Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Raymond Reach Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Raymond Reach Operator is a vital logistics professional specializing in the operation of a Raymond Reach truck, a key piece of material handling equipment designed for narrow-aisle warehousing. This role is fundamental to the efficient flow of goods within a distribution center, focusing on high-density storage and retrieval. The operator is responsible for safely and accurately moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting merchandise at various heights. More than just a driver, this individual is a custodian of inventory accuracy and warehouse safety, ensuring products are stored correctly and are accessible for order fulfillment, ultimately playing a critical part in the supply chain's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Labourer
Order Picker / Packer
Forklift Operator (Counterbalance)

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead / Shift Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist / Analyst
Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Other Specialized MHE Operator (e.g., Order Picker/Cherry Picker, VNA Truck Operator)
Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and proficiently operate a Raymond Reach truck to move pallets of product through the facility, including navigating narrow aisles and high-traffic areas.
Execute the precise put-away of inbound pallets into designated storage racks, often at significant heights, ensuring stability and adherence to storage plans.
Perform accurate order picking by retrieving full pallets or cases from high-level racking locations as directed by the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Conduct systematic replenishment of lower-level picking locations from overstock inventory stored in upper racks to ensure continuous order fulfillment.
Utilize a radio-frequency (RF) scanner or other handheld device to accurately record all inventory movements, including put-away, picks, and relocations, to maintain real-time inventory integrity.
Perform comprehensive pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections of the Raymond Reach truck, documenting any mechanical issues or safety concerns on the daily checklist and reporting them immediately to a supervisor.
Meticulously load and unload pallets from trailers, containers, and staging areas, ensuring proper weight distribution and securing of loads.
Wrap and secure pallets using shrink wrap or other materials to ensure stability and prevent product damage during transport and storage.
Consolidate partial pallets into full pallets where possible to maximize warehouse storage space and efficiency.
Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols, OSHA standards, and best practices for powered industrial truck operation to maintain a safe working environment for all team members.
Maintain a clean, organized, and debris-free work area in the aisles, docks, and staging zones to prevent accidents and improve operational flow.
Efficiently stack and store merchandise in the appropriate designated storage locations, following FIFO (First-In, First-Out) or other specified inventory rotation principles.
Accurately read and interpret work orders, pick tickets, and put-away directives generated by the WMS to ensure the correct product is moved to the correct location.
Communicate effectively with team leads, supervisors, and other material handlers to coordinate tasks and ensure a smooth flow of materials throughout the warehouse.
Participate actively in physical inventory counts and cycle counting programs, using the reach truck to access and verify stock in high-level locations.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the training and mentoring of new or less experienced warehouse associates on proper safety procedures and basic warehouse tasks.
Provide operational support to other departments, such as shipping, receiving, or order picking, during peak demand or when primary duties are complete.
Report any discrepancies in inventory counts, product damage, or location errors to the Inventory Control team or a direct supervisor for resolution.
Perform minor equipment maintenance, such as battery charging, battery changing, and general cleaning of the reach truck.
Identify and recommend opportunities for process improvements related to safety, quality, and productivity within the warehouse operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid and current certification for operating a Raymond Reach truck or similar narrow-aisle stand-up forklift.
Proficient in operating Radio Frequency (RF) scanning guns and other handheld devices for inventory tracking.
Experience working with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) to process orders and manage inventory (e.g., SAP, Manhattan, JDA/Blue Yonder).
Ability to safely operate material handling equipment in tight, narrow aisles and at heights exceeding 20-30 feet.
Strong understanding of warehouse processes, including receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, and shipping.
Knowledge of inventory management principles like FIFO/LIFO and cycle counting.
Competency in performing daily MHE safety and maintenance checklists.
Ability to read and understand pick tickets, packing slips, and shipping orders.
Basic mathematical skills for counting, sorting, and verifying inventory quantities.
Understanding of load capacity and weight distribution principles to ensure safe pallet handling.

Soft Skills

Safety Consciousness: A constant and proactive awareness of surroundings and adherence to safety protocols is paramount.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in accurately picking, placing, and scanning inventory to prevent errors.
Spatial Awareness: Excellent judgment of distances and heights, crucial for navigating narrow aisles and placing pallets on high racks.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently to meet productivity targets and deadlines.
Reliability & Punctuality: A consistent and dependable team member who understands their role's impact on the overall operation.
Communication Skills: Clearly communicates with team members and supervisors regarding tasks, issues, and safety concerns.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and report issues like damaged goods, inventory discrepancies, or equipment malfunctions.
Ability to Work Independently: Capable of staying on task and motivated with minimal direct supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Post-secondary certificate in Logistics or Supply Chain Management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain & Logistics
Business Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of direct experience operating a Raymond Reach truck in a fast-paced distribution or warehouse environment.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience, including work in environments with very narrow aisles (VNA), high-volume distribution, or cold storage.
Experience operating other types of material handling equipment (e.g., counterbalance forklift, order picker).