Mechanic – Forklift

Forward Air Corporation; Euless (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation in Texas seeks a Mechanic to inspect, diagnose, repair, and maintain tractors, forklifts, and material handling equipment at a multimodal terminal. You will support uptime and safety by following manufacturer specs and DOT guidelines, and document diagnostics and parts usage as part of routine maintenance.

On-site role requiring collaboration with operations leadership to prioritize repairs and minimize downtime, with emphasis on safety compliance and accurate

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED; technical school or vocational training preferred.
• Certification/Licensure: Forklift certification and a valid CDL Class A or B highly preferred; ASE and DOT inspector certifications preferred.
• Experience: Hands-on repair and maintenance of tractors, forklifts, and MHE required.
• Skills: Strong diagnostic abilities across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret manuals, diagrams, and repair documentation.
• Tools: Proficient use of hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop machinery.
• Attributes: Detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities, and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain tractors, including engines, brakes, suspensions, electrical, and other systems.
• Perform maintenance on forklifts (propane, electric, diesel, sit-down, stand-up, and specialty units).
• Troubleshoot and maintain MHE such as pallet jacks and reach trucks.
• Conduct preventive maintenance per manufacturer and company standards.
• Document diagnostics, parts used, repairs, and follow-up needs.
• Ensure DOT-compliant inspections and regulatory requirements for tractor trailers.
• Identify root causes and recommend improvement to uptime.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized workspace per OSHA and safety policies.
• Coordinate with operations to prioritize repairs and minimize downtime.
• Assist in inventorying, ordering, and managing parts and tools.
• Support equipment installations and system upgrades.
• Ensure work meets quality standards and manufacturer specs.
• Provide input on trends to inform future maintenance planning.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Diagnostics

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Reading manuals

Attention to detail

Time management

Discretion/confidentiality

Office software

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical/vocational training

CDL class A/B preferred

ASE certification

DOT inspector certification

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Shop machinery

Wiring diagrams

Windows PC

MS Office 365

Web conferencing

Job description

The Mechanic will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of our fleet and warehouse equipment within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, or contract logistics site. They are responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining tractor trailers, forklifts (all types), and a variety of material handling equipment (MHE). They support operational readiness and uptime by ensuring our transportation and warehouse operations have reliable equipment available when needed. The Mechanic will work closely with operations leadership and maintenance teams to prioritize work orders and uphold safety and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain tractor trailers, including engines, brakes, suspensions, electrical, and other critical systems.

• Perform maintenance and repairs on all types of forklifts, including propane, electric, diesel, sit?down, stand?up, and specialty units.

• Troubleshoot, service, and maintain material handling equipment (MHE) such as pallet jacks, order pickers, reach trucks, and other warehouse equipment.

• Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance services according to manufacturer and company standards.

• Complete work orders thoroughly, documenting diagnostics, parts used, repairs performed, and follow-up needs.

• Conduct DOT?compliant inspections and ensure all tractor trailer repairs meet regulatory requirements.

• Identify root causes of recurring issues and recommend solutions that improve equipment uptime.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace consistent with OSHA and company safety policies.

• Coordinate with operations leadership to prioritize equipment repairs and minimize disruption to workflow.

• Assist in inventorying, ordering, and managing parts, shop tools, and maintenance supplies.

• Support equipment installations, component replacements, and system upgrades.

• Ensure all work complies with quality standards and manufacturer specifications.

• Provide input on trends, patterns, or equipment issues to inform future maintenance planning.

• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; technical school or vocational training preferred.

• Certification/Licensure: Forklift certification and a valid Commercial Driver?s License (CDL) Class A or B highly preferred ; additional mechanical certifications (e.g., ASE, DOT inspector certification) preferred.

• Previous hands?on experience repairing and maintaining tractor trailers, forklifts, and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) required.

• Strong diagnostic abilities with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and repair documentation.

• Skilled in the safe use of hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop machinery.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

• Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.

• Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.).

• Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on?site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events.