About Us
About NLT: Forklift & Aerial Equipment Dealer
Welcome to National Lift Truck, a family-owned company with a rich history dating back to 1956, when our founder, William Perry DuBose, established the business with a simple yet profound motto:
“Good service doesn’t cost, it pays”
William Perry DuBose, an honorable veteran of the United States Navy who served on four major invasions during World War II, brought his passion and dedication to the forefront as he transitioned from the family farm in Arkansas to a small shop in Franklin Park, Illinois. There, he laid the foundation for what would become National Lift Truck, dedicating countless hours to building the company from the ground up.
Initially focused on mechanical repair for forklifts and rolling stock, National Lift Truck evolved under Perry’s guidance. Recognizing the needs of his customers, Perry expanded the business to include equipment rentals and transportation services. He even pioneered innovative solutions, such as constructing possibly one of the first known cantilever tilt bed trailers with a winch system for transporting equipment.
Expanding to Equipment
Initially focused on mechanical repair for forklifts and rolling stock, National Lift Truck evolved under Perry’s guidance. Recognizing the needs of his customers, Perry expanded the business to include equipment rentals and transportation services. He even pioneered innovative solutions, such as constructing possibly one of the first known cantilever tilt bed trailers with a winch system for transporting equipment.
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Expanding The Family Business
As time progressed, Perry’s sons, Perry Dale and Jeff Paul joined the company, ushering in the second generation of ownership. Perry Dale, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, brought his expertise to growing the customer base through sales and service. Jeff Paul, a graduate of Northwestern Military and Naval Academy, contributed his skills to further expanding the company’s reach. Together, the second generation built enduring relationships with equipment dealerships and retail customers in the Chicagoland area, offering specialized construction, industrial, and heavy lifting equipment.
Over the years, the family continued to grow the business, expanding into Arkansas and Tennessee, and offering more services including new and used equipment sales, operator training, haul-for-hire, industrial batteries, warehouse services, and more.
Today, National Lift Truck is led by the third generation of the DuBose family, who are deeply involved in all aspects of the business. As we look to the future, we remain committed to upholding the legacy of William Perry DuBose, continuing to provide exceptional service and building upon the foundation he laid for generations to come. Thank you for being a part of our journey and part of the National family!
The 2nd Generation
As time progressed, Perry’s sons, Perry Dale and Jeff Paul joined the company, ushering in the second generation of ownership. Perry Dale, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, brought his expertise to growing the customer base through sales and service. Jeff Paul, a graduate of Northwestern Military and Naval Academy, contributed his skills to further expanding the company’s reach. Together, the second generation built enduring relationships with equipment dealerships and retail customers in the Chicagoland area, offering specialized construction, industrial, and heavy lifting equipment.
Present & Future
Today, National Lift Truck is led by the third generation of the DuBose family, who are deeply involved in all aspects of the business. As we look to the future, we remain committed to upholding the legacy of William Perry DuBose, continuing to provide exceptional service and building upon the foundation he laid for generations to come. Thank you for being a part of our journey and part of the National family!
Our Locations
We proudly serve a wide range of areas, including:
- Chicago, Illinois
- Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee
- Little Rock and Springdale, Arkansas
- Middletown, New York
- Industrial batteries and chargers (recycling, sales, rentals and refurbishing services)
- New equipment sales and rental (aerial lift, forklift, industrial cranes, and light towers/generators)
- A wholesale department that sells equipment new and used worldwide
- Operator Safety Training
- Haul-for-hire services and logistics with long and short term indoor and outdoor storage
Meet the Team
John Doe
About John
Jane Doe
About Jane
Pete Smith
About Pete
Ashley Reynolds
About Ashley
Joe Smith
About Joe
Dan Jones
About Dan
OUR MISSION
To provide the best customer experience in the industry.
We achieve this through our unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and exceptional service.
Our knowledgeable team works tirelessly to understand and meet your unique needs, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
OUR values
Customer Service Excellence
We build TRUST by consistently delivering QUALITY service and being RESPONSIVE to our customer’s sense of urgency.
Solutions-Based Mentality
We are SOLUTION PROVIDERS! We identify and deliver the right solution to our customers’ challenges.
Integrity & Respect
We maintain TRADITIONAL values and are committed to developing LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS built on HONESTY and RESPECT. We aim to be the BEST, not the biggest.
Growth Mindset
We provide all employees with professional GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES, have an OPEN MIND about trying new things, and embrace the opportunity to LEARN something new every day.
See our Rental Fleet in Action!
Watch our team prepare and deliver over 80 fork trucks to the International Manufacturing Technology show (IMTS) at McCormick Center in Chicago.
At NLT, we take pride in our ability to tackle ambitious projects like this. With our extensive fleet of rental forklifts and an incredible team of drivers, field technicians, and rental coordinators, we ensure every project is handled with professionalism and exceptional service.
Chicago, Illinois
1 of 6Memphis, Tennessee
2 of 6Jackson, Tennessee
3 of 6Little Rock, Arkansas
4 of 6Springdale, Arkansas
5 of 6Middletown, New York
6 of 6Our Locations
National Lift Truck proudly serves the following regions and all surrounding areas:
FULL-SERVICE LOCATIONS:
- Franklin Park, Illinois (Headquarters)
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Little Rock, Arkansas
SUPPORTING BRANCHES:
- East Hazel Crest, Illinois
- Jackson, Tennessee
- Springdale, Arkansas
- Middletown, New York