Shipping Container Car Storage: What to Know About Storing a Car in a Shipping Container

Whether you’ve got additional vehicles that you don’t drive often or a classic car you want to keep safe and secure, there are several options available for car storage. One innovative option gaining popularity in recent years is shipping container car storage.

Instead of leaving your vehicles on the drive or taking up space in the garage, storing your car in a shipping container is a viable option for many, offering the opportunity for both short and long-term storage. 

Should cars be stored in shipping containers?

While cars can be effectively stored in a shipping container, it’s still a controversial storage option for many. Some argue that using a shipping container for car storage protects the vehicle from harsh environmental conditions, theft, and vandalism. However, some believe that the small space can encourage moisture buildup and potentially cause damage to the exterior of the car. 

Some people also have concerns about the ventilation available in shipping containers and the ease of access for maintenance and repairs. Although, with proper planning and the adaptability of shipping containers to suit individual needs, these concerns can be easily dealt with. 

Before you decide to store your car in a shipping container, you should thoroughly consider your specific needs and evaluate the conditions where your container will be placed. This can help you understand whether the container and its location will be a suitable choice for storing your car. 

Why store a car in a shipping container?

There are several reasons for storing a car in a shipping container. The most common reason is for temporary storage. You could be moving house and need a place to store your car while you move in. You might even be planning to travel abroad for a few months and therefore won’t be needing your car.

Whatever the reason for storing your car in a shipping container, it’s a practical and efficient solution for those who need it. 

Benefits of using shipping containers for car storage

Using a shipping container for car storage offers numerous benefits, including protecting your vehicle from extreme weather conditions and providing a secure storage solution. Shipping container storage can also help you free up space elsewhere, such as a garage or driveway. Here are some of the key advantages of using a shipping container to store your car. 

Security

Shipping containers are made from strong steel designed to withstand harsh weather conditions on land and at sea. Traditionally used for shipping goods around the world, they are also built with exceptional security features. This makes them a super secure option for storing your car, whether it’s a run around you don’t use much or a vintage vehicle worth a lot of money. 

While standard shipping containers are robust and secure already, you can improve the security of your container by installing additional locks and replacing the doors with higher-security ones. Another way to enhance the security of your shipping container is to ensure you consistently maintain it and keep it in good condition.

Fast installation

As long as you’ve got space to keep a shipping container, either at your home or elsewhere, you can look forward to a speedy and easy installation. Shipping containers are readily available, whether you hire a container or choose to buy one. This means you can get your car storage up and running in no time. 

All you need to do before your shipping container arrives is ensure the base it’ll be placed on has been thoroughly prepared and there are no restrictions to keeping the container in your agreed location.

Cost-effective

When compared to other car storage options, with the exception of a garage or driveway, shipping containers are a relatively cheap and cost-effective solution. You’ll often find that both buying a shipping container and hiring one are cheaper options than paying for specialist car storage in a third-party garage. You’re also able to keep your car close by if you need to, whereas other options may mean your vehicle is stored quite a distance from your home.

They are easily transported too, which means you can have your car and its home swiftly moved to a new location if you need to. This is great news for anyone who moves house frequently or doesn’t have one set living location.

Great for seasonal vehicles

Shipping container storage isn’t exclusive to cars, you could also use a shipping container to store a motorcycle for the winter when it’s not in use as often. A shipping container can be an extremely cost-effective solution for seasonal storage if you have a collection of motorbikes that can all be stored together. Just be sure to maximise the security of your container if you’re a classic collector!

Mobility

Many people love the flexibility and mobility of shipping containers, which can be hugely beneficial when using one for car storage. You can place a shipping container almost anywhere, as long as you have enough space and you have permission. This means you can keep your container close to you or in a secure location where you know your precious vehicle will be safe. 

The mobility of shipping containers also aligns with cost savings. If you’ve got plenty of garden space, you can go without the expensive garage expansion plans and simply place your shipping container in your garden where it’ll always be under your watchful eye. 

Many upgrade options

While shipping containers come as standard most of the time, it’s possible to upgrade and adapt them in multiple different ways. The beauty of shipping containers is that you can make them into anything you need them to be, whether you want to add ventilation to stop moisture from getting in or you want to upgrade the facade with cladding to improve the exterior. 

If you don’t want to put the work in yourself, you can even have a shipping container adapted to suit your requirements before it even arrives with you. From adding windows and new doors to lining the interior and painting the outside, the possibilities are virtually endless! 

Disadvantages of using a shipping container for car storage

Like any storage method, there can be some disadvantages to using a shipping container for storing your car. When deciding whether a shipping container is the right choice for storing your vehicle, you should give the same amount of consideration to the disadvantages as you do to the advantages. 

One of the most challenging factors is limited space. When compared to traditional garages or warehouses, shipping containers can be a little on the small side. This means while you may be able to store your car in the container, you may not be able to work on it inside there too. So if your car requires regular maintenance, you might need to find an alternative space to tinker in. 

In line with limited space, accessibility can be tricky too. Of course, if your container is situated on your private land or in your garden, you’ll be able to get to it as much as you want, but not everyone can place their shipping container somewhere close by. 

Can a car fit in a shipping container?

Like most commodities today, cars come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Before you head out to buy or hire a shipping container for your vehicle, it’s important to establish whether your car will fit into the container you choose. 

Car sizes in the UK average at around 4400mm in length, 1820mm in width, and 1535mm in height. In a tangible sense, these length and width sizes are what you would expect to find with a BMW 1 Series, while the height is about the same as a Fiat 500. These sizes sound small, but the most popular car in the UK in 2024 was the Ford Puma, with nearly 20,000 registrations by April 2024. This car measures close to the average UK car, at 4186mm long, 1805mm wide, and 1536mm high. 

Of course, many other makes and models could be much bigger or even smaller, which is why it’s important that you choose your shipping container based on the size of your vehicle/s and not an average. Typically, older and vintage cars will be smaller than the modern cars we’re used to today, but it’s still worth getting out your tape measure to be on the safe side. 

Don’t forget to allow space for you to get in and out of the vehicle. You don’t want to drive your car into the container to find you need to climb out of the sunroof!

How many cars fit in a shipping container?

If you’ve only got one car to store, it’s likely you won’t have any issues storing it comfortably in a shipping container. However, if you’re planning to store multiple vehicles, it’s really important to get your measurements right. 

A standard 20ft container can hold up to two small cars, depending on their size, when parked lengthways. This means you could theoretically store up to four cars in a 40ft shipping container, again depending on their size. However, to fit a car comfortably, it’s likely you’ll only be able to store one car in a 20ft container and two cars in a 40ft container. 

Choosing a shipping container for storing your car

When choosing a shipping container for car storage, there are several factors you need to consider before you make a decision. The key deciding factor will be the size of the car or cars you’re storing, so looking into different container types that meet your size requirements is essential.  

Container size

Once you’ve established the sizes of the cars you’ll be storing, you can think about the size of the container you’ll need to fit them in. Generally, any container smaller than 20ft will not be suitable to store most cars, unless you have small vintage roadsters to store. 

As mentioned earlier, a standard 20ft container can usually comfortably fit one car, sometimes two small cars. A standard 40ft container should be able to fit two average cars comfortably, possibly three or four if they are small. You also need to consider how much space you want to keep between each car when they are inside the container. 

High cube shipping containers are similar to standard containers but have an increased height. This makes them suitable candidates for higher cars such as jeeps or other types of 4x4s. 

Container type

Standard containers can also vary when it comes to their type and access. Typically, most containers have double doors on one end, or both ends. These are thought to be the most secure container type.

Shipping containers with double doors on both ends are often referred to as tunnel containers, and these can be particularly handy for car storage. With doors on both ends, you can drive the car in one end and out of the other. This flexibility is also useful if you’re storing more than one car. 

Some containers have sides that can be opened, known as side door access containers. While useful, these types of containers don’t always offer the same level of weather protection and security that closed containers do. With this in mind, these types of containers aren’t the best option for long-term storage, especially in locations exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Container condition

When choosing a shipping container for car storage, its condition will also play a factor in your decision. The container’s condition will impact both how much you pay for the container initially, and how much it costs you to prepare in readiness for your car to be stored. 

Both new and used containers can be used to effectively store cars, but typically, used shipping containers can be the more cost-effective option.

New shipping containers

If your shipping container is going to be placed in a highly visible location, its exterior might be more important to you. In this case, opting for a new or ‘nearly new’ shipping container would be the ideal option. 

New shipping containers typically cost more than used containers but will be free of dents and rust. This means they could last much longer than a container that’s already had a few trips. Plus, new shipping containers will require much less work when preparing to store your car as you may only need to make adaptations and not repairs. 

Prices for buying a new shipping container range anywhere from £2,375 for a 20ft container to £13,000 for a 40ft container, excluding VAT.  

Used shipping containers

Used shipping containers are the more cost-effective option when compared to new containers, but this is largely due to their slightly worse condition. Used shipping containers, while still robust and secure, often have rust patches or signs of wear and tear. 

If you buy a used shipping container for car storage, it’s likely you’ll need to put some work in to get it ready for use. Depending on the container you buy, you may need to make small changes like removing rust or adding new locking mechanisms. However, some containers require more work such as extensive repairs or repainting of the entire container.

Used shipping containers usually range in price from £1,250 for a 20ft used container to £1,750 for a 40ft used shipping container, excluding VAT.

How to prepare your container for car storage

Before you can store your car, you will need to prepare your shipping container. There are several elements to consider during preparation to ensure your vehicle stays in good condition while in storage. 

Proper foundation

The first step in preparing for storing your car is preparing for the arrival of your shipping container. This means ensuring the ground under your container is fit for purpose. For temporary placement of your shipping container, you will need to ensure the ground is stable. However, if you plan to store your car in a shipping container for a longer period, you may need to dig solid foundations first. 

Depending on the ground you’re planning to set your container on, digging a foundation for a shipping container could be essential. Without a stable foundation, the shipping container could shift or tilt over time which could damage the container by warping the doors and making them difficult to open. In turn, this could result in damage to your vehicle. Ideally, you’ll want to opt for a level cement slab foundation that will provide long-term stability for your container and its contents.

Prevent moisture-caused issues

Depending on the type of container you choose and its condition, you may need to carry out some work to prevent any moisture issues before you store your vehicle. If you don’t ensure proper ventilation and insulation, your car could be at risk of moisture damage. Some ways to protect your shipping container from condensation include: 

• Ventilation: Ensuring your container has adequate ventilation is the simplest and most cost-efficient way to control moisture. Adding vents to your shipping container can help to improve circulation and equalise the temperature, reducing the potential for condensation to build up.
• Insulation: The steel used to create the durable shell of a shipping container can be particularly susceptible to temperature changes. This can lead to condensation in the container and may also make the conditions inside unfavourable for your vehicle. To adequately insulate your container, you should use materials like spray foam, thermal fleece, and supaloft to keep the internal temperature warmer than the dew point.  
• Dehumidification: Dehumidifiers can make a great difference to the moisture levels in your shipping container. If you can customise your container to ensure electricity is available, they can be a cost-effective and easy way to prevent moisture build-up.
• Solar fans: If you have a particularly precious car to protect in your shipping container, it could be worth considering buying a solar fan. These fans can remove hot air much faster than traditional ventilation alone, further protecting your vehicle from mould, mildew, rust, and other moisture-related problems.
• Desiccants: These substances can help to reduce moisture in your shipping container, just as they do with consumer goods. You could use them in bags on the floor of your container or use them within the paint inside your container to keep the environment dry. You could even use a desiccant spray which can be applied directly to the walls inside the shipping container.

Keep pests out

Before you move your vehicle into the container, you should carry out a thorough inspection for holes and areas that insects or pests could get into. It’s a good idea to seal these holes with long-term solutions to prevent you from needing to carry out more maintenance in the future. You could also slightly elevate your shipping container to prevent pests from crawling inside when they get the chance. 

Throughout the life of your storage, you should always keep the area clean, ensuring you remove dirt, debris, and food particles thoroughly. Depending on the location of your container, you may also want to set traps and use pest-repellent products as a safety precaution and deterrent.

Secure your shipping container

When you’re ready to store your car, security should be an important consideration. Storing your car in a shipping container isn’t too dissimilar from keeping it in a garage or shed, so you’ll want to ensure you have the same level of security as you would with those storage options. If your vehicle is worth a lot of money, you may also want to consider additional padlocks or security cameras for extra protection and peace of mind.

Install a driving ramp

Shipping containers are essentially boxes, which means they don’t come with built-in ramps – unless, of course, you’ve paid for an adapted shipping container to be delivered. Before you put your car inside, you’ll need to install a ramp so you can drive your car in and out easily. It’s worth putting some thought into this, especially if your container is slightly elevated. You don’t want the wheels rolling off the sides of your ramp and potentially damaging the car before you’ve even got it inside.

Preparing your vehicle for long-term shipping container storage

Just as you need to prepare your shipping container, you’ll also need to ensure your car is thoroughly prepared for storage. There are a few steps you should take before storing your vehicle inside to make sure it’s in the best condition for storage, especially if you plan to store it for a long period of time.

If your container is placed on a slight incline, avoid keeping your handbrake on and instead use blocks to stop the car rolling. Damage can be caused to the car’s components and the handbrake could become rusted if left on while the car is in an incline position for extended periods.

Storing a vehicle long-term without running the car can lead to battery damage in some cases, whereby the battery can lose power or die. To mitigate this problem, you can disconnect the car’s negative battery cable. Be mindful that this could reset some settings inside the car so you may need to reset your radio and Bluetooth settings when you use the car again.

Cold temperatures can have a negative impact on tyres, causing them to lose air pressure and go flat. If your container has proper insulation and the temperature is regulated, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Be sure to check your tyres regularly and adjust ventilation to suit.

Before storing your car for an extended period, it’s also a good idea to change its oil and consider replacing the oil filter. This can reduce the chances of moisture accumulating inside the oil tank and thus damaging the internal components. You may also want to empty the fuel tank to avoid potential hazards. 

Before your car goes inside the container, you should clean it thoroughly to prevent the build-up of dust and other debris. Once your vehicle is inside the container, you should secure your vehicle with ratchet straps and lashing points. 

Using a shipping container as a garage

Shipping container car storage isn’t just an option for those with additional vehicles or people who need to store their car while it’s not in use. They can also be a great alternative to the traditional garage thanks to their durability, security, and cost-efficiency. 

Before deciding whether you should use a shipping container or a garage, you’ll want to consider factors such as how often you need to access the car, your budget, and the amount of space you have available.

Shipping container vs traditional garage

When deciding whether to choose a garage or shipping container, you should think about all the pros and cons of both options. Both options have several advantages when it comes to car storage, so it really comes down to preference and your specific requirements. 

• Security: A robust and well-built garage can protect your vehicle from both the elements and thieves, reducing the risk of damage while keeping it in good condition. Shipping containers can also offer a high level of security, sometimes more than a garage if you equip it with additional locks and security measures.
• Accessibility: With a garage attached to or close to your home, you have more convenient access than you might have with a shipping container. Additionally, if you’re still using the car regularly, garages often offer more space to access the vehicle and perform maintenance tasks without worrying about the weather. With shipping containers, it might be more difficult to access your car, especially if you’ve used only one container for your garage and need to carry out work on it, as the space around your car might be quite tight.
• Storage space: Depending on the size of your garage and the number of vehicles you need to store, your space may be more limited with a garage. Shipping containers can be stacked to offer more space, or joined side by side to accommodate your needs, whereas garages often don’t offer the same level of customisation.
• Cost: If you’ve already got a garage you can use as car storage, then cost won’t be a huge factor for consideration. However, if you’re starting from scratch, either building a garage or extending one, you could face high costs. Shipping containers generally cost much less and are quicker to get hold of. 
• Ventilation: Many garages lack proper ventilation which can lead to poor air quality and a build-up of humidity.  Adapting a garage to have adequate ventilation can also be tricky and costly. Shipping containers can be customised with proper ventilation to ensure your car is free from moisture and condensation.

Check your local regulations

Before you decide on shipping container car storage, you’ll need to check your local council regulations. Some councils have restrictions on where you can place a shipping container, while others may even require planning permission, particularly in built-up areas. Be sure to carry out thorough research in your area to find out what’s feasible.

Final thoughts

Using a shipping container as car storage can be an excellent option for many people, offering several advantages over the alternatives. Whether you’re planning to travel and need short-term storage or you’re looking for somewhere to store your vintage pride and joy, a shipping container could be just the storage solution you need. 

FAQs

How big is a shipping container?

Shipping containers traditionally come in 20ft and 40ft lengths, but custom sizes like 8ft, 9ft or 30ft options are also available by cutting down the standard sized containers, albeit less commonly. With high adaptability, shipping containers can be customised to meet your size requirements, which means you could potentially go as big as you need.

How do you transport a car in a shipping container?

Once you’ve driven your car into a shipping container, it can be transported in a variety of ways if you need to move the container elsewhere. Shipping containers can be transported by road, rail, and sea, depending on exactly where you need them to be.