Shipping your car internationally in a container is the gold standard for safety, security, and peace of mind. At West Coast Shipping, we’ve spent nearly two decades perfecting the process to ensure every vehicle—whether it’s a daily driver, classic collectible, or high-value exotic—arrives at its destination in pristine condition. This guide will walk you through each step of the container loading process, highlight best practices for both running and non-running vehicles, and show you why professional loading is essential for a successful international shipment.
Looking for a complete overview of container shipping, including container types, dimensions, and what else you can ship? Visit our Container Shipping Guide for everything you need to know.
Container shipping is widely recognized as the safest and most versatile method for international car transport. Your vehicle is protected from weather, theft, and handling damage throughout its journey. But the benefits of container shipping are only realized when vehicles are loaded and secured by professionals using the right equipment and protocols.
Maximum Protection: Enclosed containers shield vehicles from salt spray, storms, and debris.
Enhanced Security: Sealed containers reduce theft risk and prevent unauthorized access.
Versatility: Suitable for high-value, classic, or non-running vehicles, and allows for shipping personal items alongside your car.
For a full breakdown of shipping methods and their pros and cons, see our International Car Shipping Process, Costs, and Best Practices.
Before your car is loaded, it undergoes a comprehensive inspection and prep process to ensure compliance with international shipping regulations and to protect against in-transit issues.
Pre-Loading Checklist:
Reduce Fuel Level: Tanks must be no more than 1/4 full for safety.
Battery Prep: Disconnect the battery if required for long journeys or as per destination regulations.
Document Condition: Take detailed photos and complete a condition report for insurance and claims.
For a full vehicle prep checklist, see How to Prepare Your Vehicle for International Shipping.
Most vehicles are shipped in either 20-foot or 40-foot containers, with the choice depending on vehicle size, quantity, and whether you’re consolidating with other shipments. High-cube containers are available for taller vehicles.
20-foot container: Fits one standard car or two compact cars.
40-foot container: Fits up to four compact cars or two to three large vehicles, using multi-level loading systems.
For container sizing, capacity, and what else you can ship, refer to our Container Shipping Vehicle Transport Guide.
The loading process is where professional expertise truly matters. The goal is to position the vehicle perfectly within the container and immobilize it for the entire journey.
Drive-In Loading:
The vehicle is carefully driven into the container, guided by spotters to ensure perfect alignment.
Ramps and wheel guides are used to prevent scraping or misalignment.
Positioning:
The car is centered in the container, leaving adequate clearance on all sides.
If shipping multiple vehicles, specialized loading systems are used to safely stack or angle cars for maximum efficiency.
Old School Push:
Our team safely pushes the car into the container, carefully pushing only where suitable on the car body.
This method is essential for project cars, classics, or vehicles with mechanical issues.
Cradle Loading:
For vehicles with extremely low clearance or those that cannot roll, custom cradles can be used to gently position the vehicle.
Tip: Only trained professionals should perform these steps to avoid costly damage. Learn more about our expertise in finished vehicle logistics.
Once inside, your car must be completely immobilized to prevent any movement during transit. This is achieved through a combination of industry-standard and proprietary techniques:
Foam Padding: Sensitive areas can be protected with foam or blankets to prevent contact with container walls or other vehicles.
For multi-car loads:
Specialized loading systems allow vehicles to be safely stacked or angled, maximizing space without compromising safety.
Container Seal:
Once loading is complete, the container doors are closed and sealed with a tamper-evident bolt seal. The seal number is recorded on all shipping documents for tracking and security.
Final Inspection:
Photos are taken of the loaded vehicle(s) and seal for your records and insurance purposes.
Tracking:
You receive a tracking number or container ID, allowing you to monitor your shipment’s progress.
Your sealed container is loaded onto a vessel and begins its journey. Throughout transit, you can track your shipment and receive updates. Upon arrival:
Unloading:
At the destination port, professionals carefully remove the vehicle from the container, reversing the loading process.
Post-Transport Inspection:
The vehicle is inspected against the original condition report to ensure no damage occurred during transit.
Non-Running/Project Cars:
Container shipping is the only viable option for non-operational vehicles. Our team uses proven techniques to ensure safe loading and unloading.
Personal Items and Parts:
You can include approved personal effects or spare parts in the container, provided they are properly documented and secured. For more, see our guide’s section on loading additional parts and household goods.
Multiple Vehicles:
Dealers and collectors benefit from our advanced loading systems, which allow up to four cars in a 40-foot container. Learn more in our finished vehicle logistics guide.
Expertise: Nearly two decades of experience and thousands of vehicles shipped annually.
Facilities: Secure, state-of-the-art warehouses in California, Florida, and New Jersey.
Technology: Real-time tracking, digital documentation, and advanced loading equipment.
Customer Service: Dedicated support from quote to delivery.
Ready to ship your vehicle or want to explore container shipping in-depth?
Discover everything you need to know—including container sizes, what can be shipped, and more—by visiting our Container Shipping Vehicle Transport Guide.