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Career Exploration

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

Also called: Fork Truck Driver, Forklift Driver, Forklift Operator, Spotter Driver

What they do:

Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.

On the job, you would:
  • Move levers or controls that operate lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams with swivel-hooks, hoists, or elevating platforms, to load, unload, transport, or stack material.
  • Move controls to drive gasoline- or electric-powered trucks, cars, or tractors and transport materials between loading, processing, and storage areas.
  • Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles.
On the job, you'll need:

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Spatial

  • imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed
  • know where things are around you

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Inventory management software

  • Inventory management systems
  • RedPrairie DLx Warehouse

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  • Symphony GOLD
  • Warehouse management system WMS

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $41,230

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.