Forklift Operator: What is the cost of hiring?

Why recruit a forklift operator

Forklift operators are essential if you are looking to safely move heavy items around a warehouse space. They are also effective if you are looking to load and unload bulk goods from and onto vehicles. You might also consider a forklift operator if you need to move materials such as wood or other heavy goods across a worksite.

Contributions of a great forklift operator:

– Undertakes risk management to safely move heavy items across your workplace.

– Is able to troubleshoot quality issues with your forklifts or forklift processes.

– Safely stores items that they move within your workplace, in a correct and orderly manner.

Deciding between a full-time vs freelance forklift operator

Whether you hire a forklift operator on a permanent or temporary basis will depend on the number of projects that you need them for. For instance, if you need a forklift operator for a few one-off projects that require moving heavy objects, then you might hire one on a temporary contract solely for the completion of that task. This will save you money in the long term, and you can source quotes from different freelance forklift operators to find the cheapest and most effective option.

If you are running a long-term construction project, or warehouse space which requires the frequent moving of heavy objects, then you should consider hiring a forklift operator on a full-time basis. In this case, it will save you time and money to hire one on this basis, as it means you will have less staff turnover .

What are the different types of forklift operator?

Which forklift operator is right for you will depend on the work that you need completing. It is a good idea to hire an operator who is familiar with moving the sorts of goods that you handle as a company. You might look for an operator who specialises in safely moving goods around a warehouse. Agricultural and construction companies might look into hiring a telescopic forklift operator, using this crane-like kind of forklift to reach different heights. If you run a construction site, you might choose to hire a trainee forklift operator to help your team of forklift operators. 

• Telescopic forklift operator: Trained to use a telescopic forklift, also known as a boom lift, which operates like a crane.
• Trainee forklift operator: Works alongside a more experienced forklift operator, learning valuable on-the-job skills under their direct supervision.
• Warehouse forklift operator: Uses a forklift to move heavy or bulk objects in a warehouse, loading and unloading goods onto vehicles. 
• Counterbalance forklift operator: Trained to use a counterbalance forklift, which is designed to lift lighter loads to greater heights.
• Warehouse operative: Ensures that goods are unloaded appropriately from vehicles and that goods are dispatched to customers. 

Where to find a forklift operator

You can find forklift operators locally to you by advertising on jobcentre noticeboards. It is also a good idea to network with tradespeople in your area, as they may be able to make professional referrals and recommendations. If you are hiring a forklift operator from a specialised tradesperson website, make sure that they receive good reviews from their previous customers. You might also look to find full-time forklift drivers via specialist construction recruitment agencies in your area.

To find the right forklift operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Advertising in your local jobcentre: Post a short job description and your company contact information in your local jobcentre window or noticeboard.
• Networking with other tradespeople: Meet potential candidates face-to-face at trade or jobs fairs, and expos.
• Professional recommendations/word-of-mouth: Ask other tradespeople in your local area for professional recommendations.
• Via construction recruitment agencies: Advertise your role via a specialist recruitment agency that helps you to find experienced, qualified construction workers or manual labourers.

Post your job online: Try posting your job for a forklift operator on Indeed to find and attract quality forklift operator candidates.

Skills to look for in a great forklift operator

A great candidate for a forklift operator will have the following skills and attributes as well as work experience that reflects them:

• Has a certificate in Forklift Truck Operations or has completed a forklift training course which is certified in the UK.
• Has good stamina and can work for long periods of time.
• Has good spatial awareness.
• Is able to address or raise basic technical forklift issues or assess damage to the vehicle.
• Has specialised knowledge of different kinds of forklift, like counterbalance or reach forklifts.

Writing a forklift operator job description

A thoughtful description is important for finding qualified forklift operator candidates. A forklift operator job description includes a compelling summary of the role, detailed list of duties and responsibilities, and the required and preferred skills for the position.

When writing your  job description for a forklift operator, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on forklift operators jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Forklift driver
• Forklift
• Warehouse
• Forklift operator
• Fit driver
• Driver
• Reach truck driver
• Counterbalance forklift driver

Interviewing forklift operator candidates

Strong candidates for forklift operator positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Experience with driving different types of forklift
• Strength and general fitness levels
• Experience with transporting heavy goods safely
• General maintenance and what to do if the forklift breaks down
• Risk management in a warehouse environment
• Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of forklift operator interview questions for examples (with sample answers).