Yes, you can absolutely ship a car inside a standard shipping container. This method, known as containerized vehicle shipping, is a secure and common option for international transport, especially for personal moves or high-value classic cars. The primary requirement is that your vehicle must fit within the container's internal dimensions. For a typical 20-foot container, this means the car must be under approximately 19 feet long. Most sedans, coupes, and smaller SUVs fit comfortably, but larger vehicles like full-size trucks or SUVs will require a 40-foot container.
Proper preparation is critical for a safe journey. The vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out to meet customs and biosecurity regulations of the destination country. You'll need to drain the fuel tank to a minimal level (usually around a quarter-tank or less) and disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical issues or fire hazards. The car should be in good mechanical condition to be driven into and out of the container.
Once inside, the vehicle is securely fastened using specialized tie-down straps and wheel chocks attached to the container's built-in anchor points. This prevents any movement during transit. For extra protection against humidity and salt air, some owners use a vapor barrier or corrosion inhibitor. While highly secure, container shipping is generally more expensive than Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping, where cars are driven onto a specialized car carrier ship.
| Consideration | 20-Foot Container | 40-Foot Container |
|---|
| Internal Length | ~19' 4" | ~39' 5" |
| Internal Width | ~7' 8" | ~7' 8" |
| Internal Height | ~7' 10" | ~7' 10" |
| Ideal For | Standard sedans, midsize SUVs | Full-size trucks, large SUVs, multiple cars |
| Cost Factor | Lower | Higher |
