Ports and freight terminals run on heavy diesel forklifts, because the loads are heavy, the ground is hard and outdoor, and the shifts are long — exactly where diesel beats electric. For container and freight handling, the working range is 6 to 10 tons, with higher capacities available on request for the heaviest jobs
Port forklift sizing
| Need | Spec | HONGLI |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy freight, all-day | Heavy diesel | HLCPC60–100 (6–10 t) |
| Long / bulky loads | 600 mm load centre, long forks | HLCPC heavy range |
| Heaviest jobs | Higher-capacity projects reviewed case by case | On request |
| Dockside surface | Pneumatic or solid tyres | Customisable |
Why heavy diesel for ports
Containers and freight are heavy; docks are hard, outdoor and busy across long shifts. Diesel refuels in minutes and pulls hard on rough ground, so it keeps moving where an electric truck would need to stop and charge. EPA / EU Stage engines are available where the port regulates emissions.
Specifying the truck
Size capacity to your heaviest load at a 600 mm load centre [typical], since freight sits further out than a standard pallet. Forks must be long and rated for the load; tyres should suit the dockside surface. HONGLI’s heavy range covers 6 to 10 tons, with higher-capacity projects reviewed case by case.
FAQ
What forklift do ports use?
Heavy diesel — 6 to 10 tons for most freight, with higher-capacity projects reviewed case by case. The loads, the ground and the hours favour diesel.
Why not electric at a port?
Heavy, outdoor, all-day work suits diesel: it refuels in minutes and pulls hard on rough ground.
What load centre for freight?
600 mm on the heavy range, because freight sits further from the forks than a standard pallet.
Can HONGLI go above 10 tons?
Higher capacities are available on request for the heaviest jobs after a project review.
Related: /applications/ports-freight/ · /forklifts/diesel-forklift/ · /blog/forklift-capacity-load-center/ · /get-a-quote/