Who Needs ItWho Needs a Reach Stacker Licence in Australia?

A common question businesses ask is:“Do my staff actually need a reach stacker licence?”

If your team operates container handling equipment, the answer is almost always yes.

What Is a Reach Stacker Used For?

Reach stackers are designed to:

• Lift and move shipping containers

• Stack containers in yards and terminals

• Load and unload freight efficiently

They are commonly used in:

• Ports and shipping terminals

• Transport and logistics yards

• Rail freight facilities

• Large industrial operations

Who Legally Needs a Reach Stacker Licence?

You need a reach stacker licence if you:

• Operate container handling equipment

• Lift or stack shipping containers

• Work in high-risk logistics environments

• Are required by your employer to operate reach stackers

This applies whether operating occasionally or full-time.

Employer Responsibilities

Businesses must ensure:

• Only trained and competent operators use reach stackers

• Operators are properly assessed

• Workplace risks are managed

Allowing untrained or unlicensed operation can result in serious penalties.

What About Existing Forklift Operators?

Holding a forklift licence does not automatically qualify you to operate a reach stacker.

While there are similarities:

• Reach stackers handle heavier loads

• Operate differently

• Require separate training and assessment

Key Takeaway

Anyone operating a reach stacker in Australia must complete appropriate training and assessment.

A forklift licence alone is not sufficient, as reach stackers require specialised skills for handling heavy containers in high-risk environments.

If your team uses reach stackers, ensuring operators are properly trained is critical for safety and compliance.

Jorking Training Group provides onsite reach stacker training tailored to your workplace. Enquire now.