Container Stuffing, Destuffing, Loading & Unloading for Vehicles

Expert Container Shipping For Your Vehicle

Shipping cars in containers offers enhanced protection against damage and theft, making it an ideal choice for those looking to ensure their vehicle arrives safely at its destination. Our shipping experts have shipped thousands of cars. With years of experience and a meticulous attention to detail, we ensure each vehicle is handled with the utmost care, providing peace of mind to our clients throughout the entire shipping process.

Container Stuffing And Destuffing Services

We provide comprehensive services to safely and securely ship your car in a container.

Container Loading and Stuffing:

  • Vehicle Storage
  • Cleaning/Detailing
  • Basic Maintenance
  • Preloading Inspection
  • Battery Disconnect & Fuel Draining
  • Securing and Lashing
  • Bolt Seal Application: Enhances container security.
  • Drayage Services: Transporting containers to/from the port.

Container Unloading and Destuffing:

  • Careful destuffing for international or domestic arrivals.
  • Drayage from Port: Transport from Halifax port to the final destination.
  • Arrival Inspection: Checking vehicle condition upon arrival.
  • Vehicle Storage: Safe storage solutions post-shipment.

Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Services:

  • Port Drayage: Transporting vehicles to/from Halifax port.
  • Flatbed/Driving Service: Vehicle pickup and delivery at the pier.

Why Ship Your Vehicle By Container?

Container shipping is the best choice for high-value or classic cars that need maximum protection from weather and theft. It is also ideal for long-distance or international transport, providing a secure environment for the vehicle. Additionally, if you require long-term storage or need to ship a non-running vehicle with spare parts, container shipping offers a versatile and safe solution.

Common Reasons To Select Container Shipping Include

  • International household moves.
  • Dealerships transporting vehicles to international markets.
  • Classic and luxury cars.
  • Importing exotic vehicles.
shipping a car internationally

Wondering How Much It Will Cost To Ship Your Car?

Sole Container Shipping vs. Consolidated Container Shipping

Choosing between sole container shipping and consolidated container shipping can significantly impact the cost, timing, and security of the shipment. Here’s a breakdown of both methods to help you decide which is best for your needs:

Sole Container Shipping

Sole container shipping involves transporting your vehicle in an individual container, usually a 20′ container. This method offers several advantages:

  • Exclusive Use:Your car is the only item in the container, providing maximum security and reducing the risk of damage from other goods.
  • Flexibility in Timing: Since the container is solely for your use, there is no need to wait for other shipments to fill the container, allowing for more precise scheduling and faster shipping times.
  • Extra Space: You may be able to use the extra space for personal belongings.

This method is more expensive than consolidated shipping due to the exclusive use of the container and potentially higher associated costs for customs and port fees.

Consolidated Container Shipping

Consolidated container shipping involves sharing a container with other vehicles or goods bound for the same destination. Benefits include:

  • Cost-Effective: shipping multiple cars into the same container reduces the cost per vehicle for individuals shipping more than one vehicle, or allows different customers to share the cost of ocean freight, customs clearance and port charges.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Consolidating shipments leads to better utilization of container space, reducing the number of containers and lowering the environmental impact of shipping.

Consolidated shipping often means longer wait times, as the container needs to be filled before it can be shipped. Additionally, your vehicle will be in close proximity to others, which adds to the potential for risks.

Loading And Securing Sole Containers

Vehicles are carefully driven into the container on a ramp appropriate for the make and model. Inside, the vehicle is aligned to keep the weight balanced. The car is securely anchored with wheel chocks and lashing attached to the container’s floor and walls. Additional padding and bracing are sometimes placed around the vehicle, and covers are applied to protect the cars.

Loading And Securing Consolidated Shipments

For consolidated shipments, platforms or racks are installed, configured based on the types of cars to be loaded. Ramps are set up, and cars are loaded in one-by-one and positioned and secured in the racking system with wheel chocks and straps. In some cases, padding is added, and we apply car covers to prevent damage.

Shipping Container Sizes and Capacities for Vehicle Transport

Shipping containers come in various sizes to accommodate different needs. We typically use containers that are 20’, 40’ and 45’. A 20′ container is ideal for shipping a single vehicle, providing maximum protection and minimal handling. For multiple vehicles, 40’-45’ containers offer ample space and the potential for cost-sharing, and specialized wood or R-Rak systems allowing for up to five vehicles per container.

SIZE

CARS

DETAILS

20’ 1 Provides maximum protection and minimal handling, ideal for high-value or classic cars. Higher per-vehicle cost due to exclusive use.
40-45’ 1-2 Good protection, with the possibility of cost-sharing if two vehicles are shipped. Provides ample space for larger vehicles or additional protection measures.
40-45’
R-Rak System
3-4 Maximizes space efficiency by securely stacking vehicles, providing a stable and secure platform. Requires precise handling and placement, raising risk of damage.
40-45’
Wood Ramps and Bracing
3-4 Cost-effective and flexible configuration to accommodate different vehicle sizes, with additional risks of damage from multiple cars.

Systems And Tools For Loading And Securing

Wood Ramps and Blocks

Cars are carefully loaded onto containers using sturdy wood ramps that allow for appropriate clearance. Once inside the container, we secure the vehicle with chocks to prevent movement and absorb shocks and vibrations. Next, lashing is attached to the car’s frame and used to secure points within the container.

R-Rak Systems

R-Rak is a modular racking system that securely holds multiple vehicles, maximizing space and providing stability. After the cars are loaded, your vehicle is further secured with lashing and clamps around the wheels and chassis to prevent shifting during transit. The R-Rak system absorbs vibrations and shocks, protecting your vehicle during transit.

Roll On/Roll Off (RoRo) Shipping 

An Alternative Method For Overseas Shipping

While shipping cars in containers offers enhanced security and protection, another popular method for shipping overseas is Roll On/Roll Off (RoRo) shipping. In this process, vehicles are driven directly onto a with facilities for transporting wheeled cargo. Once securely parked and fastened, the vehicles are transported to their destination and are driven off upon arrival.

RoRo shipping is often more cost-effective than container shipping and is ideal for those looking to transport operational vehicles quickly and efficiently. However, it provides less protection against environmental elements and potential damage compared to container shipping. To learn more about shipping options, check out our page about overseas shipping, or fill out the form below and our team will give you the information you need to make your decision.

Cities We Serve:

Calgary

Alberta

Edmonton

Alberta

Vancouver

British Columbia

Winnipeg

Manitoba

Halifax

Nova Scotia

Ottawa

Ontario

Toronto

ONTARIO

Montreal

Quebec

And More

We serve cities and towns across Canada. Check out our terminals here: 

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I will remember my dealings with MVS as a standard-setting, high-end, very reasonably-priced and stress-free service. Those will be the words I will be using when recommending MVS.

Rick B

Just a few of the leading companies who have trusted MVS Canada with their vehicles