How to Move a Shipping Container After Delivery? Moving a shipping container after delivery is possible using specialist lifting equipment such as a HIAB crane, sideloader or mobile crane. Most 10ft, 20ft and 40ft shipping containers can be safely relocated provided they remain structurally sound, suitable vehicle access is available and the correct lifting method is used.
Why Might You Need to Move a Shipping Container?
There are many reasons why a shipping container may need relocating after it has been delivered.
Common examples include:
- Moving to a new home or business premises
- Repositioning a container elsewhere on your property
- Relocating a site office
- Moving storage between construction sites
- Selling land while keeping the container
- Improving site access or layout
A shipping container can often be relocated without difficulty, provided the container remains structurally sound and there is suitable vehicle access.
Can Any Shipping Container Be Moved?
Most shipping containers can be moved, including:
- 10ft shipping containers
- 20ft shipping containers
- 40ft shipping containers
- High cube containers
- Modified containers
The condition of the container is important. The corner castings and overall structure must be strong enough to be safely lifted. Containers with significant structural damage may require additional assessment before transport.
Moving a Container on the Same Site
Not every relocation involves transporting a container to a different address.
Many customers simply want their container repositioned within the same property. This could involve moving it further down a yard, relocating it within a farm, or creating space for new buildings or access routes.
The lifting method used will depend on the available space and the distance the container needs to be moved.
How Are Shipping Containers Moved?
A typical container relocation starts with assessing the site and confirming access. The container is then lifted using a HIAB crane, sideloader or mobile crane, secured to the vehicle and transported to the new location. Once on site, the container is carefully positioned onto prepared ground before the lifting equipment is removed.
Common methods include:
- HIAB crane vehicles
- Sideloader trailers
- Mobile cranes for restricted sites
The most suitable option depends on the container size, weight and site access.
If you’re unsure which delivery method is right for your site, read our guide on HIAB vs Sidelifter Delivery: Which Do You Need?
Can You Move a Loaded Shipping Container?
In many cases, yes.
However, the combined weight of the container and its contents must remain within legal transport limits, and the load should be evenly distributed to prevent unnecessary stress during lifting.
Very heavy or unevenly loaded containers may need to be emptied before they can be safely relocated.
What Access Is Needed?
Access is often the biggest factor when relocating a shipping container.
Before arranging transport, consider:
- Road width
- Turning space for the delivery vehicle
- Trees and overhead cables
- Soft or uneven ground
- Parked vehicles
- Crane lifting space
Even if a container has already been delivered once, changes to the site may affect whether it can be moved again.
Our Container Delivery guide explains the access requirements in more detail, while our guide on How Much Space Is Needed to Deliver a Shipping Container helps you understand the space larger vehicles require.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common problems when planning a container relocation:
- Assuming every lorry can access the site
- Forgetting about overhead obstacles
- Leaving the container overloaded
- Not checking ground conditions
- Moving the container without professional lifting equipment
Planning ahead can help avoid delays and additional costs.
Need to Move a Container in a Garden?
Garden relocations often require extra planning because of restricted access, fences and surrounding buildings.
If you’re moving or installing a smaller container in a residential setting, these guides may also help:
- Can You Put a 10ft Shipping Container in a Garden?
- Can I Get a Shipping Container Delivered to My Garden?
Why Choose Bosh Boxes?
Bosh Boxes can relocate shipping containers supplied by us or by another company.
We can assist with:
- We relocate containers supplied by any company, not just Bosh Boxes.
- Nationwide collection and delivery.
- Experienced HIAB operators.
- Access advice before booking.
- Professional positioning on arrival.
- Help with both empty and loaded containers where suitable.
Our aim is to make relocating your container as straightforward as possible while ensuring it arrives safely and is positioned exactly where you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a shipping container be moved after delivery?
Yes. Most shipping containers can be moved after delivery using specialist lifting equipment such as a HIAB crane, sideloader or mobile crane. The container should be structurally sound, and both the collection and delivery sites must have suitable access.
Can you move a loaded shipping container?
Yes, a loaded shipping container can often be relocated. However, the total weight, load distribution and legal transport limits must be assessed before the container is lifted and transported.
What is the best way to move a shipping container?
The best method depends on the container size, weight and site access. HIAB crane vehicles are commonly used for most relocations, while sideloaders or mobile cranes may be more suitable for larger containers or restricted locations.
How much space is needed to relocate a shipping container?
The amount of space required depends on the container size and the type of lifting vehicle being used. Adequate room is needed for the delivery vehicle to manoeuvre safely, operate the crane and position the container accurately.
Can a shipping container be moved to another property?
Yes. Shipping containers can be collected from one location and transported to another anywhere in the UK, provided there is suitable access at both sites and the container is safe to lift.
Can Bosh Boxes relocate a shipping container supplied by another company?
Yes. Bosh Boxes can relocate shipping containers supplied by other companies, subject to a site assessment and confirmation that the container is suitable for lifting and transport.
Need Help Moving Your Shipping Container?
Whether you’re relocating a container to a new property or simply repositioning it on your existing site, Bosh Boxes can help.
Contact our team with your container size, collection postcode and delivery postcode, and we’ll advise on the most suitable relocation method for your site.
