Ever driven past a shipping yard, construction site, or our lot located off the Tampa Expressway and thought: How in the world do they stack those giant metal boxes so high? Four, five, six — sometimes even nine cargo containers tall — and somehow, they don’t topple over? Welcome to the behind-the-scenes world of container stacking.
So, how is it done?
Let’s break it down — A American style.
Forklifts: The Everyday Workhorse
For container stacks that are just one or two high, a heavy-duty forklift usually does the trick. These aren’t your average forklifts — they’re beasts built to lift 40,000-pound steel boxes like it’s no big deal.
The forks slide into the shipping container’s lower pockets and lift it from the bottom. If you’ve ever watched our team in action at the yard, this is probably what you’ve seen — fast, safe, and efficient.
We use this method every day when loading, unloading, or organizing your containers for delivery.
Container Handlers: Going Vertical
When the stacks start getting taller — think three to six containers high — that’s where container handlers (also known as reach stackers or top picks) come in. These specialized machines lift the units from the top, using spreader bars that lock into the reinforced corners of the steel container.
At A American Container, our crew is trained and certified to use these machines to ensure maximum safety and precision. Whether we’re prepping containers for storage, modification, or delivery — we stack smart.
Ports & High Stacks: Enter the Cranes
At massive ports or large-scale yards, containers can be stacked as high as 9 stories. This job goes to the big leagues: gantry cranes. These overhead machines glide on rails and lift containers with serious muscle — think hundreds of tons in one lift!
While we don’t operate gantry cranes at our yard, we work hand-in-hand with ports, especially Port Tampa Bay, and large logistics teams to coordinate container deliveries and moves from port to yard — and eventually, to your project site.
From Ship to Shore: How Containers Move
After a gantry crane lifts a used or one-trip container off a ship, it’s not just dropped in place — it’s handed off to other heavy-duty equipment that keeps things moving smoothly.
Enter the straddle carrier and terminal tractor. These machines transport containers across the port to staging areas or trucks. Straddle carriers lift containers several feet in the air and carry them like a mobile shelf. These machines quickly shuttle used shipping containers between locations, lining them up for stacking or loading.
Are Stacks Safe?
Yes, and here’s why: cargo containers are built from Corten steel and engineered to survive storms at sea. The secret is in the corner castings and twist locks — which connect containers safely and securely during stacking.
Our team inspects and maintains every shipping container that comes through our yard in Tampa, FL to make sure it’s up to IICL standards. Every container that leaves our yard is wind and watertight, meaning it is structurally secure.
Let’s Stack Something Together
At A American Container, we don’t just know how to stack containers — we live and breathe them. From sales and rentals to container modifications and custom builds, we’re here to make your project a success from the ground up (literally).
Whether you’re curious about how it all works or need a reliable partner for your next container order — we’ve got the equipment, the experience, and the people to get the job done right.
🚛 Ready to get started? 📞 Call us today at (813) 740-1911 or stop by our conveniently located yard on Adamo Drive in Tampa — and maybe catch a stacking in action!