Container Forklift Rental

Container handling equipment types

Heavy-capacity counterbalance forklifts

Standard forklift configuration scaled up for heavy loads.

• Capacity range. 10-52 tonnes for container work.
• Mast height. Up to 6+ metres for stacking containers.
• Power source. Diesel most common for outdoor container work.
• Advantages. Familiar operation, versatile for other heavy loads.
• Limitations. Requires firm, level surface; limited reach.

Reach stackers

Specialized container handlers with telescoping boom and top-lift spreader.

• Capacity. Typically 40-45 tonnes maximum.
• Stacking height. Can stack containers 4-5 high.
• Reach. Can reach across rows to access containers behind front row.
• Best for. Container yards, intermodal facilities, high-volume operations.
• Cost. Higher rental rates than standard forklifts.

Empty container handlers

Designed specifically for moving empty containers.

• Capacity. 8-10 tonnes (empty container weights).
• Features. Often can handle 2-3 empty containers at once.
• Speed. Optimized for rapid empty container repositioning.
• Best for. Container depots, empty container management.

Side loaders

Forklifts that lift from the side rather than front.

• Advantage. Can transport long loads in narrow aisles.
• Container use. Moving containers down narrow access ways.
• Limitations. More specialized operation; less common in rental.

Container forks and spreaders

Attachments that convert standard heavy forklifts for container handling.

• Fork extensions. Extend standard forks to container width (typically 2.4 metres / 8 feet).
• Top-lift spreaders. Attach to crane hooks or forklift carriages to grab container top corners.
• Side-lift attachments. Grip container sides for stable handling.

Choosing the right equipment

Key questions to answer

• Container type and weight. 20-foot or 40-foot? Empty or loaded?
• Quantity. How many containers to move?
• Stacking requirements. Ground level only or stacking containers?
• Ground conditions. Paved surface, gravel, or unprepared ground?
• Access constraints. How much maneuvering room is available?
• Duration. One-time move, short project, or ongoing need?

Capacity requirements

Important: Forklift capacity decreases with lift height and forward reach. A 30-tonne rated forklift may only handle 20 tonnes at full mast extension. Verify capacity at your required lift height.

Equipment selection by scenario

• Moving empty container on paved lot. 10-15 tonne forklift with extended forks.
• Unloading loaded container from truck. 25-40 tonne forklift depending on load.
• Container yard with stacking. Reach stacker or heavy forklift with high mast.
• Relocating container for storage/conversion. 10-15 tonne forklift (usually empty).

Rental costs

Typical rental rates

Additional costs

• Delivery and pickup. $300-1,000+ each way for heavy equipment.
• Operator (if required). $300-600 per day plus equipment.
• Insurance/damage waiver. 10-15% of rental cost.
• Fuel. Diesel consumption 15-50+ litres per hour depending on size.
• Attachments. Spreaders, fork extensions as needed.

Cost-saving strategies

• Consolidate moves. Group container handling into single rental periods.
• Rent with operator. For one-time moves, operator rental eliminates training/certification needs.
• Right-size equipment. Don't rent more capacity than needed.
• Weekly rates. Often 3x daily rate—better for multi-day projects.

Rental process

Finding rental sources

• Heavy equipment rental companies. BigRentz, United Rentals, Sunbelt for largest selection.
• Forklift dealers. Hyster-Yale, Toyota, CAT dealers often have rental fleets.
• Specialized container equipment. Kalmar, Terex, Liebherr dealers for reach stackers.
• Port and logistics service providers. May rent equipment or provide moves as service.

Requirements

• Business documentation. Most heavy equipment rentals require business accounts.
• Insurance certificate. Proof of liability and equipment coverage.
• Operator certification. Certified operator required for equipment over certain sizes.
• Site preparation confirmation. Rental company may require details on ground conditions.

Operator requirements

Heavy forklift operation typically requires:

• OSHA forklift certification (or equivalent local requirement)
• Specific training for equipment over certain capacities
• Experience with container handling recommended
• For largest equipment, specialized certifications may be required

If you don't have certified operators, rent with operator service—the cost is worthwhile for safety and efficiency.

Site preparation

Ground requirements

Heavy container handling demands solid ground:

• Surface type. Concrete or heavy-duty asphalt preferred; compacted gravel acceptable for some operations.
• Load capacity. Ground must support forklift weight plus container load (easily 50+ tonnes combined).
• Level surface. Slopes create dangerous instability with heavy loads.
• Drainage. No standing water or mud that could destabilize equipment.

Space requirements

• Maneuvering room. Heavy forklifts need significant turning radius—typically 5-8 metres.
• Approach distance. Clear path to container with room for approach angle.
• Overhead clearance. Account for mast height with container raised.
• Setback area. Space to set container down and disconnect.

Delivery access

Equipment delivery requires:

• Access road supporting lowboy trailer weight
• Adequate width for wide loads
• Ramp-off area for equipment unloading
• No low wires, branches, or structures in path

Safety considerations

Critical safety practices

• Never exceed capacity. Load charts exist for good reasons—respect them.
• Check load security. Ensure container is properly engaged before lifting.
• Travel with load low. Keep container as low as possible when moving.
• Clear the area. No personnel in drop zone or travel path.
• Watch for tip hazards. Uneven ground, soft spots, and slopes are dangerous.
• Use spotters. For limited visibility moves, use trained spotters.

Container-specific hazards

• Uneven loads. Container contents may have shifted, creating imbalance.
• Unknown weights. Verify actual weight before lifting.
• Damage inspection. Check container condition before handling—damaged containers may fail.
• Door security. Ensure doors are properly latched before handling.

Alternatives to rental

Hiring container moving services

For one-time or occasional moves, hiring a company that provides equipment and operator together may be more practical than rental.

• Advantages. No certification needs, no equipment responsibility, turnkey service.
• Cost. $500-2,000+ per move depending on complexity and location.
• Best for. Single container moves, infrequent needs.

Crane service

Mobile cranes offer alternative container handling, especially useful for:

• Placing containers over obstacles
• Sites where forklift access is limited
• Precision placement requirements
• Very heavy or oversized containers

Tilt-bed truck delivery

For container delivery to site (not repositioning on-site):

• Tilt-bed trucks can slide containers onto ground
• No forklift needed for initial placement
• Works for empty or lightly loaded containers

Related topics

• Construction forklift - Heavy equipment for job sites
• Diesel forklifts - Power options for heavy lifting
• Compact power equipment rental - General rental guidance
• Forklift batteries - Power systems for material handling

References

• Kalmar - container handling equipment
• Hyster - heavy forklift specifications
• Toyota Material Handling - heavy equipment
• BigRentz - heavy equipment rental
• OSHA - forklift safety standards