Industrial Truck Licence (FFZ) – What You Need to Know

They are essential for the functioning of any warehouse. We're talking about industrial trucks. Find out here what type of driving licence is required for industrial trucks and how you can find the right personnel to operate industrial trucks!

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

What are industrial trucks and how are they used?

Industrial trucks are also known as forklift trucks or industrial trucks. According to the definition of the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance), industrial trucks are devices with wheels that can be steered freely and move on the ground. They are used to transport, pull or push loads within a company.

There are many types of forklift trucks, which differ according to their area of application, size or load capacity. In addition to the "classic" forklift truck, there are also, for example, hand pallet trucks, high, low and scissor lift trucks, order picking vehicles, tractors, lifting devices, reach trucks and the mighty container stackers. 

Which driving licence is needed to operate industrial trucks?

A driving licence is always required to operate all of the above-mentioned industrial trucks. The TÜV clarifies: "Anyone wishing to operate industrial trucks must have the "DGUV Principle 308-001 - Training and authorisation of drivers of industrial trucks with driver's seat and driver's platform" as well as the DGUV Regulation 68 must be followed. Untrained drivers not only jeopardise safety, but also bear the risk of liability."

It is therefore essential that all personnel who are to operate FFZs have the correct driving licence. Otherwise, the employing company may also face severe penalties. More detailed information can be found in DGUV Principle 308-001 "Qualification and authorisation of drivers of industrial trucks" can be read here. 

How do you recruit qualified staff for industrial truck operation?

So staff need a ticket - but how do you find the right personnel? Many entrepreneurs ask themselves this question, especially in times of a shortage of skilled labour. The challenge of finding qualified personnel in sectors such as logistics, warehousing, production, construction and industry poses major problems for many companies: Due to a lack of personnel, deliveries are delayed, project deadlines have to be pushed back, in some cases projects even have to be cancelled and new customers rejected. 

But there is a solution that can be found in the form of qualified personnel for operating industrial trucks! We are talking about temporary work. Of course, temporary work can also be used to find personnel for other tasks or other sectors.

Temporary work (also known as temporary employment, employee leasing or personnel leasing) is a personnel solution in which employees are loaned from one company to another. They are not permanently employed, but hired out for a clearly defined period of time. The advantages of temporary work include a high degree of flexibility and cost efficiency.

We, Zeitarbeit International have been a reliable partner for many German companies wishing to employ temporary workers from Eastern Europe and the Baltic States for over 20 years. If you are also interested in recruiting qualified employees for your company through temporary employment, then contact our team! We will be happy to advise you on the topics of temporary employment, driving licences for industrial trucks or personnel solutions in general.