This article is about a device for container handling. For a "spreader beam", see Lifting beam.
A container spreader is a tool used for lifting containers and unitized cargo. The spreader is placed between the container and the lifting machine.[1]
The spreader used for containers has a locking mechanism at each corner that attaches to the four corners of the container. A spreader can be used on a container crane, a straddle carrier and with any other machinery to lift containers. Spreader operation can be manual, semiautomatic or fully automatic.
