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Forklift Operator jobs in Germany — warehouse & logistics

Forklift Operator jobs in Germany (Gabelstaplerfahrer / Staplerfahrer)

For warehouse/logistics candidates: counterbalance + reach truck, RF/WMS scanning, load/unload at docks, replenishment, and strict safety rules. Pay baseline: from €13.90/h gross (Germany statutory minimum wage from 01.01.2026). Final rate depends on site, shifts and verified experience.

Last updated: — Baseline: €13.90/h gross (from 01.01.2026) Rule: English CV required Focus: Logistics hubs / warehouses
Apply: Upload CV Send profile via Contact Read FAQ
CV is mandatory. We do not review candidates without a CV. Use the CV builder: https://mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
CV tip: include forklift type (counterbalance / reach truck), warehouse type (cross-dock / distribution / production), RF/WMS, and shift pattern.
MaViAl Sp. z o.o. · Wrocław, Poland KRS: 0001058460 NIP: 8971927502 Phone: +48 536 198 779
Direct contact: Contact page. This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Final eligibility depends on documents, nationality, and client/site requirements.
Safety-critical role: unclear experience, missing documents, or generic CV (“worked in warehouse”) often stops screening. German sites enforce strict rules (pedestrian separation, speed limits, PPE, incident reporting).
Locations: Berlin / Hamburg / Munich / NRW Sector: Warehouse & Logistics Forklift types: Counterbalance • Reach truck License: “Staplerschein” often required (site-dependent) Language: English onboarding possible (site-dependent)
Role scope

What forklift operators actually do on site

Core tasks

  • Move pallets and goods safely (inbound, outbound, replenishment, cross-dock).
  • Load/unload trucks while respecting lanes, ramps, and load plans.
  • Support picking/packing flow: staging, replenishment, returns handling.
  • Use scanners/RF devices when required (labels, locations, confirmations).
  • Daily equipment checks and immediate reporting of defects or near-misses.

Work environment

  • Shift work is common (early/late; night shifts may exist in large hubs).
  • Fast-paced zones: docks, high-turnover aisles, time-slotted dispatch windows.
  • Safety rules are strict: pedestrian separation, speed limits, PPE discipline.
  • Temperature can vary (ambient / chilled areas depending on warehouse type).
Why this page is strict

Forklift work is safety-critical. Clear CV, real task evidence, and document readiness matter more than generic statements.

Pay & legal baseline

Gross rates and the 2026 minimum wage baseline

Germany statutory minimum wage from 01.01.2026: €13.90 gross per hour.

Any assignment in Germany must meet or exceed this baseline. Final gross pay depends on site, shift pattern, forklift type (counterbalance / reach truck), and verified experience.

What “gross” means on this page

  • All pay references here are gross (brutto).
  • Net pay depends on tax/residency situation, social contributions, and contract model.
  • Overtime/premiums (if any) must be confirmed in writing per project.
Non-EU candidates: Germany requires a lawful work route. If your route involves Poland first, start here: https://mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html.
Requirements (detailed)

Forklift Operator — requirements we verify

Mandatory baseline

  • English CV (PDF preferred) with clear dates, locations, and tasks.
  • Verified forklift experience (warehouse, cross-dock, production logistics, or distribution).
  • Safety discipline: speed control, pedestrian awareness, stable stacking, load limits.
  • Document readiness: passport + current location (country/city) + reachable phone/email.

Strong advantages

  • Valid forklift license/certificate (Staplerschein or equivalent, site-dependent).
  • Reach truck / high-bay experience (narrow aisles, height work, precise pallet placement).
  • RF scanner usage and WMS discipline (locations, labels, confirmations).
  • Basic German (A1–A2) for safety briefings/signage (site-dependent).

Operational readiness checklist

  • Knows daily checks: forks, mast, hydraulics, brakes, horn, battery/LP gas.
  • Understands load center and stability (tilt, height, turning rules).
  • Can work safely near docks, ramps, and mixed-traffic zones.
  • Handles damaged pallets safely (re-pallet, secure, report).
  • Follows route discipline: lanes, right-of-way, speed caps, safe stops.
  • Keeps documentation clean (near-miss reporting is valued).

We prioritize candidates who describe tasks precisely (equipment + warehouse type + process), not generic claims.

Candidate portrait

Short portrait of the right candidate

You are a fit if: you operate safely under time pressure, keep scanning/inventory discipline, and communicate clearly enough (English) to follow instructions and report issues without confusion.

How recruiters read your CV (practical)

  • We look for equipment type (counterbalance / reach truck), warehouse type (distribution / production / cross-dock), and shift pattern.
  • We check continuity: stable periods are preferred over unexplained gaps.
  • We want task evidence: load/unload, replenishment, high-bay work, scanning, staging, returns.
  • We confirm documents and availability before project discussion.
Application rule

No CV — no review. This protects processing time and ensures fair screening.

Apply: Upload CV Send profile via Contact
Work model (Polish employer → Germany project)

What “working in Germany via a Polish company” typically involves

Many logistics projects are organized as cross-border assignments. Operational reality = paperwork + compliance. This section sets expectations (general info, not legal advice).

Compliance baseline: German minimum wage rules apply on German territory.

Pay must meet or exceed €13.90 gross/hour from 01.01.2026. Contract model and net outcome depend on individual circumstances.

Typical practical conditions (project-based)

  • Assignment readiness: onboarding is possible only when CV + docs are complete.
  • Posted-worker documentation: A1 (where applicable), onboarding forms, site rules acknowledgment.
  • Work time discipline: shifts, breaks, access control (badges/turnstiles) are tracked.
  • Safety & PPE: safety shoes are standard; additional PPE depends on warehouse zones.
  • Accommodation/transport: conditions vary by project and must be confirmed per assignment.
  • Payroll clarity: gross rate, hours, premiums (if any), and deductions must be written.

If you are non-EU and plan a route via Poland first, start with permits/legalization: https://mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html.

Documents

Prepare these before applying

  • English CV (PDF) + active phone/email
  • Passport scan + current location (country/city)
  • Forklift certificates (if you have them) + any training records
  • Project list: where you worked, what you handled, equipment types, shift pattern
  • Optional: short reference note (only if available)

How to apply (fast)

  1. Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
  2. Send your profile via contact page: mavial.pl/kontakt.html
  3. We verify documents and contact you if your profile matches active demand.

Example line: “Counterbalance + Reach Truck, RF scanning, 2-shift, cross-dock experience.”

A realistic “day one” snapshot

Vacancy story: the first 90 minutes decide everything

In German warehouses, supervisors evaluate forklift operators immediately: predictability, pedestrian awareness, clean scanning discipline, and calm reporting when something is damaged or unclear.

  • Start with zone rules: speed limits, pedestrian crossings, and “no-phone” areas near docks.
  • Then a short equipment check: horn, brakes, mast movement, forks, battery/LP gas status.
  • Then volume: staging pallets for outbound lanes, replenishment, unloading timed trucks.

Strong operators do not “rush”. They work fast by being clean: correct angles, stable stacks, clean scans, and calm reporting.

FAQ

Forklift Operator Germany — common questions

Do I need a German forklift license (Staplerschein)?
Often yes. Many warehouses require recognized training/briefing before you can drive. Bring any certificates you have; acceptance is site-dependent.
Is my foreign forklift certificate accepted in Germany?
It depends on documentation quality and client rules. Even with a certificate, local safety instruction and onboarding are usually required.
What is the minimum legal hourly pay in Germany from 01.01.2026?
The statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour from 01.01.2026. Any assignment must meet or exceed this baseline.
Counterbalance vs. reach truck — which one is more demanded?
Both are demanded. Reach truck (high-bay, narrow aisles) is often a strong advantage. Counterbalance is common for docks, staging, and mixed zones.
Are shifts and overtime common in logistics?
Shifts are common (early/late; sometimes nights). Overtime may occur during peak volume. Premiums/rules must be confirmed per project in writing.
What documents should I send to be taken seriously?
  • English CV (PDF) with dates, locations, tasks and equipment types
  • Passport scan + current location (country/city)
  • Forklift certificates (if any) + short project list
Do you accept candidates without a CV?
No. No CV — no review. Upload your CV here: mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Is accommodation provided?
It is project-dependent. Do not assume. Always confirm accommodation/transport terms in writing before start.
Is German language required?
Some sites can onboard in English, but German is often required for safety briefings, signage, and incident communication. It depends on the client/site.
How does working in Germany via a Polish employer usually work?
Usually a structured assignment process: documents, onboarding forms, compliance checks, and site rules. Key points: clarity on gross pay, hours, schedule, and lawful work authorization depending on nationality and route.

If you are non-EU and your route involves Poland first, read: https://mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html.

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