• Increasing amounts of consumer goods being brought into the country
• Increases in manufacturing volume
• Consolidation of smaller enterprises into bigger ones that have better equipment and processes
• Improved awareness of health and safety law.

So, a forklift driver is a career path that remains viable. 

While being a forklift driver doesn’t come with high pay, it is easy to get into, and often comes with flexible hours (either part-time/full-time, or shift work). 

The four most important attributes of a forklift driver are:

1. The right qualifications
2. Conscientiousness 
3. Spatial awareness
4. Moderate level of physical fitness

Qualifications

Different countries have different requirements for forklift operators to be licenced and assessed. A forklift licence may take the form of:

• A certificate issued by a qualified or registered forklift trainer
• A workplace-issued certificate following a set of recommended or required tasks
• An endorsement or permit issued on a driver licence
• Additional qualifications for operating attachments or handling dangerous goods

To get a forklift qualification usually takes between one and three days, depending on your country or state requirements. The qualification may need to be renewed periodically. The level of learning is aimed at a low common denominator; you don’t have to be especially literate to achieve it.

Conscientiousness

Being diligent and conscientious as a forklift driver means ensuring that the right loads are loaded on or off the truck, a client’s goods are handled safely and carefully, and the forklift and the truck are treated with respect.

It also means being aware of safety. Forklifts cause a large number of injuries a year, both to their drivers and to unfortunate pedestrians who often work in close proximity with them. As even a small forklift can weigh in excess of 3000kg, they can create a lot of damage very quickly if the driver is careless.

Spatial awareness

Forklift operators could be lifting a 3.6-metre roll of carpet on a carpet pole, a hopper of grapes in a rotating bucket, a 6-metre-wide packet of wrapped timber, or a pallet of boxes of muesli. Forklifts themselves range from small units capable of lifting a tonne up to massive forklifts used on ports for lifting 40-foot containers.

This variety creates a wide disparity between the dimensions of the loads and the dimensions of the forklifts. Loads could be lifted up to 7 metres in the air, or the forklift operator may be operating in very narrow aisles between racking in a warehouse. In any case, spatial awareness helps the forklift operator pick up and place a load accurately, and navigate the forklift around obstacles.

Physical fitness

Many forklift jobs require some level of physical strength and flexibility because the operator will be getting on and off the forklift to manage stock and break down pallets. The operating conditions can also be challenging. Many forklift drivers work in coolstores. Others work outside in orchards using off-road forklifts. 

Forklift operators are frequently looking up at high racking, and spend a lot of time sitting, so neck and back issues would be made much worse.

As a forklift operator, you don’t need to be a gym junkie, but you do need to be able to make it through the day without your physical health being wrecked.

Conclusion

Being a forklift driver has a relatively low bar to entry and does provide some career progression options. Operators can work their way up into supervisory positions, and beyond in the logistics food chain, depending on their willingness to take on extra responsibilities and perhaps study more.

The post How Do You Become a Forklift Driver? appeared first on Job Descriptions.

As a result, truck driving has become a very lucrative profession, particularly for those who cannot afford a college education. If you find truck driving jobs near you then you must understand how it feels to pursue a career in trucking.

1. Earn a 6-Figure Income

You’d be hard-pressed to find another job that pays as much as this one without requiring a college diploma.

While some of our drivers earn as little as $50,000 per year (not exactly pocket change!), the majority of our drivers earn well over $100,000. Some of the highest-paid owner-operators earn more than $150,000 per year.

It is very possible to earn a six-figure salary if you are willing to run for two weeks at a time before returning home for a long weekend.

2. No Shortage of Jobs

Because of the rising demand for everything across the country, the number of truck drivers is in short supply, resulting in a large number of job openings. You can also rest assured that there will never be a scarcity of chances in this field because logistics will always be in as long as products are in demand.

3. Flexible Schedules

You have complete control over your schedule as a truck driver. You have complete control over when you wish to work. This option may differ depending on the company, as some may have set schedules.

Local goods are often transported during the day, which is advantageous if you work locally. This way, unless you want to, you won’t have to work early in the morning, late at night, or on weekends. You can even take a break throughout your travel because your company just cares if you deliver the merchandise on time.

4. Job Stability

It is not worth your time to train for a job you will not enjoy. It’s critical to choose a solid and growing industry, and truck driving is a fantastic option.

Truck driving is a wonderful career choice if you are concerned about job security. Every year, the trucking sector provides millions of dollars to the economy, and businesses are always on the lookout for dependable, qualified, and trustworthy drivers to transport their goods. In the first, middle, or last mile, a trucker may always find work.

5. Insurance

Unfortunately, many job routes do not give profitable insurance package prospects for entry-level employees. You may rest confident that as a new professional truck driver, you’ll have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage right now.

6. Vacations

Did we mention that paid vacations and sick days are included in the package? To accomplish your responsibilities to the best of your ability as a professional truck driver, you must be attentive and healthy. Trucking businesses are aware that vacations are required and that you may become ill at any time.

7. Freedom

One of the most important advantages of being a truck driver is your freedom. You’ll be able to securely traverse the open road rather than being cooped up in a cubicle all day. You won’t have a manager who is always watching your every move or bugging you about your performance. On the broad road, enjoy your independence!

8. Travel The Country

You’ll be able to view new sights and sounds as well as experience new sections of the country while driving down the open road. You’ll travel as you’ve never travelled before, from the majestic mountains to the lovely plains.

The post 8 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career as a Professional Truck Driver appeared first on Job Descriptions.