Forklift

What is a forklift?

A forklift is a small industrial vehicle with a pronged device used to move and stack heavy loads in warehouses and other worksites.

Palletized cargo is easier and faster to unload because warehouses can use a forklift to move the shipment.

How do forklifts affect shipping?

Forklifts load and unload pallets at warehouses, ports, and distribution centers. A palletized shipment can move from a truck to a rack in minutes, while workers have to unload loose cartons by hand, which takes far longer. If a delivery location has no forklift or dock, the trucker needs a liftgate, which adds a fee.

Forklifts come in several types, including counterbalance trucks for docks and outdoor yards, reach trucks for narrow warehouse aisles, and pallet jacks for short moves. Tell your carrier whether the delivery site has a forklift and a loading dock before the truck arrives.

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