In years gone by, the FLT (fork lift truck) duties were part of the warehouse job role. These days, due to the large size of many production and warehouse operations, a full time fork lift truck operations team is required.
Some long-distance drivers now have a FLT attached to the lorry, requiring drivers to understand the FLT operations and load balancing.
In the main fork lift truck drivers load and unload goods, check load security, move palatised materials around the warehouse, while following health and safety regulations.
Interview questions, therefore, will check an applicants spatial awareness, attention to detail, being able to work alone/operate the FLT and follow delivery orders.
FLT Driver Interview Questions and Answers
For a fork lift truck operator job role, all employers will ask similar interview questions based on FLT driving experience, health and safety and the movement of goods.
We have listed commonly asked fork lift truck operator questions and the required approach to answering each question.
Can you give me an overview of your warehouse and fork lift truck experience?
The initial job interview question, is an opening question to help the applicant to start communicate their experience and therefore to relax.
Even though the initial question is an ‘open’ question, applicants can use this question to match their skills and experiences to the job criteria of the structured job interview.
Start with ‘An experience fork lift truck driver with over X years experience moving (type ie dangerous) goods…’
Add qualifications ‘…I have a FLT license and a warehouse Level 3 NVQ, plus a H&S certificate…’
End by stating relevant skills ‘….after working in this industry for X years I proven skills in (add skills) that would be relevant for this role..’
When did you pass your FLT test?
Often asked as a follow up question to the initial ‘experience’ question, employers ask the ‘duration’ question to check experience.
The belief is the longer duration as a FLT operator the more skilled the FLT driver will be.
Answer confidently: ‘ I have been driving FLT for X years, X of these were as a part-time driver in a production company and the remaining X years as a full-time FLT operator. Where I check load weights, load security, and ensuring the correct goods are loaded onto the operate trucks’
What is a pre-use check on the FLT for?
The ‘pre-use check’ is becoming a more commonly asked question especially for RTITB trained employers.
When answering this question following the 3 steps:
- Confirm that you always complete pre and post checks
- Explain what parts of the FLT is checked and give reason for some the parts IE wheel, forks and engine
- Discuss completing a log for H&S and damage, with a view of keeping drivers/warehouse staff safe and tor save cost on repairs
How do you know how much weight you can carry on the FLT?
A bit of a tricky question, as each truck has a different load capacity.
What is important is to show awareness of load capacity and the reason for knowing this.
- Discuss checking the load capacity of each truck before using it
- Explain calculating difference load capacity depending on the size of the load
How do you let other workers know you are approaching them in the warehouse?
As with many FLT operator interview questions, they are around health and safety.
This question can be answered in several ways:
- Checking the route before moving a load
- The use of horn/flashing lights
- Truck speed
- Busy areas of the warehouse
What do you need to check for when unloading a truck using an FLT?
As the main duty of the job role, there will always be a question regarding the loading and/or unloading of goods.
Discuss:
- Checking goods against delivery notes
- Checking the size, security and weight of each pallet before loading/unloading
- Ensuring the load capacity of the FLT meets the load of the goods
- Having allocated space in the warehouse before unloading begins
- Signing off the goods to the driver
What would you do if you had a spillage?
Another common health and safety interview question.
Explain the 3 step process used when a spillage is made:
- Rope of the area of the spillage
- Clean the area – using PPE for dangerous materials
- Report spillage to a manager/add to any reports
- Create a new load for delivery
Why are delivery notes so important?
Delivery notes are key as they ensure accuracy.
Explain how you use delivery notes to check all details of goods prior to delivery:
- Delivery address
- Quantity and quality
- Multiple drops
- Signature to sign off the goods
How would you handle an angry delivery driver who was trying to rush you?
Sometimes drivers can be ‘angry’ as they are ‘rushed’ to get goods loaded and they take the pressure they are under out on the FLT driver.
To answer this it is good to give an example.
- State the situation – why the driver was angry
- Explain your actions – how you remain calm and adhered to all processes and procedures
- The outcome – how the goods were loaded in a timely fashion and if the driver was happy
Do you have any questions for me?
- What are the busiest periods in the calendar year?
- How many FLT are in operation in the warehouse?
- Does the company offer any apprenticeship training or other CPD opportunities?
- Are there any plans for business expansion?
- What is the management style and culture of the warehouse?
