Understanding How a Car is Loaded Into a Container

There are many benefits to having your vehicle shipped in a container. When your vehicle is shipped in an enclosed container, it is safe from the outdoor elements and will not get  dirty or damaged from rain, snow, ice, or falling debris. Furthermore, it is safe from the risk of theft. Before you ship your car in a container, however, it can be helpful to understand exactly how the process works. With the right preparations, you can be sure your car will arrive safely at its destination. 

Prepare Your Car for Shipment

Before the car is loaded into the container, it is important to properly prepare the vehicle for shipment. Here are a few things you need to do before loading your car into a container.

• Wash the Car- The first thing you should do is thoroughly clean your car inside and out. You want to remove any mud or dirt from the vehicle and inspect for any existing scratches or dents. 
• Take Pictures-Next you want to take pictures of your vehicle’s condition and make a note of any scratches, dings, or dents with a time-stamped photo. 
• Empty the Fuel Tank- Whenever you are shipping your vehicle, it is important to empty the fuel tank and only fill it up ⅓ of the way. A full tank makes the car heavier and additional weight can add extra cost to your shipment. 
• Remove and/or Fold Accessories- Before loading your vehicle, you want to remove any exterior accessories such as spoilers and antennas, and fold in side mirrors to allow for easier loading. 
• Disable the Alarm- If your car has an alarm, be sure and disable the alarm system before loading your vehicle. 

Choose Your Container

When you are shipping a car using enclosed transport, you can choose between two possible container options: a 20-ft or a 40-ft container. The larger container is the most popular because it allows you to share the delivery costs with other customers. There are typically up to four vehicles shipped in a 40-ft container. If you are shipping a high-end luxury vehicle or antique vehicle, however, you may be willing to pay the extra cost to have your car shipped alone in the smaller container. 

Loading the Vehicle

Once your car arrives at the loading facility, it is driven into the container via a ramp and carefully positioned before all four wheels are safely chocked. The container will come equipped with fasteners on the floor, sides, and ceiling. Once the car is locked in place and the wheels have been chocked, padded ratchet straps are used to secure the vehicle in all corners to ensure that your vehicle cannot move during transit. 

All car shipping containers must comply with strict safety regulations that confirm both the structural integrity of the truck and that the truck is wind and water tight. These requirements ensure that your vehicle is safely secured and well protected from the elements during transport.