Forklift Operators

Career summary

Forklift operators may also be called industrial truck and tractor operators, pallet truck operators, rider truck operators, or lift truck operators.

#match with 6158, check 2/23/15 lh

Most forklift operators work in warehouses and factories. Forklifts are also called industrial trucks and tractors.

Before moving items, forklift operators make sure that loads are not too heavy for their vehicle. They weigh loads and record the information on tags or labels. Many loads are on wooden platforms called pallets. Forklift operators use levers and knobs in the cab of the vehicle to raise the forklift device and the pallet. After moving a load they slide the forklift out from under the pallet.

Forklift operators work to make sure they and their coworkers are safe while they are operating equipment. Forklift operators signal other workers that the load is clear of the forklift and that materials can be unloaded.

Forklift operators may perform other duties as well. Some operators tend machines that prepare loads to be moved by automatically stacking, packaging, or cutting materials. They may also hook tow trucks, using hitches and pins, to other equipment.

Forklift operators keep records of the materials they move. Some drive vehicles that require a commercial driver's license or another type of certification.

Forklift operators maintain their vehicles and forklift devices. They make sure that all parts are oiled and that vehicles have enough fuel. If there are problems with equipment, forklift operators talk with mechanics about them.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bus Drivers
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Freight Handlers
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Light Truck Drivers
• Loggers
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Mining Machine Operators
• Paving Equipment Operators
• Stock Clerks
• Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders

Military careers

• Cargo Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to forklift operators.

• Ensure the safety of themselves and all those working around them by following all safety and driving rules.
• Drive large trucks or tractors with forklift devices between loading, processing, and storage areas.
• Use levers and knobs to control forklift devices and lift materials.
• Position forklifts beneath materials or beneath wooden platforms where materials are kept.
• Load or unload items onto or off of pallets, platforms, cars, or lifting devices.
• Drive trucks loaded with materials to specified spots.
• Control forklifts to lower materials to desired areas.
• Weigh materials or products and record data on tags or labels.
• Position materials so that workers can unload them.
• Signal workers to unload materials.
• Maintain vehicles and equipment by cleaning, lubricating, and refueling.
• May operate stacking, loading, packaging, or cutting machines.
• May hook tow trucks to trailers and other equipment, such as graders, plows, and rollers.

Common work activities

Forklift operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Teach others
• Control machines and processes
• Process information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Evaluate information against standards
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop and build teams
• Assist and care for others
• Document and record information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Coach others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Schedule work and activities

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, forklift operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They talk to others to find out what items to move but spend time alone inside the forklift's cab.
• Communicate in person on a daily basis.
• Regularly work in a group or as part of a team.
• Are greatly responsible for others health and safety.
• Are responsible for work outcomes.

Physical work conditions

• Spend most of their time inside the cab of a forklift.
• Often wear protective attire, such as hard hats and gloves.
• Work somewhat close to others, usually within a few feet.
• Are frequently exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures. This will depend on the work site.
• Are regularly exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Occasionally work outdoors, such as at home centers or construction areas. Otherwise, they work indoors in warehouses or factories. In most cases, the temperature is not controlled.
• Are exposed to hazardous equipment, conditions, and situations on a weekly basis.
• Work with equipment that causes whole body vibration.
• Sometimes must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.

Work performance

• Must be sure the job is done accurately. Items stacked incorrectly could fall and seriously hurt someone.
• Can set some tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor, but usually consult a superior first.
• Can make most decisions without consulting a supervisor. Once the daily tasks have been set, the day-to-day job duties are usually the same.
• Often repeat the same physical activities.
• Abide by strict deadlines on a daily and weekly basis.
• Must keep up with the pace of equipment.

Hours/travel

• Generally work a set schedule. May work regular business hours.
• Most work about 40 hours per week.
• May work morning or night shifts in factories and warehouses.

Physical demands

Forklift operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for forklift operators to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for forklift operators to be able to:

• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• See objects in very low light.

Skills and abilities

Forklift operators need to:

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Perceive and visualize

• Know one's location in a physical setting and recognize where other objects are located in relation to oneself.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Heavy Equipment Operations

Training

To work as a forklift operator, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Work experience

Any experience safely driving or operating equipment can help you get a trainee position.

On-the-job training

Forklift operators learn their skills on the job from experienced operators. You begin as a helper and perform routine tasks. As you gain experience, you work on your own. Training generally lasts less than a month.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be cargo or transportation specialists. Training lasts two to nine weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Driver Education
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer forklift operators with a high school diploma or equivalent and a clean driving record. Some employers may look for applicants who have completed additional training in driving light trucks or heavy equipment. They also look for operators with good balance, and eye-hand-foot coordination. It is also important for forklift operators to be able to judge the distance between objects.

Some employers require that applicants be able to speak, read, and write English. Applicants also may be required to have a valid Washington State driver's license. Employers may also require applicants to pass a drug test and a criminal background check. Most jobs are filled by workers with related work experience and seniority.

Costs to workers

Workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Licensing/certification

Applicants who want to work in the general construction or maritime industries must go through a federally required safety training program and skills evaluation sponsored by the employer. Then, the employer must certify that the training and evaluation have been completed. This federal program is part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Every three years, operators must be reevaluated to make sure they are still following the correct operating procedures. This training requirement does not apply to agricultural operations.

#Checked OSHA info 3/28/06, CJ (one source of info: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/  Info above (& website noted here) 4/2/18 cj. 2/26/19

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Forklift operators who work full time usually receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Warehouses and storage companies
• Building material and supply companies
• Grocery wholesale companies
• Local and long distance trucking companies
• Temporary worker agencies

National outlook

This occupation is expected to grow about as fast as average. Growth will be due to the growing number of warehouses. However, companies are installing automated conveyor belts to move things in storage facilities and warehouses which will limit growth. 

Job openings will occur as people leave the occupation or retire. Job prospects may be best for people comfortable using a tablet or hand-held scanners.

Other resources

Industrial Truck Association 
1750 K Street NW, Suite 460
Washington, DC 20006
202.296.9880

Manufacturing Skill Standards Council 
901 N Washington St. Suite 600
Alexandria, VA 22314

U.S. Department of Labor 
Occupational Health & Safety Administration
Industrial Truck Information

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Front-end Loader Operator (921.683-042) 
• Hot-car Operator (519.663-014) 
• Industrial-truck Operator (921.683-050) 
• Kiln-transfer Operator (569.683-010) 
• Larry Operator (519.683-014) 
• Straddle-truck Operator (921.683-070) 
• Tractor Operator (929.683-014) 
• Transfer-car Operator (921.683-078) 
• Transfer-car Operator, Drier (921.583-010) 
• Yard Worker (929.583-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled