What does a fork truck operator do?
Fork truck operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real fork truck operator resumes:
- Create and cataloge files for GMP library.
- Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
- Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Fork truck operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Fork Truck Operators are proficient in Pallets, Safety Procedures, and Load Trucks. They’re also known for soft skills such as Alertness, Communication skills, and Coordination.
We break down the percentage of Fork Truck Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Pallets, 19%
Unloaded and sorted semi-trailers and made pallets according to customers warehouse guidelines.
- Safety Procedures, 10%
Maintained order and cleanliness in the department according to workplace polices in all aspects of safety procedures and processes.
- Load Trucks, 7%
Lead warehouse associate, electric pallet jack operator, Unload trucks, put out stock, customer service, maintenance.
- Load Trailers, 6%
Operate fork truck and load n unload trailers according to manifest n perform varies duties as needed.
- Pallet Jack, 6%
Assisted in receiving cargo by removing from truck by hand, or using manual equipment such as pallet jack and forklift.
- Assembly Line, 5%
Coordinated transportation of materials from inventory holding area to the assembly line production operations area.
Most fork truck operators use their skills in "pallets," "safety procedures," and "load trucks" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential fork truck operator responsibilities here:
Communication skills. Many fork truck operator duties rely on communication skills. "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material," so a fork truck operator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways fork truck operator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "used communication skills, team work skills, and problem solving skills. "
Coordination. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of fork truck operators is coordination. This skill is critical to many everyday fork truck operator duties, as "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "maintained good communication with supervisors, managers, and co-workers for proper safety procedures and coordination of various shipments. "
Mechanical skills. fork truck operator responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." This resume example shows what fork truck operators do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "advanced experience on various types of machine operation and mechanical work repairs"
Visual ability. Another common skill required for fork truck operator responsibilities is "visual ability." This skill comes up in the duties of fork truck operators all the time, as "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." An excerpt from a real fork truck operator resume shows how this skill is central to what a fork truck operator does: "monitor flow instruments, visually observe rail cars, and storage tanks. "
The three companies that hire the most fork truck operators are:
- Armstrong World Industries5 fork truck operators jobs
- Advantage Solutions4 fork truck operators jobs
- Vonachen Group
4 fork truck operators jobs
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Compare different fork truck operators
Fork truck operator vs. Driver/material handler
Primarily, driver/material handlers help maintain the production and distribution of products through inventory pullout, production materials, and supplies delivery, and finished product staging. Material handlers manage the transport of equipment or ammunition and conduct the planning and execution functions for effective grind force training. They pick and audit hazmat materials and deliver them to their customers. Also, they develop and expedite clear and effective communication with their customers.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between fork truck operators and driver/material handler. For instance, fork truck operator responsibilities require skills such as "load trailers," "pallet jack," "fifo," and "semi trailers." Whereas a driver/material handler is skilled in "customer service," "osha," "rf scanner," and "shipping receiving." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Driver/material handlers really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $37,351. Comparatively, fork truck operators tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $37,114.driver/material handlers tend to reach similar levels of education than fork truck operators. In fact, driver/material handlers are 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Fork truck operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, fork truck operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "pallets," "load trailers," "pallet jack," and "fork trucks." Meanwhile, a machine operator/forklift operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "safety standards," "drive forklift," "machine operation," and "electric pallet jack." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, machine operator/forklift operators earn a higher salary than fork truck operators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, machine operator/forklift operators earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $36,711. Whereas fork truck operators have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $37,114.machine operator/forklift operators earn similar levels of education than fork truck operators in general. They're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Fork truck operator vs. Material handler/forklift operator
A material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved. However, most of the tasks will require efficiency in operating machinery, communication skills, and great attention to detail. Furthermore, a material handler and forklift operator must monitor products and keep an accurate record of overall activities, transport materials within allotted time and schedule, and maintain communication and coordination with co-workers and supervisors.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a fork truck operator is likely to be skilled in "pallet jack," "fork trucks," "semi trailers," and "truck operation," while a typical material handler/forklift operator is skilled in "electric pallet jack," "forklift operation," "rf scanner," and "sit-down forklift."
Material handler/forklift operators earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $37,909. Comparatively, fork truck operators have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $37,114.When it comes to education, material handler/forklift operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to fork truck operators. In fact, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Fork truck operator vs. Forklift operator and receiver
Even though a few skill sets overlap between fork truck operators and forklift operators and receiver, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a fork truck operator might have more use for skills like "load trailers," "pallet jack," "safety rules," and "fork trucks." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of forklift operators and receiver require skills like "shipping receiving," "electric pallet jack," "rf scanner," and "forklift operation. "
In general, forklift operators and receiver earn the most working in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $37,086. The highest-paying industry for a fork truck operator is the finance industry.forklift operators and receiver reach similar levels of education compared to fork truck operators, in general. The difference is that they're 0.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of fork truck operator
Updated January 8, 2025
