By someone who’s seen every corner of the show floor
It’s time we talk about the real MVPs of the trade show and corporate event world: forklift operators.
They don’t show up in keynote photos. They’re not on speaker panels. But if you’ve ever watched a show floor transform from a sea of crates into a polished experience in just a few days — you’ve seen their work. These crews are the heartbeat of the dock. They run on pride, precision, and pure grit.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of producing some of the largest and most complex events in the world — from Sweets & Snacks to McDonald’s Worldwide, Google activations, and even the LinkedIn global corporate event. Across every show, one thing has become clear: not all forklift ops crews are created equal.
So, just for fun — and with a deep appreciation for the trade — here’s my unofficial, unapologetically biased power ranking of the best forklift operator teams in the country: Oh and here’s my dads in the video…
1. San Francisco Teamsters
Deep talent, bold innovation, and unmatched drive. They move like a symphony and problem-solve like engineers. The gold standard.
2. Chicago Riggers
Masters of machine rigging. If you’ve got a 20,000-lb CNC machine or a giant custom structure, this is the team you want on the floor. Their rep is ironclad.
3. Atlanta (IATSE 834)
Best large-show crew in the country. That’s not just my bias talking — it’s reality. They’re fast, disciplined, and rock-solid under pressure.
4. Philadelphia
Rugged, no-nonsense, and reliable when it matters most. A crew that gets it done without the fluff.
5. Dallas
If it has an axle, they can drive it. Adaptive, hardworking, and always in motion. You’ll rarely find them standing still.
6. St. Louis Teamsters 600
A proud legacy with real muscle behind it. These operators carry a rich tradition — and a serious skill set.
7. New Orleans (IATSE 39)
Experienced and dependable. Deep bench strength, especially in tough setups with tight windows.
8. Nashville (IATSE 46)
Not the biggest crew, but home to some of the sharpest operators in the industry. Pure talent at the top.
9. Las Vegas
No denying the depth here — Vegas can throw hundreds on the floor. But with that scale comes some inconsistency. When they’re on, they’re elite.
10. Kansas City Teamsters
This crew doesn’t get enough love. Prideful, fast, and gritty. They show up with a chip on their shoulder — and it shows in their work.
This list isn’t about who’s “best” — it’s about recognizing excellence in all its forms. Each of these crews has their own culture, their own hustle, and their own way of making a show run. They all deserve their flowers.
What keeps me hooked on this work is exactly that: labor relations. Getting to know these operators, learning their strengths, building trust, solving problems side by side — that’s what I love most about this business.
So yeah, this list is all in good fun. If you’ve ever moved freight, flagged a truck, or built a booth from the dock up — you’ve got a place in this conversation.
Who would you move up?
Who’s missing entirely?
Let’s hear it from the people who keep the docks running and the booths standing.
#TradeShowLife #ForkliftOps #UnionPride #EventProduction #LaborMatters #CorporateEvents #RunTheDamnDock
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