Shipping container transport is one of the most common enquiries we receive, and for good reason — a HIAB crane truck is one of the most practical ways to deliver and position a container, particularly to locations without a loading dock, reach stacker or heavy forklift.
Types of Container We Move
We transport standard ISO shipping containers (20ft and 40ft), refrigerated units, converted containers (offices, workshops, cafes, homes), portable storage containers, and bespoke container structures. Each type has slightly different lifting requirements — converted containers in particular may have different lift point specifications from standard ISO units.
Container Weights
An empty 20ft ISO container weighs approximately 2.2 tonnes. A 40ft empty container is around 3.8 tonnes. Loaded containers can reach 24 tonnes for a 20ft unit and up to 30 tonnes for a 40ft. Loaded containers require our HIAB 858 heavy-lift configuration or specialist vehicle depending on total weight and reach required.
Ground Preparation
Containers must be placed on level, firm ground capable of supporting the loaded weight on four corner castings. For light loads on soft ground, concrete pads, railway sleepers or heavy-duty plastic ground protection are standard solutions. We advise on ground preparation requirements as part of our pre-job discussion.
Access Requirements
The HIAB vehicle needs to park alongside or behind the container's intended final position, within crane reach. For a 20ft container, allow at least 3 metres of working space on one side for the vehicle. For 40ft containers, consider how the vehicle will approach and whether it can park parallel to the container's length.
For container transport anywhere in the UK, visit our container transport page or call 0330 175 8197.
