What is a straddle carrier?

A straddle carrier is a tall, self-propelled port equipment vehicle that literally straddles one or more containers sitting on the ground. Lifting arms on each side grip the container from underneath, allowing the machine to pick it up and drive it to another location in the terminal — without the need for a separate crane or ground-level spreader bar.

Key specifications

• Lifting capacity: typically 30–50 t per lift, enough for a fully laden 40 ft container.
• Stacking height: 1-over-1, 1-over-2, or 1-over-3 configurations depending on model (i.e. the carrier can stack containers 2, 3, or 4 units high including the one it is carrying).
• Speed: 25–30 km/h laden, making them significantly faster than RTGs for container transport across the yard.
• Drive: diesel-electric or fully electric; automation-ready versions exist for unmanned operations.

Straddle carrier vs. reach stacker: key differences

• Access method: a straddle carrier picks up containers from ground level by straddling them; a reach stacker uses a telescopic boom and spreader to reach over rows.
• Yard layout: straddle carrier terminals use narrow lanes between container rows; reach stacker terminals require wider driving aisles.
• Throughput: straddle carriers are faster for point-to-point transport in large yards; reach stackers are more efficient for deep-stack retrieval.
• Investment: straddle carriers are significantly more expensive per unit but can replace both the crane and the terminal tractor in many workflows.

Where are straddle carriers used?

Straddle carriers are the dominant container transport vehicle at major European container terminals — particularly those operated by Hutchison, DP World, and PSA. They are less common in smaller inland depots where the lower investment cost of reach stackers is preferred.

Leading manufacturers

• Kalmar (Cargotec) — the most widely deployed straddle carrier brand globally.
• Konecranes — automated straddle carrier systems used at several major European ports.

Browse port equipment on Portneeds: used and new straddle carriers for sale.