A kind of equipment which is specially designed to unload and load heavy, big freight containers is called a container forklift. They are utilized to transport freight off and on truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the biggest and most durable types of forklifts manufactured. They have to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough torque and power to safely lift large containers. Typically, they have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
Like all kinds of forklifts, a container forklift utilizes forks to be able to lift the containers. Forks must be positioned to make sure the load is secure during transport. Some kinds of container forklifts are just designed to lift the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers use a different technique for carrying containers to greater heights. A container handler utilizes an apparatus 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 maintain stability.
Carrying and transferring containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Regular forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the most weight they could handle. The capabilities of the forklift should never be exceeded and must be posted prominently in the cockpit.