What is a reach truck driver?

In brief

As Reach truck driver you are the specialist who effortlessly maneuvers through narrow aisles and places pallets at great heights. You keep the warehouse tightly organized and ensure that orders are always ready on time.

What will you do as a reach truck driver?

With your reach truck, you will make sure everything in the warehouse runs smoothly. Your work will include:

  • Controlling the reach truck in narrow aisles and high racks
  • Loading and unloading of trucks
  • Checking goods for quantities and quality
  • Picking and preparing orders for shipment
  • Stock checking and tracking
  • Working safely according to occupational health and safety regulations

Your qualities

This role is all about overview, precision and working safely. These are the skills you need:

Orderly and accurate work
Good spatial awareness and quick reaction capability
Reliable and responsible
Communicatively strong and team-oriented
Flexible minded and stress resistant
In possession of a reach truck certificate (or willing to obtain one)

This is what your workday looks like

You start with a short briefing and planning for the day. Then you get on the reach truck and make sure incoming goods are stored neatly. You check quality, pick orders for shipment and navigate smoothly through the narrow aisles. You are constantly on the move and end your day with a warehouse that is completely in order.

Training and advancement

To become a reach truck driver, you usually have a reach truck certificate needed. Employers often ask for this, but many companies also offer the training themselves. In addition, it helps if you:

  • A mbo degree in the direction of logistics has
  • Took additional courses (e.g., VCA or safety training)
  • Bring experience as a warehouse or forklift worker

 

With experience and certifications, you can advance to positions such as team leader, logistics coordinator or planner.

Salary

As a starter, you will earn on average €2,300 to €2,500 gross per month (21+, approx. €14.40 - €15.50 per hour). Do you work shifts? Then there is often a nice allowance on top and your salary can go towards €2,700.

Diploma

A specific degree is not required. However, a college education in logistics or warehouse management helps. Most importantly, you must have or be willing to obtain a reach truck certificate.

Number of hours

Typically, you will work full-time (36-40 hours per week). Part-time opportunities also occur, depending on the company.

Working Hours

Warehouses often rotate, so you will regularly work shifts. In some companies, day shift is the standard. For irregular shifts, you'll get extra benefits.

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Ready to step up?

Reach truck driver

Can you see yourself tearing through narrow paths and putting away pallets meters high? This is your chance to accelerate in logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need a certificate?

Yes, almost always. The certificate proves that you can work safely. You can often get this through your employer.

A reach truck is more compact and can stack higher in narrow aisles. A forklift is especially suitable for outdoor and wider spaces.

Yes, most of the work you do with the reach truck. However, you are sometimes loading, unloading and order picking, so you have to be fit.

You can advance to team leader, planner or another logistics role. You can also obtain multiple certifications, such as forklift or aerial truck.

You have a lot of variety and work with impressive machines. Every day is different, and you see immediate results from your work.