The high cost of container lifting equipment means they are typically only found in locations with high container throughput. These often act as "freight hubs". However, handling containers outside of these hubs can be a challenge, and is usually solved by contracting a mobile container handling service, such as a truck crane, side loader, or tilt-bed truck. Fortunately, new container lifting solutions are emerging that make owning your own container handling equipment much more affordable.

This report compares 9 different container handling options that will help steer you toward the container lifting solution that best suits your operation.

Container lifting jacks are a portable and cost-effective solution, suited to lifting containers in locations with lower container volume. Some models will lift containers weighing up to 32,000 kg / 70,000 lb.

This container lifting system trades off speed and automation in return for much better pricing and portability. However, automated options reduce lifting time to under 5 minutes.

Straddle carriers come in a range of sizes, and like the gantry crane, lift containers from the top. They are mobile on-site and are able to move shipping containers about with ease, however, due to their size and weight they need to operate on a reinforced concrete surface.

Smaller straddle carriers, called a "mini straddle", are sometimes used by importers, exporters, and container depots handling low - medium container volumes.