How to Move a Shipping Container Without a Crane (DIY Guide)

Can You Move a Shipping Container Without a Crane?

Yes — and you don’t need to spend thousands on heavy machinery to do it. While shipping containers are designed to be robust, with the right shipping container moving equipment you can safely lift, roll, and reposition them on site without hiring a crane.

At ROC, we supply ISO container jacks and ISO container castors, the essential tools that make container moving possible.

 

Why Avoid Crane Hire?

Hiring a crane to move a container can be:

• Expensive – crane hire often costs hundreds of pounds per hour.
• Impractical – many sites have restricted access, overhead cables, or soft ground where cranes can’t operate.
• Unnecessary – if you’re only moving a container a short distance or repositioning it on your site, a crane is overkill.

That’s why many businesses and individuals now choose DIY container moving with castors and jacks.

 

Step 1: How to Lift a Shipping Container Safely

The first step is getting your container off the ground. Standard car jacks won’t cut it — you need equipment designed for the job.

Our ISO container jacks lock directly into the container’s corner castings. This ensures maximum safety and stability while lifting. Once raised a few inches, the container is ready for castors.

Safety tips for lifting a container:

• Always use level, solid ground.
• Lift one corner at a time to keep control.
• Double-check that the jack is properly engaged in the ISO fitting.

 

Step 2: Add Container Castors for Mobility

Once your container is lifted, attach ISO container castors. These are heavy-duty wheels designed specifically for containers, locking into the corner castings to give mobility.

With castors fitted, you can:

• Push or pull the container short distances.
• Tow with a vehicle across flat, firm ground.
• Rotate and reposition even in tight spaces.

Many ROC castors come with brakes, making it easy to stop and secure the container during positioning.

 

Step 3: Move Your Container Into Place

Now you can move your container exactly where you need it. Depending on the surface, this can be done manually, with a forklift, or by towing with a small vehicle.

This method is often more flexible than a crane, as the castors allow full rotation — ideal for small yards or awkward access points.

 

Step 4: Lower and Secure the Container

Once the container is in position:

1. Lock the castor brakes.
2. Use the ISO container jacks to lift slightly.
3. Remove the castors.
4. Lower the container gently to the ground.

Your container is now exactly where you want it — no crane required.

 

Why Choose ROC Shipping Container Moving Equipment?

At ROC, we specialise in shipping container handling equipment that saves time, money, and hassle. Our jacks and castors are:

• ISO-compatible – fit all standard container corner castings.
• Heavy-duty – built for fully loaded containers.
• Customisable – available in different sizes, finishes, and even branded colours.

Whether you’re moving a container office, workshop, or storage unit, ROC has the right solution.

 

Final Thoughts

Moving a shipping container without a crane is not only possible — it’s straightforward with the right tools. By combining ISO container jacks for lifting and ISO container castors for rolling, you can relocate your container safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

👉 Browse our full range of shipping container castors and container jacks to get started today.