September 2009

Often overlooked by hardened truckers, forklift trucks are a decisive link in the distribution chain - so too is the skill and efficiency of the operators who manage and run these machines.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (Ciltsa), for example, is one institution that is well aware of the important role forklift trucks play in the transport industry and, to pay homage to this, initiated the annual Forklift Driver of the year Competition which has grown into a keenly contested event with forklift truck drivers from all over the country taking part and a host of industry sponsors including Toyota, Barloworld, Linde Material Handling, Acrow, Sky Raiders, Barpro Storage, Storsure and Univeral Storage, among others.

Ciltsa is encouraging all qualified forklift drivers to participate in this prestigious event and test their abilities against their peers.

Ciltsa executive director, Catherine Larkin, says the aim of the competition is to improve the level of safety, productivity and competitiveness in this important sector of the logistics industry.

The competition is open to all companies employing forklift or reach truck drivers who will be tested on their safety, skill, efficiency and knowledge. In the practical test, drivers must manipulate a loaded forklift over a pre-determined course. “The competition is not only loads of fun, it is also an excellent opportunity for forklift drivers to improve their skills,” Larkin says.

The competition consists of three categories - counterbalanced trucks, reach trucks and ISO Container Loading trucks. Awards will also be presented for the“Best Novice Driver” and “Most Improved Driver.”

Participants must be qualified forklift operators or reach truck drivers and have to have been accident free for a year.

This year’s competition will see regional heats taking place in Durban and Port Elizabeth on October 3 and in Cape Town and Johannesburg on October 10.

The national finals are scheduled for October 31, 2009 in Johannesburg when the top drivers in the forklift industry compete for the chance to be crowned the best forklift driver in South Africa.

For more information contact Charlene Koekemoer at Ciltsa. Tel (011) 789 7327