Handling Facility

October 25, 2013

There are many factors to consider when attempting to make your material handling facility run more efficiently. Chances are, your facility’s processes, from shipping and receiving to production and...

How to Choose the Right Used Yard Ramp

October 21, 2013

One of the major benefits of a used yard ramp is they do not require a permanent docking bay. Construction of a docking bay can be quite costly, so it is only realistic in a more permanent facility...

Make Your Warehouse More Efficient With a Used Pick Module

October 10, 2013

Typically, palletized loads are automatically transported via gravity through the pick module system. They can be directed into storage onto flow racks, or they can be broken down into individual...

Need More Office Space? How About an In-Plant Office?

September 24, 2013

A modular office space or in-plant office is a cost-effective solution and a customizable way to add offices to your storage facility. It is a great way to make the most out of an already existing...

Choosing the Right Used Dock Board or Dock Plate

September 19, 2013

Dock boards and dock plates are a portable solution to bridging the gap from the edge of a dock to an open truck bed. This can be a problem because trucks vary in height, so there is a gap and a...

Helpful Tips to Consider When Buying a Used Forklift

September 12, 2013

The maximum size and weight of the heaviest load and average load The height the product needs to be lifted Whether it’s for outside or inside use The aisle dimensions Whether it’s electric or...

How to Purchase a Used Pallet Jack

September 3, 2013

What is a pallet jack and how does it work? Pallet jacks are one of the most useful and commonly used warehouse tools. Pallet jacks transfer thousands of pounds of inventory with ease and can be...

Advanced Carton Flow Rack Guide

August 20, 2013

All types of flow rack use wheels or rollers, which are gravity powered, to transport products from the rear of the racking system to the front automatically. This is a “first in, first out” style of...

Benefits of Used Carton Flow Rack

August 14, 2013

Carton flow rackis a style of racking that uses a “gravity feed rear load” design. Inventory sits on skate wheels or rollers that are set on a pitch, allowing for products to glide to the front of...

What to Consider When Buying Used Bins and Totes

August 12, 2013

Used bins and totes might seem like a straightforward purchase, but there are actually many options that go along with it. One of the first questions to ask is do you need totes that stack on top of...

Used Cantilever Rack Helpful Tips

August 2, 2013

Cantilever rackis a style of racking that has beams that only anchor on one end and are commonly found in lumber yards or plumbing supply warehouses where items being stored are long and bulky. It...

Pallet Rack Types and Helpful Tips

July 22, 2013

Pallet racking is any material handling storage system that stores materials on pallets in horizontal rows on multiple levels. Pallet racks require the use of a forklift truck to load and unload...

Types of Gravity Conveyor

July 17, 2013

Gravity Conveyor, as the name implies, is a powerless free flowing conveyor system for transporting products throughout the warehouse. They can be set up at a decline to have products flow...

American Surplus: We’ll Save You Time and Money

November 11, 2011

Used Material Handling blog is an effort to offer American Surplus Inc. customers an opportunity to get the latest information, tips and suggestions relative to the purchase and use of quality used...

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