A container forklift is specially used to load and unload huge, heavy freight containers. They are used to transport freight on and off truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and biggest types of forklifts manufactured. They need to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have sufficient power and torque to raise large containers safely. Typically, they have heavy-duty diesel engines and large pneumatic tires.
A container forklift, like all types of forklift, uses forks in order to lift the containers. Forks should be positioned to make sure the load is secure during transport. Some types of container forklifts are just meant to lift the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize a different method for carrying 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 machine is counterbalanced with weights to be able to maintain stability.
Lifting and transporting containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Standard forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the most weight they could handle. The forklift's capabilities should be posted prominently in the cockpit and should never be exceeded.