A type of equipment that is specially utilized to unload and load heavy, large freight containers is called a container forklift. They are used to shuttle freight off and on trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the largest and most durable types of forklifts made. They have to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough torque and power to safely lift bulky containers. They typically have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
Like all types of forklifts, a container forklift uses forks to lift the containers. Forks should be positioned to make certain the load is secure during transport. Various container forklift models are only designed to raise the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers use another technique for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler uses a device affixed to the front of the vehicle to clamp down on either end of the container like jaws. The machinery is counterbalanced with weights to be able to maintain stability.
The main purpose of a container forklift is to lift and transport containers. Regular forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the maximum weight they could handle. The forklift's capabilities should be posted prominently in the cockpit and must never be exceeded.