A forklift is a powerful vehicle designed to lift and move heavy loads using two long, flat metal prongs (called forks) that stick out from the front. The forks slide under a wooden platform called a pallet, which holds stacked boxes or materials. Then the forklift's hydraulic system raises the load several feet in the air so it can be transported to a new location or stacked on high shelves.

You'll see forklifts working in warehouses, loading docks, construction sites, and big stores like home improvement centers. They can lift loads weighing thousands of pounds that would be impossible for people to move by hand. A skilled forklift operator can precisely maneuver in tight spaces, stack boxes on tall shelves, and load delivery trucks efficiently.

Operating a forklift requires special training and certification because it's a powerful machine that can be dangerous if used carelessly. The next time you order something online, there's a good chance a forklift helped move it from a warehouse shelf onto the delivery truck.