A car storage container is a steel shipping container used as a lockable garage for a car, a classic, a motorbike or a project vehicle. A 20ft container holds one car, a 40ft holds two parked nose to tail, and a double door container lets you drive in at one end and out the other. We sell every car storage container size new, one trip and used, from $1,000 for a used 20ft shipping container, and we deliver worldwide.
People buy a container for a car when they have no garage, when the garage is full, or when the car is worth more than a carport can protect. It is dry, it locks, it does not need foundations or building work, and it can move with you. But a container is not a garage, and the difference catches people out. The inside is only about 2.35 m wide, so getting out of the car once it is in is the main thing to plan. This guide covers the real dimensions, which box suits which vehicle, what to do about damp and batteries, and what each option costs on our current listings.
Table of Contents
Quick answers
- One average car: a 20ft box. Cheapest is the used 20ft at $1,000.
- Two cars, or one car plus a workshop: a 40ft box. The used 40ft shipping container is $1,900.
- Easiest in and out: a double door box, so you never reverse out. The used 20ft double door container is $1,950.
- Tall vehicle or roof box: a high cube, such as the one trip 40ft high cube at $2,900.
- The size that matters most: the door is about 2.34 m wide. Measure your car across the mirrors.
- Delivery: worldwide, quoted to your address.
What is a car storage container?
A car storage container is an ordinary steel shipping container used to store a vehicle. There is nothing special about the steel. It is the same Corten box that carries goods by sea, with corrugated walls, a solid roof, a marine plywood floor and cargo doors that lock with four steel bars. The outside sizes follow ISO 668, the international standard for freight container sizes and ratings, so the dimensions below hold for any standard box.
What makes it a car storage container is how you set it up. You need a level base so the car does not roll, ramps to get over the door sill, air flow so damp does not build up, and a way to get yourself out once the car is parked. Get those four things right and a container is one of the cheapest secure garages you can buy.
For more on locks, lighting and alarms, read our guide to secure storage containers.
Why not just build a garage?
A car storage container is usually cheaper and much faster to set up. There is no foundation work beyond a level base, no builders, and in many places less red tape than a permanent building. You can also move it, sell it or take it with you. The trade-off is width. A container is narrower than most garages, so it suits storing a car more than working on one every day.
Car storage container sizes
These are the figures from our own listings for every car storage container we sell. Containers vary by a few millimetres between factories, so we confirm the exact numbers for your unit on the quote.
| Measurement | 20ft standard | 40ft standard | 40ft high cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside length | approx. 5.90 m | approx. 12.03 m | approx. 12.03 m |
| Inside width | approx. 2.35 m | approx. 2.35 m | approx. 2.35 m |
| Inside height | approx. 2.39 m | approx. 2.39 m | approx. 2.70 m |
| Door opening width | approx. 2.34 m | approx. 2.34 m | approx. 2.34 m |
| Door opening height | approx. 2.28 m | approx. 2.29 m | approx. 2.58 m |
| Floor area | approx. 13.9 m² | approx. 28.3 m² | approx. 28.3 m² |
| Typical capacity | 1 car | 2 cars | 2 cars, taller vehicles |
The width problem, and how to solve it
The door opening is about 2.34 m and the inside about 2.35 m. A lot of cars are close to 2 m wide with the mirrors out, and the body alone is often somewhere around 1.8 to 1.9 m. These are rough figures. Check your own car’s handbook or measure it, because models vary a lot.
What that means for a car storage container: a typical car fits through the door, but once it is inside there are only about 20 to 30 cm on each side. You cannot swing a car door open in that gap. So plan your exit before you buy.
- Fold the mirrors before you drive in. Most cars gain 15 to 25 cm of clearance this way.
- Park off-centre so the driver’s side has the bigger gap, and slide out through a door opened just a little.
- Climb out through the back. On a hatchback or estate, fold the seats and leave through the tailgate.
- Push it in. Many classic owners roll the car in by hand or with a winch, so nobody needs to get out inside.
- Use a double door box. Drive in, open the far doors, and walk straight out. More on this below.
Will my vehicle fit lengthways?
A 20ft car storage container has about 5.90 m inside. Most small cars, hatchbacks and saloons are well under 5 m long, which leaves room to close the doors and walk round the back. Some long pickups, vans and large SUVs come close to 6 m, and those need a 40ft. If your vehicle is over about 5.5 m, buy a 40ft car storage container so you are not squeezing in.
A 40ft car storage container has about 12 m inside. Two average cars fit nose to tail with space between them, or one car with a workbench and shelving at the far end.
Will a tall vehicle fit?
The standard door is about 2.28 m high. Most cars are far below that, so height is rarely a problem in a car storage container. Vans, lifted 4x4s and vehicles with roof boxes or roof tents can get close. A high cube gives you about 2.58 m at the door and 2.70 m inside.
Car storage containers we sell right now
Prices are in US dollars before freight and delivery. They change as stock moves, so the product page always has the live figure. Every unit is wind and watertight with lockable doors.
Used 20ft shipping container: $1,000
The used 20ft shipping container is the cheapest car storage container we sell. It will show dents, faded paint and some surface rust, but the floor is sound, the frame is straight and the doors seal. For a daily driver or a project car, that is all you need.
Short spec: 20 x 8 x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m); inside approx. 5.90 x 2.35 x 2.39 m; approx. 33.2 m³; tare approx. 2,200 to 2,400 kg; used, wind and watertight.
One trip 20ft shipping container: $1,550
For a car worth looking after, the best car storage container is the one trip 20ft shipping container, and it is worth the extra $550. It has made a single voyage, so the paint is fresh and the door seals are new. That matters for keeping water and dust off the car.
Short spec: 20 x 8 x 8 ft 6 in; approx. 33.2 m³; tare approx. 2,200 to 2,300 kg; max gross 30,480 kg; Corten steel; marine plywood floor; CSC plated.
Used 40ft shipping container: $1,900
The used 40ft shipping container holds two cars for less than two used twenties. It also suits one car with a workbench, tyres and parts at the back.
Short spec: 40 x 8 x 8 ft 6 in (12.19 x 2.44 x 2.59 m); inside approx. 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m; approx. 67.7 m³; tare approx. 3,700 to 4,000 kg; used, wind and watertight.
One trip 40ft high cube container: $2,900
The one trip 40ft high cube container is the pick for tall vehicles, roof boxes, or anyone who wants to stand up and work inside. At the time of writing it is priced lower than our one trip 40ft standard, so you get the height for less.
Short spec: 40 x 8 x 9 ft 6 in (12.19 x 2.44 x 2.90 m); inside height approx. 2.70 m; door height approx. 2.58 m; approx. 76.3 m³; tare approx. 3,900 kg; CSC plated.
Used 20ft double door container: $1,950
The used 20ft double door container has cargo doors at both ends. Drive in, open the far doors and walk out. When you want the car back, drive straight out forwards. No reversing in a tight steel box, and no climbing out of the boot.
Short spec: 20 x 8 x 8 ft 6 in; doors at both ends; approx. 32.8 m³; tare approx. 2,350 to 2,600 kg; used, wind and watertight, both ends checked.
One trip 40ft double door container: $3,500
For two cars, the one trip 40ft double door container means each car comes out of its own end. You never have to move one car to get to the other.
Short spec: 40 x 8 x 8 ft 6 in; doors at both ends; approx. 67 m³; tare approx. 3,660 to 3,900 kg; max gross 30,480 to 32,500 kg; Corten steel; CSC plated.
We also sell the new 20ft double door at $3,700, the new 40ft double door at $4,900, and new standard boxes such as the new 20ft at $2,400 and the new 40ft at $3,400. Browse the full 20ft, 40ft and double door ranges.
How much does a car storage container cost?
On our current listings, a car storage container costs from $1,000 for a used 20ft to $3,500 for a one trip 40ft double door, before delivery. Here is what each car storage container works out to per car.
| Container | Price | Cars | Cost per car space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used 20ft standard | $1,000 | 1 | $1,000 |
| One trip 20ft standard | $1,550 | 1 | $1,550 |
| Used 20ft double door | $1,950 | 1 | $1,950 |
| Used 40ft standard | $1,900 | 2 | $950 |
| One trip 40ft high cube | $2,900 | 2 | $1,450 |
| One trip 40ft double door | $3,500 | 2 | $1,750 |
The used 40ft is the cheapest space per car. The used 20ft is the cheapest way to store one car. The double door boxes cost more, but they make daily use far easier. If you take the car out every weekend, that is money well spent. If it goes in for the winter and comes out in spring, a standard box is fine.
Compare it with renting
Monthly storage for a car varies a great deal from place to place, so we will not quote a figure. The sum is easy to do yourself. Divide the car storage container price by what you pay each month for a garage or a storage unit. That gives you the number of months before the container has paid for itself. After that, the only running costs are a lock and a bit of maintenance.
Other costs to plan for
- Delivery. Depends on distance and the truck your site needs. Our shipping container prices guide explains how it adds up.
- Base. Blocks, sleepers, compacted gravel or a concrete pad.
- Ramps. To get over the door sill.
- Vents and damp control. Covered below.
- Locks. A lock box and a closed-shackle padlock.
- Modifications. A roll-up door, lighting or power. See our custom container modifications page.
Which car storage container should you buy?
| Your situation | Best box | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One car, stored for months at a time | Used or one trip 20ft standard | Lowest price, enough room |
| One car, used most weekends | 20ft double door | Drive in, drive out forwards, no reversing |
| Two cars | 40ft standard | Cheapest space per car |
| Two cars used at different times | 40ft double door | Each car has its own end |
| Tall van, 4×4 or roof box | 40ft high cube | About 2.58 m at the door |
| Car plus workshop | 40ft high cube | Room for a bench, and you can stand up |
| Classic or valuable car | One trip or new box | Fresh seals and paint keep damp out |
Standard or double door?
This is the biggest decision for a car storage container. With a standard car storage container, you drive in forwards and reverse out, or reverse in and drive out. Reversing a car out of a box only 2.35 m wide takes care, and you still have to get out of the car inside. With a double door box, you drive through, which is far easier. Read our double door container guide for more on how the second door end works. If you are on a budget and the car is not used often, a standard box does the job.
New, one trip or used?
For a car, the door seals and roof matter more than looks. A used box is sound and sealed, but its gaskets have done years of work. A one trip box has near-new seals and paint. For a classic or any car you care about, we suggest one trip. Our one trip vs used shipping container guide explains the grades.
Setting up a car storage container
Level the base
A car needs a level floor. Put the car storage container on concrete blocks, sleepers or a pad, and check it with a spirit level both ways. Many people set a very slight fall towards the doors so any water runs out. Keep it slight, though, because you do not want the car creeping forwards. Always leave the handbrake on and chock a wheel.
Ramps over the sill
The floor of a container sits above ground level, and your blocks lift it a bit more. That step is too high to drive over cleanly. Use a pair of steel or heavy timber ramps at the door. Low cars may also need a gentle ramp angle so the front spoiler does not catch.
Leave room to manoeuvre
Leave a clear, firm apron in front of the doors, ideally the length of the car plus a little, so you can line up straight before you drive in. Approaching at an angle is how mirrors and wings get scraped.
Light and power
A container is dark inside. A battery LED strip or a small solar light is enough for most people. If you want a trickle charger or a dehumidifier, you will need power. Our modifications team can fit sockets and lighting before delivery.
Delivery access
The truck needs a straight approach, firm ground and clear overhead space. Our shipping container delivery guide has a full checklist, and our shipping and delivery policy explains how we arrange delivery.
Car storage container examples
These worked examples use the internal sizes in the table above. They are illustrations, not quotes. Measure your own vehicle before you decide.
A daily driver with no garage
A family hatchback is parked on the street every night and the owner wants it off the road. A 20ft car storage container on a driveway takes it with room to spare at the back for a tool box and a set of winter tyres. The owner reverses in so the car drives out forwards in the morning, and leaves through the tailgate after folding the rear seats. A one trip box at $1,550 looks tidy next to the house.
A classic stored for the winter
A classic roadster comes off the road from autumn to spring. It is pushed in by hand, so nobody needs to climb out inside. The car storage container gets two extra vents, a vapour barrier on the floor, desiccant tubs and a breathable cover. The battery goes on a maintainer through a single socket fitted before delivery. A one trip 20ft is the right box here, because new seals keep the damp down.
Two cars and a workbench
A couple with two cars and a hobby wants one place for everything. A 40ft high cube car storage container takes both cars nose to tail, with a bench, shelving and a compressor at the far end. With a double door 40ft, each car comes out of its own end, and nobody has to shuffle cars on a Saturday morning.
Upgrades that make a car storage container easier to use
A plain box works, but a few upgrades turn a car storage container into a proper garage.
- Roll-up door. A roller shutter fitted inside the end frame lets you open up without swinging two heavy cargo doors. Handy if the doors would hit a wall or a hedge.
- Personnel door. A small side door means you can get in without opening the main doors, and gives you a second way out when the car is inside.
- Extra vents. Two or more extra vents at each end help air move and cut condensation.
- Insulation and lining. Spray foam or panels on the roof and walls stop the steel sweating.
- Lighting and sockets. For a battery maintainer, a dehumidifier or power tools.
- Floor protection. A rubber mat or sealed floor coating protects the plywood from oil and coolant drips.
Our custom container modifications team can fit any of these before delivery, which is usually cheaper and neater than doing it on site.
Classic car storage in a container
Classic and collector cars need the most care. Paint, chrome, leather and old rubber all suffer from damp and big swings in temperature. A car storage container can protect them very well, but only if you control the air inside.
Choose a one trip or new box so the seals are fresh. Insulate the roof at least, and ideally the walls. Fit vents at both ends and run a small dehumidifier if you have power. Put a vapour barrier on the floor, keep the car on stands or with its tyres at the right pressure, and check on it every few weeks. Many owners also keep a cheap humidity gauge inside so they can see when the air is getting damp.
Keeping damp out of a car storage container
Damp is the main thing that goes wrong with car storage in a steel box. A car storage container is wind and watertight, but steel walls cool down at night. Warm, moist air inside then condenses on the walls and roof, and drips. That is the same reason a cold drink sweats on a summer day.
- Never park a wet car inside. Let it dry first, or you are bringing in gallons of water.
- Fit vents. Most containers have small vents near the top. Adding a couple more at each end helps air move through.
- Use moisture absorbers. Tubs of desiccant or a small dehumidifier if you have power.
- Put down a vapour barrier. A heavy plastic sheet under the car stops moisture rising from the ground through the floor.
- Use a breathable car cover, not a plastic one, which traps moisture against the paint.
- Think about insulation. Insulating the roof of a car storage container cuts condensation a lot. It is worth it for long-term storage of a valuable car.
Preparing your car for container storage
How you prepare the car depends on how long it will stay in the car storage container. These are general good practice. Always check your car’s handbook first, especially for electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Battery. Disconnect it, or fit a battery maintainer if you have power. A flat battery is the most common problem after storage.
- Fuel. For long storage, owners often fill the tank and add a fuel stabiliser. Follow the stabiliser maker’s instructions.
- Tyres. Pump them to the right pressure, or a little above, to reduce flat spots. For very long storage, some people put the car on axle stands.
- Clean it. Wash and dry the car, and clean the interior so there is nothing to attract pests.
- Pests. Block the exhaust and air intake with a cloth (and leave a note on the wheel to remove them). Put rodent bait or traps outside the car, not inside it.
- Handbrake. For long storage, some owners leave the handbrake off and use chocks instead, so the brakes do not stick. Chock the wheels firmly either way.
- Electric cars. Follow the maker’s advice on the state of charge for storage. Many recommend not storing at either 0% or 100%.
Security for a car storage container
A steel container is already hard to break into, but the doors are where people try. A few simple things make your car storage container much safer.
- Lock box. A steel shroud over the padlock so bolt croppers cannot get at the shackle.
- Closed-shackle padlock inside the lock box.
- Bar lock across both doors as a second barrier.
- Steering lock or wheel clamp on the car itself.
- Placement. Doors facing a house or road, with a light.
- Tracker. A GPS tracker in the car works from inside a container only if it can get a signal, so test it first.
Tell your insurer the car is kept in a locked car storage container. Many insurers see that as lower risk than a street or a carport, but check your own policy.
Shipping a car in your own container
Many people buy a car storage container because they are moving abroad and want to ship the car with their belongings. Packing it into your own box means it travels sealed, and the car storage container becomes a garage when it arrives.
Paperwork
Every country has its own rules for exporting and importing vehicles. As one example, US Customs and Border Protection rules for exporting a motor vehicle say that the documents and the vehicle must be presented at least 72 hours before export by sea, and the title is the core document. Check the rules for the country you are leaving and the one you are going to before you book.
Dangerous goods rules
Vehicles carry fuel and batteries, so shipping lines treat them as regulated cargo under the IMO International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. In practice, your forwarder will tell you how much fuel can be left in the tank and what to do with the battery. Do not guess. Ask them before you load.
Securing the car
A car must be lashed down so it cannot move at sea. Use proper ratchet straps through the wheels to the lashing rings in the container floor and walls, plus wheel chocks. Loose items in the car should be removed or tied down. If you are not sure, a freight forwarder or packing company can load and lash it for you.
The box
For export, ask for a cargo worthy container with a valid plate under the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). Our one trip and new boxes have recent plates. For used boxes, we supply cargo worthy units on request.
More than a car: motorbikes, boats and garden machines
A car storage container also works well for other vehicles.
- Motorbikes. A 20ft car storage container holds several bikes with room for tools and riding gear. Use wheel chocks so they cannot fall.
- Quad bikes and ride-on mowers. Low and easy to drive in. A 20ft is plenty.
- Small boats on trailers. Check the overall length including the trailer hitch, and the height including any mast or outboard. Often a 40ft is needed.
- Caravans and campervans. Usually too wide or too tall for a container. Measure carefully. Most need a covered pad instead.
Car storage container on a farm, a site or a business
Farms use a car storage container for quads, side-by-sides and the farm car. Building firms keep site vans or small plant inside one overnight. Car dealers and restorers use forties for overflow stock and parts. If that is your use, our guides to farm storage containers and construction storage containers cover the extra points.
Checking your car storage container on delivery
- Open and close the doors fully, and check every locking bar engages.
- Close yourself inside on a bright day and look for daylight at the roof, walls and seals.
- Walk the floor and check for soft spots where the car’s wheels will sit.
- Check the box is level before you drive the car in.
- Find the CSC plate and note the tare and gross weight.
- Check the container number matches your paperwork. Owner codes are registered with the Bureau International des Containers (BIC).
If anything is wrong, send us photos. Our refund and returns policy explains what happens next.
Looking after your car storage container
Containers are made of weathering steel (Corten), which forms a tight rust layer that slows corrosion. A few simple jobs keep it that way.
- Keep the roof clear of standing water and leaves.
- Grease the door hinges and locking bars a couple of times a year.
- Touch up scratches with zinc primer and paint.
- Keep soil and gravel away from the bottom rails.
- Check the vents are clear and the floor is dry after wet weather.
Mistakes to avoid
- Not measuring the car across the mirrors. Do it before you order.
- Forgetting how you will get out. Plan the exit, or buy a double door box.
- Parking a wet car inside. It is the quickest way to get rust and mould.
- No ramps. The sill will catch low cars and damage the floor edge.
- A sloping base. The car can roll. Level it and chock the wheels.
- Plastic car covers. They trap moisture. Use a breathable one.
- Shipping without asking the forwarder. Fuel, battery and lashing rules vary.
How to buy a car storage container from Prime Cargo Box
Pick your car storage container size and grade from the products above, add it to your cart or ask for a quote, and give us your delivery address. Tell us what vehicle you are storing and we will help you choose. We confirm the unit, its plate data and a delivered price. For export orders, we arrange the paperwork for the container and show local duties separately.
New to containers? Read our step-by-step guide on how to buy a shipping container. You can also see our 20ft shipping container and 40ft shipping container guides, or check every size on our shipping container dimensions page. Our storage containers for sale and cheap shipping containers guides cover general storage.
Car storage container FAQ
Will a car fit in a shipping container?
Most cars, yes. The door is about 2.34 m wide and the inside about 2.35 m wide and 5.90 m long in a 20ft. Measure your car across the mirrors, and plan how you will get out once it is parked.
What size container do I need for a car?
A 20ft for one average car. A 40ft for two cars, or for one long vehicle with room to spare.
How many cars fit in a 40ft container?
Usually two average cars nose to tail, with about 12 m of length inside.
How do I get out of the car inside a container?
Fold the mirrors, park off-centre and slide out of a slightly open door. Or climb out through the tailgate. Or buy a double door container and walk out the far end.
Is a container good for long-term car storage?
Yes, if you control damp. Fit vents, use moisture absorbers, never park a wet car inside, and use a breathable cover.
Is a car storage container secure?
Yes. It is a steel box with four locking bars. Add a lock box, a good padlock and a steering lock for extra security.
Can I ship my car in my own container?
Yes. You will need the export and import paperwork for both countries, and your forwarder will set rules on fuel, battery and lashing.
How much does a car storage container cost?
On our current listings, from $1,000 for a used 20ft up to $3,500 for a one trip 40ft double door, before delivery.
Can I work on my car inside a car storage container?
You can do small jobs, but the width makes it tight. With a 40ft high cube you can park the car at one end and keep a bench at the other, which gives you room to work on parts. For bigger jobs, drive the car out onto a level apron in front of the doors.
Do I need a concrete pad?
Not always. Solid blocks or sleepers under the four corners work on firm ground. A pad or compacted gravel is better if the ground is soft, because a car storage container that sinks at one corner will twist and the doors will stick.
Is a used box good enough for a classic car?
A used box is sound and sealed, but for a valuable classic we suggest one trip or new, because fresh door seals and paint keep damp out better over many years.
Can I store an electric car in a container?
Yes, the same way as any car. Follow the maker’s storage advice on the state of charge, and if you plan to charge inside, have a qualified electrician fit the supply.
Do you deliver worldwide?
Yes. We quote freight and local delivery for your address. Use our contact page and tell us where it is going.
Ready to order your car storage container?
For one car at the lowest price, the used 20ft at $1,000 is the place to start. For a car you care about, the one trip 20ft at $1,550 keeps damp out better. For two cars, the used 40ft at $1,900 gives you the cheapest space per car. And if you want to drive straight in and straight out, the used 20ft double door at $1,950 makes life easy.
Browse all our products on the products page, or contact our team with your vehicle, site and destination and we will send a delivered price.
Sources and References
- ISO 668: Series 1 freight containers, classification, dimensions and ratings
- IMO: International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)
- IMO: International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
- US Customs and Border Protection: exporting a motor vehicle
- Bureau International des Containers (BIC)
- Weathering steel (Corten) overview
Photos: AgainErick (CC BY-SA 4.0), Biswarup Ganguly (CC BY 3.0) and Wikideas1 and Joseph Madden (CC BY 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
