Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Reach Truck Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Reach Truck Operator is a cornerstone of our warehouse and distribution operations, specializing in the high-level storage and retrieval of goods. This role demands precision, a keen eye for safety, and the ability to work efficiently in narrow-aisle environments. A successful operator is pivotal in maintaining inventory accuracy, ensuring the smooth flow of products from receiving to shipping, and directly contributing to the overall efficiency and productivity of the supply chain. You are not just moving pallets; you are a key player in the logistical puzzle, ensuring products are exactly where they need to be, right when they're needed.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
Order Picker
Forklift Operator (Counterbalance)

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead or Shift Lead
Inventory Control Specialist
Warehouse Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Equipment Trainer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and proficiently operate a stand-up high-reach forklift to move, locate, relocate, stack, and count merchandise at heights of up to 30 feet or more.
Execute product put-away by taking materials from the receiving dock and accurately placing them into their designated high-level rack locations according to the WMS.
Perform order picking tasks, carefully and accurately retrieving full pallets or individual cases from racking to fulfill customer orders and production needs.
Conduct systematic replenishment of primary picking locations from overstock or bulk storage areas to ensure a continuous workflow for order selectors.
Utilize handheld radio frequency (RF) scanning equipment and onboard terminals to process movements, confirm tasks, and maintain real-time inventory accuracy within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Perform mandatory daily pre-shift and post-shift safety and operational checks on the reach truck, reporting any equipment malfunctions, damages, or maintenance needs to the supervisor immediately.
Meticulously inspect inbound and outbound pallets for damage, instability, or any quality discrepancies, and report findings to leadership to prevent issues down the line.
Adhere with unwavering commitment to all company safety protocols, OSHA standards, and established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for material handling and warehouse conduct.
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area, including sweeping aisles, removing empty pallets, and disposing of debris to contribute to a safe and efficient environment.
Assist in conducting physical inventories and cycle counts, leveraging the reach truck to access and verify stock levels in high-racked locations to ensure system-wide inventory integrity.
Stage and consolidate pallets of finished goods in the shipping area, organizing them according to load plans, routes, or specific customer requirements.
Securely wrap pallets using a shrink wrap machine or by hand to ensure stability and product protection during transit.
Maneuver the reach truck with exceptional skill and spatial awareness in narrow aisles and congested areas, prioritizing the safety of pedestrians and other equipment operators.
Effectively communicate with team members, clerks, and leadership regarding task completion, inventory discrepancies, or any operational challenges encountered during the shift.
Change and maintain the reach truck's industrial battery, following all safety procedures for handling, watering, and connecting to chargers.
Load and unload materials from trailers and trucks, ensuring proper weight distribution and securing of the load when necessary.
Accurately complete all required paperwork, logs, and system entries related to inventory moves, equipment checks, and completed tasks.
Identify and report potential safety hazards or operational inefficiencies to management, actively participating in creating a culture of continuous improvement.
Work collaboratively with all warehouse departments, including receiving, picking, and shipping, to meet daily and weekly operational goals and deadlines.
Consolidate partial pallets of the same product to optimize warehouse storage space and improve inventory organization.

Secondary Functions

Support general warehouse duties, such as cleaning, sorting, and organizing, during periods of lower material handling equipment (MHE) activity.
Assist in training new warehouse associates on basic safety procedures, warehouse layout, and proper pallet handling techniques.
Contribute to team efforts to meet and exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) for productivity, accuracy, and safety.
Participate in process improvement initiatives and team meetings aimed at enhancing warehouse efficiency and safety protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Reach Truck Certification: Valid and current certification to operate a stand-up reach truck.
WMS/RF Scanner Proficiency: Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and radio frequency (RF) scanning devices to manage inventory.
Material Handling Expertise: Knowledge of other MHE, such as electric pallet jacks and counterbalance forklifts, is highly valued.
OSHA Knowledge: A solid understanding of OSHA regulations and standard warehouse safety practices.
Basic Math & Literacy: Ability to perform simple calculations, count accurately, and read pick lists, shipping orders, and safety manuals.
Equipment Inspection: Skill in performing pre-use inspections to identify potential mechanical issues with the equipment.

Soft Skills

Spatial Awareness: Exceptional ability to judge distances and navigate tight spaces, crucial for operating in narrow aisles.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to tasks to ensure accuracy in picking, put-away, and inventory counts, minimizing errors.
Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to safe operations and the well-being of oneself and colleagues.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic demonstrated by consistent attendance and dependability.
Communication: Clear and effective communication skills to collaborate with the team and report issues to supervisors.
Focus and Composure: The ability to stay focused and work efficiently in a fast-paced, and sometimes loud, environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certification in Logistics, Warehousing, or Material Handling.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of direct, hands-on experience operating a stand-up reach truck within a distribution center or warehouse environment.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience operating a reach truck in a high-volume, fast-paced warehouse, especially in food, beverage, or retail distribution.