Container Lifting Lugs for Crane Lifts
Shipping containers are built to be stacked and shipped, and yards and job sites often need to pick them up with a crane. Container lifting lugs give the rigging a certified connection point at each lifting position. This collection features M&W container lifting lugs made in the USA, in straight, left-hand, and right-hand styles, each with a 19,000 lb. working load limit. Every lug is sold individually.
Choose a Style
| Style |
WLL (each) |
Safety factor |
Weight (each) |
Color |
| Straight |
19,000 lbs. |
3:1 |
17 lbs. |
Yellow |
| Left-hand |
19,000 lbs. |
3:1 |
17 lbs. |
Blue |
| Right-hand |
19,000 lbs. |
3:1 |
17 lbs. |
Red |
The rating is for a single lug. It does not mean four lugs can lift four times that load in every setup, because the lifting arrangement and the angle of the rigging change how much load each lug carries. Work out the container's gross weight and the load at each lug before you pick your rigging.
Straight vs. Left and Right Lugs
The listing describes container lifts that use four straight lugs with a matching spreader or lifting beam and rigging. If your setup uses a beam, see lifting beams and spreader bars and container lifting beams.
The left-hand and right-hand lugs are directional. They are meant to be used as a matched set, typically two left and two right on one lift. Buy them in pairs so each corner has the correct lug.
Count and match
A single standard lift typically calls for four lugs: four straight, or two left-hand and two right-hand. Do not mix styles within a lift unless the manufacturer's instructions say you can.
What the Listings Describe
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Color coding: Straight lugs are yellow, left-hand lugs are blue, and right-hand lugs are red, which makes it easy to match a set at a glance.
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Proof tested: Each lug gets its own proof load test per OSHA requirements.
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Certification paperwork: Paperwork ships with the lugs.
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American made: All three styles are manufactured by M&W stateside.
The listings do not give lug dimensions or slot size, so confirm fit with the manufacturer's instructions before ordering. Check the container's lifting provisions too, and do not use a lug on a container that is damaged or not rated for lifting this way.
Lifting Containers Safely
- Read the manufacturer's instructions on installing, locking, and removing each lug.
- Find the container's weight, including cargo, from its data plate or shipping documents, and keep the lift within the rating of every component.
- Use a spreader or lifting beam or sling arrangement that suits the lug style you chose, and use rigging rated for the load.
- Confirm all four lugs are fully seated before the crane takes weight, and make a short test lift to check balance.
- No one should stand under or beside the container while it hangs from the crane.
- Inspect each lug before it goes into service, watching for cracks, distortion, and heavy wear. A suspect lug should not be used.
- Loaded, damaged, or unevenly balanced containers are best planned by a qualified person.
Rigging to Pair With Container Lugs
Lugs are one part of the lift. Look at wire rope slings, shackles, and rigging hardware to complete the rigging. Everything else is in rigging supplies and hardware.
Lifting Something Else?
For other loads, the material handling collection has clamps, hooks, baskets, and other below-the-hook equipment.
Container Lifting Lug FAQs
How many lugs do I need?
A standard container lift typically uses four lugs. Use four straight lugs, or two left-hand and two right-hand lugs.
How much does each lug carry?
Each lug has a 19,000 lb. rating.
Are the lugs sold as sets?
No. The listings sell them individually, so order the quantity your setup needs.
Are they made domestically?
Yes. All three styles are built by M&W stateside.
Is paperwork included?
According to the listings, each lug gets its own proof load test per OSHA requirements and ships with certification paperwork.
Do the lugs work with any container?
The listings do not specify slot dimensions. Check the manufacturer's instructions and the container's lifting provisions to confirm the lugs are a fit.
Need Help Choosing?
Unsure which style suits your spreader or sling setup? Talk to our Product Experts before you buy.
