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Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators

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

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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.

Knowledge

Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
  • English language

Skills

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

Abilities

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

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Inventory management software
  • Argos Software ABECAS Insight WMS
  • RedPrairie DLx Warehouse
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
  • SSA Global Supply Chain Management
  • Symphony GOLD

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$38,380
$29,860
$53,040
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs

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See more details at O*NET OnLine about industrial truck and tractor operators.