A type of equipment which is specially utilized to unload and load heavy, large freight containers is referred to as a container forklift. They are used to shuttle freight off and on truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and largest kinds of forklifts manufactured. They have to be extremely maneuverable on uneven terrain and have sufficient torque and power to raise bulky containers safely. They typically have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
A container forklift, like all types of forklift, utilizes forks to lift the containers. Forks have to be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Some types of container forklifts are just designed to raise the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers use a different method for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler uses an apparatus affixed to the front of the vehicle to clamp down on either end of the container like jaws. The machine is counterbalanced with weights to be able to maintain stability.
Carrying and transferring containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Regular forklifts do not have enough reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the most weight they can handle. The forklift's capabilities should never be exceeded and must be posted prominently in the cockpit.