Driver and Stacker

Job overview
Drivers and stackers, or forklift operators, lift and stack bundles of goods on top of each other, no higher than the ceiling or roof of the floor on which they operate.

This distinguishes them from lift operators who lift or lower goods to great heights or depths.

What do people do in this job?
After having fork-lifted the load off the floor to a sufficient height to clear possible obstructions on its way to its destination, drivers reverse to the track, on which they have to travel and then move forward to the site, where they have to deposit the load.

After having manipulated their machines into the correct places and at the correct angles, they lift or lower the load to its exact position.

The forklift which drivers and stackers operate is usually a battery-powered machine for indoor use or a petrol- or diesel-powered one for outdoor operation.

The machine used out-of-doors is normally a counter balance forklift.

The design of the forklift may vary, depending on the type and size of the material to be moved and stacked.

Even large trees in the forests are moved and stacked in this way.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Drivers and stackers need to be hard working and responsible, with good eye-hand coordination.

Working conditions and working hours differ from one industry to another.

Some industries operate only during normal working hours during the day, whilst other industries work two or three shifts daily, in which case the operators change shifts on a regular basis.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no specific qualifications?