In the world of logistics, construction, and heavy equipment, few machines are as versatile and relied upon as the Hiab truck. Known for its powerful hydraulic crane mounted to a truck chassis, the Hiab is commonly used for loading and unloading heavy cargo. But a common question arises, especially for those new to freight or construction logistics: Can a Hiab truck lift a shipping container?
The answer is yes—but with limitations. In this blog, we’ll break down the capabilities of Hiab trucks, the challenges of lifting shipping containers, the factors that influence whether a container can be safely moved, and alternative solutions.
What Is a Hiab Truck?
The term Hiab comes from the Swedish company Hydrauliska Industri AB, which pioneered the truck-mounted crane. Over time, the term has become synonymous with any vehicle equipped with a loader crane.
Hiab trucks are designed to carry and lift heavy objects without the need for a separate crane or forklift. These trucks are often used for:
- Transporting building materials (e.g., timber, bricks)
- Moving large machinery or generators
- Placing landscaping elements (e.g., stone features)
- Delivering portable site offices or cabins
Types of Shipping Containers and Their Weight
Before answering whether a Hiab can lift a shipping container, it’s important to understand what we’re trying to lift.
Standard Shipping Container Sizes:
| Container Size | Empty Weight | Max Gross Weight |
| 20-foot | ~2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) | 24,000 kg (52,910 lbs) |
| 40-foot | ~3,800 kg (8,380 lbs) | 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) |
| 40-foot HC (High Cube) | ~4,200 kg (9,260 lbs) | 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) |
The weight of the contents inside the container can dramatically increase the total load.
Can a Hiab Truck Lift a 20ft Container?
Yes, most Hiab trucks can lift a 20ft empty container. However, lifting a fully loaded 20ft container depends on the crane’s capacity and the lifting radius.
A powerful Hiab (e.g., 50–100 tonne-meter rating) can typically manage a 20ft container if:
- The container is empty or lightly loaded
- The lift is done close to the truck
- The crane has the correct rigging and attachments
- The truck is on level ground and stabilised with outrigger legs
Real-World Use:
Many construction companies use Hiabs to move empty site containers or welfare units that are roughly the same size and weight as a 20ft shipping container.
What About a 40ft Container?
Lifting a 40ft shipping container is a much bigger challenge.
Due to the size and weight—even when empty—many Hiab trucks cannot safely lift a 40ft container. The container’s length also makes it awkward, and special spreader bars are required to prevent structural damage during lifting.
A fully loaded 40ft container is almost always out of the question for a Hiab lift. In such cases, you’ll need:
- A side loader (side-lifter) truck, designed specifically for container transport
- A mobile crane, if the container needs to be placed at a distance or height
Factors That Affect Whether a Hiab Can Lift a Container
1. Crane Capacity
Hiabs range from light-duty cranes (10–20 tonne-meters) to heavy-duty versions (over 100 tonne-meters). The higher the rating, the more it can lift.
2. Lifting Radius
Even a powerful Hiab crane can only lift a heavy object close to the base. The further the container needs to be moved horizontally, the lower the lifting capacity.
3. Stability and Ground Conditions
To safely lift a container, the truck must be fully stabilised. Uneven terrain or soft ground increases the risk of tipping over.
4. Rigging and Attachments
Proper lifting equipment, such as chains, corner twist locks, and spreader bars, is essential to distribute the load and avoid container damage.
5. Legal Road Limits
Even if the crane can lift the container, local transport laws may restrict how much weight can be carried or lifted on public roads.
Alternatives to Hiab for Lifting Containers
If your container is too heavy or too far for a Hiab lift, consider the following alternatives:
1. Sideloader Truck
These are trucks designed to lift and carry containers using hydraulic arms. Ideal for loading/unloading containers from the ground.
2. Reach Stackers and Forklifts
In ports and container yards, these machines are commonly used to handle containers efficiently.
3. Mobile Cranes
For construction sites, mobile cranes offer the most flexibility for lifting large or heavy containers.
Use Cases Where Hiabs Excel
- Delivering empty or lightly loaded 20ft containers
- Placing site cabins or temporary offices
- Moving modular buildings or custom container units
- Urban construction zones with limited access
Conclusion: Can a Hiab Truck Lift a Shipping Container?
Yes, a Hiab truck can lift a shipping container—but with conditions. Most Hiabs can handle an empty or lightly loaded 20ft container, but will struggle or fail to lift fully loaded or 40ft containers, especially at distance. Always consult the truck’s lifting chart, assess site conditions, and consider professional lifting engineers when handling large or critical lifts.
For complex moves or heavier containers, alternative equipment like sideloaders or cranes may be a safer and more efficient choice. Contact Sydney Hiab Logistics to hire hiab trucks.
