Storing a vehicle in a shipping container made simple

Storing a Vehicle in a Shipping Container: The Complete Guide for Safe + Smart Storage

Storing a vehicle in a shipping container isn’t something most people think about – or even know is an option. Whether you’re protecting a collectible classic, a summer-only car, a project truck, or a vehicle you simply don’t have space for right now, you want it stored safely, securely, and without paying a fortune.

Shipping containers have become a surprisingly effective solution for this kind of long-term storage. Strong, weatherproof, and more affordable than commercial storage garages, they offer a controlled environment that many vehicle owners prefer. Choosing the right container and preparing your vehicle correctly can make all the difference between peace of mind and a costly mistake.

This guide to storing a vehicle in a shipping container walks you through everything you need to know, including when a container is the right fit, how to prepare it for your vehicle, how to prepare your vehicle, and how to place and maintain your container so your car stays protected year-round.

Table of Contents

Why More People Are Storing a Vehicle in a Shipping Container

If you’re thinking about storing a vehicle in a shipping container, it’s probably because you’re trying to protect something that matters, whether that’s a classic car, a project vehicle, a work truck, or equipment you simply can’t leave outside. And you’re not alone. Across Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona, more people are choosing containers as a safer, smarter alternative to cramped garages, unpredictable weather, and outdoor parking.

Customers tell us the same thing over and over:  “I just needed a simple, secure solution that didn’t require building something new.”


A shipping container delivers exactly that. Here’s why this vehicle storage trend is growing in every state we serve:

Weather Protection That Actually Works: Shipping containers weren’t designed for mild conditions, they were engineered to survive ocean storms, salt spray, high winds, and major temperature swings. When someone chooses a storage container rental to protect their vehicle, they’re getting the benefit of that same steel-built durability. Inside a container, your vehicle is protected from:

  • Winter storms and heavy rain in Washington
  • Intense sun exposure in Arizona
  • Coastal moisture in California
  • Snow, wind, and temperature swings in Oregon

Customers often describe it as giving their vehicle “its own personal fortress.” And honestly, that’s not far off.

Security That Gives You Peace of Mind: A typical carport or portable tent might block  weather – but it won’t stop theft. A shipping container does both. .Heavy steel doors combined with a welded lockbox provide real, reliable security.

For owners of  classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, overlanding rigs, or business equipment, that level of protection matters. We often hear from customers who tell us they finally sleep easier once their vehicle is behind steel doors instead of sitting out in the open.

Mobility When Life Changes: One of the biggest surprises for customers is how effortlessly a shipping container can  move —vehicle and all—if life demands it. . Whether you’re:

  • Relocating between homes,
  • Transitioning job sites,
  • Reorganizing your property, or
  • Needing temporary storage while you remodel,

the container can be picked up, transported, and set back down without you unloading a single thing. Customers love this because it turns their storage solution into something flexible, not fixed.

More Cost-Effective Than Building a Garage: Permits. Construction. Concrete pads. Delays. It adds up fast. Renting a storage container gives you instant protection without:

  • Long-term commitments
  • Required construction
  • Upfront costs
  • Waiting for a contractor

It’s why so many people choose container rentals as a bridge solution during moves, remodels, or seasonal changes, it gives you what you need now, not months from now.

Flexible Placement That Fits Your Life: You don’t need a foundation. You don’t need a perfectly flat lot. You don’t need to redesign your property. A storage container can be placed almost anywhere:

  • driveways
  • side yards
  • commercial lots
  • farms and ranches
  • industrial yards
  • Get Simple Box secure storage yards

That flexibility is one reason people from Phoenix to Portland, Seattle to Sacramento rely on containers when they need reliable vehicle storage without the hassle.

 

Pro Tip: If you’re between homes, remodeling, prepping for winter, or simply need a secure place to keep a vehicle short-term, renting is often the easiest and most affordable path. You get all the protection without a long-term commitment, and when you’re done, the container is picked up just as easily as it was delivered.

What Types of Vehicles Fit Inside a Storage Container

One of the most common questions people ask when considering vehicle storage is, “Will my vehicle actually fit inside a shipping container?” The good news is, yes, in most cases it will. Standard conex boxes come in three practical sizes, each built with an interior width of 8 feet and a standard interior height of 8 feet 6 inches (with High Cube models offering an extra foot of vertical clearance at 9’6″).

  • 10ft containers (10′ L x 8′ W x 8’6″ H) are less common but perfect for smaller vehicles and equipment—think ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, and compact utility rigs.
  • 20ft containers (20′ L x 8′ W x 8’6″ H) are the most popular for vehicle storage and offer the ideal footprint for sedans, SUVs, small trucks, and project cars.
  • 40ft containers (40′ L x 8′ W x 8’6″ H) are the go-to choice when you’re storing multiple vehicles, oversized equipment, or longer wheelbase rigs.

Because these dimensions are standardized worldwide, shipping containers are far more versatile than most people expect. Whether you’re storing something compact, something oversized, or something you’re simply not willing to leave outside, there’s almost always a container size that fits your needs and protects your investment.

Below are the most common vehicles and equipment our customers store, from family favorites to specialty rigs:

Classic Cars: Perfect for owners who want to shield their vehicle from dust, UV damage, moisture, and curious hands. A standard 20ft shipping container measures 20′ long, 8′ wide, and 8’6″ tall, with a sturdy steel interior that feels like a private, portable garage. For comparison, a typical classic sedan is around 6’–6.5′ wide and 4.5’–5′ tall, which means it fits comfortably inside with room to spare on both sides. The steel walls create a stable, climate-friendly environment that protects aging paint, chrome, and interior materials. For collectors who value discretion and security, containers provide a sealed, weather-tight space that’s perfectly sized for most classic cars. High Cube versions, one foot taller at 9’6″, offer even more overhead clearance when needed.

Sports Cars: Low-profile vehicles thrive in containers because nothing falls, drips, or bumps into them. The predictable steel-walled environment prevents accidental dings and eliminates condensation concerns that often come with traditional garages.

Project Cars: For anyone tackling a long-term build, a storage container becomes more than storage, it becomes a workspace, parts room, and protection zone. Shelving, lofts, and tool storage make it easy to keep everything organized above and around the vehicle.

ATVs & Side-by-Sides: Customers love storing off-road vehicles in containers because everything, helmets, recovery gear, spare parts, and tools, stays together in one secure, weather-proof space. It’s ideal for off-season storage or desert and mountain riders who want quick access.

Golf Carts: HOAs, golf course communities, and homeowners frequently choose container rentals for golf cart storage. Containers keep rain, sun, and dust off both electric and gas carts, and provide space for chargers, tools, and accessories.

Motorcycles: Motorcycles benefit from a dry, dust-free, locked environment. Many riders create themed interiors, add small tap lights, or set up shelving for helmets, gear, and tools. Whether you ride a Harley, custom build, or adventure bike, a container keeps it in showroom condition.

Small Airplanes: Yes, small personal aircraft can fit inside 40ft (40′ L x 8′ W x 8’6″ H) or high-cube conex containers. Pilots often choose them when hangar space is limited or too expensive. High cubes provide the extra vertical clearance needed for tail height and interior wing storage.

 

A small personal airplane stored inside a 40ft high-cube shipping container

Mini Excavators & Skid Steers: Contractors and landowners use containers to protect heavy equipment from theft, vandalism, and weather. Buckets, attachments, and safety gear can be stored in the same secure space, keeping job sites cleaner and more efficient.

Overlanding Vehicles: Overlanding rigs come with rooftop tents, recovery gear, compressors, tools, spare parts, and more, but a 40ft container handles it all. Many customers install loft shelving, hang straps from upper D-rings, and store hundreds of pounds of gear above the vehicle.

Fleet Vehicles: Businesses with rotating or seasonal fleets rely on containers for affordable, scalable protection. Rather than building expensive structures, they place one or multiple portable storage units for rent wherever they need them.

Pro Tip: When searching online, phrases like “container rental near me” or “portable storage units for rent” help you find local options quickly.

Choosing the Right Container Size

Once you’ve decided to store a vehicle in a shipping container, the next question is: “Which container size do I actually need?” For most people, the choice comes down to a 20ft container or a 40ft container, each solving a different kind of problem. Think of it like choosing between a parking space and a full garage, both work, but one gives you extra room to breathe, walk around, and organize tools or gear.

That said, there are some situations where a 10ft container is the perfect fit. While less common, 10ft containers offer secure, compact storage for motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, dirt bikes, scooters, and other two-wheel or small recreational vehicles. If you don’t need the footprint of a full 20ft unit, a 10ft box can be a space-saving alternative that still provides full steel-wall protection.

Here’s how to know which option fits your vehicle, your space, and your goals:

20ft Standard Shipping Container

A 20ft container is perfect for storing sedans, small SUVs, motorcycles, and other compact vehicles. It offers a smaller footprint on your property, which makes it easier to place in a driveway, side yard, or tight space. Side clearance can be tight, but for short-term or seasonal storage, most customers find that it does exactly what they need, clean, dry, secure protection without taking up unnecessary room.

40ft Standard or High Cube Storage Container

For customers who want more than just a parking spot, those who want space to walk around, add shelving, create a gear loft, or store tools, a 40ft storage container is the clear winner. The extra length gives you room to work, while high cube versions add an additional foot of interior height, making them ideal for lifted trucks, overlanding rigs, or vehicles with rooftop tents. If you’re planning long-term storage, want a combined workshop + vehicle setup, or need space for multiple items, this size delivers the most versatility.

Pro Tip: A 40ft container functions like a garage you can relocate, plenty of room for your vehicle, your gear, and your future plans.

 

A Polaris side-by-side safely stored in a standard conex box

Renting vs. Buying a Shipping Container for Vehicle Storage

As people explore the idea of storing a vehicle in a shipping container, a natural question comes up pretty quickly: “Should I rent a container… or buy one?”

Both options work really well, they just support different goals. Renting is about solving a short-term need with maximum convenience. Buying is about creating a long-term space you can shape, modify, and rely on for years to come.

Here’s how to decide which path fits your situation.

When Renting Makes Sense

Renting a storage container is perfect for customers who need quick, flexible, no-commitment storage. Most renters are navigating a temporary season, not building a permanent garage or workshop.

You might be the perfect candidate for a rental if:

  • You need short-term or seasonal storage: Winterizing a convertible, protecting a classic car from storms, storing an ATV during the off-season, or keeping a project vehicle safe, renting gives you the space immediately, without long-term strings attached.
  • You want convenience without construction: A storage container rental is delivered right where you need it, set in place with precision, and picked up when you’re done. No building permits. No waiting for a contractor. No layout changes to your property.
  • You’re searching for local, affordable options: Many people find rentals by typing “container rental near me” or “portable storage units for rent,” because they want simple, budget-friendly vehicle storage solutions that are close to home.
  • You’re in a transition period: If you’re moving, remodeling your garage, managing an estate, or preparing for a relocation, renting a storage container gives you a clean, secure, weather-tight place to store your vehicle while life shifts around you.

Renting is the best fit when you need something fast, flexible, and temporary, a tool that helps you get through a season, not something you plan to keep forever.

When Buying Makes the Most Sense

Buying a shipping container is a great choice for customers who want permanent control, long-term reliability, or the ability to customize their storage environment. Ownership becomes the better option when:

  • You want the freedom to modify the container: Ventilation, insulation, shelving, electrical hookups, windows, roll-up doors, any customization requires ownership. If you’re dreaming about the perfect workshop or gear station, buying gives you that freedom.
  • You need dependable long-term storage: Collectors, hobbyists, contractors, and businesses often choose ownership because the need isn’t going away anytime soon. Over years of use, buying becomes more cost-effective than renting.
  • You want a dedicated garage or workshop space: Many customers upgrade a container into a full vehicle bay with lighting, loft storage, tool walls, charging stations, or gear shelves. When you own the container, you can build it exactly the way you want.
  • You want year-round access and total control: Ownership means the container stays exactly where you want it, for as long as you want it, with no pickup dates, rental agreements, or usage limitations.

Pro Tip: If you want the flexibility of ownership without the larger upfront cost, rent-to-own storage containers give you the best of both worlds, start with monthly payments and end with full ownership.

Step-by-Step: How to Store a Vehicle in a Shipping Container

Storing a vehicle in a shipping container isn’t complicated, but there is a right way to do it. Over decades of helping customers prepare their classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, overlanding rigs, and even small aircraft for container storage, we’ve learned that a few small steps make the difference between a vehicle that comes out perfect… and one that doesn’t.
Think of this section as your roadmap: simple, practical, and based on what actually works in the real world.

Step 1: Control Moisture, Above All Else

If we could give just one piece of advice, this would be it: moisture is the #1 cause of damage inside a container. Because containers are made of steel, they heat up during the day and cool down at night, creating condensation on the ceiling and walls. That moisture can drip onto your vehicle and lead to rust, mildew, odors, and interior damage if not controlled.

Moisture prevention is simple, but you have to do it on day one.

Do this to keep your container dry:

  • Don’t load a wet vehicle
  • Use desiccants (1–2 Damp-Rid tubs)
  • Replace them every 30–60 days
  • Keep the container fully closed once sealed
  • Optional vents for long-term setups

Step 2: Keep Fuel Low & Disconnect the Battery

Storing a vehicle in a sealed steel box means you want to control fumes and prevent electrical drain. A full fuel tank expands in temperature swings, creating vapor buildup inside the container. A quarter tank (or just enough to reposition the vehicle) is ideal and keeps things safe.

Your battery also won’t enjoy sitting for months without attention. Disconnecting it, or using a maintainer if power is available, avoids parasitic drain and protects electrical components.

Checklist:

  • Keep fuel at a quarter tank
  • Disconnect the battery or use a maintainer
  • Leave the hood slightly ajar for airflow

Step 3: Prepare the Container Placement & Surface

Before you even load the vehicle, the ground beneath the container plays a huge role in how well your setup performs. A container placed on uneven, soft, or wet ground will shift, settle, and potentially trap moisture underneath. That can lead to jammed doors, standing water, or accelerated rust at the base.

A simple surface choice prevents all of that.

Ideal placement surfaces:

  • Concrete
  • Asphalt
  • Compacted gravel

Surfaces to avoid:

  • Grass
  • Mud
  • Puddles
  • Soft ground

Why it matters:

  • Keeps doors aligned
  • Prevents moisture pooling
  • Makes loading and unloading safer

Step 4: Avoid Plastic Tarps or Covers

This one surprises people, but plastic tarps do more harm than good inside a container. While they seem protective, they actually trap moisture against the paint, chrome, and upholstery, creating the exact conditions that cause rust and mildew. Think of plastic as a “condensation magnet.”

A breathable cover, on the other hand, protects the vehicle while still allowing air circulation.

Use this instead:

  • Breathable fabric covers
  • Fitted car covers
  • Cotton sheets (great for classic cars)

Step 5: Parking Brake & Gears

It feels natural to set the parking brake, but for long-term storage, that’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Brake pads pressed against rotors for months can fuse together, leaving you with a stuck wheel or squealing brakes. Instead, rely on the transmission and wheel chocks.

This step alone has saved customers thousands in avoidable repairs.

Do this instead of setting the brake:

  • Leave the vehicle in gear (manual)
  • Leave it in Park (automatic)
  • Use wheel chocks on level ground

Step 6: Prepare for Possible Movement

Even if you think the container will stay put, life happens. Maybe you reposition it later. Maybe a contractor needs space. Maybe the container needs to be moved within a storage yard. For this reason, you should always secure the vehicle as if the container might be moved.

A few ratchet straps provide peace of mind, and prevent the vehicle from shifting during lifting or transport.

Secure the vehicle properly:

  • Use ratchet straps to D-rings
  • Attach straps to frame or axle points
  • Strap snugly, not overly tight
  • Double-check all connections

Step 7: Access, Door Width & Ramps

The inside width of a shipping container is around 7’8”, which means door clearance is tight for most cars. Many customers are surprised the first time they attempt to climb out, rolling down the window before parking becomes the preferred exit strategy.

Low-clearance cars may also need help clearing the container’s door lip. A simple DIY ramp setup solves this instantly and prevents bumper damage.

Ramp tips for smooth entry:

  • Containers are ~7’8” wide inside
  • Use descending ramps for low-clearance vehicles
  • Build ramps using paver blocks or lumber:
     12″ → 10″ → 8″ → 4″ → 2″

How to Secure a Vehicle Inside a Shipping Container

One thing many people don’t realize when storing a vehicle in a shipping container is that the container itself may eventually move, even if you never planned on it. Maybe the property needs to be rearranged. Maybe your landlord asks you to shift the placement. Or maybe the container needs to be lifted at a storage yard or transported during your move.
Because of that, your vehicle should always be secured as if the container might tilt, lift, or shift at some point. It’s the difference between a smooth relocation and a very bad surprise.

Fortunately, securing your vehicle inside a container is simple, and shipping containers are already designed with this purpose in mind. Every standard Conex Box comes equipped with built-in D-rings, heavy, welded tie-down points located on the floor (and sometimes along the ceiling) specifically for anchoring heavy equipment. With the right approach, your vehicle will stay perfectly in place no matter what the container does.

Here’s how to secure it the right way:

  • Standard containers include floor and ceiling D-rings for multiple tie-down options
  • Use a minimum of 4 high-quality ratchet straps (more for heavier vehicles)
  • Attach straps to solid frame or axle points, never to bumpers or plastic components
  • Apply firm, even tension without over-tightening
  • Check strap tension regularly during long-term storage
  • Proper tie-downs prevent any movement during lifting, tilting, transport, or relocation

If you take just a few minutes to strap down your vehicle properly, the container can be lifted, shifted, or even transported cross-town, and your vehicle will stay exactly where you parked it.

Creative Setups: Shelving, Lofts, Lighting & Dual-Purpose Storage

Most people are surprised by how much potential a shipping container has once you step inside. What looks like a simple steel box from the outside can become a fully organized workshop, gear room, or dual-purpose vehicle bay with just a few thoughtful upgrades. Whether you’re storing a classic car, outfitting an overlanding rig, or keeping tools and equipment secure, the interior of your container can be customized to fit the way you work and live.
 Because containers come with built-in D-rings, solid steel walls, and high ceilings (in high cubes), you already have the perfect foundation for a smart, efficient setup.

For many customers, adding a few shelves or lights turns the container from “just storage” into the most functional space on their property. Here are the creative configurations that customers love most:

Loft Shelving

  • Install a loft or overhead shelf to store spare parts, tools, recovery gear, and seasonal equipment
  • Upper D-rings make it easy to suspend brackets or build a full-width shelf without sacrificing floor space
  • Ideal for overlanding setups, project builds, and anyone juggling tools + vehicle storage

Tool + Vehicle Combo Setup

  • A 40ft storage container has enough space to park a vehicle and still create a dedicated tool zone or workbench
  • Perfect for contractors, off-roaders, car builders, and collectors
  • Consolidates everything you need, tools, gear, and vehicle, under one secure roof

Lighting Options

  • Magnetic LED lights instantly attach to the steel walls
  • Solar-powered lights or battery-powered overhead fixtures provide visibility without electrical wiring
  • Rechargeable tap lights offer quick, simple illumination for those in-and-out moments

Ventilation Options

  • Solar fans help move warm or moist air out of the container
  • Filtered vents allow airflow while keeping dust and pests out
  • Cross-vent configurations help regulate temperature and reduce condensation

Pro Tip: Those D-rings aren’t just for securing vehicles, they’re incredible anchors for shelving, hanging gear, or creating a full loft system. Using vertical space gives you room to store more without giving up valuable floor area.

A motorcycle parked inside a storage container with loft-style shelving and organized gear

Real-World Example: How Brian Turned a Shipping Container Into the Ultimate Overlanding Garage

Every once in a while, we meet a customer whose setup becomes the example we share with others, and Brian is one of those people. He’s an off-roader, gear tinkerer, and overlanding enthusiast who needed a space that could keep up with the way he adventures. His garage was overflowing with tools, tires, and camping gear, and he wanted a place where everything could stay organized, secure, and ready at a moment’s notice.

Instead of building a new structure or shuffling things around for the hundredth time, Brian did something different: he turned a 40ft shipping container into a dual-purpose workshop and vehicle bay that works better than any garage he’s ever owned.

The Back Half: A Fully Loaded Gear & Tool Station

Brian started by transforming the back section of his container into a dedicated gear room. This wasn’t just a shelf and a toolbox, it became the command center for all his off-road trips.

Inside, he keeps:

  • recovery kits
  • camping equipment
  • jacks and tools
  • spare parts
  • air compressors
  • straps and tie-downs
  • multiple sets of tires

To maximize every inch of vertical space, Brian hung a full-width loft shelf from the upper D-rings, an incredibly smart move. It keeps heavy equipment stored safely overhead while leaving the entire floor clear for his vehicle. It’s the kind of setup that makes you think, “Why didn’t I do this years ago?”

The Front Half: A Home for His Fully Outfitted Subaru

The other half of the container houses Brian’s pride and joy: his fully equipped overlanding Subaru. If you’ve ever seen a well-built adventure rig, you know it comes with a lot of extras, rooftop tent, off-road tires, swing-out carrier, recovery boards, and plenty more.

The 40ft storage container gives him space not just to park it, but to walk around, access doors, and load gear before every trip. It’s one thing to have storage, but it’s another to have storage that actually makes your adventures easier, and that’s exactly what this setup does.

The Evolution: From Renting to Owning

Brian originally rented a container because he needed a quick solution to a growing gear problem. But within months, he realized he wanted more flexibility, shelving, lighting, and permanent organization.

That’s when he decided to buy a shipping container and build it out exactly the way he wanted. This is a story we see often: a customer starts with a rental, discovers how incredibly useful a container can be, and eventually decides to make it a long-term home for their tools, equipment, and vehicle.

Why His Setup Works So Well

Brian’s container is a perfect example of what’s possible when you pair creativity with the structure of a conex box. It’s secure, weather-tight, and fully customizable, and because everything lives in one place, prepping for a trip takes minutes instead of hours.

Whether someone is storing an overlanding rig, a classic car, a collection of tools, or a mix of all three, Brian’s setup proves that a shipping container isn’t just storage, it’s a solution that simplifies your life and empowers your hobbies.

Storage Ideas for Other Vehicles & Equipment

Not every customer comes to us with a classic car or an overlanding rig. In fact, a surprising number of people use containers to protect vehicles and equipment that don’t fit in a traditional garage at all. If it has wheels, wings, tracks, or a motor, chances are someone has stored it successfully inside a shipping container. The goal is always the same: keep valuable equipment sheltered, secure, and organized while making access simple and stress-free. Here are some of the most common setups we see:

Motorcycles, ATVs & Golf Carts: Customers love storing these smaller vehicles because a container keeps them dry, dust-free, and out of sight. Many riders also appreciate the ability to store helmets, chargers, fuel cans, recovery gear, and tools alongside their vehicles without cluttering up their garage.

Mini Excavators, Skid Steers & Even Small Airplanes: Construction professionals often use containers to secure heavy equipment at job sites, protecting machines from weather and theft. In rural or aviation communities, customers have even stored small personal aircraft in 40ft high-cube units when hangar space was unavailable.

Fleet Vehicles: Businesses with seasonal or rotating fleets use portable storage units to manage overflow, protect assets during slow periods, and maintain a cleaner, safer yard. A container becomes a mini “fleet hub” that keeps vehicles organized and secure.

Climate-Specific Advice

No matter where you live, the rainy Northwest, the sunny Southwest, the deserts of Arizona, or the coastal towns of California, climate plays a huge role in how you should store a vehicle in a shipping container. A few small adjustments make all the difference in keeping your vehicle clean, dry, and damage-free.

Wet or Cold Climates:  Moisture control becomes critical. Temperature swings can cause condensation, so desiccants matter more than anything else. Leave the hood slightly open for airflow, check the container seals, and consider adding a small vent if storing long-term.

Dry or Hot Climates: Even in low-humidity areas, heat builds quickly in metal containers. The solution is simple: shade the container when possible, allow ventilation, and check tire pressure regularly because heat can increase PSI unexpectedly.

Coastal Environments: Salt in the air accelerates corrosion, so washing the vehicle before storage is essential. Check for salt buildup monthly, and keep an eye on container door gaskets, which experience more wear in coastal climates.

A storage container placed in a rugged outdoor setting with a side-by-side parked beside it

Before You Store Your Vehicle: Your Top Questions Answered (FAQs)

Q: Can any car fit inside a shipping container?
Most sedans, SUVs, ATVs, motorcycles, and small equipment fit inside 20ft or 40ft containers. Larger or lifted vehicles may require a high-cube container for added clearance.
Most standard sedans, small SUVs, ATVs, motorcycles, and small equipment fit comfortably inside 20ft or 40ft shipping containers. Larger trucks, lifted vehicles, and wide or tall SUVs may need a High Cube container for additional vertical clearance.

Q: Is there room to walk around the car once it’s inside?
Usually there is limited walking space, depending on the size of the vehicle and the container:

  • Container interior width: ~7’8″
  • Container interior length:
    • 20ft container: ~19’4″ inside
    • 40ft container: ~39’5″ inside
  • Typical car width: 5.5–6.5 ft

This means most vehicles will have only a narrow walkway (a few inches to 1 foot) on one or both sides once loaded. There is more room at the front or back in a 40ft container, which can provide space for tying down, walking, or storing small items. In a 20ft container, space is tighter, and walking room depends heavily on the vehicle’s width.

High Cube containers (1 ft taller) can help with overhead clearance but do not change the width, so side-to-side walking space will be the same.

Q: How do I keep moisture out of a container?
Use desiccants, avoid loading a wet vehicle, and keep the container sealed. For humid climates or long-term storage, vents or solar fans can help maintain airflow.

Q: Can I access my car while it’s stored?
Yes, but space can be tight. Roll down the window before parking, plan for limited door clearance, and consider adding lighting if you expect frequent access.

Q: Can I modify a rental container?
No. Any modification, vents, lights, insulation, windows, shelving, requires ownership. If you want upgrades, you’ll need to buy..

Q: How secure is a shipping container?
Very secure. Containers include welded lockboxes that shield the padlock shackle, making it extremely difficult to cut or tamper with.

Ready to Store Your Vehicle Safely and Affordably?

Whether you’re storing a classic car, a motorcycle, a side-by-side, or a full overlanding setup, Get Simple Box makes the entire process simple and stress-free.

Get a quick quote today and protect what matters most, your vehicle, your gear, and your peace of mind.

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