{"id":3221,"date":"2025-04-22T18:00:32","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T11:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tradecorp-usa.com\/blog\/?p=3221"},"modified":"2025-04-22T15:58:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T08:58:12","slug":"move-shipping-containers-heavy-equipment-done-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tradecorp-usa.com\/blog\/move-shipping-containers-heavy-equipment-done-right\/","title":{"rendered":"Move Shipping Containers Without Heavy Equipment Done Right"},"content":{"rendered":"
Have you ever been in a situation where you must move shipping containers without heavy equipment because of certain circumstances?<\/p>\n
If so, it must have been a headache-inducing experience because you had to move these steel boxes without the usual transport platforms.<\/p>\n
Why does this happen? Maybe you\u2019re working on a tight budget, in a remote location, or just need to reposition a container a short distance on your property. <\/span><\/p>\n Thankfully, the good news is you <\/span>can<\/i><\/strong> move shipping containers without heavy equipment – but it requires planning, the right tools, and some elbow grease.<\/span><\/p>\n Also Read: Shipping Container Sizes for Moving Abroad and Our Offering<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Heavy machinery like cranes and forklifts is the go-to for moving shipping containers, but there are plenty of situations where they simply aren\u2019t practical or available:<\/span><\/p>\n If your container is on uneven terrain, in a backyard, or in an area with limited vehicle access, bringing in cranes or forklifts might be impossible or just plain expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n Renting or hiring heavy equipment can be costly, especially for small projects or short-distance moves. If you\u2019re working on a tight budget, manual or low-tech methods can save you thousands.<\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes you only need to shift a container a few feet or reposition it on-site because heavy machinery for such small moves is just overkill, and you don’t have to spend money.<\/span><\/p>\n Operating cranes and forklifts requires trained professionals. If you don\u2019t have access to certified operators, heavy equipment isn\u2019t an option, and you’ll just misuse it if you force yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n In some urban areas, noise ordinances or space restrictions make using heavy machinery difficult or illegal. As such, you might as well save yourself from noise complaints from everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to do personal projects, pop-up businesses, or temporary setups, investing in heavy equipment may not be justified because they’re not as labor-intensive as the more permanent projects.<\/span><\/p>\n If you face any of the situations above, you now see how you must move shipping containers without heavy equipment. However, there is a silver lining in such a situation:<\/span><\/p>\n You can move shipping containers without heavy equipment all along<\/em><\/strong> – only with the true and tested methods!<\/p>\n Seeing how certain circumstances can prohibit you from using forklifts and cranes when you have to move containers, people have developed the methods below as alternatives:<\/p>\n This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it works like a charm. Think about how ancient civilizations moved giant stones, it’s (nearly) the same concept.<\/span><\/p>\n What You\u2019ll Need:<\/b><\/p>\n How It Works:<\/b><\/p>\n You can try this method if the ground is sufficiently flat and firm. If the surface is softer, lay down some plywood to distribute the weight and prevent the container from sinking.<\/span><\/p>\n This one’s great for short distances. If you\u2019ve got something sturdy to anchor to, like a big tree, truck hitch, or post, you can slowly winch your container into position.<\/span><\/p>\n What You\u2019ll Need:<\/b><\/p>\n How It Works:<\/b><\/p>\n If the ground is too rough, you can lay down a temporary track using 2x4s or old plywood sheets, and make sure your winch is strong enough to handle the load.<\/span><\/p>\n If you only need to nudge your container a small amount – maybe a few inches or one side at a time – the lever-and-cribbing method works well.<\/span><\/p>\n What You\u2019ll Need:<\/b><\/p>\n How It Works:<\/b><\/p>\n This is best for leveling or adjusting the position, especially if you\u2019ve placed the container and realize it\u2019s not quite square with your foundation’s layout.<\/span><\/p>\n If you’re trying to move a container over concrete or asphalt, temporary wheels can make it feel like you’re pushing a really<\/em> heavy shopping cart.<\/span><\/p>\n What You\u2019ll Need:<\/b><\/p>\n How It Works:<\/b><\/p>\n As a word of note, this method only works on hard, flat surfaces and short distances. Once you’re done moving, you\u2019ll probably want to remove the wheels to stabilize the container.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a truck, ATV, or tractor, you can pull the container short distances. However, this method is a bit rougher and you should only use it if your container can handle the stress.<\/span><\/p>\n What You\u2019ll Need:<\/b><\/p>\n How It Works:<\/b><\/p>\n Make sure you\u2019re pulling from a low point on the container to avoid tipping. Also, double-check that nothing on the ground (like a root or bump) could cause the container to jerk or jam.<\/span><\/p>\n If your container is already on rollers, sometimes brute force and coordination are all you need to move the container elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n What You\u2019ll Need:<\/b><\/p>\n How It Works:<\/b><\/p>\n If you hit a snag or slope, stop and adjust. This method works great in open, flat spaces and is perfect for final positioning once you\u2019ve done most of the heavy work.<\/span><\/p>\n Also Read: Moving Containers: Methods, Tips, and More<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Despite the challenging circumstances, you can still move shipping containers without heavy equipment so long as you follow the steps above. To ensure your containers are the best quality on the market, contact Tradecorp<\/a> today! With over 35 years of experience servicing the industry, no one is better than Tradecorp when it comes to shipping container services anywhere.<\/p>\nSituations Where Using Heavy Equipment is Unfeasible<\/b><\/h2>\n
Remote or Confined Spaces<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tight Budgets<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Short-Distance Moves<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Limited Operator Availability<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Urban or Noise Restrictions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Temporary or DIY Projects<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best Methods to Move Containers Without Heavy Equipment<\/b><\/h2>\n

Pipe Rollers (Old-School and Effective)<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLever-and-Cribbing Method<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nManual Push with a Crew<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n