Fed up with worrying about how to protect your vehicle?
You may want to consider shipping container storage. It’s low-cost vehicle storage, highly secure, and you don’t need to go through the hassle of having a garage constructed. Simply place it on your land and voila, weatherproof vehicle storage that resists theft and is good to use year-round. It’s ideal for those who want to declutter their garage or who don’t want to go through a garage conversion.
Here are a few benefits:
- Shipping containers keep your car safe from rainstorms, rodents, and prying eyes.
- Choose a container size that can hold one or multiple vehicles.
- Containers are transportable. You can take it with you when you move.
- Add ramps, insulation, side doors, or customize it any way you’d like.
We’ve had customers store containers temporarily while renovating their garage to using them to store their weekend cruiser in the off-season. If you want short-term or long-term storage for your car, truck, or motorcycle, using containers can work great for you.
In this article, we walk you through shipping containers for vehicle storage.
Compatible Shipping Containers for Cars
| Feature | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
| Best For | Single car + some tools | 2 cars or car + workshop |
| Common Car Fit | Sedans, SUVs, Jeeps | Long trucks or multiple vehicles |
| Space Needed | ~2 parking spots | Large driveway or gravel pad |
Shipping Containers for Vehicle Storage: Benefits & Tips
Shipping containers are durable, convenient solutions for vehicle storage. They help protect your car from the weather and theft, save you money in the long run, can be moved if you change locations, and customized to fit your storage needs.
Durability & Security
Shipping containers are made of thick steel. They’re weatherproof and difficult for thieves to break into. Add a deadbolt lock to the door, and you have yourself a storage unit that will deter theft, mold, rodents, and the elements. You can purchase new shipping containers or used shipping containers.
New Garage vs. Shipping Container: What’s More Affordable?
Building a garage or renting a self-storage unit can become expensive. Shipping containers are less expensive than traditional storage methods, especially if you buy a used container in good condition. Containers won’t rust or fade from the sun like your car, saving you money on car restoration down the road. Containers are also very low maintenance.
Compared to building a garage or renting a self-storage unit, containers are a way cheaper option, especially if you snag a used one in decent shape. They’re low-maintenance and protect your car from weather damage, which can save you money in the long run.
Versatility & Mobility
Standard vehicles will fit easily into either a 20-foot or 40-foot container. Need extra space? You can fit multiple cars into one container if necessary. Planning an upcoming move? You can take the container with you. Ranchers, homeowners, and construction workers can place them on their property.
Customization Potential
Add airflow by cutting ventilation into the container or wrapping insulation on the walls. Install lights and shelves or add a solar fan to keep air circulating. Don’t like the look of a standard steel container? Paint it, have it wrapped, or decorate it to match your home or business. If you need extra height for taller vehicles or to install shelves, high cube containers are one foot taller than regular containers.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Shipping Containers for Vehicle Storage
Will It Fit? Inside Dimensions Checklist
20 Foot Container Interior Dimensions:
- Width: 7’8″ (equates to 92 inches)
- Height: 7’10″ (equates to 94 inches)
- Length: 19’4″ (equates to 232 inches)
40 Foot Container Interior Dimensions:
- Width: 7’8″ (equates to 92 inches)
- Height: 7’10″ (equates to 94 inches)
- Length: 39’5″ (equates to 473 inches)
“The Door Swing” Problem: Avoid Getting Trapped Inside Your Container!
Problem: Standard shipping containers are 8ft wide from the outside panel to outside panel, but your car isn’t magically going to fit into that small of space. Once you take into account the corrugated walls plus the width of your car, there may not be enough room to swing your car door all the way open to get out.
Solutions:
- High Cube Containers: These containers are 1 foot taller than standard containers (9’6″ vs. 8’6″). More vertical space = more lighting and ventilation through roof vents. They’re great for taller vehicles such as SUVs or lifted trucks.
- Side-Opening Containers: If you have a wider vehicle (think trucks, vans, campers, or vintage cars with long car doors), a side-opening container will provide you with 8 feet of clearance instead of having to squeeze past your own car. This allows you to walk all the way into the container, make your car swoosh out, and avoids any damage if you need to access your car frequently or are storing multiple vehicles shoulder to shoulder.
Pro Tip: Storing a vintage vehicle? We recommend investing in a One-Trip (New) container. The floors have not been used to haul materials, meaning no funky smells or chemicals will bleed onto your car’s upholstery.
Zoning Regulations & Permits
Make sure your city or county doesn’t have restrictions with container storage. Some cities don’t allow containers over a certain size or may have restrictions on where you can place it on your property or how long you can keep it there. Containers under 10 feet tall may require a permit if it’ll be on your property for a long period of time. Give your local city hall or county office a call to double-check.
Space & Accessibility
Make sure there will be enough space to easily get your vehicle in and out. A standard 20-foot container is perfect for the average sedan or SUV, but if you want space to spare go with a 40-footer. The ground should be level and you’ll need to leave enough room for your vehicle to turn as well as a ramp that won’t damage your car.
Temperature & Humidity
Since metal retains heat and attracts moisture, parts of your car may rust or paint bubble. Installing vents, adding insulation, or installing a solar fan helps with air circulation. You can also throw moisture absorbing silica packs found here inside to prevent future rust and mold.
Foundation & Placement
Place the container on gravel or concrete blocks/pads to allow for airflow underneath and keep it leveled. Choose an area with little to no flooding and away from trees that could fall on it or drop pine needles inside.
Ensuring You Have Enough Space for Delivery
- Straight-Line Clearance: The truck that drops off your container will need approximately 60 feet of straight clearance to unload your 20-foot container.
- Driving Surface: Ensure you have a nice, flat surface such as gravel or concrete for the truck to drive on and your container to sit. You don’t want the truck sinking into the dirt or your container tipping and falling over.
- Mirror-To-Mirror Width: Remember when measuring to see if your car will fit in our 7’8″ interior width? Measure your vehicle from mirror to mirror.
Avoiding “Container Rain”
Due to drastic changes in temperature, containers tend to “sweat.” Also known as container rain, condensation from the ceiling can drip onto your vehicle.
Solution:
Use moisture absorbing silica packs to ensure there’s no moisture buildup in the container.
Install roof vents or a solar fan to allow constant air circulation.
Add insulation if you plan on storing high-value vehicles or cars you wish to keep in mint condition.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping Container Storage
Cleaning It Up
Give your vehicle a good wash and wax to keep dust, dirt, and rust at bay. Vacuum the inside of your vehicle, remove any crumbs or food, and wipe down with a microfiber cloth to prevent mold and that funny smell cars get when left for too long.
Fluid Levels & Fuel
Fill up your gas tank and add fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from going bad. While you’re at it, why not check (or change) your oil, ensure your coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are topped off.
Battery Maintenance
Car batteries lose their charge quickly when not in use. Disconnect your battery or use a trickle charger. If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, remove your battery and store it somewhere with low humidity.
Tire Maintenance
Fill your tires with air at the correct PSI to avoid flat spots from forming. For long-term storage, use tire cradles or jack your vehicle up.
Cover Your Vehicle
Use a breathable car cover to prevent dust from settling on your paint. It can also prevent scratches and rust. Avoid plastic car covers as they trap moisture.
Parking Brake
Avoid leaving your parking brake on. It can get stuck over time. Instead, use wheel chocks.
Preparing the Shipping Container for Car Storage
Inspect the Container
Before buying a container ensure there’s no rust holes or potential critter guests. Check to ensure the doors fully close and latch with no gaps. Finally, ensure the container floor isn’t cracked, soft, or stained.
Give It a Good Cleaning
Grab a broom and wipe down the container. Remove any dust, grime, and leftover grease. Scrape off any loose paint or rust.
Adding Ventilation
If your container doesn’t have vents, go ahead and install a few. You don’t want any moisture building up in there and you’ll want some fresh air circulating. Installing roof vents and a solar fan allows ventilation without using electricity. Place your vents toward the top and bottom of the container to allow for cross breeze.
Adding Moisture Control
Once you’ve sealed all openings and holes, place silica packs or a small electric dehumidifier in the container. It’s best to elevate the container off the ground to prevent moisture from rising from the ground into your container.
Protecting the Container Floor
Place rubber mats or sealed plywood down on the floor to prevent any oil from ruining the container floor. Heavy tires can also damage the flooring over time. It also provides traction and makes cleaning spills easier.
Securing Your Car Inside the Container
Positioning Your Vehicle
Drive your car all the way in and center it. Don’t park up against one side because not only could your car shift when being moved, but if it rains or you pour down your container could flood one side of your vehicle. Leave space around your vehicle, turn on your emergency break, and set your car in park.
Adding Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks are essential when storing your vehicle. We recommend heavy-duty rubber wheel chocks or metal ones. You can find scrap wood wheel chocks at your local warehouse store, but avoid using them as they can break. Place your wheel chocks tightly against each tire. For extra security, you can screw the chocks into the ground and your tires.
Ratchet Straps
Place ratchet straps on each corner of your vehicle. Connect the strap to your frames, axles, or towing points then latch them onto the container’s tie-down points. Crank the straps down until they’re tight. Don’t overtighten and bend your frames or axles. For intense weather conditions or extra security, you can add a strap across the top of your vehicle.
Final Lock Down
Give your car one final shake. Are the straps and chocked tight? Can your car move at all? Pad any corners that could dent your vehicle. Close the door and lock it with a heavy duty bolt lock.
Maintenance Tips While in Storage
Monthly Visual Inspection
Take a peek inside and outside the container monthly. You want to catch any rust building up or holes you may have missed that could invite water or insects inside. Check the seals around the doors, lock, and underneath to ensure they haven’t deteriorated. Deterioration can cause dust, rain, or insects to make their way inside.
Occasionally Start Your Vehicle
Starting your vehicle every couple of weeks not only ensures everything is running properly, but it keeps your battery from dying. Let your car engine run for 15 minutes to allow all the fluids to warm up and dry out the exhaust. Turn on your heat or air for extra points.
Replace Desiccants
Silica Packs are great for absorbing any moisture in your container. Replace them once a month, more if you live in areas with high humidity.
Ready to Upgrade Your Car Storage? The Simple, Secure Solution is Here.
Transportable, storage containers are great alternatives to garages when it comes to keeping your vehicles safe. Not only do they lock securely, but they provide shelter from rain, snow, bugs, and rodents. Containers come in various sizes such as 20- and 40-foot containers. You can purchase containers that will store your one car or many. Customize your container with venting, moisture absorbers, or a solar fan to prevent rust and keep your vehicles stored safely for years to come. If you’re interested in a durable, cost-effective method of storage for your vehicles, we recommend using shipping containers.
In need of a reliable storage container? Check out Steel Box Shipping Containers. We have a selection of new and used containers ready for delivery. Contact us today to find the perfect shipping container for your vehicle storage needs.
