---
title: "reach stacker: Definition and Meaning | NPSA"
description: "A reach stacker is a vehicle that handles intermodal cargo containers in terminals and ports."
url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/reach-stacker
publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)
phone: "(816) 960-6552"
email: info@npsa.org
---

Delivery equipment

# reach stacker

A reach stacker is a vehicle that handles intermodal cargo containers in terminals and ports. It has a telescopic boom that lifts, carries and stacks loaded containers several high. It grips them by the corner castings. It is built for heavy, high-volume yards.

## Why it matters

Reach stackers are big machines for terminals, depots and large yards. They move loaded boxes and stack them in rows. A portable storage company with a large depot may need one. Most small operators rent or use other gear, such as a forklift or a crane. A common mistake is to buy a reach stacker for a yard that does not have the volume or the space to justify it. These machines need a hard, level surface and room to turn. Ask makers for lift capacity at each reach and stack height. Trained operators are essential.

[Read: Container delivery equipment: Tilt-bed, roll-off, side-loader, and crane trucks](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/container-delivery-equipment)

Definition source: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reach_stacker)

## Related terms

[### container forklift A container forklift is a forklift used to lift or load containers. It may lift an empty container by its forklift pockets, or it may drive into a container to load pallets. Heavy-duty container handlers are a different class of machine.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-forklift)[### side loader A side loader is a trailer with two lifting arms that picks up a container, carries it and sets it on the ground or on another trailer. It can lift from the side, so it needs less room at the front or back.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/side-loader)[### container yard A container yard is an area where shipping containers are stored, staged and moved between trucks, rail and ships. In shipping, a container yard sits at or near a port, rail terminal or inland depot and holds both loaded and empty containers.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-yard)[### depot A depot is a facility where empty shipping containers are stored and returned. Depots may be run by a shipping line, a container lessor or an independent company. An inland depot works like a container yard away from the port, where containers can be dropped, picked up and moved again.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/depot)[### corner casting A corner casting is a cast steel fitting at each corner of a container. Eight of them sit at the corners. Cranes, twistlocks and lashing gear grip them to lift, stack and secure the box. They are also called corner fittings.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/corner-casting)[### chassis A chassis is a skeletal semi-trailer built to carry a container. It has twistlocks at the corners that lock into the container's corner castings. Chassis are used with tractors to move containers on roads between ports, rail yards and depots.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/chassis)

[All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary)

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