Sit Down Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

Forklift Operator and Forklift Driver

As a skilled Forklift Operator and Forklift Driver, you will be essential to our warehouse operations, responsible for the safe and efficient movement of pallets and materials. You will primarily focus on loading and unloading trailers, organizing inventory, and ensuring all movements are accurately documented. If you are a dependable individual with forklift experience and a strong commitment to safety and precision, we encourage you to apply!

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, PLA is a national supply chain solutions provider offering Pallet Management Services, 3PL Services, Reverse Logistics Services, and Freight Brokerage & Transportation Management Services, handling over 115 million pallets per year for over 1,500 customers. Now one of the largest pallet manufacturing and recycling companies in the United States, PLA has over 76 facilities, employing upwards of 3500 employees across 23 states, and is still looking for opportunities for growth, both organically and through acquisition.

Pay Rate: $18.50 an hour

Guaranteed Progression: 50-cent per hour increases at 90 days, 1 year, and annually thereafter for a total of 5 years, reaching the maximum rate at 5 years in this role.

Here's What We Offer

• Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings before payday.
• Weekly Pay – Get paid on time, every week.
• PTO (Paid Time Off).
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 3 medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield with low weekly premiums starting at $28.75.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Company contribution up to $750 annually with tax-advantaged savings.
• 401(k) retirement plan featuring up to a 4% employer match, eligibility the first of the month after 90 days, and access to a Financial Wellness Consultant.
• Flexible Benefits – Multiple plan options to fit your needs and budget.
• Prescription Drug Coverage – Low copays starting at $10 for generic medications.
• FREE Life Insurance & AD&D – Basic coverage provided at no cost upon employment.
• Vision Benefits – $10 eye exams and $150 frame allowance through Superior Vision by MetLife starting at $1.46 per week.
• Dental Coverage – 100% preventive care coverage with MetLife plans starting at $5.76 per week.
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) – Income replacement up to 60% of weekly covered earnings for a non-work-related injury or illness.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential support for work stress, grief, legal/financial issues, and more.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits – MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services and Pet Insurance with ASPCA.
• LifeMart employee discounts (through ADP) on everyday stuff and larger purchases.
• Dell Employee Purchase Program (EPP) discounts available for personal use.

Reporting to the Supervisor or Manager, the Forklift Driver is responsible for operating and maintaining a sit-down forklift to support warehouse operations. Your responsibilities will include:

• Loading and unloading pallets to and from trailers with precision and care.
• Moving pallets to their correct locations throughout the warehouse to maintain organization and accessibility.
• Completing daily inspections of the forklift using a provided checklist, ensuring it is in safe operating condition.
• Safely refueling tanks, following established procedures for changing out propane tanks or charging electric tanks.
• Completing and confirming accuracy of loads, whether on paper or electronically, verifying counts of good and bad loads, and acting as the final inspector for all trailer loads.
• Ensuring that all materials moved from one location to the next are properly accounted for and marked for accurate documentation.
• Maintaining a clean and orderly work environment at all times.
• Maintaining safe working conditions by following all guidelines and procedures for handling equipment and material.
• Complying with all PLA policies and procedures, as well as federal and state safety rules.
• Assisting in other areas of the warehouse as assigned to support and improve overall team operations.
• Adjusting as needed to new reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules to meet company needs and business requirements.
• Cooperating and working well with team members and management, maintaining clear and open communications at all times.
• Consistent and reliable attendance is an essential function of this job.

What We're Looking For:

• At least 6 months of forklift operating experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in operating a sit-down forklift.
• Must pass PLA's forklift certification test (on-site certification provided if needed).
• High School diploma or equivalent, preferred.
• Strong attention to detail for accuracy in counts and documentation.
• Commitment to safety guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team environment.
• Dependable and punctual attendance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment, as well as standing, walking, bending, and stooping as needed.
• Capable of performing light to moderate physical tasks, including occasionally lifting or maneuvering materials if required by the role.
• Requires good manual dexterity and foot coordination for operating forklift controls.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions, equipment sounds, and safety alarms in a warehouse environment.
• Excellent vision (including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus) for operating machinery, reading documentation, and navigating the warehouse safely.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in a warehouse environment. This may include exposure to dust, fluctuating temperatures (hot and cold), and moderate to high noise levels. Steel-toed boots and other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required.

PLA and its Family of Companies is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request by contacting View email address on click.appcast.io. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized because of such a request.