Transporting a vehicle over long distances or across national borders is always risky unless a specialized approach is taken. Cube car It is becoming an increasingly popular solution for owners who value safety and predictability of costs. Unlike trucks, where the vehicle is exposed to the environment and other cargo, a standard-sized closed container is used.
The choice of this method of logistics allows to exclude the possibility of mechanical damage from flying stones, hail or aggressive road reagent. In fact, containerization Often they are more cost-effective when delivering "door to door", as they are charged at a fixed rate for the entire volume, rather than per kilometre of the path.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to properly prepare the car, what documents will be required for customs and why. container dimensions of 20 feet (5.9 meters in length) This is a critical parameter for loading planning. Understanding the nuances will help avoid hidden fees and delays at terminals.
What is the transportation of a car in a container?
The term cube in logistics usually refers to a standard shipping container, most commonly a 20-foot or 40-foot container. Container transport ensures tightness and protection from external factors throughout the route, whether it is a seaport, railway platform or road trawl. This is especially true for expensive, collectible or just new cars that require careful treatment.
There are several download schemes, each of which has its own characteristics. If you send one car, it takes up the entire volume, which ensures no contact with other people's goods. In the case of groupage cargoes, the machine can share space with other goods, but only if they are reliably fixed and there is no risk of displacement.
⚠️ Note: When loading into a shared container, make sure that adjacent cargoes are free of sharp edges and are chemically active, as even in a closed space, reactions or damage are possible with a sharp braking of the composition.
The most important aspect is weight. Load capacity The standard 20-foot container is about 28 tons, which with a huge margin covers the weight of any passenger car. However, the restrictions may not be related to the container itself, the rules in the destination country or the crane restrictions at the port terminal.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
The main advantage of using a closed cube is the maximum safety. Statistics show that the number of claims for insurance during container transportation is minimal compared to open trucks. The owner receives a guarantee that the car will not get scratched from branches, dust or actions of third parties during parking.
In addition, this method allows you to transport personal belongings with the car. You can fill the cabin and trunk with boxes of clothes, tools or spare parts, which is impossible when distilling your own speed or transporting on an open platform. This saves the budget for separate luggage delivery.
- 🛡️ Full protection from weather conditions: rain, snow, sun and hail are not afraid of metal walls.
- 📦 Possibility of loading personal belongings inside the cabin and trunk of the car.
- 🔒 High level of security against theft and unauthorized access in transit.
- 💰 Fixed freight value, not affected by fluctuations in fuel prices.
But there are downsides. The main ones are dimensional limitation. A standard 20-foot container 2.59 meters high (standard height) may not include an SUV with a roof mounted trunk or a severely understated sports car with low clearance if the ramp is too steep to enter. In such cases, a High Cube container (high) is required, which is more expensive.
Can I transport gasoline in the tank?
The IMDG Code (Maritime Dangerous Goods) strictly regulates the amount of fuel. Usually, no more than 50 liters or 1/4 tank is allowed. A full tank can cause a refusal to load or a requirement to drain fuel at the owner’s expense, as the gasoline vapor is explosive in an enclosed space.
Preparation of the vehicle for loading
The preparation process begins long before the arrival of the tow truck. The first step should be careful. photo and video recording current state of the vehicle. Remove the car from all angles, close-up fixing the existing chips, scratches and dents. This is necessary to draw up the act of acceptance and transfer and protect your interests in the event of a dispute.
Then comes the technical check. The fuel level in the tank should be minimal, but sufficient for the loading platform (usually about 1/4 tank). Battery. It must be charged and securely secured to avoid short circuit. It is recommended to turn off the terminals if the trip is planned for a very long time to prevent self-discharge.
☑️ Checklist of car preparation
Don’t forget to check the tire pressure. It should be normal, but not pumped, as when the temperature in the closed cube changes, the pressure may increase. It is also necessary to remove all removable elements that can shift: DVRs, navigators, soft toys, flavors.
Dimensions and capacity of the container
Understanding the physical dimensions of the cube is critical for planning. The standard 20-foot container (20DC) has an internal length of about 5.9 meters, a width of 2.35 meters and a height of 2.39 meters. For most sedans and hatchbacks, that’s more than enough. However, crossover And the height of the SUVs can be a problem.
If your car is above 2.15-2.20 meters (depending on the ramp design), you will need a container type. High Cube (40HC or 20HC). Its height is 2.69-2.7 meters, which allows you to easily load high cars and even install them on soft kofars or bicycles vertically.
| Type of container | Length (in) | Width (inc.) | Height (in) | Capacity (auto) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft (Standard) | 5.90 m | 2.35 m m | 2.39 m m m m | 1 pc. |
| 20ft (High Cube) | 5.90 m | 2.35 m m | 2.69 m | 1 pc. (high) |
| 40ft (Standard) | 12.03m | 2.35 m m | 2.39 m m m m | 2-3 pcs. |
| 40ft (High Cube) | 12.03m | 2.35 m m | 2.69 m | 2-3 pcs. (tall) |
When planning to load two cars into a 40-foot container, a special two-tier steel structure is used. This allows for efficient use of the volume, but requires a professional approach to fastening. An error in the calculations can lead to the fact that the machines simply do not stand up in height or width.
If you plan to transport a car with an installed top trunk, be sure to inform the logistician in advance. You may need to order a High Cube container or dismantle the trunk to save money.
Documentation and customs
International transportation of a car is a complicated bureaucratic process. The basis of success is the right package of documents. You will need the original. PTSD (or electronic analogue with an extract), the owner’s foreign passport and invoice (invoice) confirming the value of the car. Without these documents, customs clearance is impossible.
Particular attention should be paid to the description of the condition of the car for customs. If the car is new, you need a certificate of conformity or a contract of sale. If used - may require an expert opinion on the cost to avoid additional customs duties. Customs value It is often determined by internal databases, and discrepancies with the actual purchase price may raise questions.
⚠️ Note: Indication of the undervalued value of the car in the invoice in order to reduce customs duties is an offense. In case of inspection, you will face serious fines and confiscation of cargo.
A document confirming the ownership is also required. If the car is purchased on credit or leasing, a written permission from the bank or leasing company will be required to export the vehicle abroad. Without this certificate, customs has the right to block exports.
Fixing and fixing inside the cube
The safety of cargo in transit depends not on the walls of the container, but on the quality of its fastening. Professional handlers use special wheel-stop (shoe) that is fastened or welded to the floor of the container. This excludes the longitudinal displacement of the car during braking or rocking of the vessel.
Additionally, soft screed belts with a snoring mechanism are used. They fix the wheels diagonally, creating cross tension. Important: belts should not touch painted body parts or plastic elements, as when vibrating they can wipe the varnish to metal. Special soft pads are used.
- 🔩 Using metal shoes to fix the wheel pair.
- 🎗️ The use of diagonal tension of belts to block the suspension.
- 🧱 Installation of wooden struts (if additional fixation is required).
- 🚫 Prohibition of belt attachment for bumpers or suspension elements not designed for load.
After the fastening works are completed, an act is drawn up in which the scheme of installation of the car is fixed. The owner or his representative should check that the car is flat, the hand brake is tightened, and the gear is on. Only then will the container doors be sealed.
The quality of the car’s attachment inside the container is more important than the carrier’s brand. Always require a photo report of the fixation process before closing the doors.
How long does it take to deliver a car in a container?
The timeline depends on the logistical shoulder. Delivery within the country by car carrier with container takes 3-7 days. Shipping from Asia to Europe or the United States takes between 30 and 45 days. By this time, you need to add 5-10 days for customs clearance and delivery to the final address.
Can I track the location of the container?
Yes, modern logistics companies provide a container track number. It can track the status of cargo on the shipping line website or through aggregators of sea transportation in real time.
What to do if damage is found during acceptance?
Do not sign the act of acceptance and transfer without marks of damage. Call the insurance company immediately and take a photo. All claims are considered only in the presence of a properly executed act indicating defects at the time of opening the container.