Shipping container castors with twist-locks are heavy-duty wheels designed to mobilise ISO 1161 containers without the need for cranes or forklifts. Easily installed in minutes, they allow safe movement of containers up to 36 tonnes across flat surfaces. Equipped with directional locks, they offer stability and control during towing. Ideal for ports, construction sites, and mobile units like field hospitals or tiny homes. To ensure safety and performance, maintain a maximum speed of 4–6 km/h and avoid exceeding 50% of the rated load on uneven terrain. IndustrialWheels.com offers both standard and custom solutions tailored to demanding environments. Professional use only.
Shipping Container Castors: A Complete Guide to Container Mobility
Shipping container castors are heavy-duty wheel systems designed to mobilise ISO containers safely and efficiently. Whether in logistics hubs, industrial facilities, or temporary infrastructure like mobile hospitals or military installations, these castors enable container movement without cranes or forklifts. On this page, we explore how they work, how to use them, and why IndustrialWheels.com is your trusted source for high-performance container castor systems.
What Are Shipping Container Castors?
Shipping container castors, often referred to as ISO container tow castors, are specially engineered wheels equipped with a twist-lock mechanism that attaches securely into the ISO 1161 corner castings of standard 20 or 40-foot freight containers. These castors enable horizontal mobility for fully loaded containers weighing up to 40 tonnes.
Each castor can handle static loads of up to 13 tonnes and dynamic loads of up to 10 tonnes, depending on the system. The wheels are typically made with polyurethane treads, nylon, or solid rubber tyres, depending on ground conditions and operational requirements.
Where and Why Are They Used?
These castors are invaluable in a wide range of industrial, military, and commercial applications:
- Harbour logistics and freight yards
- Construction sites and plant facilities
- Temporary storage units and mobile field hospitals
- Military communication centres
- Tiny homes or modular living spaces
- Telecom and data storage installations
Benefits of Using Shipping Container Wheels
- No crane or forklift required: Perfect for remote sites.
- Quick installation: Just minutes per castor.
- Safe and efficient movement: Designed for even heavy loads up to 36 tonnes dynamic per set:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Compact and cost-effective: Compared to permanent foundation solutions or hydraulic jacks.
How to Install Shipping Container Castors
- Ensure the ground surface is flat and free of debris, thresholds or slopes.
- Lift the container using claw jacks, a forklift, or a crane.
- Insert each castor from underneath into the ISO 1161 corner.
- Engage the twist-lock mechanism securely by rotating the locking handle.
- Attach the directional lock if directional guidance is needed.
- Install the tow bar if pulling the container using a tractor, tug, or forklift.
Twist-Lock System: Securing the Castors
The twist-lock design guarantees a firm and stable attachment by clamping into the bottom of ISO corners. This mechanism is essential for maintaining load stability and preventing unwanted slippage. Always verify the ISO corners are in good condition before locking the castors in place.
Understanding Directional Locks
Directional locks allow one or more castors to be fixed in a set direction, offering greater control when towing the container in a straight line. Especially useful when maneuvering in tight areas or when towing with powered vehicles.
Load Considerations and Engineering Advice
To calculate load requirements safely:
Formula: (Weight of container + contents) ÷ 2.5 = required load capacity per wheel.
Always assume unequal load distribution due to terrain, container imbalance, or uneven surfaces. It is recommended to use only up to 50% of the nominal load capacity to account for peak loads and unpredictable terrain forces.
Maximum Speed: Do not exceed 4–6 km/h when moving containers to preserve castor integrity and safety.
Maintenance & Storage
- Inspect for rust, cracks, or deformation before and after each use.
- Store in dry, shaded environments to avoid UV degradation.
- Perform full maintenance checks every 6 months.
Compliance & Safety Warnings
IndustrialWheels container castors are intended solely for professional use. Their use or resale is prohibited in Canada or the USA due to liability clauses in the insurance policy:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Always stay at least 2 metres away from the container during movement and never work underneath a loaded container.
Need a Custom Solution?
If your use case involves irregular containers, extreme environments, or non-standard transport conditions, we can offer fully customised solutions tailored to your requirements. Fill out our request for quotation form or contact us directly to speak with a technical specialist.
Get in Touch
IndustrialWheels.com – Konijnenburg BV
Elektronstraat 19, 1014 AP Amsterdam, The Netherlands