How Storage Containers Benefit the Automotive Industry

Written by Susan Nalevac | April 03, 2023

Shipping containers have become useful tools for numerous industries beyond shipping.  Below, we’ll elaborate on how storage containers benefit the automotive industry, performing functionally as storage facilities, garages, and more.

In This Article:

• How the Automotive Industry Uses Storage Containers
• Benefits of Shipping Containers for the Automotive Industry
• Common Shipping Container Styles in the Automotive Industry
  

• Transportation
• Storage Facilities
• Garages
• Showroom Display

Transportation

The first and most obvious way that the automotive industry has put storage containers to use is for transportation. The primary purpose of shipping containers is the safe transportation of valuable goods, so it’s a natural solution for companies that need to transport valuable vehicles over long distances.

Unlike a car carrier, a storage container is an enclosed, water-tight structure, offering complete protection against the elements. And since the vehicle is hidden in the enclosure, there’s less risk of the sight of a high-priced car in transport tempting thieves.

Storage Facilities

Another way that car owners and automotive businesses use containers is as storage facilities for vehicles, automotive parts, and equipment. As a water-tight steel box, a storage container is ideal for storing expensive cars and equipment.

For example, many classic-car owners like to use storage containers as temporary storage facilities. This is because a storage container is typically more cost efficient than paying monthly fees at a storage facility, it will protect the car from the elements, and is an extremely secure, windowless structure with heavy-duty doors.  And since these containers are designed for relocation, owners can easily move the storage container if necessary—a much easier alternative to finding a new storage facility.

Garages

People have modified storage containers into various shapes for many uses outside of shipping. In fact, people have used containers for practically everything from mobile offices to pop-up bars and restaurants. One way the automotive industry creatively uses shipping containers is as modified garages.

Instead of building a new garage from scratch or purchasing one, the industry modifies containers to fit multiple vehicles including the necessary parts and tools. It’s an ideal solution for automotive businesses like dealerships and mechanics that need extra garage space and for car owners who want to expand their residential garages quickly and affordably.

Showroom Display

Many car dealers have also used storage containers as displays for their automotive inventory. Depending on their size, containers can display up to two cars within a contained structure, making them ideal for safely showcasing expensive vehicles outdoors.

Another more unusual option is a glass-wall shipping container showcasing a highly-valued vehicle on a car dealership lot, as it makes for an eye-catching and impressive display.

Clearly, storage containers benefit the automotive industry in many ways, but what makes them valuable? We’ve touched on a few points already, but we’ll further explain why the industry values shipping containers below.

• Portability
• Security
• Durability
• Affordability
• Versatility
  

Portability

The first benefit of shipping containers is their portability. Carmakers and distributors use shipping containers to transport vehicles worldwide, as they can comfortably fit multiple vehicles and provide reliable protection. And as we discussed with the many uses for containers in the industry, the portability of the structures makes them valuable even when used as garages or storage facilities.

Security

Another benefit of storage containers for automotive purposes is their security and safety. Engineers design steel cargo containers to securely transport valuable cargo around the globe, which means they must be reliable deterrents against theft.

Shipping containers come with heavy-duty locking steel doors, and owners can outfit them with additional high-security lock boxes for even more protection. And with only one set of doors and no windows, the limited entry point makes them difficult targets for thieves. Ultimately, there are few better options for transporting or storing high-priced vehicles than a steel cargo container.

Durability

Shipping containers are also incredibly durable and offer weather-proof protection for cargo. Shipping containers must protect against all kinds of weather, from extreme sun and heat to frigid waters.

With their water-tight seals, shipping containers keep water, the sun, and other damaging elements out of the cargo hold, so car owners can rest assured their property is safe.

Affordability

Shipping containers also have the practical benefit of being cost-effective alternatives to other storage and shipping options. Used containers are much more affordable solutions to building new storage or garage structures from scratch or paying monthly rental fees.

At Container Management, Inc. we have many affordable used containers ideal for transportation or storage, or modification for a multitude of other uses.

Versatility

Tthe automotive industry can use a quality shipping container in many ways, and its versatility is another benefit. An owner can easily modify their container, depending on if they need it for transportation, storage, or showroom display.

Since containers are durable but simple steel structures, modification is simple and affordable. For example, depending on the owner’s needs, they can easily outfit storage containers with ventilation, insulation, and other temperature-control features.

Common Shipping Container Styles in the Automotive Industry

Standard (Dry-Storage)

By far, the most common container in the industry is the standard unit, otherwise known as a dry-storage/cargo or general-purpose container. The standard container is the basic unit we’ve all seen before—rectangular shape with one set of doors on the end.

Standard containers are typically 20 feet long, but they’re also available in longer sizes. However, every standard container has the same height and width dimensions:  8 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches high. These container units are the easiest to find and typically the most affordable.

Open-Side

While standard containers are the most common, the automotive industry also likes to use open-side containers. While standard containers have just one set of narrow doors on the end, open-side containers can open the container’s entire side, making them ideal for displaying the contents within.

Automotive companies that want a shipping container as a display case for vehicles should consider an open-side container. It provides the same benefits as a standard container but with a much larger door and display potential.

Conclusion