Car Carrier Shipping Containers

Container Projects supplies professional equipment to automotive retailers, classic car collectors, and export specialists. If you need to access high-volume container sales for permanent fleet use or flexible container hire for temporary logistics, our UK depots maintain ready stock. You can get a quote to confirm transport timelines for your specific location. Our network ensures rapid deployment and technical support throughout the United Kingdom.

Car carrier units are specialised modules designed to protect vehicles from environmental damage and transit movement. Most units in our premium fleet are available as one-trip stock. A one-trip unit is a new container that has made a single journey from the manufacturer to the UK. For international transport, each unit is equipped with a valid CSC plate. A CSC plate is a safety approval plate required for international shipping to certify structural safety.

Choose the right container size and type

Selecting a vehicle container depends on the number of cars and the required security level. Container Projects provides standard and high-capacity options to suit different automotive payloads.

20ft Car Carrier Containers

The 20ft model is the standard choice for single-vehicle transport. It provides a secure, enclosed environment for luxury or classic cars. While it shares the footprint of a standard box, it features internal lashing points to prevent vehicle shift. You can view technical measurements on our container dimensions page.

40ft Car Carrier Containers

For high-volume logistics, the 40ft general-purpose length allows for multiple vehicles. These units often incorporate internal racking systems to safely stack cars. Many of these specialised units are built as high-cube models to provide 9ft 6 in of external height, allowing for taller SUVs or stacked saloons. Browse our full range of container types for more information.

Racking and Lashing Systems

Internal racks allow for the transport of up to four cars in a single 40ft unit. These systems use adjustable wheel trays and high-strength straps. Container Projects ensures all racking components are inspected to maintain load integrity during transit.

Hire or buy

Container Projects assists clients in selecting the best commercial path for their project. Buying is a practical choice for long-term export loops or permanent on-site showroom storage. Hire is a cost-effective solution for seasonal events, one-off vehicle movements, or short-term industrial contracts. We provide technical data sheets for both routes to ensure the equipment meets your specific vehicle clearance needs.

Condition grades and what they mean

We grade all automotive units to ensure they meet cleanliness and safety standards. For international shipping, we supply units that meet the IICL standard. IICL refers to a high standard of container repair and condition set by the Institute of International Container Lessors. For static storage, we provide used units that are wind- and watertight. A wind- and watertight unit is a condition grade that ensures the unit is sealed against weather and light. We confirm the tare and payload of every car carrier before dispatch. The tare is the weight of the empty container. The payload is the maximum weight of cargo the container can carry.

Delivery access, siting, and placement

Container Projects coordinates container haulage using hiab crane vehicles. Professional placement requires specific site conditions:

• Ground Surface: The unit must sit on a firm, level surface, such as concrete or hard-standing. Level ground is essential to ensure the racking systems and rear doors operate correctly.
• Vehicle Clearance: Delivery trucks require a minimum width of 10ft. Extra space is needed for the deployment of crane outriggers during offloading.
• Vertical Clearance: Check for low bridges or power cables. A truck carrying a high cube unit can exceed 15ft in height.
• Turning Space: A 40ft delivery vehicle requires approximately 100ft of straight approach to position the unit safely.

Security, condensation, and aftercare

Security is a priority for high-value vehicle storage. Container Projects installs factory-fitted lock boxes to protect padlocks from tampering. To manage condensation, which can damage automotive paintwork and electronics, we recommend Grafo-therm anti-condensation coatings or moisture traps. Our aftercare support includes advice on maintaining the internal racking and door seals to ensure the unit remains weather-proof over years of service.

Export use and compliance

All car carrier containers supplied for international transit must comply with ISO standards and carry a current CSC plate. Container Projects ensures all certifications are valid at the point of handover. We provide the documentation required by maritime shipping lines and port authorities. If the container is modified with internal shelving or electrical systems, it may require re-certification before returning to sea as a standard cargo unit.

How Container Projects handles supply and delivery

1. Specification confirmation: We review your vehicle dimensions and required quantity.
2. Stock allocation: We identify a suitable unit from our closest UK depot to reduce transport costs.
3. Site verification: Our logistics team checks your delivery access and ground stability.
4. Dispatch: We schedule a hiab delivery, typically within 7 to 10 working days.
5. Placement: The driver positions the unit and confirms the doors and ramps operate correctly.