PUBLISHER: Polaris Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1762338
PUBLISHER: Polaris Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1762338
The container handling equipment market size is expected to reach USD 12.01 billion by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report "Container Handling Equipment Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report By Type, By Propulsion Type (Diesel, Electric, and Hybrid), By Lifting Capacity, By Handling Mode, By End Use, By Region; Market Forecast, 2025-2034" gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.
Container handling equipment refers to machines designed to efficiently move, stack, load, and unload shipping containers in ports, terminals, warehouses, and intermodal facilities. These machines are essential for managing the large-scale transportation of goods in containers, ensuring smooth operations in global supply chains. Common types of container handling equipment include reach stackers, which lift and transport containers over short distances, and straddle carriers, used for stacking and moving containers in port yards. Additionally, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated stacking cranes (ASCs) are increasingly used in modern ports to enhance efficiency.
The rise in e-commerce, manufacturing activities, and cross-border trade is leading to an increased volume of goods transported via maritime containers, thereby fueling demand for container handling equipment, such as forklifts. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global maritime trade grew by 2.4% in 2023 from last year.
In terms of type, the forklift trucks segment accounted for a major market share in 2024 due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and widespread adoption across ports, warehouses, and logistics hubs.
Based on propulsion type, the diesel segment dominated the market share in 2024 due to its high torque, durability, and ability to handle heavy loads at ports and intermodal yards.
In terms of lifting capacity, the > 100 tons segment held the largest share in 2024 due to the rise of mega-ships and ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) that require heavy-duty handling solutions.
Based on handling mode, the automatic segment is expected to grow at a robust pace in the coming years, owing to the growing investments in port modernization, especially in developed regions such as Europe and North America.
The North America container handling equipment market accounted for 26.23% global market share in 2024. This dominance is attributed to the growth of international trade, particularly with Asia, and the expansion of major ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Vancouver.
A few global key market players include Cargotec Corporation; Daifuku Co., Ltd.; Hoist Material Handling Inc.; Hyster-Yale, Inc.; Konecranes; Liebherr Group; Lonking Holdings Limited; Mi-Jack; PALFINGER AG; Sany Group; and Toyota Industries Corporation.
Polaris Market Research has segmented the container handling equipment market report on the basis of type, propulsion type, lifting capacity, handling mode, end use, and region:
By Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
Forklift Trucks
Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) Cranes
Stacking Cranes
Mobile Harbor Cranes
Ship-to-Shore (STS) Cranes
Reach Stackers
Straddle Carriers
Automated Equipment
By Propulsion Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
Diesel
Electric
Hybrid
By Lifting Capacity Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
< 50 Tons
50-100 Tons
> 100 Tons
By Handling Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
Manual
Automatic
By End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
Ports
Container Freight Stations (CFS)
Others
By Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2034)
North America
US
Canada
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Malaysia
South Korea
Indonesia
Australia
Vietnam
Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Israel
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
Latin America
Mexico
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of Latin America