How to Choose a Forklift Dealer: A 9-Point Checklist

Quick Facts: Choosing a Forklift Dealer

• Do not compare trucks in a vacuum; compare parts stock, response time, and first time fix as well.
• Ask for real numbers like average response window, local parts count, and technician certifications.
• Make sure the dealer supports rentals, training, batteries and charging, and telematics, not just sales.
• Ask for a TCO quote that includes the truck, attachments, planned maintenance, and expected tires or parts.
• Thompson Lift Truck covers the Southeast with sales, rentals, stocked OEM parts, factory trained technicians, and operator training.

Why forklift dealer choice matters

A forklift that will not start at 7:05 a.m. costs more than a repair bill. At a minimum, it can cost an entire shift. The right forklift dealer helps prevent that, while the wrong one turns every breakdown into a larger bill and more downtime.

This checklist shows how to tell the difference and why Thompson Lift Truck consistently wins on uptime across the Southeast.

1) Brands and models that match your business, not a brochure

The specifications of your forklifts should match the specific needs of your business. A good dealer will take time to understand your load center, tire compound, mast options, attachments, and the type of power you need in each truck.

At Thompson Lift Truck, our selection of Hyundai, Crown, Combilift, Kalmar, and Shuttlewagon forklifts gives us coverage from narrow aisle electrics to heavy duty internal combustion units, suited to fit a wide range of industries.

2) Local parts on the shelf, not “we can order that”

Downtime often starts and ends at the parts counter. Ask your dealer which common parts they stock in house, such as forks, chains, contactors, sensors, seal kits, hoses, filters, and cushion or pneumatic tires.

At Thompson Lift Truck, we invest more than $3.5 million in our parts inventory so we have the part you need when you need it. We double check the model and serial number so you get the exact part your forklift requires.

3) Response time you can plan around

A good forklift dealer should give you a clear idea of when help will arrive and show up prepared to work. Ask about average response windows and how they dispatch technicians in your area.

Thompson Lift Truck has service vans and shops across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. Our technicians tell you when they will arrive and bring the parts they are most likely to need to fix the problem on the first visit.

4) Planned maintenance that catches problems early

At Thompson Lift Truck, we can help you plan your service based on how you use your forklifts. We take notes every time we visit and tell you what must be fixed now and what can wait. This helps prevent breakdowns later.

5) Forklift rentals that cover peaks and breakdowns

If your forklift is down, you might need a rental that fits your job. A good dealer brings the right size and attachment so you can keep working.

We offer short- and long-term rentals. We deliver them, set them up, and make sure they fit your job. If your truck is down, we help keep your business moving.

6) Operator training and site safety help

Most forklift accidents happen because of small habits, not big surprises. Look for a dealer that can train your operators, provide OSHA refresher courses, and even walk your floor to point out simple changes that improve safety.

A dealer that understands your site can help reduce incidents, protect equipment, and keep your team confident behind the controls.

7) Batteries, charging, and telematics support

Electric forklifts live or die based on a solid charging plan. Telematics turns “we think” into “we know” by tracking usage, idle time, and impacts.

Your dealer should help with charger sizing, battery care, and telematics setup, including impact alerts and maintenance reminders. That way you get the most from your electric fleet instead of guessing.

8) Transparent pricing and true total cost of ownership

A low price on the sticker can be misleading. It may not show the cost of tires, parts, or slow service. Ask for a three-year total cost so you know the real price.

At Thompson Lift Truck, we provide side-by-side quotes with the math visible. If two specs will work, we’ll show both and when each pays off.

9) References that look like you

The best reference is a business that looks like yours. Same hours, similar loads, comparable floors, and similar safety standards. Ask any dealer for references that match your industry and application, not just a list of names.

What working with Thompson Lift Truck feels like

• You call. A human answers. You get a time, not a ticket number.

• The tech shows up with the right parts because the parts team pulled them to match your serial.

• You get photos and notes, not mysteries.

• When volume spikes, a rental shows up that fits your attachment and aisle plan.

• Your PM logs look boring, and your mornings run on time.

Conclusion

Choosing a forklift dealer is really choosing uptime. If you want stocked parts, fast field support, honest quotes, and training that makes a difference, that’s Thompson Lift Truck. We keep fleets in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky moving every shift, not just the easy ones.