When profitability requires quick turnarounds, ports need the right equipment to keep cargo moving as efficiently as possible. Many ports use cranes or forklifts to load containers onto truck trailers for transporting. However, with a straddle carrier, operators can load and transport containers short distances, requiring less equipment and more flexibility.
A straddle carrier consists of four vertical frames on wheels that carries freight by “straddling” the container rather than loading it on top like a conventional truck. These machines can shift and organize containers within a port, load and unload trailer-bed trucks, and stack containers three and sometimes four units high. With load capacities up to 60 tons, they can lift two full containers. Plus, straddle carriers can easily fit in tight locations, providing an extra benefit for ports with space restrictions.