Why January Is the Best Time to Inspect, Train and Plan

There’s a common misconception that January is a quiet month.

In reality, January is one of the most important months of the year for well-run operations.

The teams that struggle later in the year usually don’t struggle because of bad luck. They struggle because small issues were ignored when things felt calm. Minor wear became major failures. Training got postponed. Equipment that “just needed a little attention” went down at the worst possible time.

Smart planners get ahead of their needs now.



Why January Matters More Than You Think

When operations slow slightly, it creates a rare opportunity: time to think, plan, and act before urgency takes over.

January is when the best-run operations:

  • Inspect equipment before it fails
  • Schedule training before it becomes urgent
  • Fix small issues before they turn into downtime

By the time everyone else is reacting, they’re already moving.

👉 Start the year with a fleet inspection or service assessment to identify issues early.



Catch Equipment Issues Before They Cost You

Forklifts don’t usually fail without warning. Worn forks, tired batteries, leaking hydraulics, and loose chains often show signs long before they cause a breakdown.

January is the ideal time to:

  • Perform preventative maintenance
  • Address wear items proactively
  • Replace parts before they fail during peak periods
  • Ensure CSA and safety compliance is up to date

This approach reduces emergency calls, overtime repairs, and lost productivity later in the year.

👉 Book planned maintenance now and avoid emergency repairs later.



Training Is Easier Before It’s Urgent

When schedules are packed, training is often delayed. January gives you breathing room to get ahead.

Early-year training helps:

  • Reduce operator error and equipment damage
  • Improve safety and compliance
  • Prepare teams before volume increases
  • Avoid last-minute certification scrambles

Well-trained operators protect both your equipment and your people.

👉 Schedule operator training now while calendars are flexible.



Plan Equipment Upgrades Before You’re Forced To

Waiting until equipment fails puts you in a reactive position—limited options, higher costs, and rushed decisions.

January is the right time to:

  • Review aging forklifts
  • Plan replacements or upgrades
  • Explore refurbished vs. new options
  • Align equipment with operational goals for the year

Strategic planning now prevents forced purchases later.

👉 Talk to our team about equipment planning for the year ahead.



How Premier Lift Helps You Stay Ahead

At Premier Lift Equipment, we work with customers who prefer planning over firefighting.

We help operations:

  • Identify issues before they cause downtime
  • Maintain CSA-compliant, reliable equipment
  • Plan service, parts, and upgrades proactively
  • Build long-term equipment strategies—not short-term fixes

January isn’t about slowing down. It’s about setting the tone for the entire year.



Start the Year the Smart Way

If you’re planning the year ahead, this is the moment that matters.

The teams that win later in the year are the ones making smart, proactive decisions now.

👉 Schedule a service or fleet assessment

👉 Book training before schedules fill up

👉 Review equipment needs for the year ahead

👉 Browse our CSA Certified inventory here!

Get ahead now—so you’re not catching up later.