can someone clarify if forklift drivers require CDL?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by thealfa, May 24, 2011.

  1. thealfa

    thealfa Medium Load Member

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    Does anyone know. I was told it doesn't but just want to make sure. I was told I don't even need a standard driver's license to drive a forklift. I was told the training and test is done by the hiring company so no need for going to a licensing facility like an MVA or certain departments to do forklift driving work. Can someone clarify?
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2011
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  3. rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    You do NOT need a CDL to drive a forklift.
     
  4. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    usually when you get hired on at any company that has forklifts, THEY train you, test you, and certify you..

    i would also like to recommend that if they have any other type of lift equipment, that you ask to be trained on those as well, and be certified..this makes you MORE employable at say a company that has "high lift" trucks....

    and you don't need a CDL license, although again, if you had one, then you could be the "Yard jockey" as well and again, make your self so much more needed with-in the company..never just "settle" for one thing, try to expand your knowledge/skills.
     
  5. Heirforce1

    Heirforce1 Medium Load Member

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    It's normally forklift and pallet jack certification. ReRun was correct though you definitely don't have to worry about losing your job when you have more than 1 ace for the company. Good luck going forward!
     
  6. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    forklift certification is a function of OSHA and the individual company, not any state DMV.
     
  7. sollo5150

    sollo5150 Bobtail Member

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    No you do not need a Cdl but you might need a certain up to a class eight
     
  8. Emulsified

    Emulsified Road Train Member

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    FYI, there is a move to come up with a single nationwide Lift truck/motorized pallet jack Safety Certification to be administered locally. right now virtually all locations have their own version of safety training, so long as it meets certain OSHA requirements.
    We've all seen where we arrive at a warehouse and are required to have XYZ certifcation cards in order to use their equipment. And heaven help us if we have ABC version instead.
    I suspect there will be a stanardized certification (license?) within the next couple years. Probably administered by your local DMV or OSHA office.
     
  9. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You do need to be "certified" to operate a forklift, generally by a third party testing place or a fellow employee might be certified to test you. No big deal, real basic stuff. Done in an hour or two. Then you get a little card to carry in your wallet.
     
  10. lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

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    You do when you're dragging 53 foot trailers down the Interstate with your forklift.
     
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  11. passingthru69

    passingthru69 Road Train Member

    Like Rerun posted. You take a class that is OSHA approved.
    There is different class levels for the forklifts. Take all of them if you can.Just because you are certified to a 5 thousand lift does not mean you can run a 30 thousand lift.
    Me I got mine for upto and including a 30 thousand.
    Real easy test and then you do the skills test.
     
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