Reach Truck Operator in the United Kingdom
High-bay reach FLT work: put-away, replenishment, safe pallet handling and WMS/RF accuracy. Built for operators who drive precisely and think ahead.
Pay & contract snapshot (gross)
- Hourly (gross): commonly £12.00–£15.50 depending on shift and region.
- Premiums: nights/weekends/overtime and cold-store environments may add uplift.
- Annual equivalent: full-time roles often land around the mid-£20k to low-£30k range (site-dependent).
- Common patterns: 4-on/4-off, rotating shifts, or fixed nights (employer-specific).
Requirements (detailed)
- English CV (mandatory): list sites, shift types, truck types, racking height exposure and WMS systems used.
- Reach Truck certificate: in-date proof is typically required; expect verification and a practical assessment.
- Safety discipline: pre-use checks, defect reporting, speed control, horn/visibility practice and pedestrian segregation awareness.
- Warehouse accuracy: WMS/RF scanning, location control, stock integrity and damage prevention.
- Physical readiness: warehouse pace, repetitive movement, and occasional manual handling (site-dependent).
Some sites add role gates: background checks, drug & alcohol policy, PPE compliance, or induction test.
Short candidate portrait
- You drive smoothly in tight aisles and keep forks stable at height.
- You protect stock: no crushed pallets, no racking taps, no “rush lifts”.
- You follow WMS instructions precisely and correct errors early.
- You communicate clearly in English on safety, locations and exceptions.
What you’ll do (reach-specific)
- Put-away: move inbound pallets from staging to high-bay locations without damaging load or racking.
- Replenishment: feed pick faces on time; keep locations accurate so pickers don’t lose minutes.
- Stock control discipline: confirm locations via RF/WMS; escalate mismatches immediately.
- Equipment care: perform daily checks; isolate faulty MHE and report defects.
- Safe yard/warehouse behaviour: speed control, horn at blind spots, pedestrian awareness, stable loads.
What MaViAl provides
- Project-based UK opportunities depending on demand and client requirements.
- Role matching based on your CV and warehouse profile (truck type, shifts, WMS, environment).
- Clear steps and support communication during screening.
A realistic day on shift
Your shift starts with a pre-use check and a quick brief: inbound volume, replenishment priorities, any aisle closures. From there it is rhythm work: staged pallets in, correct locations out, and constant attention to stability at height.
- First hour: clear inbound staging, secure wrap integrity, reject damaged pallets early.
- Mid-shift: fast replenishment to protect picker flow; confirm every move in WMS.
- Peak window: high-bay precision under time pressure—stay controlled, not rushed.
- End: tidy lanes, handover exceptions (shorts, damages, blocked locations).
Sites vary: some are ambient; some are cold-store. Some run tight narrow aisles. Your assessment will reflect the real environment.
UK work basics (warehouse roles)
- Rest breaks: if you work more than 6 hours/day, you typically have the right to an uninterrupted 20-minute break (contract may add more).
- Daily rest: workers generally have the right to 11 hours rest between working days.
- Holiday: many workers are entitled to at least 28 days paid annual leave for a 5-day week (pro-rata for other patterns).
- Shift reality: evenings/nights/weekends can be part of standard logistics operations; overtime peaks during busy periods.
Related roles in Logistics & Warehousing
- Warehouse Operative (Entry, Low sponsorship)
- Order Picker (Entry, Low sponsorship)
- Forklift Operator (Counterbalance) (Entry/Mid, Low sponsorship)
- Logistics Coordinator (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
- Transport Planner (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
- HGV Driver (Class 1 / C+E) (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
- Delivery Driver (Van) (Entry/Mid, Low sponsorship)
- Inventory Controller (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
FAQ (Reach Truck Operator — UK)
Do I need an in-date Reach Truck licence to apply?
Most UK warehouse employers expect an in-date Reach certificate (or approved training record). You will usually complete an on-site practical assessment before placement.
What will be tested during the assessment?
Expect checks for safe high-bay handling, stable forks at height, racking awareness, pre-use inspection knowledge, controlled stacking and accurate WMS execution under time pressure.
Can I apply without UK experience?
You can, but you should show comparable warehouse standards: high-bay work, WMS scanning discipline, damage prevention, and a clean safety record. The practical test matters.
Is sponsorship available for Reach Truck roles?
It is usually uncommon for entry/mid warehouse FLT roles. Sponsorship depends on the employer’s licence, business need, and the role’s eligibility rules.