When you need to handle shipping containers, standard warehouse forklifts won't cut it. You need specialized equipment with the right lifting capacity and reach to move these heavy steel boxes efficiently.
Equipment You Can Rent for Container Handling
Here are the most common equipment types available for container-related forklift rentals:
Heavy Forklift (30,000+ lb capacity): The minimum for handling loaded 20-foot containers. Georgia Ports Authority charges approximately $226/hour for forklifts in this class .
Forklift with Chassis Flip Attachment: Specialized unit for handling empty containers and chassis. Rates start around $180/hour straight time .
Reach Stacker: The ideal machine for container yards—can stack containers 3-4 high and reach over multiple rows.
RTG Crane: For large-scale container terminals requiring high-density stacking.
Rental Cost Estimates
Based on current data from port authorities and industrial rental providers:
Equipment Type Straight Time (per hour) Overtime Capacity
Under 30,000 lb Forklift $145 - $150 $188 - $190 For lighter container handling
Over 30,000 lb Forklift $226 - $270 $315 - $350 For loaded 20-40 ft containers
Forklift w/ Chassis Flip $180 $224 For empty container/chassis handling
10 Ton Container Forklift $150 - $300 N/A Typical industrial rates
Shepard event rental rates for high-capacity forklifts :
Capacity Standard Time (per hour) Overtime Double Time
Up to 10,000 lb $720 - $1,440 $950 - $1,952 $1,180 - $2,464
Up to 30,000 lb $1,440 - $2,880 $1,900 - $3,904 $2,360 - $4,928
Note: These rates typically include the forklift AND one operator . Minimum charge is 1 hour, billed in half-hour increments thereafter.
Major Container Forklift Rental Providers
Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) offers equipment leasing at their terminals . Rentals available for container handling at port facilities. Direct equipment lease rates published on their portal.
Navin Group provides specialized container handling equipment rentals including reach stackers for container loading/unloading, RTG cranes for yard stacking, and skilled operators trained in safe container handling .
Triton International: World's largest intermodal container lessor. While primarily for container leasing, they work with major shipping lines globally .
Textainer: Major marine container leasing company serving the container shipping industry .
What to Consider Before Renting
Capacity requirements: A standard 20-foot loaded container can weigh up to 30,000 kg (66,000 lbs). A 40-foot container can exceed that. Ensure your rental has adequate capacity.
On-site maintenance: Verify rental provider offers technical support for heavy equipment breakdowns to minimize downtime .
Operator availability: Many providers offer trained operators as part of the rental package—important for complex container stacking operations .
Term length: Extended contracts (6+ months) can reduce daily rates by 35-45% compared to short-term rentals .
Return location restrictions: Container handling equipment often has specific drop-off location requirements, particularly at port facilities .
The Bottom Line
Renting container-handling forklifts requires specialized, high-capacity equipment (30,000+ lbs minimum) at premium rates. Hourly rates range from $145 for lighter forklifts to over $2,800 for very large units with operators . For port operations, leasing from the port authority directly may be the most practical option . For private container yards, working with specialized material handling rental companies is recommended.
Before renting, confirm the equipment's capacity, verify operator training if included, and understand the full cost structure including overtime rates and damage policies. Always request a detailed quote upfront .