Organisers plan to limit registrations to 35 forklift operators for the 2015 Columbia Forklift Challenge to be held in March in Portland.

The 2013 iteration of the skills-based event registered 46 operators and stretched available resources, says Craig Hamelund, education specialist with the Oregon occupational safety and health division. "We feel 35 will still offer quite a pool of competitive drivers."

The forklift challenge occurs during the 9-12 March Oregon governor's occupational safety and health conference in the Oregon Convention Centre.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three individual forklift drivers and the top team. Teams of three must be determined prior to the event, with a limit of two teams from a location. Driver changes are allowed prior to check-in. Team score is derived from the three individual scores. The entry fee of USD75 per person includes lunch and the 11 March conference sessions.

Once registered, a forklift operator will receive a driver application packet via email. The packet requests a driver biography, a waiver of liability, proof of operator training from the person's employer and a 20-question Safe Forklift Operation quiz. While the quiz is not a pass-fail examination, participants will receive a one-point demerit for each incorrect answer.

In 2013, Andy Ibbotson of Americold Cascade Cold Inc in Lynden, Washington won USD500 for his first place finish in the second biennial Columbia Forklift Challenge. Ibbotson with Americold operators Neil Caylor and Randy Langwell captured the team competition and a prize of USD450.