How to Ship a Reach Stacker: Complete Transport Guide

What Is a Reach Stacker?

A reach stacker is a specialized wheeled vehicle used in ports, intermodal terminals, and container yards to lift, move, and stack ISO shipping containers. Unlike a standard forklift, a reach stacker uses a telescoping boom with a spreader attachment that can reach over stacked containers to pick up units in the second or third row. Major manufacturers include Konecranes, Liebherr, CVS Ferrari, Kalmar, and Hyster.

Reach stackers are purpose-built for container handling and are not designed for road travel under their own power over long distances. When a reach stacker needs to move between terminals, ports, or auction sites, it must be transported on a specialized heavy-haul trailer.

Reach Stacker Dimensions and Weight

Reach stacker specifications vary significantly by model and manufacturer, but typical ranges are:

• Operating Weight: 70,000–130,000 lbs (35–65 tons), depending on model and configuration
• Width (with spreader retracted): 10–14 ft, depending on model
• Height (boom lowered for transport): 12–16 ft, depending on model
• Length: 35–50 ft with boom retracted
• Tire Width: Large pneumatic tires, typically 18–24 inches wide per tire, with dual rear axles

Because most reach stackers exceed 80,000 lbs and are wider than 8.5 ft, virtually every road transport of a reach stacker requires oversize/overweight permits.

Trailer Selection for Reach Stackers

The extreme weight and width of reach stackers require specialized trailer configurations:

• RGN (Removable Gooseneck) with Multiple Axles: The most common choice for reach stackers. The removable gooseneck allows the machine to drive on from the front (if it's self-propelled). Multiple rear axles (3–5 axle configurations) distribute the weight to meet bridge formula requirements. Capacity up to 150,000+ lbs.
• Multi-Axle Lowboy: For reach stackers that cannot drive on, a multi-axle lowboy with a low deck height (18–20 inches) provides the necessary clearance for tall machines. Crane loading is typically required.
• Modular/Hydraulic Platform Trailer (Goldhofer/Scheuerle): For the heaviest reach stackers (100,000+ lbs), modular platform trailers with hydraulic suspension provide the best weight distribution and can be configured to any width or axle count needed.

Loading Procedures

Loading a reach stacker requires careful planning and experienced rigging:

• Drive-On Loading (RGN): If the reach stacker is operational, it can drive onto an RGN trailer via the removable gooseneck ramp. The operator must lower the boom fully, retract the spreader, and drive slowly onto the trailer. A spotter should guide the operator to ensure proper positioning.
• Crane Loading: Non-operational reach stackers, or those too heavy for drive-on loading, must be crane-loaded. Lifting points are specified by the manufacturer — never lift from the boom or spreader. Typical lift points are on the main frame near the front axle and rear counterweight.
• Boom Securing: The boom must be fully lowered and secured with chains or straps to prevent movement during transport. The spreader should be retracted and pinned in the transport position.
• Tire Chocking: Large wheel chocks must be placed at all four tires. The parking brake must be engaged.

Permit Requirements

Given their weight and width, reach stackers almost always require:

• Overweight permits (virtually all reach stackers exceed 80,000 lbs GVW)
• Overwidth permits (most exceed 8.5 ft with spreader retracted)
• Overheight permits (many exceed 13.5 ft with boom lowered)
• Escort vehicles (typically required for loads over 12–14 ft wide, depending on state)
• Route surveys for loads over 14 ft wide or 150,000 lbs
• Possible police escort for loads over 16 ft wide or 200,000 lbs

Permit processing time varies by state — budget 2–5 business days for standard oversize/overweight permits, and 5–10 business days for loads requiring engineering review.

Common Reach Stacker Transport Scenarios

• Port-to-port moves when a terminal upgrades or downsizes its fleet
• Auction pickup from Ritchie Bros, IronPlanet, or other heavy equipment auctions
• Dealer-to-dealer transfers for used reach stacker sales
• Export moves to ports (Houston, Savannah, Baltimore, Long Beach) for international shipment
• Maintenance facility moves for major overhauls or repairs

IronHaul Logistics has experience transporting reach stackers and other heavy port equipment. We handle permit applications, trailer selection, escort coordination, and loading supervision. Contact us at [email protected] or call (208) 495-2260 for a quote on your reach stacker move.