What are my options for moving a shipping container without a crane?

Moving a shipping container isn’t always as simple as bringing in a crane and lifting it into place. In many locations- especially tight sites, built-up areas, private land, or places with overhead cables- a crane simply isn’t practical, affordable, or even possible.

Fortunately, there are several ways to move a shipping container without using a crane. But not all methods are equal, and some come with hidden risks, higher costs, or the need for specialist skills.

Here are the main options available, and why choosing Container Mover is usually the safest, quickest, and most cost-effective solution…

1. Using forklifts and skates

This is often the first alternative people consider when cranes aren’t suitable. In theory, you can lift a container with a heavy-duty forklift, place it onto industrial skates, and push or pull it into position.

However, there are several drawbacks:

• You’ll typically need two forklifts working together
• Skates can be unstable on uneven ground
• This method requires a large, clear surface area
• It’s slow, labour-intensive, and often unsafe in restricted spaces

In many cases, hiring this equipment and manpower ends up costing more than using a specialist container moving service, and the risk of damage is far higher.

2. Using a Hiab (Lorry Loader)

Hiabs are ideal for lifting containers off a truck and placing them nearby. But their reach is limited, and they still require:

• Adequate access
• Solid ground conditions (not suitable for wet, muddy grass)
• No overhead obstructions
• Enough space for stabilisers

If your container needs to go behind a building, through a narrow gap, around a corner, or anywhere other than directly beside the vehicle, a Hiab often cannot help and isn’t the right solution for moving a shipping container.

3. Disassembling and reassembling the container

This is technically an option, but one almost no one wants.

Dismantling a container destroys its structural integrity, risks damaging the unit, and is extremely time-consuming. Unless you have no other option, it’s not a practical or sensible solution. It’s always better to move a container than disassemble it. 

4. Using specialist container moving equipment (The Container Mover option)

This is, by far, the most efficient and reliable way to move a shipping container without a crane.

At Container Mover, we use purpose-built machinery designed specifically for manoeuvring shipping containers into tight, awkward, or “impossible” locations, without the need for forklifts, skates, or cranes. If you’re looking for someone to move a container near you, this is the option to go for!

Why this is the best option:

• This shipping container moving service operates in incredibly tight spaces- alleyways, behind buildings, between structures
  
  
• No need for large lifting equipment
  
  
• Fast and precise- many container moves are completed in minutes
  
  
• Safer than DIY or forklift-based methods
  
  
• Cost-effective: no expensive machinery hire or multiple labourers
  
  
• Zero drama, just expertise and specialist kit
  
  
• Ideal if you need to move containers in restricted access or hard-to-reach locations

If other companies have told you it “can’t be done”, this shipping container moving service is usually the method that proves them wrong.

Conclusion: Most methods work… until they don’t. But Container Mover always delivers.

While there are several ways to move a container without a crane, very few are safe, quick, or cost-effective, especially on tight or difficult sites.

Container Mover is the ideal solution when you need the job done properly. No stress, no limitations, no damage, just skilled operators with the right tools for the job.

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Need a container moved without a crane?

Whether you’re moving a 40ft shipping container, or a container of any other size, we can help. Operating throughout the UK, Container Mover is the ideal solution if you’re looking to move a shipping container near you. Contact us today for more information. 

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