Forklift Operator Jobs in Canada

Pay, overtime and deductions (gross)

Rates vary by province, shift pattern, union/non-union setting, and the type of truck/attachments you can operate. The ranges below are practical “planning numbers” for Canada, shown as gross hourly pay.

What drives the hourly rate

• Province and local labour market: pay bands are different across regions and cities.
• Shift premiums: nights/weekends and cold storage sites may add premiums.
• Overtime: overtime is commonly paid at a higher rate where applicable (policy varies by employer and province).
• Equipment complexity: reach truck, narrow aisles, and attachments can command higher rates.
• Compliance: consistent safe driving and accurate scanning reduce damage and improve retention.

Note: employers may apply standard payroll deductions and may require site-specific onboarding (e.g., safety orientation).

Where you typically work

What you do day to day

• Complete pre-shift checks (brakes, forks, hydraulics, tires, battery/propane)
• Load/unload trucks safely, stage pallets, and secure loads
• Put-away, replenishment and location moves using RF scanners/WMS (where used)
• Build stable pallets, reduce damage, and report discrepancies
• Follow pedestrian rules, dock safety, speed limits and right-of-way procedures
• Support inventory counts and basic housekeeping in work zones

Exact tasks vary by employer and province. Safety performance and accuracy typically matter as much as speed.

Requirements and certifications

Typical requirements

• Practical experience operating forklifts in warehouse/dock environments
• Comfortable following site rules, lane markings, and safe load limits
• Basic English for workplace communication (often A2+ is sufficient for routine tasks)
• Ability to work shifts and stay reliable during peak periods
• Legal eligibility to work in Canada as required by law and employer policy

Nice-to-have skills

• Reach truck or narrow-aisle experience
• RF scanning / WMS familiarity (picking, replenishment, cycle counts)
• Cold storage readiness (PPE discipline, steady pace)
• Attachment experience (clamp/rotator) and dock coordination

Work authorization and documents (Canada)

Employers only hire candidates who can work legally in Canada. The exact route depends on the employer and the candidate’s status.

• Work permits: roles may require an employer-specific work permit; some candidates may have an open work permit (status-dependent).
• Identity documents: valid passport and standard onboarding documents as required by the employer.
• Checks: some sites require background checks and/or drug & alcohol policy compliance (site-dependent).
• Site onboarding: safety orientation, PPE rules, and equipment authorization may be required before independent driving.

This page is informational and does not provide legal advice. Final eligibility and documentation requirements are set by employers and authorities.

Candidate profile: good fit / not a fit

You are a good fit if you…

• can describe your forklift type experience clearly (counterbalance / reach, dock vs DC)
• work safely, follow traffic rules, and keep loads stable
• can handle repetitive tasks with steady pace and accuracy
• are comfortable with shift work and occasional overtime during peaks
• can use basic warehouse paperwork or RF scanners where required
• keep your work area tidy and reduce product damage
• communicate issues early (damage, discrepancies, near-misses)

This role is not for you if you…

• cut corners on safety or ignore site rules
• cannot work reliably on shifts or have frequent last-minute absences
• struggle with basic inventory accuracy (locations, labels, counts)
• expect guaranteed hours/rates without flexibility by site and season

How to apply with CV

1. Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
2. Include: forklift type(s), years of experience, typical sites (DC/dock/cold storage), and shift availability
3. Add any certificates, licences, and equipment you can operate
4. Submit — we contact shortlisted candidates

Tip: list specific tasks (put-away, replenishment, dock loading) instead of only writing “forklift operator”.

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