30 years ago, whilst working in the logistics industry, Mobicon Systems owner Tom Schults decided there had to be a more efficient way to transport shipping containers.

At the time side-loading trailers were widely used. These were heavy and cumbersome, whilst also being inefficient and costly. So began the process to design and manufacture the first Mobicon “post-lifter”, that was lighter, faster, economical, transportable and easy to operate. It took 8 months of hard work, testing, and refining until the first Mobicon “post-lifter” was ready to be used. The original “post lifter” design simply raised the container so that the trailer of the truck could be driven under it to load or unload. The lifting unit then fit under the trailer so it could be transported and used to unload at the other end. Tom trained his wife Jacquie in all the ins and outs of the logistics industry so she could try to sell the “post-lifter” as Tom was still working for TNT at the time.

Following the first “post-lifter” being sold, Tom determined that the market was looking for a machine that could transport the container into and out of warehouses.

This gave rise to the first ever Mobicon light-weight straddle carrier. The result was the self-propelled 2T (2 tower) model. The 2T was designed to be low enough to travel under awnings and into warehouses, and light enough to not damage the surface of the yard and provide efficient loading and unloading of the container from the trailer.

Once the 2T model was ready to be deployed, Tom asked F&H Transport in Brisbane if they would test out the machine in their yard. After a two-week trial, F&H Transport were so impressed with the efficiency, and cost savings that they were making, that they purchased the machine. The design of the first machine required some adjustments to improve driving, braking and steering capabilities, and we’ve continued to innovate ever since with enhanced safety features, improved lifting performance, and superior manoeuvrability.

In 2012, we made our biggest innovation yet, with the production of our first 2HL unit. The 2HL was our first light-weight straddle carrier that could stack containers two high, whilst maintaining the flexibility and manoeuvrability of the 2T.

Prior to the introduction of the 2HL in 2012, we were successful in securing a 15-year contract with the US Navy to design and supply 20 light-weight straddle carriers. The navy required handling equipment that was light enough to transport materials into the hull of their Littoral Combat Ships. Our unique 4-axle design meant the Mobicon light-weight straddle carrier was the perfect machine for the job. In 2008 we delivered the first purpose-built Mobicon LCS, with crab steering for optimal manoeuvrability within the hull of the ship.

Over the years with the help of a great team we have established our reputation as a business that is committed to quality, innovation, and service. As a result, our team in Australia has continued to steadily grow, and our international partnerships and clients, extend across the United States, United Kingdom, Asia, Africa, and Europe. We look forward to providing our current and future clients with another 30 years of top-quality light-weight straddle carriers, that deliver superior, efficient container handling, incredibly low operating costs and unmatched total cost of ownership.