The “Moffett experience” refers to the highly specialized skill set required to operate a truck-mounted forklift (TMF) safely and efficiently in real-world delivery environments. This proficiency goes beyond general material handling, combining the responsibilities of a commercial driver with those of a certified equipment operator. Mastering this unique dual role allows a single person to manage the entire logistics chain from transport to final drop-off at any location. The experience demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of equipment mechanics, load stability, and site-specific safety protocols.
What is a Moffett Truck-Mounted Forklift?
A Moffett is a specific brand of truck-mounted forklift, originally pioneered by Moffett Engineering and now produced by Hiab, a subsidiary of Cargotec. The brand name has become a common term for the entire category of TMFs. Its defining characteristic is its ability to be securely mounted onto the rear of a delivery truck or trailer, allowing it to be transported directly to the job site.
The design is compact and lightweight compared to traditional warehouse forklifts, ensuring it does not significantly compromise the truck’s payload capacity. Most models feature a three-wheel design and all-wheel drive, which provides exceptional maneuverability and traction. This configuration allows the operator to dismount the forklift quickly at the delivery site and navigate various ground conditions, including unpaved or rough terrain, to place the load exactly where the customer needs it.
Key Industries and Applications
This equipment is purpose-built to solve the logistical challenge of making deliveries where no loading dock or receiving personnel are available. The TMF allows the driver to be completely self-sufficient in offloading materials, transforming a two-person job into a solo operation. This capability makes Moffett TMFs indispensable across several specific sectors.
The building materials industry is a primary user, with forklifts delivering lumber, drywall, roofing shingles, and palletized masonry directly to construction sites. Agricultural suppliers also rely on them to transport and unload seed, feed, and fertilizer in fields or farms that lack paved access. The utility lies in the machine’s ability to operate on uneven surfaces, using its pneumatic tires to maintain flotation and stability.
Why Employers Value Moffett Experience
Employers place a high value on this specific experience because it directly impacts operational efficiency and customer service. A driver certified to operate a Moffett transforms the delivery process into an autonomous, single-operator action, reducing turnaround times and labor costs. This proficiency ensures that goods can be delivered outside of normal business hours or in locations with restrictive access, expanding a company’s service area.
Possessing a verifiable Moffett certification makes a candidate significantly more competitive in the job market, often commanding higher pay rates than general commercial drivers or warehouse forklift operators. The proven ability to manage both the highway transport and the final, specialized offloading process demonstrates a higher level of responsibility and technical skill. This dual expertise minimizes the risk of product damage and workplace accidents at the point of delivery.
Obtaining Moffett Certification and Training
Legally operating a Moffett truck-mounted forklift falls under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for powered industrial trucks, specifically 29 CFR 1910.178. Certification requires the operator to successfully complete a structured training program that includes both formal instruction and practical evaluation. The training typically starts with classroom or online instruction covering the principles of stability, operational controls, and specific safety warnings associated with TMFs.
Following the theoretical portion, operators must undergo hands-on, practical training where they demonstrate proficiency under the supervision of a qualified trainer. This practical component involves exercises in dismounting the machine from the truck, maneuvering with and without a load, and safely re-mounting the unit for transport. The final certification is granted only after the operator passes a written examination and a practical performance evaluation. OSHA mandates that every operator’s performance must be re-evaluated at least once every three years, or sooner if an accident occurs.
Essential Safety Practices for Operation
Operating a TMF safely requires attention to specific hazards that differ from those found in a controlled warehouse environment. A key operational difference is the need to assess ground conditions for potential stability issues, as TMFs frequently operate on sloped, rough, or soft terrain. Operators must always keep the load as low as possible and avoid sudden turns, which could increase the risk of a lateral tip-over, especially with heavy loads.
Before any operation begins, a thorough pre-operational inspection is necessary, focusing particularly on the securement mechanism that attaches the forklift to the truck, along with the tires and hydraulic systems. Proper procedures for mounting and dismounting the machine are necessary to prevent injury or damage to the unit. When handling long or unwieldy materials, such as lumber or pipe, operators must utilize any available multi-directional capabilities to navigate tight spaces without compromising the load’s balance.