what is a forklift driver?
The job of a forklift driver involves operating a forklift. However, it is more complex than it sounds. A forklift driver has to be fully trained in operating heavy equipment. You need to know how to drive several forklift types through all sorts of spaces. Some forklift drivers go on lengthy drives to move materials, while others spend their time shifting items from one shelf to another.
A forklift driver needs to be able to operate somewhat independently. The job is not as simple as someone loading up the forklift and telling you to drive from point A to B. Forklift drivers have to be cautious when moving goods around a warehouse. You will need to keep track of inventory and follow a schedule of when goods need to be transported. Drivers may need to assign themselves tasks and meet production goals.
what does a forklift driver do?
Just about any industry that lifts heavy objects needs forklift drivers. Some forklift drivers work on construction sites to help move materials, while others work in industrial sites like factories. Many forklift drivers work in warehouses and storage sites to handle and move heavy loads. Others work in stores where they assist with unloading products from trucks or shipping containers.
Would working as a forklift driver suit your interest in controlling equipment? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a forklift driver role.
forklift driver jobs
average salary of a forklift driver
According to National Careers, a forklift driver starting out earns a median salary of £17,000 per year. As you build your skills, your salary could increase to £30,000 annually. The earnings fluctuate depending on the experience level and educational qualifications. Apart from the basic salary, you receive other benefits like a medical allowance or end-year bonuses.
factors that affect forklift drivers' pay
There are many variations in forklift driver salaries due to the different forklift driver jobs. Drivers who work in more specialised jobs, such as moving hazardous or fragile materials, will earn more. Meanwhile, drivers who do simpler jobs, such as moving materials around a small store, receive lower salaries. The training and experience of the forklift driver also affect their pay. Drivers who operate larger or more complicated equipment get higher pay compared to forklift drivers beginning their careers. A forklift driver also receives extra pay for working less sociable hours. Forklift drivers who work nights, overtime or weekends can get much higher pay.
types of forklift drivers
There are several ways to categorise forklifts. Some of the types of forklift drivers include:
- counterbalance forklift operator: as a forklift operator, you operate the counterbalance forklift popular in indoor warehouses. The machine usually has forks in front and weight to counterbalance the loads. Your job is to manoeuvre the forklift to lift and move loads around indoor storage areas.
- telescopic forklift driver: a telescopic forklift has the utility features of a crane and manoeuvrability of a forklift. Since the forklift has an arm that extends from a retracted position, the operator can unload cargo in tight spaces at odd angles.
- warehouse forklift driver: a forklift driver works in storage facilities and warehouses to load and offload medium-sized pallets and heavy loads. You can work indoors, arranging items on shelves or removing items from delivery trucks.
- construction forklift driver: as a forklift driver, you can work in construction sites operating forklifts. Your job is to lift loads to high heights and move construction materials around the site.
working as a forklift driver
If you're interested in a job as a forklift driver, it can be helpful to have an idea of what to expect. Keep reading to learn more about what duties you might have, what your workspace might look like, and how often you will work.
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forklift driver job description
Some of the tasks of a forklift driver include:
- manoeuvring forklifts safely: as a forklift driver, you operate forklifts in busy industrial environments. You manoeuvre forklifts in a warehouse or construction site and ensure you don't knock items lying around the site.
- stacking and unstacking goods: a forklift driver stacks and unstacks goods from shelves in a warehouse during loading and offloading. It is your job to offload deliveries from trucks and safely move them to the designated storage areas. You also remove goods from shelves and put them on delivery trucks.
- removing obstructions from forklift driving areas: before you operate a forklift, you need to clear the pathways to avoid damaging items or causing accidents. If your view is obscured when operating the forklift, you should request other workers to help you manoeuvre the environment.
- maintaining forklift equipment: as a forklift operator, you need to regularly check the forklift equipment for faults or damages. You also clean the forklift and lubricate moving parts to ensure they function properly. Regular maintenance keeps the forklifts in good working condition.
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work environment
Forklift drivers work in indoor and outdoor environments, but some have jobs strictly inside or outside a building. Most drivers spend a lot of time working indoors in warehouses or storage rooms that may be climate-controlled. Drivers may also go outside to transport loads to areas like docks, construction sites or loading stations. Typically, forklift drivers can expect a blue-collar work environment with lots of physical labour and equipment operation. However, some also do certain tasks inside of an office building.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer in the warehouse or construction industry, your colleagues might include material handlers, telehandlers, hoist operator post, warehouse operatives and machine operators. Material handlers and warehouse operatives help you with inventory control. You may also work with warehouse managers and ground workers, as well as other specialists like logistics managers, construction project managers and project managers.
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work schedule
Since transport is a round-the-clock industry, forklift drivers work almost any time. They often work fairly long shifts of around nine or more hours a day or 44 to 46 hours a week. Most warehouses are 24-hour facilities where drivers' shifts are staggered throughout the day. Many forklift drivers work overnight or on weekends to prepare shipments that go out early in the morning. If a forklift driver works for a store or other businesses with traditional work hours, there is a chance they only work from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays. However, many businesses prefer forklift drivers when customers are not present since the equipment is bulky and noisy. Most forklift drivers are full-time workers, although some part-time work is available for trainees and interns. Typically, there are numerous opportunities for overtime, especially when the team is rushing to fulfil larger orders.
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job outlook
As a forklift driver, you have many opportunities for career growth. For instance, you can improve your skills and become a material handler or take up supervisory roles in the warehouse and become a warehouse manager or factory supervisor. With specialised skills, you can become a site manager. Some forklift drivers specialise in maintenance functions and become maintenance technicians.
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advantages of finding a forklift driver job through randstad
Finding your forklift driver job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a forklift driver is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Since the job involves operating heavy machinery, forklift driver jobs have a few educational requirements. First of all, drivers must be above the age of 18. Most companies will not hire minors due to liability concerns.
- forklift driver certifications: in addition to general educational requirements, forklift drivers also need forklift-specific training. This training will vary based on local safety guidelines. In some regions, drivers may need to pass written tests, take educational courses or pass a driving exam.
- specialised training: if a driver is handling toxic chemicals or various types of dangerous equipment, they might need specialised training. Most drivers will also need to take courses on workplace safety, and this training may require ongoing education to help drivers brush up on their skills. Some companies provide this training, but most prefer if drivers already have relevant certifications.
- forklift driver experience: experience is not a requirement for forklift drivers, but it is preferred. Experienced drivers are more likely to have the additional record-keeping and scheduling skills a driver will need. Jobs that involve working in larger buildings, supervising other drivers or handling oversized loads require experience. There are several ways to get this experience. Some organisations offer internships and apprenticeships to help new forklift drivers to gain experience. In other cases, it might be a good idea for applicants to spend a few years working a lower-level forklift job first.
skills and competencies
Many of the skills required for driving a forklift are similar to those for driving a car.
- physical skills: you need to have good spatial awareness and accurately judge distances and speeds. Strong hand-eye coordination can make it easier to operate a forklift. For most jobs, forklift drivers have to be physically fit. Although the machines handle a lot of heavy lifting, you need to carry heavy objects, walk around, crouch or climb. A driver needs to be comfortable working in hot, cold or otherwise physically intense climates.
- mental skills: the job is highly physical, but you should also have mental skills as a forklift driver. It is important to have basic analytical knowledge to keep track of inventory and records. Forklift drivers need to be motivated to handle tasks without constant supervision. You should also have the ability to remember and follow all sorts of safety guidelines. Forklift drivers have to do repetitive and physically demanding tasks without slipping up and forgetting to pay attention to details.
- computer skills: in most workplaces, learning and using standard inventory and order fulfilment software may be useful.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a forklift driver.
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what does a forklift driver do?
A forklift driver operates forklifts in a warehouse or construction site. They assist warehouse operatives by loading and unloading goods and arranging them in the warehouse. You also carry out maintenance duties to ensure the forklift operates as expected.
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what is the meaning of forklift driver?
A forklift driver uses forklifts to load and unload goods from delivery trucks. They also move items around a construction site.
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what are the duties of a forklift driver?
A forklift driver manoeuvres forklifts around storage sites to move heavy items. They also maintain forklift equipment and keep them clean.
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how much do forklift drivers make?
A forklift driver makes between £17,000 and £30,000 per year. The earnings depend on the employer and experience level operating forklifts.
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how do I apply for a forklift driver vacancy?
Applying for a forklift driver job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
