In the warehouse industry, forklift operators are major players, vital in keeping operations moving. They use industrial trucks to:
- load and unload shipments, parts, and materials from trailers
- bring palleted orders to the docks
- move and store items with their equipment
You can be career-ready for this role almost immediately, and be hired with no prior experience.
Warehouse Forklift Driver Job Description
A typical day at work for warehouse forklift operators means you’ll be sitting for most of it, which may or may not be as comfortable as it sounds. Forklift operators spend their shifts zipping around the warehouse, completing responsibilities and routines given to them by their supervisor.
You may be taking racks, pallets, or bins off semi trailers, or you could be loading some on instead. You might need to pull pallets off of high shelving with your forklift, or rearrange sections of storage according to needs. Sometimes, it might feel like you’re playing a live game of Tetris!
Forklift drivers also:
- inspect incoming shipments and deliveries
- transport pallets to be wrapped and labeled before shipping
- take care of their truck by performing general maintenance
- handle bill of ladings and other paperwork
Training Requirements To Become A Forklift Operator
With simply a high school diploma or its equivalent plus a very minimal training period, you can be fully qualified to operate a forklift.
Forklift operators can be trained and certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in as few as 1-2 days. Training can happen on the job by your new employer, or you can become certified on your own by finding an in-person or online training course near you.
In training, you will learn about general operations and safety instructions. You’ll practice hands-on if you take your class in person, and by simulation if you certify online.
Forklift Driver Jobs Near Me
If you already are certified to operate a forklift or think you’d enjoy becoming certified, see what nearby opportunities are available and find a warehouse job near you.
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