Find the right wheels for your container or system
Answer four short questions. We check your load against the dynamic load capacity of each wheel set and recommend the right one. Your answers go straight into your quote request.
How to choose the right shipping container wheels
Choosing casters for shipping containers comes down to one number: the total weight you need to move. Every Twistlock Dynamics wheel set is rated for a dynamic load capacity per set of 4 wheels, which is the weight it can safely carry while rolling. The selector above adds up your weight and recommends the smallest set that carries it. You can also work it out yourself in three steps.
1. Work out the total weight
For a shipping container, the total weight is the empty weight (tare) plus the cargo inside. The exact tare is printed on the CSC plate on the container door. For a containerized system such as battery energy storage (BESS), a genset or an office unit, use the operating weight from the manufacturer’s data sheet.
2. Compare it with the dynamic load capacity
Pick a wheel set whose dynamic capacity is at least your total weight. If you move the container every day or on rough ground, choose the next size up for more margin and larger wheels.
| Model | Dynamic load (set of 4) | Static load (set of 4) | Wheel | Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 5,400 kg | 7,200 kg | Ø 150 × 76 mm | Twistlock |
| Pro | 13,500 kg | 18,000 kg | Ø 250 × 73 mm, dual | Twistlock |
| Pro SL | 13,500 kg | 18,000 kg | Ø 250 × 73 mm, dual | Side-lock |
| Xtreme | 30,000 kg | 40,000 kg | Ø 400 × 101 mm, dual | Side-lock |
3. Check how much cargo each set allows
Based on typical tare weights, this is roughly how much cargo you can leave inside the container for each wheel set. Always check your own CSC plate, as tare varies by manufacturer.
| Container | Typical tare | Max cargo on Compact | Max cargo on Pro / Pro SL | Max cargo on Xtreme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | ~1,300 kg | 4,100 kg | 12,200 kg | 28,700 kg |
| 20 ft | ~2,200 kg | 3,200 kg | 11,300 kg | 27,800 kg |
| 20 ft High Cube | ~2,400 kg | 3,000 kg | 11,100 kg | 27,600 kg |
| 40 ft | ~3,750 kg | 1,650 kg | 9,750 kg | 26,250 kg |
| 40 ft High Cube | ~3,900 kg | 1,500 kg | 9,600 kg | 26,100 kg |
| 45 ft High Cube | ~4,800 kg | 600 kg | 8,700 kg | 25,200 kg |
Figures are dynamic load capacity minus typical tare, rounded. The selector uses the same calculation with your own numbers.
Container wheel selector FAQ
Which container wheels do I need for a 20 ft container?
An empty 20 ft container (about 2,200 kg) fits comfortably on the Compact set, which carries 5,400 kg while rolling. That leaves room for about 3,200 kg of cargo. For a heavier load, choose the Pro, which carries 13,500 kg in total.
Which casters do I need for a 40 ft container?
An empty 40 ft container (about 3,750 kg, or 3,900 kg for a High Cube) can be moved on the Compact set. Once there is more than roughly 1,500 kg of cargo inside, step up to the Pro or Pro SL. Very heavy loads up to 30,000 kg in total need the Xtreme.
What is the difference between dynamic and static load capacity?
Dynamic load capacity is the weight a set of 4 wheels can carry while the container is rolling. Static load capacity is the weight it can carry while standing still. Always size your shipping container wheels on the dynamic figure, because moving is where the load matters most.
Can I move a loaded shipping container on wheels?
Yes, as long as the total weight of container plus cargo stays within the dynamic load capacity of the wheel set. Enter your tare and cargo weight in the selector and the load check shows straight away whether a set is a good fit.
Should I choose twistlock or side-lock casters?
Both lock into the ISO 1161 corner castings of the container. The Compact and Pro use a twistlock connection. The Pro SL and Xtreme use a side-lock connection. If you have no preference, the selector recommends the lightest set that carries your load.
Can I put wheels on a battery container, genset or skid without corner castings?
Yes. We supply a set of 8 ISO 1161 steel corner castings to weld onto your frame, plus the matching wheels. For special frames we can also design a custom wheel connection based on your drawings.
What if my load is heavier than 30,000 kg?
Loads above the Xtreme’s 30,000 kg dynamic capacity need a custom solution. Fill in the selector anyway: your details go straight to our engineers, who size a solution for you and reply within 1 business day.
Want to compare the models in more detail? Read Compact vs Pro vs Xtreme, see our guide on how to move a shipping container without a crane, or view the casters in the 3D caster viewer.
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