Tandemloc shipping container casters are there for one job: making heavy containers mobile. If you need to move ISO shipping containers or ISO-compliant structures in your facility or yard, these casters will get it done safely and without unnecessary complication.
Most setups involve the standard 20- or 40-foot containers, but our casters fit any structure that follows ISO 1161 corner fitting specs, whether it’s custom skids or equipment frames. Full control over transport is exactly what our shipping container casters are built to provide.
Built for ISO Compatibility, Even Beyond Shipping Containers
Tandemloc container casters are designed to connect with ISO 1161 corner fittings, the universal standard for shipping containers worldwide. This means they’re not limited to just moving shipping containers. As long as your structure follows ISO corner fitting dimensions, these casters will fit and function the right way.
For example, ISO 1161 corner fittings are also commonly used on military shelters, generator setups, and communication vans, so Tandemloc casters can be used to mobilize non-containerized structures that still meet the ISO standard.
What Sets Tandemloc Casters Apart
Many cheaper alternatives can feel wobbly under load because most of them use a standard twistlock that doesn’t clamp tight, leaving the caster loose and prone to wheel damage or floor scuffing. Some tighten a bit more, but not enough to make a real difference.
Tandemloc’s Casterloc System uses a rigid clamp connection that locks tight to the ISO corner and holds firm under heavy loads and during transport. Here’s what the AC49000A series includes:
- Casterloc System: A bayonet-style cone, silver body, and blue handle mechanism that creates a rigid connection to the ISO corner. Drive studs and movable ears pull the caster firmly into place for safety during movement.
- 360° Swivel Deck: Enables full rotation and includes a locking pin at every 90° so you can secure the wheels in fixed directions when needed.
- Locking Recommendations: We recommend locking at least the two rear casters in your direction of travel while leaving the front casters free for steering.
Wheel Options for Every Surface
Tandemloc offers two main caster wheel types depending on your terrain:
1. Urethane on Iron Wheels
- Best for smooth and hard indoor surfaces like concrete or finished asphalt.
- Not suited for rough terrain or gravel.
2. Pneumatic Wheels
- Made for uneven surfaces like gravel, rough concrete, or hard-packed dirt.
- Not recommended for soft terrain like grass, where the weight may cause sinking.
- Pneumatic wheels are also available with foam filling to eliminate air loss and long-term maintenance.
Smaller urethane-on-iron casters come with a single wheel, while all other models (except the nylatron HD) feature dual wheels for increased surface contact and load distribution.
Capacity, Control, and Safe Use
Tandemloc casters can handle considerable weight, with options ranging from 2,500 to 18,000 lbs per caster. For security, we recommend a 3:1 safety factor. For example, a 30,000 lb container should use casters rated for at least 10,000 lbs each. This is to account for uneven ground and potential weight shifts over bumps or slopes.
Operating speed is intentionally limited to 5 mph for controlled movement in industrial settings. On sloped or uneven surfaces, locking the rear two casters is especially important to prevent uncontrolled movement. Leaving all casters free to swivel is only recommended on flat warehouse floors for tight maneuvering.
Optional Accessories: Towbars and Hydraulic Lift Casters
Tandemloc Towbars
To steer your container, Tandemloc offers towbars such as:
- AB42000A-1PA: 5° rotation; for use with forklifts at standard height.
- AB42000A-2PA: Up to 20° rotation; useful when there's a greater height difference between towing vehicle and container.
Both of these standard models tow up to 67,200 lbs, the typical weight of a loaded ISO container. They lock into the front-facing oval holes on bottom corner fittings using bayonet-style pins, with a lock pin for added security. Importantly, these towbars are fully compatible with Tandemloc container casters, and both components can be installed in the same corner fitting without interference.
Hydraulic Lift Casters
Hydraulic Lift Casters let you move a container when you don’t have access to a crane or forklift, especially on concrete floors or in tight spaces. The system connects to the front or side holes of standard ISO bottom corner fittings while the container is on the ground.
- For freight containers (set of 4)
- Lifts the container 13.5 inches using a hand or electric pump
- Rated for 32,000 lbs
- Plugs into either side or end aperture of the ISO Corner Fitting.
Mobilize Your Equipment Confidently with Tandemloc
Mobilizing shipping containers, skids, or ISO-compliant structures? With their rugged builds, smooth mobility, and the precision you'd anticipate from decades of real-world performance, Tandemloc’s container casters put you in full control.
The majority of models are in stock and ready to roll right from our website. Specialty models (like nylatron or oversized pneumatic wheels) may take a little longer, but the core lineup is ready when you are.
Contact our team to get your shipping container casters today and watch this video to learn more.
