These days, if there is a goods movement involved, there exists a forklift and a job/s for forklift operator/s. As we know, almost every warehouse and distribution centre has at least one forklift and as such they are one of the biggest employment sources for forklift operators. This article discusses forklift driver job outlook for 2012-13 in the warehousing and logistics industry.

Occupations in warehouse and logistics include store persons, dispatch and transport clerks, purchasing and supply logistics clerks, forklift drivers and supply and distribution managers. Warehousing and logistics in Australia play a vital role in transport and supply chain. Logistics is an integrated name to transport, storage and distribution of goods. These days warehouses are mostly high-tech distribution centre which are virtually paperless and use highly sophisticated equipment including voice activation systems. General warehousing is biggest with more than 50% of all warehousing with cold storage accounting for lesser extend followed by bond storage, distribution services and self storage which accounts for the remainder.

As per the trend analysis by Logistics Training Council (LTC), forklift driver job prospects in 2012-13 in Logistics and warehousing industry are good. Forklift drivers can expect this industry to present them with moderate employment growth in 2012-13. Forklift drivers have a high proportion of full-time jobs with around 93% and for those working full-time average weekly working hours are 39.8 percent.