Philadelphia is a major hub for warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics. The city hosts the Philadelphia Regional Port (PhilaPort) and a dense network of distribution centers spanning from the Navy Yard to the Northeast. Whether you need certification, a job, or equipment, this guide covers the local landscape.
Forklift Certification in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers multiple pathways to meet OSHA's forklift certification requirements. Each option serves different needs—from job seekers to employers.
Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia offers one-day forklift certification classes at their Philadelphia facility located at 1440 E. Erie Avenue. Classes are held on select Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The training covers 3 and 4 wheel industrial counterbalanced equipment with a side shift attachment, plus general education elements that apply to almost all types of lift trucks. The one-time fee is $200, which includes certification and a Forklift Operator Card issued on the same day upon successful completion. Graduates also have the opportunity to apply to open forklift positions at Goodwill. For more information, contact Cheryl Burr at CBurr@goodwillnj.org or call 856-665-7270 ext.61219.
Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Center offers an 8-hour forklift class at their Philadelphia Training Center, located at 10401 Decatur Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154. The class teaches basic operations and safety measures when using forklifts. The program is available to members, with classes scheduled on weekday evenings. Contact the center at (215) 824-2300 for more information.
Karl Environmental Group provides professional on-site training for the Greater Philadelphia and Reading area. Their comprehensive program covers formal instruction, hands-on demonstration, and final evaluation in full accordance with OSHA standard 1910.178(l). After successful completion, students receive a Certificate of Training and a wallet-sized Training Card showing the types of vehicles they are certified to operate. Karl Environmental also offers Train-the-Trainer certification classes for employers wanting to train their own staff. Call 1-800-527-5581 to discuss on-site training options.
Adam's Material Handling, located at 7128 Grays Ave, has served the Delaware Valley since 1964. In addition to forklift sales and rentals, they offer operator training. As a family-owned business with over 50 years of experience, they provide flexible training options to fit customer requirements and budgets.
Forklift Operator Jobs in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia job market for certified forklift operators is consistently active. Employers across warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics are hiring.
Amtrak is seeking a Large Equipment Operator in Philadelphia. Responsibilities include safe operation of forklift trucks, shuttle wagons, and transfer tables, as well as transporting heavy parts and equipment. The hourly rate is $38.84, with benefits including health insurance, 401K, railroad retirement benefits, and rail pass privileges. This is a union position with opportunities for pay increases after beginning employment.
Eastern Lift Truck Co. is hiring a Field Service Technician to support their Philadelphia-area operations. This family-owned company has been in business for over 50 years and offers a pay range of $24.00 to $48.00 per hour. Benefits include company vehicle with fuel card, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k with partial company match, paid vacation and sick days, and life insurance policies.
Indeed lists over 200 forklift-related positions in the Philadelphia area. Common requirements across these postings include:
Current forklift license and OSHA approved certification
1 to 2 years of verifiable forklift experience
Ability to complete daily forklift inspection reports
Operation of sit-down, stand-up, reach trucks, and order pickers
Valid state driver's license (for some positions)
Some positions are with staffing agencies like Aerotek and Select Staffing, offering contract-to-hire arrangements with benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
Forklift Equipment Sales, Rentals, and Service
Philadelphia has several established material handling dealerships and rental providers.
Adam's Material Handling (7128 Grays Ave) has served the Delaware Valley since 1964. They specialize in sale and rental of new and used forklifts, as well as parts and repair services for all makes and models. They offer flexible rental options and operator training.
Eagle Power & Equipment is a leading CASE dealer serving Philadelphia County and the surrounding tri-state area. They offer the complete line of CASE construction equipment including forklifts. Sales representatives cover specific counties in the Philadelphia region, including Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware counties.
United Rentals (3880 E Thompson St, Philadelphia, PA 19137) provides equipment rental and used equipment sales. Their fleet includes forklifts, telehandlers, aerial lifts, skid steers, and excavators. Used construction equipment from manufacturers such as Genie, SkyTrak, and CASE is also available. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Stephenson Equipment (135 Lincoln Ave, Prospect Park, PA, near Philadelphia) has served Pennsylvania for over 60 years. They carry new and used JCB products including rough-terrain forklifts, cranes, backhoe loaders, and excavators. They offer sales, rental, parts, service, and financing.
Summary: Philadelphia Forklift Ecosystem
Category Top Local Resources
Certification (Job Seekers) Goodwill Industries ($200, one-day, Philadelphia location)
Certification (Members) Eastern Atlantic Carpenters Tech Center (8-hour class, Decatur Rd)
On-Site Training Karl Environmental Group, Adam's Material Handling
Major Employer Amtrak ($38.84/hr + benefits)
Service Technician Eastern Lift Truck Co. ($24-48/hr)
Equipment Sales Adam's Material Handling, Eagle Power & Equipment (CASE)
Equipment Rentals United Rentals (E Thompson St), Stephenson Equipment
General Job Search Indeed (200+ listings), staffing agencies
Philadelphia offers abundant opportunities for certified forklift operators. The path is straightforward: get certified through Goodwill Industries ($200, one-day, Erie Avenue location) or a local provider, ensure your certification is current (OSHA requires renewal every 3 years), and apply to major employers like Amtrak or the many warehouses and distribution centers across the region. The wages are competitive, the benefits are substantial at larger employers, and the demand remains consistent. With proper certification, you are ready to work in the City of Brotherly Love.