By lun neh 
Equipment that lifts containers is highly expensive and is also found in specific places where container throughput is high. These are the freight hubs. However, things can get a bit challenging if you want to handle the containers outside these hubs. Previously, mobile container handling services, like a truck crane, side loader, etc., did the job, but now more efficient lifting solutions have entered the market. These solutions are effective, easy to handle, and affordable. This article will discuss a few lifting solutions that would suit different types of operations.
Jacks
Container lifting jacks are one of the most cost-effective and portable solutions. They are suitable for places that have a low container volume. They might not be quick and automated, but they come at an affordable price and have good portability. Automating the jacks would reduce the lifting time to a great extent.
Straddle Carrier
They come in a wide range of sizes. They are like the gantry crane, wherein you can lift the container from the top. They are on-site mobile equipment that helps lift and move containers easily. However, they can only work on a concrete surface because of their size and weight.
Gantry Crane
These are huge cranes that sit on the dockside. They help to lift containers from the ships. They can move up and down a dock but are generally fixed in a location. This container lifting equipment is very costly indeed. Customers can thus opt for the smaller ones, which are rail-mounted or come with rubber tires. They are used for lifting, stacking, and moving shipping containers in the depot.
Reach Stacker
This is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of handling containers. This equipment can lift heavy containers, move single containers on-site, etc. Thus, they have multiple functionalities. Depending on the model, they can also transfer the containers between grounds, rail wagons, stacks, and chassis- they can stack up to 2-3 containers high/deep. They are automated and controlled by the driver without any assistance. However, the cost of a reach stacker is on the expensive side.
Top Loader
These specially adapted forklifts help to lift shipping containers from the top. They can help stack the containers in a single pile. They are quite similar to the reach stacker concerning their automation, speed, the ability to move the containers, etc. These are more affordable than the reach stacker.
Forklift
These are the most common pieces of equipment seen in different manufacturing and warehouse operations. A high-capacity forklift is used for lifting and can effectively move empty or lightweight containers.
These are some of the most common equipment used for lifting different containers. Previously, companies had to pay and wait for a long time so that equipment could arrive to lift their containers, but these pieces of equipment have made life easier.