Determining how many vehicles fit into a shipping container requires balancing precision engineering with real-world logistics expertise. At West Coast Shipping, we’ve optimized container loading for over 17 years, ensuring every shipment maximizes space while protecting vehicles from sedans to SUVs. This guide breaks down container capacities, loading strategies, and cost-saving techniques for both individual owners and commercial shippers.
Shipping containers come in standardized sizes, but their internal dimensions and configurations dictate how many vehicles they can safely hold. Below are the specifications for the two most common container types:
Internal Dimensions:
Length: 19'4" (5.89m)
Width: 7'8" (2.34m)
Height: 7'10" (2.38m)
Typical Vehicle Capacity:
1 standard sedan (e.g., Toyota Camry) with 12–18" clearance
2 compact cars (e.g., Mini Cooper) loaded end-to-end
1 full-size SUV (e.g., Ford Explorer) with modified securing
For oversized vehicles, our high-cube container guide details height adjustments and specialized loading techniques.
Internal Dimensions:
Length: 39'5" (12.01m)
Width: 7'8" (2.34m)
Height: 8'10" (2.69m)
Typical Vehicle Capacity:
3–4 mid-sized sedans (e.g., Honda Accord)
2 full-size trucks (e.g., Chevrolet Silverado 1500)
1 luxury vehicle + 2 motorcycles (see motorcycle shipping rates)
The table below illustrates how vehicle dimensions impact container utilization:
| Vehicle Type | Length | Width | Height | 20ft Capacity | 40ft Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (Honda Civic) | 14'11" | 5'11" | 4'9" | 2 | 4–5 |
| Full-Size (Toyota Camry) | 16' | 6' | 4'11" | 1 | 3 |
| SUV (Jeep Grand Cherokee) | 16' | 6'4" | 6' | 1* | 2–3 |
| Pickup (Ford F-150) | 19'6" | 6'6" | 6'5" | 1* | 2 |
Single-Level Loading:
Traditional end-to-end placement for operational vehicles
Ideal for mixed cargo shipments (vehicles + personal items)
Multi-Level Racking Systems:
R-Rak System: Angles vehicles at 30°–60° to fit 3–4 cars in a 40ft container
EL-Rak Frame: Enables forklift loading for non-running vehicles, doubling capacity
For dealerships, our volume-based logistics strategies optimize these systems for bulk shipments.
Removable side panels: Accommodate oversize vehicles up to 8'6" wide
Reinforced floors: Support EVs and heavy trucks (up to 61,861 lbs in high-cube containers)
Ventilation systems: Prevent moisture damage during long-term storage
A client shipped a 1965 Ford Mustang (15'3"), 1970 Chevrolet Camaro (15'6"), and 1985 Porsche 911 (13'9") from Los Angeles to Tokyo using a 40ft container with R-Rak angled stacking. The Porsche was secured vertically at 45°, allowing the two American classics to load side-by-side.
An auto dealer shipped eight Nissan Sentras from Jacksonville to Rotterdam using two 40ft containers with EL-Rak frames. Each container held four vehicles in a double-decker configuration, reducing costs by 52% versus individual shipments.
For more international examples, see our consolidated shipping case study to the Netherlands.
Share container space with other vehicles heading to the same destination:
20ft container: Save 40–50% vs. exclusive use
40ft container: Save 55–60% with 3–4 vehicles
Maximize unused space by adding:
Motorcycles in wheel chocks (6–8 per 40ft container)
Auto parts in custom crates
Household goods in vacuum-sealed bags
Book during January–March for 15–20% lower ocean freight rates.
Los Angeles to Yokohama: 22% cheaper than Oakland-Tokyo routes
Miami to Rotterdam: 18% savings over New York departures
Capacity Boost: +110% in 40ft containers
Vehicle Protection: Foam-padded contact points
Compatibility: Works with vehicles up to 6'7" tall
Projects gridlines for perfect positioning
Prevents door frame scrapes during loading
Loads non-running vehicles in 70% less time
Protects undercarriages with reinforced contact pads
17 Years of Expertise: 12,000+ vehicles shipped annually
Three U.S. Hub Facilities: California (15,000 sq ft), Florida (45,000 sq ft), New Jersey (70,000 sq ft)
Transparent Pricing: All-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees
Live Tracking: Real-time updates from pickup to delivery
Understanding container capacity is just one aspect of international vehicle transport. For detailed insights into documentation, insurance, and customs processes, visit our comprehensive guide to container shipping.