If you have a second (or third, or fourth) vehicle, storage can be a concern. Maybe you have a work truck or vehicle you use exclusively for your job. Perhaps you have a sporty convertible you only drive during the summer months. Or, maybe you own a classic car that has been lovingly restored and you want to keep it in good shape. Whatever the case, a shipping container can provide the perfect vehicle storage solution.
Vehicle Storage Containers: Safe & Sturdy Solutions for Car Storage
Shipping containers provide sturdy, secure safekeeping for a wide range of vehicles; they are versatile and can be modified to suit your needs; they can be moved from place to place; and they are more cost-effective than building or buying a garage. This guide will explain everything you need to know about shipping container vehicle storage.
Why use shipping containers for car storage
Repurposed shipping containers provide an economical alternative storage location to having a permanent garage on your property. Shipping containers are built to be weather and corrosion resistant, and can protect your vehicle against extreme climate conditions.
Containers often have standard, user-friendly locking systems and can be moved if needed. In terms of space, their physical footprint is relatively small compared to a free-standing garage. This can be an important feature if you have limited property space. Shipping containers can also be customised by adding lighting fixtures, increased security devices, temperature control, ventilation, and insulation.
Containers can be used for short-term or long-term storage. You can drive your car into a container at Gateway’s secure storage facility to keep it safe and snug from break-ins or theft. If you are travelling overseas or simply want to keep your vehicle safe from hail damage this storm season, containers are a great cheap car storage solution to keep your car dent free.
Advantages of using shipping containers for vehicle storage
Durability – Shipping containers are built to be more sturdy than the average garage. They are used to transport goods – including vehicles – over long distances in all kinds of extreme weather, so you can feel at ease knowing your car is well-protected from the elements. Shipping containers in good condition can last 25 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Portability – Shipping containers make good storage option for vehicles because they are transportable. If you’re moving to a new home and need to transport additional vehicles across a great distance, they can be shipped in a container. Or, if you have a work truck or construction vehicle, you can tow it along to your next job site inside a secure shipping container.
Cost – A shipping container can be more cost-effective than building a permanent garage.
Security – Shipping containers are built to keep pests, vermin and human intruders out. For added security, you can outfit your container with a lockbox.
Versatility – Shipping containers can be modified to meet your unique needs. To keep your car or truck in excellent condition, your container can be modified for temperature control, ventilation, and insulation to help regulate humidity and extreme temperatures. You can install lighting for ease of access.
Containers can also be fitted with an easy-access ramp for loading and unloading your vehicle. You can even contract an engineer to build a full garage or carport from shipping containers, offering superior security, resilience, and cost-effective space.
Choosing the right shipping container for your vehicle storage needs
Shipping containers come in many shapes and sizes. Gateway offers an extensive inventory of new and used containers, as well as modified containers. If you need a custom solution to house a classic car or specialised vehicle, we can also do personalised modifications.
What size shipping container will fit my vehicle?
Among the most important things to consider when storing your car is what size container you will need. The right size container for you will of course depend on the size of your vehicle or vehicles.
A twenty-foot shipping container is approximately the size of a large parking space. A 20 foot container will hold 1 vehicle while 2 cars will fit into a 40 foot container. Oversized or extra-tall vehicles and trucks may require a high-cube container.
What kind of shipping container is best for vehicle storage?
New – Direct from the manufacturers in Asia, your new container may be shipped to Australia containing cargo, in order to reduce shipping costs. These new units are often referred to as “one-way” or “one trip” containers. These containers can be converted into long-term storage or garages.
A Grade – Previously used, but in good condition and suitable for furniture or archive storage. Average age of the unit would be 16-18 years. A-grade containers can have minor-to-medium cosmetic flaws like dents and scratches or superficial rust on the exterior. Floors should be in good condition and the interior walls remain reasonably unmarked.
Cargo Worthy – These containers are newly out of service from shipping lines, and will be in a wind and watertight, vermin-free and structurally-sound condition. These containers can be certified upon request (charges apply) for international shipment, or for local rail use. Cargo Worthy units are secure (can be fitted with a lock box for added peace of mind) and are a good choice when practicality and budget override aesthetics.
We recommend using New or A-Grade containers for vehicle storage. But, the right container for you will depend on your unique needs. An expert at Gateway can speak with you and help you choose the right container to store your car.
Storage tips to protect your vehicle
In order to protect your car, or even motorcycles during storage and transport, consider the following automobile storage tips.
Preparing your vehicle for shipping container storage
There are a few steps you should take before loading your vehicle into a storage container. Be sure the vehicle has a minimal amount of petrol in the tank, and that no harmful chemicals or materials are present in the vehicle. Clean and dry the vehicle to reduce the chances of any rust, mould, or dirt build-up while in storage.
To protect your car, it will need to be carefully secured should you need to transport it. Secure the vehicle’s wheels with wooden blocks placed behind each tire and nailed to the floor of the container. Your vehicle should also be secured with ratchet straps and lashing points.
Consider also where you will keep your shipping container storage unit. When it comes to shipping container storage, you have options. You can keep your storage container on your property; if you choose this option, be sure to place it on level ground, or better yet, on a platform or foundation of some kind.
If you plan to build a shipping container garage on your property, be sure to get any necessary permissions from your local authorities. Alternatively, you may choose to keep your vehicle in a container in the Gateway park. Simply provide us with 24-hours’ notice whenever you would like to access your container so we can have it ready for you.
Looking for a car shipping container?
Gateway Containers is among an elite few suppliers in Queensland who have access to purchase containers directly from the shipping lines. This means you get the best selection of inventory, and maximum quality assurance.
It also means we are able to offer competitive pricing so you get the best deal possible. There’s no need for you to do your own research and inspection; we ensure that the container we sell to you is of the highest quality and in the right condition for your needs. We also offer on-site storage, custom modifications with the highest quality workmanship, and even delivery.
We guarantee delivery of containers to the South East Qld and Northern NSW region by truck, rail or sea, or any cost effective and efficient combination thereof.
Final thoughts
For seasonal vehicles, work vehicles, motorcycles, vintage cars, and even boats, a shipping container storage unit can be the perfect way to keep your automobile safe and secure.
Get started with a consultation with a container expert at Gateway. We will listen to your ideas and needs, and help you select the best container solution for you. Our team of container experts can help you build the perfect container storage unit complete with everything from shelving and ventilation air conditioning to a fresh coat of paint.
Whether you’re after a simple short-term vehicle storage solution or a custom luxury carport, we can help you make it a reality. Jump online and get a quote or call 07 3485 0685 to schedule a consultation with one of our container experts.
