Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a High Reach Forklift Driver

🎯 Role Definition

The High Reach Forklift Driver is a specialized skilled trade professional at the heart of warehouse and distribution center operations. This role is pivotal for managing inventory within high-density storage systems, utilizing a high reach truck to safely and efficiently move, stack, and retrieve palletized goods in narrow aisles and at significant heights. Beyond just operating machinery, this position requires a keen eye for detail, a deep commitment to safety protocols, and the ability to work with precision to maintain inventory accuracy and support the seamless flow of goods through the supply chain. A successful High Reach Forklift Driver ensures that products are stored correctly, accessible when needed, and handled with care to prevent damage, directly impacting operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
Picker / Packer
Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead
Inventory Control Specialist / Analyst
Warehouse Supervisor / Manager

Lateral Moves:

Counterbalance Forklift Operator
Order Picker / Cherry Picker Operator
Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate a high reach forklift (narrow aisle truck) to skillfully move, locate, relocate, stack, and retrieve palletized products in high-bay racking systems.
Execute order picking and put-away tasks with exceptional accuracy, ensuring products are placed in their correct designated bin locations.
Safely and efficiently load and unload materials from inbound and outbound trailers, flatbeds, and containers.
Transport raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to and from storage areas, production lines, and loading docks as required.
Utilize Radio Frequency (RF) scanning equipment or other Warehouse Management System (WMS) technology to accurately record all inventory movements and transactions.
Perform daily pre-operational equipment inspections, including checking fluid levels, brakes, and safety features, and promptly report any mechanical issues or safety concerns to the supervisor.
Adhere rigorously to all company safety policies, OSHA guidelines, and best practices for powered industrial truck operation to maintain a safe working environment.
Meticulously inspect products for defects, damages, and discrepancies during handling and report any issues to quality control or management.
Ensure pallets are built, stacked, and staged in a stable, secure, and organized manner to prevent shifting or falling during transport and storage.
Participate actively in inventory control activities, including performing regular cycle counts and assisting in full physical inventories to maintain data accuracy.
Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work area, contributing to overall warehouse cleanliness and adherence to 5S or similar organizational standards.
Securely wrap and label pallets as per company and customer specifications before storage or shipment.
Consolidate partial pallets of the same product to optimize the use of warehouse space and improve storage efficiency.
Work collaboratively with other warehouse team members to meet or exceed established productivity targets, quality standards, and shipping deadlines.
Interpret and follow work orders, pick tickets, and shipping/receiving documents with a high degree of precision.

Secondary Functions

Provide support for general warehouse duties during peak times or as needed, including manual lifting, packing, sorting, and labeling.
Assist in the receiving process by verifying the accuracy of inbound shipments against packing lists and purchase orders.
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and suggesting process enhancements for safety, quality, or efficiency.
Participate constructively in team meetings, safety briefings, and training sessions.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, team leads, and other departments to coordinate activities and resolve operational issues.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

High Reach Forklift Operation: Demonstrated proficiency and experience in operating high reach (narrow aisle) forklifts in a busy warehouse environment.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Familiarity and experience using WMS software and RF scanning devices to manage inventory.
Forklift Certification: Possession of a valid and current forklift operator certification, specifically for Class II electric motor narrow aisle trucks (reach trucks).
-Safety & Compliance: Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and standard safety procedures for operating powered industrial trucks.
Inventory Management: Competency in performing cycle counts, put-aways, and order picking with a focus on accuracy.
Basic Mathematics: Ability to perform basic math calculations for counting, verifying, and tracking inventory.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in handling goods and recording data to prevent errors and ensure inventory accuracy.
Spatial Awareness: Excellent awareness of surroundings to navigate narrow aisles and position forks at height without causing damage.
Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to following safety protocols and promoting a safe work environment for oneself and colleagues.
Reliability & Punctuality: A dependable team member with a strong work ethic and a consistent record of attendance.
Problem-Solving: The ability to identify and address operational challenges, such as blocked aisles or incorrect inventory locations, in a timely manner.
Communication: Clear and effective communication skills to interact with team members and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in Logistics, Warehousing, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics and Distribution

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of direct, hands-on experience operating a high reach forklift is typically required.

Preferred: 3+ years of experience in a high-volume, fast-paced distribution center or 3PL environment. Prior experience with various attachments and different types of powered industrial trucks is a plus.