Load test apparatus for shipping containers comprising a horizontal beam (200), the beam having pivotal plate assemblies (210) attached to lifting eyes (330) or other feature of a container by cables (130) or similar means, extending from the pivotal plates to the lifting eyes. The pivotal plates rotate about a horizontal pin (430) permitting the pivotal plates to become axially aligned with the cables. The Horizontal beam is forced vertically upward by a plurality of force generating means such as hydraulic cylinders (120). The force of the force generating means is applied through a point common to the longitudinal axis of the horizontal beam and the axis of the horizontal pin, thereby eliminating moment loads within components of the assembly. The opposite vertically downward reaction force is applied to the bottom of the container and simulates the force applied by the weight of the typical contents of the container when it is in use.