A container forklift is specifically used to unload and load huge, heavy freight containers. They are used to transport freight on and off truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the biggest and most durable types of forklifts manufactured. They need to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have sufficient power and torque to safely raise large containers. Typically, they have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
A container forklift, like all types of forklift, utilizes forks to raise the containers. Forks have to be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Various types of container forklifts are just designed to lift the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers use a different method for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler uses a device attached 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 raise and transport containers. Regular forklifts do not have enough reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the maximum weight they can handle. The forklift's capabilities must be posted prominently in the cockpit and should never be exceeded.