materials handling

American  

noun

1. the loading, unloading, and movement of goods, as within a factory or warehouse, especially by the aid of mechanical devices.

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Etymology

Origin of materials handling

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

A review of tests found that they did not have the scores they needed to pass written exams and earn certifications in areas such as basic firefighting knowledge, hazardous materials handling and operation of firetrucks.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2017

Looking to improve turnaround times for materials handling, a Navy Supply Corps officer named Norman Cahners—who would go on to found the publishing giant of the same name—invented the “four-way pallet.”

From Slate • Aug. 14, 2012

Despite those drawbacks, in the early 1980s hydraulic robots appeared to be the best workhorses available for such automated tasks as parts assembly, materials handling and heavy-duty lifting.

From Time Magazine Archive

They begin by checking quickly but thoroughly such matters as materials handling, work distribution, records and control, quality of supervision and production methods.

From Time Magazine Archive