Abstract: This invention describes a container lifter which is economical where only occasional deliveries occur and the use of machines such as heavy fork lift or a straddle truck is unwarranted.The container lifter has an open U-shape chassis which is provided with two sliding rams at each end, each ram having a chain preferably of alloy steel construction, the chains being attached to twist locks which are adapted to fit into the bottom corners of a container.In a modification, the container lifter is provided with a second set of rams, the second set being mounted on arches above the frames so as to enable the container to be lifted to such a height that it can be placed on a truck.