What class of forklift is a reach truck?
A reach truck is classified as a Class 2 forklift under CSA and ANSI classifications — specifically an Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Truck. Class 2 also includes order pickers, but reach trucks are distinct because the operator stands sideways at ground level while the mast telescopes forward into the rack. Class 2 certification is separate from Class 1 (sit-down counterbalanced), Class 3 (walkie stackers), and Class 7 (rough terrain forklifts).
What is a reach truck?
A reach truck is a specialized narrow-aisle electric forklift where the operator stands sideways in a compartment while operating the machine. Instead of the entire truck moving forward to place a load, the mast telescopes forward — allowing operation in aisles as narrow as 8 to 10 feet. Reach trucks are also called stand up reach forklifts, narrow aisle forklifts, reach forklifts, or stand-up forklifts.
What's the difference between a reach truck and a regular forklift?
Reach trucks are narrow-aisle machines (8–10 ft aisles) with a telescoping mast that reaches into racks, allowing 30+ foot lift heights. Standard sit-down forklifts require 12+ ft aisles, lift to about 20 ft, but can carry heavier loads (up to 12,000+ lbs) and operate outdoors. Reach trucks are electric-only and indoor-use only. Certifications are separate — Class 2 for reach trucks, Class 1 or 5 for standard forklifts. Many warehouses use both.
How much does reach truck training cost?
Gama Safety Canada's on-campus Stand Up Reach Truck (Class 2) training is $199.95 CAD. This includes classroom instruction, hands-on practical evaluation on a real reach truck, digital certificate, wall certificate, and a physical wallet card mailed to your address at no extra cost. Group discounts available for 3 or more workers from the same company.
How long is the reach truck course?
The full Reach Truck training course runs approximately half a day (4 hours) at our Burnaby campus. This includes classroom theory, machine familiarization, narrow-aisle safety, and hands-on practical evaluation on a real Class 2 reach truck. You'll receive your OHS-compliant certificate the same day you complete the course.
Is reach truck hard to learn?
Reach trucks take some adjustment compared to sit-down forklifts because you stand sideways and use different controls, but most first-time students master the basics in a few hours of practice. The trickiest parts are learning to judge distance while looking sideways and controlling mast extension smoothly. Our instructors walk you through step by step, and most students pass the practical evaluation on their first attempt.
Do you need a licence to operate a reach truck in BC?
Yes. Under BC OHS Regulation Part 16 (Mobile Equipment), employers must ensure any worker operating a Class 2 reach truck has documented training and demonstrated competency. WorkSafeBC enforces this through workplace inspections. Non-compliant employers face fines and potential stop-work orders. CSA Standard B335 is the national training benchmark for all powered lift trucks in Canada.
Does reach truck certification expire?
Yes. Class 2 reach truck certification is valid for 3 years from the date of issue, in line with WorkSafeBC and CSA B335 recertification standards. We send renewal reminders by email 60 days before expiry so you stay compliant and eligible for warehouse work without interruption.
What's the difference between single-reach and double-reach?
Single-reach trucks have a mast that extends forward one pallet-depth into a rack — the standard configuration for most Canadian warehouses. Double-reach trucks can extend deep into two-pallet-deep racking systems, commonly used in cold storage and pharmaceutical warehouses to maximize storage density. Our course covers both configurations so you're prepared for whichever machine your employer uses.
Do I need prior forklift experience to take this course?
No prior forklift experience is required. Our reach truck course is designed for first-time operators as well as experienced warehouse workers adding Class 2 to their tickets. We teach machine familiarization, sideways stand-up operation, and narrow-aisle technique, then give you hands-on practice before the practical evaluation.
Is my certification recognized by Amazon, Costco, and other big employers?
Yes. Our Class 2 reach truck certification is CSA B335 and WorkSafeBC-compliant, meeting the operator training requirements of major Canadian employers including Amazon fulfillment centres, Costco, Loblaws, Walmart, Canadian Tire, and BC distribution centres. Certificate number is included on all documents for employer verification.
Do you offer training for other warehouse forklifts?
Yes. In addition to Reach Truck training, we offer certification for Order Picker (Class 2), Walk Behind Stacker (Class 3), Power Walkie (walkie pallet), and Counterbalance Forklift (SDCB, Class 1) at our Burnaby campus. Bundle discounts available for multiple certifications. Contact us for details.
Do you offer group or corporate reach truck training?
Yes. We offer discounted rates for distribution centres and warehouses training 3 or more operators, plus on-site training at your BC facility if you have equipment available. Ideal for e-commerce fulfillment operations, cold storage facilities, and pharmaceutical distributors. Call +1 866-661-9803 or email hello@gamasafety.ca for corporate quotes and invoicing.
Where is the Burnaby campus?
Our campus is at 2544 Douglas Rd, Burnaby, BC V5C 5B4. Free on-site parking is available. Metrotown SkyTrain station is a 10-minute walk. Central to Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, and the entire Lower Mainland warehouse and distribution workforce.
