A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the ABA Workplace Transport Groupings Update Webinar on Tuesday, 8th July 2025. We appreciate your time, thoughtful questions, and the valuable discussions that took place.
If you missed the session – or would like to revisit any of the key points – a full webinar recording is now available:
ABA Webinar – Workplace Transport Groupings – 08/07/2025
What’s Changing
As announced during the webinar, important updates to the ABA Workplace Transport Grouping categories will come into effect from 19th January 2026.
These changes are part of a wider industry initiative to improve clarity, safety, and consistency across workplace transport training and operations.
We strongly encourage training providers, employers, and operators to review both the webinar and the updated Workplace Transport Grouping document to ensure you’re fully prepared ahead of implementation.
Summary of Key Changes
- The Low Level Order Picker will move from the A2 category to a new E0 category, within the Order Picker group.
- Reach Truck categories D1 and D2 will merge into a single D1 category with no height restrictions.
- In the Tow Tractor (H category), the H3 designation will be removed and weight restrictions eliminated.
- The J category is revised to only include J1, J3, J5, J7, and J8 only, with no height restrictions.
- A new designation, M4, will be introduced under Multidirectional for the Pedestrian Operated Stacker Truck.
- A new category, SP1, will be created for the Vertical Stock Picker (e.g., Crown Wave).
- Updated testing standards will be developed in advance of the implementation date.
The updates reflect changes in technology, equipment types, and workplace demands, ensuring that training and testing remain relevant and compliant. Emphasis is placed on the importance of Specific, Familiarisation following Basic Training and when considering Conversion training to other machines, to maintain safety, competence, and alignment with legal requirements across varied workplace environments.
See the Updated Transport Groupings effective from 19th January 2026Thank you again for your continued commitment to high standards in workplace transport training and safety.
Gavin Hutchinson
ABA Chairman
ABA Q & A
Q: Will Reach Truck training, now referred to as Category D1 only, continue to use the combined D1 and D2 testing format moving forward?
A: No, the test will now be conducted based solely on the height capability of the specific machine used during training. Both the training record and test marking sheet must clearly document the height at which the training and assessment were carried out. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the selected training is appropriate for the operational environment the operator will be working in. The importance of Specific and Familiarisation training following successful completion of the Basic Operator Training cannot be overstated. Additionally, employers must verify that the category of training chosen aligns with the actual equipment operators will be using in the workplace.
Q: What will happen to existing operator certificates when changes are made to the ABA Workplace Transport Grouping categories?
A: Operators undergoing Refresher Training will complete their refresher on the type of machine associated with their existing or recently expired Basic Training certificate. During the transition period, certain changes—for example, from Category A2 (Low Level Order Picker) to the new Category E0—can be validated by referencing the make and model of the machine originally used during the initial training. This helps confirm appropriate categorisation and ensures alignment with the updated standards.
Q: Will training and testing for the J2 category now be recorded as J3 under the revised category framework?
A: The training and testing for machines that fall under the current J2 category will continue to be conducted as per J2 height limitations. since those machines are limited in operational height but will be recorded as J3. Documentation, including training records and test marking sheets, must state the maximum height the training and testing were conducted to. As always, it remains the employer’s duty to confirm that training is relevant to the specific capabilities of the machine the operator is required to use in the workplace.
Q: Can the ABA provide detailed guidance on Specific and Familiarisation training?
A: The ABA works closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and any guidance we provide is in collaboration with them. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (L117) outlines the legal requirement for Specific and Familiarisation training, supported further by the guidance contained within INDG462. These documents are highly recommended for use when advising clients or internal teams on the importance and structure of such training.
However, the ABA does not provide prescriptive instructions for these elements, as they are tailored to the unique conditions of each site and operation. There is no universal approach, and training must be adapted to reflect the actual working environment and equipment in use.
Q: Will there now be a clear distinction in the categorisation of fold-away pedestrian platform pallet trucks?
A: Yes, category descriptions have been revised and updated to provide greater clarity. These changes aim to establish a more consistent, standardised approach across the industry, ensuring that operators and employers can easily identify the appropriate category for these specific types of equipment.
Q: Why have the counterbalance truck weight limitations been revised?
A: The ABA undertook a comprehensive review of all category structures, supported by analysis of industry-wide data. Findings demonstrated that the existing categories remain effective and relevant in practice. This review process included consultation with the HSE and the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), whose feedback aligned closely with ABA’s own observations. The result was a decision to maintain the weight classifications for the Counterbalance as they currently reflect real-world applications and maintain consistency with industry expectations.
