The updated ABA Workplace Transport Groupings are now in effect (from 19 January 2026).
These changes were introduced to improve clarity, reflect modern equipment use, and support more consistent training and certification across workplace transport.
This short update is here to help employers and training providers quickly understand what’s changed and what to do next.
What’s changed?
Here are the key updates now in place:
Low Level Order Picker: A2 → new E0
Low Level Order Pickers now sit in the Order Picker group as E0.
Reach Trucks: D1 + D2 merged into D1
The previous height split has been removed from the category structure. Reach Truck training is now recorded as D1. (Training records should still reflect the machine’s capability and what the operator was trained/tested on.)
Tow Tractors: H3 removed
The H3 designation has been removed and weight restrictions eliminated.
J category simplified
The J category has been revised to include: J1, J3, J5, J7, J8 (with no height restrictions in the category structure).
New categories introduced
M4 added for Pedestrian Multidirectional Pallet Stacker Trucks
SP1 added for Vertical Stock Pickers
Additional removals
B4 removed (Stand-on counterbalance no longer a separate grouping)
D3 removed (Stand-on reach no longer a separate grouping)
Note: Some legacy ABA pages/documents still reference older categories while testing standards are being updated.
What does this mean for existing certificates?
The ABA guidance is clear that existing training records remain relevant for refresher training, and categorisation can be validated using the make/model of the machine originally used where needed during transition.
(As always, it remains the employer’s responsibility to ensure training matches the equipment and operating environment.)
What you need to do now
To stay aligned:
Update internal systems (course names, certificates, CRM/LMS dropdowns, price lists) to the new categories
Brief instructors and admin teams on the changes (E0, D1, J updates, SP1, M4)
Reinforce that specific & familiarisation training is crucial after basic training, and conversion training should be considered when moving between significantly different machines
Download the updated groupings
