When the Port of Tacoma decided to retire four straddle carriers last month, the monster machines were dismantled and most of the pieces were recycled or reused. Manufactured by Noel, each straddle carrier weighs about 53 tons and are used to move cargo containers in the terminal yard. The machine literally “straddles” a container to lift it, placing it on a rail car or truck, or stacking it in the yard for shipment. For additional photos, visit the Port of Tacoma’s Flickr set online here.