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How to hire a reach truck operator

Reach truck operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring reach truck operators in the United States:

  • There are currently 326,016 reach truck operators in the US, as well as 137,300 job openings.
  • Reach truck operators are in the highest demand in Nashville, TN, with 12 current job openings.
  • The median cost to hire a reach truck operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new reach truck operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a reach truck operator, step by step

To hire a reach truck operator, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a reach truck operator:

Here's a step-by-step reach truck operator hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a reach truck operator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new reach truck operator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a reach truck operator do?

Ramp supervisors oversee safety procedures, ramp equipment, and company policies. They will be tasked with oversight of airport ramp operations, directing the loading and unloading of aircraft cargo and baggage, assurance of proper ramp functions, and compliance with the airport and the government's regulations. Ramp supervisors will also train and manage other staff members.

Learn more about the specifics of what a reach truck operator does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The reach truck operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect reach truck operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    Here's a comparison of reach truck operator salaries for various roles:

    Type of Reach Truck OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Reach Truck OperatorMaterial moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more$13-20
    ForkliftThe primary job of a forklift operator is to operate and manage forklifts used for moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting merchandise in various settings, such as construction sites and warehouses. As a forklift operator, you will unload shipments properly and safely, and stack and store them in their designated areas... Show more$12-18
    Forklift DriverA forklift operator is responsible for managing and operating industrial trucks and machines to ensure its performance safety and stability. Forklift operators' duties include safely handling of deliveries, securely moving items to storage areas, monitoring inventories and supplies, running diagnostic tests, reporting inspected malfunctions and deficiencies, performing basic troubleshooting, and adhering to safety procedures... Show more$12-19
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Pallets
    • RF Scanner
    • Basic Math
    • SIT
    • Electric Pallet Jack
    • Warehouse Environment
    • Industrial Trucks
    • Work Ethic
    • Stage Product
    • Customer Orders
    • Safety Procedures
    • WMS
    • Inbound Shipments
    • Putaway
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Receive product in using WMS (warehouse management system )
    • Put away and picking of parts using RF scanner.
    • Train other employees to operate CNC beam line python.
    • Reach truck operator/picking order from WMS system and put away.
    • License to use a man-up, forklift, and scissor lift.
    • Clean and maintain the warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards ..
    More reach truck operator duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your reach truck operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A reach truck operator salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, reach truck operators' average salary in mississippi is 31% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level reach truck operators earn 33% less than senior-level reach truck operators.
    • Certifications. A reach truck operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a reach truck operator's salary.

    Average reach truck operator salary

    $16.65hourly

    $34,625 yearly

    Entry-level reach truck operator salary
    $28,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 31, 2026

    Average reach truck operator salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Pennsylvania$37,440$18
    2California$36,066$17
    3Illinois$35,986$17
    4New Jersey$35,842$17
    5Michigan$35,753$17
    6Indiana$35,144$17
    7Ohio$35,095$17
    8Arizona$34,850$17
    9Missouri$34,467$17
    10Georgia$32,863$16
    11Texas$32,298$16
    12Tennessee$32,234$16
    13Florida$31,841$15
    14North Carolina$31,684$15
    15Mississippi$30,764$15

    Average reach truck operator salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1United Natural Foods$43,108$20.739
    2US Foods$41,928$20.1629
    3Vulcan Materials$40,756$19.5917
    4Tri-Star Construction, Inc.$40,292$19.37
    5Masco$39,997$19.2310
    6Ferrara Candy$39,858$19.163
    7Chewy$39,507$18.99
    8Teasdale Foods$38,749$18.632
    9BJ's Wholesale Club$38,609$18.5627
    10Murray$38,544$18.531
    11VisionCorp Rep$38,441$18.483
    12Stanley Black & Decker$38,328$18.4333
    13Medline$37,948$18.2427
    14Dollar General$37,912$18.238
    15Parker Global Strategies$37,848$18.20747
    16Generac Holdings$37,744$18.159
    17KeHE$37,732$18.142
    18Sysco$37,501$18.0374
    19CVS Health$37,493$18.0363
    20FedEx$37,403$17.98191
  4. Writing a reach truck operator job description

    A reach truck operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a reach truck operator job description:

    Reach truck operator job description example

    Salary: Starting at $20/hour or more depending on experience

    Job Type: Full-time

    Hours: 8-hour shift, overtime

    Benefits: Health insurance, matching IRA, $500 sign-on bonus paid after 90 days of employment, paid time off

    The New England Cold Opportunity

    At New England Cold Storage (NECS) we are passionate guardians of the modern cold chain. We are committed to exceeding customer expectations through continuous improvement and hard work.

    We will open our new state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse in Sturbridge this summer, storing 25,000 pallets of food products from around the world. We are building a third-party logistics operation from scratch and carefully hiring people who will add positive energy, share smart ideas and improve New England’s food distribution supply chain.

    We are looking for energetic people to begin the journey with us this summer. This is a ground floor opportunity to learn and grow with us. You will receive valuable, ongoing training on the logistics industry, and you will use the most modern warehouse management software to build old-school customer relationships.

    In short, we are building a strong team and an excellent company in a rapidly growing industry. Come Join Us!

    What Reach Truck Operators Do?

    Our Reach Truck Operators will perform regular warehouse activities including picking and putting away units into racks above floor height to meet our customer’s complex needs.

    · Comply with all warehouse policies, SOP’s and OSHA standards required to maintain a safe environment

    · Select products, stack and secure goods to pallets, and move inventory for distribution

    · Selected team members may be required to maintain a food grade clean work environment at all times and comply with all relevant safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures

    · Ability to follow instructions and operate in an orderly manner

    · Need to be hard-working, focused and have solid problem-solving skills

    · Knowledge of all aspects of shipping, receiving, and inventory organization for a warehouse position

    · Operate equipment safely and efficiently, using reach truck/high lift forklift (may use other equipment as needed including sit down and stand-up forklifts, pallet jacks, pallet inverter, and pallet clamp)

    · Follow practices to maintain accurate physical inventory

    · Keep tools and equipment clean and in working order

    · Work with other warehouse team members to effectively complete assigned tasks

    · Must be reliable and able to work shifts and hours as scheduled

    · Other duties as needed as assigned by management

    What Are You Bringing?

    · At least one year of related work experience (1-2 years preferred)

    · Reach Truck: 1 year – 2 deep shelving (preferred)

    · Forklift Operator: 1 year (Required)

    · Valid driver’s license (Required)

    · Basic math skills

    · Must have reliable transportation

    · Vaccination for Covid-19 encouraged

    · Experience with inventory and logistics software programs (WMS) (Preferred)

    · Flexibility to work any shifts and overtime as needed

    · Ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug screen

    Education

    · High school diploma, or equivalent

    Physical Demands

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    · Performs work in a cold storage warehouse where moving machinery and extreme cold is present. Wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment such as hard hat, boots, etc. is required.

    · The employee will be required to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures up to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

    · The employee will be required to tolerate heights up to 55 ft. and be able to access elevated products from inside the safety cage.

    · The employee needs to be able to work their scheduled hours on one’s feet and perform physically demanding tasks.

    · The employee needs to be able to transfer boxes weighing up to 55 lbs. from ground level to 60 inches in height and up to 70 lbs. to 50 inches in height while rebuilding pallets without team lift.

    While this job posting provides an overview of the role, it does not contain an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, which may be modified during or after opening the facility.

    NECS participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.

    NECS is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

    Company DescriptionNew England Cold Storage, LLC. is a modern and innovative provider of frozen and refrigerated storage and third-party logistics services in New England. Our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to be completed in the Summer of 2022 and will be driven by cutting-edge technologies that will allow us to provide value-add services, improve efficiency and compliance and reduce costs for our customers.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right reach truck operator for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your reach truck operator job on Zippia to find and recruit reach truck operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit reach truck operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new reach truck operator

    Once you've found the reach truck operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new reach truck operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a reach truck operator?

There are different types of costs for hiring reach truck operators. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new reach truck operator employee.

You can expect to pay around $34,625 per year for a reach truck operator, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for reach truck operators in the US typically range between $13 and $20 an hour.

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