Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Move levers or controls that operate lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams with swivel-hooks, hoists, or elevating platforms, to load, unload, transport, or stack material.90
• Move controls to drive gasoline- or electric-powered trucks, cars, or tractors and transport materials between loading, processing, and storage areas.88
• Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles.88
• Position lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, or boxes and secure material or products for transport to designated areas.87
• Inspect product load for accuracy and safely move it around the warehouse or facility to ensure timely and complete delivery.84
• Weigh materials or products and record weight or other production data on tags or labels.82
• Perform routine maintenance on vehicles or auxiliary equipment, such as cleaning, lubricating, recharging batteries, fueling, or replacing liquefied-gas tank.78
• Operate or tend automatic stacking, loading, packaging, or cutting machines.77
• Turn valves and open chutes to dump, spray, or release materials from dump cars or storage bins into hoppers.65

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operation and Control72

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring56

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Coordination50

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Equipment Maintenance50

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Time Management50

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Troubleshooting50

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Active Listening47

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Reading Comprehension47

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Critical Thinking44

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Judgment and Decision Making44

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Monitoring44

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Speaking44

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Mathematics50

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• English Language46

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Production and Processing45

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Transportation44

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Customer and Personal Service38

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Administration and Management37

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Administrative34

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

• Public Safety and Security33

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Education and Training32

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Mechanical29

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Law and Government28

  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

• Building and Construction27

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Control Precision75

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Multilimb Coordination72

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Far Vision69

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Response Orientation66

  The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

• Manual Dexterity63

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Rate Control60

  The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

• Depth Perception56

  The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

• Problem Sensitivity56

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Reaction Time56

  The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness53

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Auditory Attention53

  The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

• Deductive Reasoning53

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment88

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials86

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Handling and Moving Objects85

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Performing General Physical Activities79

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems76

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work75

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Getting Information71

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates69

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings69

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards68

  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Scheduling Work and Activities68

  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability75

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness68

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Attention to Detail56

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Integrity38

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Stress Tolerance34

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Self-Control27

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation22

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Cooperation21

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Perseverance21

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Self-Confidence19

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Adaptability9

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Optimism4

  A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional45

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative13

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising4

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social2

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day100%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually82%
  • More than half the time13%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important68%
  • Very important29%

• Duration of Typical Work Week

  • More than 40 hours74%
  • 40 hours26%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day75%
  • Once a month or more but not every week22%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Every day68%
  • Once a week or more but not every day16%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day74%
  • Once a week or more but not every day14%

• In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

  • Every day85%
  • Never15%

• Consequence of Error

  • Extremely serious63%
  • Very serious15%
  • Serious11%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day62%
  • Once a week or more but not every day11%
  • Once a month or more but not every week22%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • Limited freedom14%

• Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

  • Important results19%
  • Moderate results22%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Some college, no degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Inventory management software

  Argos Software ABECAS Insight WMS, BarControl Enterprise Manager iBEM, Inventory management systems, RedPrairie DLx Warehouse

• Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  SSA Global Supply Chain Management, Symphony GOLD, Warehouse management system WMS

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  SAP software

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Computer aided design CAD software

  Autodesk AutoCAD

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• Industrial Truck Association
• MHI
• Warehousing Education and Research Council
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• International Union of Operating Engineers
• International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
• National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
• The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union
• United Steelworkers

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Miscellaneous material moving workers, including mine shuttle car operators, and tank car, truck, and ship loaders
• Mining Machine Operators
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Riggers
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Miscellaneous agricultural workers, including animal breeders
• Mining Machine Operators
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Helpers--Production Workers
• Small Engine Mechanics

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
• Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
• Load shipments, belongings, or materials.
• Position material handling equipment.
• Secure cargo.
• Inspect cargo areas for cleanliness or condition.
• Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
• Mark materials or objects for identification.
• Weigh materials to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Clean vehicles or vehicle components.
• Maintain vehicles in good working condition.
• Operate packing or other material processing equipment.