Companies Nationwide Are Hiring Forklift Operators?

Answer 1

Jobs for operators of forklifts are in demand across the country. These employees are needed in supermarkets, warehouses, outlet stores and freight offices. Learning to operate a lift truck is not very difficult, especially the "sit-down" vehicle type. However many employers hiring forklift drivers would prefer to consider applicants who already have their lift truck certification. This looks impressive on a resume or at a job interview.

What Does A Forklift Operator Do?

Basically a forklift operator is responsible for collecting material and transporting it to a new location. Most of the merchandise transported is in crates or boxes attached to a wood or plastic pallet. The forklift driver must know how to run the truck forks under the top level of the pallet and lift the product from the floor or shelf. Many lift trucks are constructed with interchangeable front ends. The forks can be replaced with paddles or clamps that hold baled material such as recyclable plastic.

Operating a forklift involves knowing weight limitations of the machine, how to properly transport the load, being aware of other activity in the nearby vicinity and following specific safety procedures. Many employees are willing to train a new worker how to safely operate a lift truck but will still want the driver to pass a certification course. A company that employs only certified drivers is far less likely to become involved in a legal suit should there be an accident on the job.

Salaries For Lift Truck Operators

Employees who have little or no experience operating a forklift can expect to be paid about one or two dollars over minimum wage. If the worker is already employed at the company where he or she will be driving a lift truck the salary will be slightly higher. Drivers who are already certified or have verifiable recent experience may earn $16 per hour and more. This field is very secure as long as the company itself is successful. Forklift operators can expect annual pay raises and after several years on the job may be earning in excess of $22 per hour. Specialized lift trucks that carry enormous loads such as industrial machinery are driven by very experienced operators who have learned the specifics of the vehicle.

How To Become Certified

Those who have completed a certification course are more likely to be hired as forklift operators. The course can be taken online, at a location where classes are regularly taught or at the job site. Most employers at warehouses and shipyards have a relationship with the forklift vehicle dealer. These dealerships often have their own certification personnel that come directly to the company and test new drivers.