The term "CAL forklift" is not a single brand, but rather a designation that can refer to a few distinct things in the material handling industry. In 2026, the most prominent references are to Cal-Lift, Inc. , a major forklift dealer in Southern California, and to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations that are reshaping the forklift market in the state. This guide breaks down what "CAL" means in the forklift world.
Cal-Lift, Inc. – Southern California's Premier Forklift Dealer
When people in the industry refer to "CAL" in the context of forklifts, they are most often talking about Cal-Lift, Inc. , the oldest family-owned forklift dealer in Southern California.
Company Overview:
Founded: 1964
Headquarters: City of Industry, California
Employees: 100–250
Specialties: Forklifts, lift trucks, material handling equipment, container handling equipment, yard spotter tractors, service and parts for all makes and models, and warehouse storage products
Brands and Products:
Cal-Lift represents several major forklift manufacturers, making them a one-stop shop for material handling solutions:
CLARK Material Handling: Cal-Lift is a proud award-winning dealer for CLARK in Southern California. CLARK is the brand that invented the forklift over 100 years ago and has recently announced an industry-leading 5-year / 8,000-hour warranty on its Class 1 electric forklifts.
Taylor Machine Works: Cal-Lift also carries heavy-duty Taylor forklifts, such as the XH-550M, which has a massive 55,000 lb lift capacity and is engineered for demanding industries like steel, lumber, concrete, ports, and rail.
Electric and Lithium-Ion Solutions: Reflecting the industry's shift towards sustainability, Cal-Lift offers a full line of electric forklifts that can be equipped with aftermarket CLARK FUSION lithium-ion batteries.
Location and Contact:
Cal-Lift has multiple locations in Southern California. Their main headquarters is at:
13027 Crossroads Parkway South, City of Industry, CA, 91746
Phone: 800-322-5438
Website: cal-lift.com
California Regulations – The CARB Zero-Emission Forklift Rules
In 2026, "CAL" also strongly evokes the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and its new Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation, which has significant implications for anyone buying, selling, or operating forklifts in the state.
Key Dates and Requirements:
Effective Date Requirement
January 1, 2026 Fleet operators cannot acquire or take possession of a new LSI (Large Spark-Ignition) forklift in California. Facilities cannot acquire, possess, or operate an LSI forklift unless it is a used 2025 or previous model year that hasn't been phased out.
January 1, 2026 Forklift manufacturers cannot produce or offer for sale in California a Class IV LSI forklift unless the engine or powertrain qualifies as Zero-Emission.
January 1, 2029 Forklift manufacturers cannot produce or offer for sale in California a Class V LSI forklift with a rated capacity of 12,000 pounds or less unless the engine or powertrain qualifies as Zero-Emission.
January 1, 2038 Dealers in California shall not possess a Class IV LSI Forklift or a Class V LSI Forklift with a capacity up to 12,000 pounds.
What This Means for You:
Buying New: As of 2026, you can no longer purchase a new LSI (internal combustion) forklift in California. Your options are zero-emission forklifts (electric, hydrogen fuel cell) or used 2025 or older LSI models.
Renting: Until January 1, 2038, fleets can still rent 2026, 2027, and 2028 model year targeted Class V forklifts for use in California.
Record Keeping: Fleet operators must maintain detailed records for all LSI forklifts in their California fleet and submit annual reports starting in 2026.
This regulation is a major driver for the adoption of electric and other zero-emission forklifts in California.
Other Possible Meanings of "CAL"
While less common, "CAL" can also refer to:
Calibrated Forklift Attachment: A "Calibrated Forklift Bucket" is a specialized attachment used for precise measurement and loading of materials like sand or grain.
CAL OSHA: A reference to a "CAL OSHA Fork Deck," which is a work platform attachment that turns a forklift into a personnel