Private OSHA-aligned training provider · Not affiliated with OSHA
OSHA Forklift Classes Explained (Class I–VII)
Updated August 2026 — reviewed against current OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requirements
Accepted by employers in all 50 states · 3-year certificate validity
Class I — Electric Motor Rider Trucks
Sit-down and stand-up counterbalanced electric trucks. Examples: Toyota 8FBCU25, Crown FC 5200, Hyster J-Series. The workhorse of most warehouses and manufacturing floors.
Class II — Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
Reach trucks, order pickers, side loaders, turret trucks. Built for narrow aisles and high racking. Examples: Crown RR 5700 reach truck, Raymond 5500 order picker. See our reach truck and order picker pages.
Class III — Electric Motor Hand Trucks / Hand-Rider Trucks
Walk-behind and rider electric pallet jacks. Examples: Crown WT 3000, Toyota 8HBW23, Raymond 8210. See electric pallet jack certification.
Class IV — Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Cushion Tires)
LP/gas/diesel sit-down counterbalance trucks on solid cushion tires. Indoor use only — cushion tires don't handle outdoor surfaces. Examples: Toyota 8FGCU25, Hyster S50FT.
Class V — Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tires)
LP/gas/diesel sit-down counterbalance trucks on pneumatic tires. Indoor and outdoor use on improved surfaces. Examples: Toyota 8FGU25, Hyster H80FT, Cat DP70N.
Class VI — Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
Tow tractors and personnel carriers — pull trailers, don't lift loads. Common on airport tarmacs and large distribution centers. Examples: Taylor-Dunn Bigfoot, Motrec MT-140.
Class VII — Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
Outdoor pneumatic-tire trucks for construction and lumberyards. Vertical-mast trucks and often telehandlers (extendable boom) are grouped here informally. Examples: Sellick S-Series, JCB 940. See rough terrain forklifts (Class VII) explained .
Do I need a separate certification for each class?
Yes — OSHA requires training and evaluation on the specific truck type the operator will use. However, one training course can cover multiple classes; the workplace evaluation is what verifies competence on each specific truck.
Frequently asked questions
- How many OSHA forklift classes are there?
- Seven (Class I through Class VII), defined in the ASME B56 standard and used by OSHA.
- Which forklift class is used in warehouses?
- Most warehouses run a mix of Class I (sit-down electric), Class II (reach truck, order picker), and Class III (electric pallet jack).
- Does OSHA Operator cover all 7 classes?
- We cover Classes 1–6 in the online formal instruction. We do not cover Class VII rough terrain. The employer's practical training and workplace evaluation happen on the specific class the operator will run.
Ready to get certified?
Complete OSHA-aligned formal instruction at your own pace. Pass the final exam for a digital certificate, wallet card, and employer evaluation form.