Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Transportation and Material Moving
Forklifts, lift beams, hoists, and elevating platforms are used to load, unload, transport, and stack material around warehouses, storage yards, factories, and construction sites. Operators drive gasoline- or electric-powered trucks and tractors between loading, processing, and storage areas, and they position lifting devices under pallets, skids, or boxes so loads stay secure. Material is also loaded or unloaded by hand or with mechanical aids, then checked for accuracy before it is moved through the facility. The work is moving and placing goods on a schedule so deliveries stay complete and on time. It suits people who like driving industrial vehicles, handling physical loads, and keeping materials moving through a site.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$46'420
Median Wage Market Position
$46'420
What you might do
- Drive forklifts to load, unload, and stack
- Haul goods between loading, processing, and storage
- Slide forks under pallets, skids, or boxes
- Load materials onto pallets by hand or machine
- Check loads for accuracy before moving them
- Secure products for the trip across the site
Skills that matter
- Operating forklifts and hoist controls
- Load stability checks during transport
- Work with warehouse crews on moves
- Pre-shift truck and hoist checks
- Find and report equipment problems
- On-time moves between storage areas
AI & the future of this role
Guided vehicles and smarter warehouse systems may take over more routine indoor moves. Irregular loads, outdoor or construction sites, and on-the-spot safety judgment still tend to keep many operators needed.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details