Palletrucker

Palletrucker is a term used in logistics to describe a worker whose primary responsibility is the handling and transportation of palletized freight. A palletrucker may operate within a trucking company, a warehouse, or a distribution center, and focuses on moving goods that are placed on standard pallets between facilities or to customer locations. The role may overlap with general truck driving, warehouse operations, and forklift operation, depending on the employer.

Typical duties include planning routes to meet delivery windows, loading and unloading pallets, securing loads for transport, stacking pallets safely, operating equipment such as pallet jacks or forklifts, performing inventory checks, and completing shipment documentation. Safety training and adherence to weight limits and securing standards are essential.

Equipment and certifications: forklifts and pallet jacks; may require forklift operator certification and a commercial driver's license; need for personal protective equipment; knowledge of pallet sizes and load dimensions (e.g., 48x40 inch pallets common in North America; European EUR pallets 1200x800 mm).

Work environment: may work at warehouses, distribution centers, transport hubs; hours can include nights, weekends, or irregular schedules; jobs may involve physical labor but that depends on equipment availability; automation and technology are used for route optimization and yard management.

Etymology and context: the term is informal and not a universally standardized job title in all regions. Related terms include pallet jack operator, forklift operator, truck driver, and logistics specialist.