---
title: "What are Forklifts Used for and Why are They Needed in Warehouses?"
type: "post"
url: "https://www.forkliftcertification.com/what-are-forklifts-used-for/"
markdown_url: "https://www.forkliftcertification.com/what-are-forklifts-used-for/index.md"
description: "This article will look at the different tasks forklifts are used for, how forklifts increase a warehouse’s productivity, and also a few forklift safety tips. Read on to learn more!"
published: "2018-06-21T15:54:17Z"
modified: "2026-09-23T16:05:08Z"
---

# What are Forklifts Used for and Why are They Needed in Warehouses?

 ![find out what forklifts are used for!](https://www.forkliftcertification.com/media/med_8e63eaf8d689aaedfd934a6a/flc-what-are-forklifts-used-for.png)Are you thinking about becoming a forklift driver? Are you looking for a well-paying job in a warehouse setting? Then there’s a pretty good chance you’ll use a forklift – in a warehouse, of course! But what are forklifts used for, and why are they needed in warehouses? This article will look at the different tasks forklifts are used for, how forklifts increase a warehouse’s productivity, and also a few forklift safety tips. Plus, we’ll also review the differences between forklifts and their close cousin, the pallet jack. ## What are Forklifts Used For? Heavy-Duty Lifting, and Much More!

Forklifts are part of the powered industrial truck family of equipment. According to [OSHA](https://www.osha.gov/), forklifts make up the largest percentage of [powered industrial trucks](https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/index.html). Every type of forklift has its own unique features. Some forklifts are designed to handle lighter loads. Others are made for heavy-duty lifting. Smaller, faster forklifts work well in a busy warehouse setting. Rough terrain lifts are made for rough-and-tumble construction sites, heavy machinery maintenance, and much more. If you’d like to know what forklifts are used for, it helps to know the different types of lifts available on a job site. The type of forklift you’ll use depends a lot on which type of task you’re assigned to do. If you’re involved with organizing and storing cargo at a warehouse, an indoor stand-up lift is a great choice. For outdoor job sites or work areas that require more lifting power, construction-ready lifts are used. Here are the different types of forklifts, which will help you see what are forklifts used for. These categories were [created by OSHA.](https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/forklift/types/index.html) They’re a good way to keep track of all the different types of forklifts: - Class I: Electric Motor Rider Trucks
- Class II: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
- Class III: Electric Motor Hand Trucks or Hand/Rider Trucks
- Class IV: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Solid/Cushion Tires)
- Class V: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tires)
- Class VI: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
- Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks

[For warehouse activities](https://www.forkliftcertification.com/warehouse-automation/), Class I – Class V powered industrial trucks are most common. For most forklift drivers, the first type of powered industrial truck they usually drive is the Class I type. The Class II lifts (narrow aisle trucks) are used when space is tight. Aside from the class of forklift, [the design also determines what forklifts are used for](https://www.forkliftcertification.com/five-different-types-of-forklift/). High-lift trucks, straddle trucks (used for stacking ISO containers), cantilever lifts (used for handling longer cargo like pipes and steel bars), and low-lift trucks are used in warehouses all across the country. Regardless of the type or design of forklift, anyone that operates a forklift is required to take OSHA approved safety training. That’s where [FLC](https://www.forkliftcertification.com/) can help! We also offer pallet jack training. But what are the main differences between pallet jacks and forklifts? ## Pallet Jacks and Forklifts – Different Jobs, Same Setting

Warehouses use both pallet jacks and forklifts to move, store, and manage all types of cargo. From unloading trucks to selecting orders from warehouse shelves, [both types of powered industrial trucks work together](https://www.forkliftcertification.com/use-forklift-vs-pallet-jack/) to keep warehouses at peak productivity. But there are a few key differences, including: - **Load capacity**. Pallet jacks have a much smaller load capacity than forklifts.
- **Lifting capability**. While pallet jacks are used to keep pallets elevated only a few inches above the floor, forklifts can hoist cargo up to tall warehouse shelves.
- **Operator position**. Forklifts have standup or sit-down configurations. Many lifts allow the driver to control their [equipment](https://www.forkliftcertification.com/raymond-forklift-training-certification/) from a variety of positions. But most pallet jacks are standup style.

## [Forklift Safety Tips](https://www.forkliftcertification.com/forklift-safety/)

Here are some forklift tips for operating your equipment safely: - Operate at a safe speed.
- Approach corners and blind spots with caution.
- Pay attention to your forklift’s max load requirements.
- Never drive with an elevated load.
- Conduct regular maintenance checks and inspections to ensure safe operation.

Here’s another crucial forklift safety tip: never operate a lift without OSHA approved training. FLC’s three training packages are perfect for getting OSHA compliance without breaking the bank. If you need OSHA compliance, [get started today](https://www.forkliftcertification.com/#getstarted). For questions about our training, or if you’d like to know more about what are forklifts used for, call us at (888) 278-8896.