How to Move a Shipping Container: Methods, Equipment & Cost
Share
Moving a shipping container looks intimidating, but you have more options than most people realize, and not all of them require an expensive crane. The right method depends on how far you are moving it, how much access you have, and your budget. This guide walks through every way to move a container, from professional hauling to do-it-yourself wheel kits, so you can pick the approach that fits your situation and your wallet.
The ways to move a shipping container
1. Crane or Hiab
A crane (or a truck-mounted Hiab) lifts the container and sets it down precisely. It is fast and works almost anywhere with overhead clearance, but it is the most expensive option and requires hiring an operator. Best for awkward placements or when you need to lift a container over an obstacle.
2. Tilt-bed or roll-off truck
For moving a container between sites, a tilt-bed (roll-off) truck slides the container on and off its bed. This is the standard way containers are delivered and relocated over the road. Best for transport from one property to another.
3. Forklift
A large forklift can lift and carry a container short distances, but it needs to be rated for the weight and have long enough forks. Best for short moves on a yard or job site where a suitable forklift is already on hand.
4. Wheel kits (the DIY method)
Wheel kits lock into the container's corner castings, with no bolting or drilling, and turn it into something you can roll and reposition yourself, no crane required. The hub adapters insert into the corner castings and twist to lock, then ratchet straps secure them, so the system is fully removable. This is by far the most affordable way to move and position a container on your own property, and the equipment is reusable. A wheel movement kit or an all-in-one mobility bundle makes this a do-it-yourself job. For the full step-by-step, see our wheel kit install guide, or our guide on moving a container without a crane.
5. Towing with a hitch
Paired with wheels, a tow bar and hitch kit lets you pull the container with a truck or other vehicle to reposition it. A tow bar hitch kit turns repositioning into a controlled pull rather than a push.
6. Skid slides and sliding
For fine positioning or moving a container a short distance on a hard surface, skid slides reduce friction so the container slides into place. Useful for the last few feet of precise placement.
Leveling after the move
Wherever you put the container, it needs to sit level so the doors work and water drains away. After positioning, level it with jacks and shims. See our guide on leveling a shipping container for the full process, and browse jacks and levelers for the gear.
What does it cost?
Costs vary widely by method and distance, from a professional haul to a one-time investment in reusable DIY equipment. For a breakdown, see our guide on how much it costs to move a shipping container.
How to choose
- Moving between properties: hire a tilt-bed truck.
- Repositioning on your own land: a wheel kit is the most cost-effective, and the equipment pays for itself.
- Awkward lift or obstacle: a crane.
- Short yard move with equipment on hand: a rated forklift.
Ready to move yours yourself? Browse all moving and wheel kits.
Frequently asked questions
How do you move a shipping container?
Options include a crane, a tilt-bed truck (for transport between sites), a large forklift, or do-it-yourself wheel kits that attach to the corner castings so you can roll and tow the container yourself. For repositioning on your own property, a wheel kit is usually the most affordable approach.
Can you move a shipping container yourself?
Yes. With a wheel kit attached to the corner castings, plus a tow bar to pull it, you can reposition a container on your own property without a crane. It is the most cost-effective method, and the equipment is reusable.
Do you need a crane to move a container?
No. Cranes are useful for awkward lifts, but for most moves you can use a tilt-bed truck for transport or a wheel kit for repositioning on site. Many owners avoid crane costs entirely with a do-it-yourself wheel kit.
How do you move a container without heavy equipment?
Wheel kits, a tow bar, and skid slides let you jack up, roll, tow, and position a container using a vehicle and basic tools instead of a crane or forklift. It takes planning and care, but it is a manageable do-it-yourself job.