Before deciding whether a container garage is the right solution for your property, it’s important to understand how much usable space these structures actually offer. Many buyers are surprised by how efficiently vehicles can be arranged inside standard and high cube units.
When planning secure, weatherproof storage for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, or even small boats, many property owners consider using new and used shipping containers as a practical and affordable garage solution. Shipping containers are strong, modular, durable, and designed to withstand heavy loads, making them ideal candidates for compact vehicle storage or a fully equipped container garage.
Why Use a Shipping Container as a Vehicle Garage?
Before breaking down capacity, it helps to understand why shipping containers work so well as vehicle storage units:
1. Strength and Structural Integrity
Shipping containers are constructed from Corten steel and built to carry tens of thousands of pounds. This durability allows them to support cars, bikes, and equipment without risk of collapse or damage.
2. Weatherproof Protection
Wind, rain, UV light, and debris are all kept out thanks to sealed doors and rigid sidewalls. With vents or insulation, they can also maintain better internal climate conditions.
3. Security
A steel container is far more secure than a wooden shed or portable garage. Reinforced lockboxes and steel doors provide excellent theft resistance.
4. Mobility and Modularity
You can relocate the unit if needed, stack containers to create multi-level garages, or add modifications like shelving, electricity, insulation, and overhead lighting.
Standard Shipping Container Sizes for Vehicle Storage
Shipping containers come in several standard lengths and heights, but three primary models are most frequently used for garage conversions and personal vehicle storage. Each container type offers different advantages in terms of interior space, maneuverability, airflow potential, and modification options.
20-Foot Standard Container
This is the most compact and easily movable option. It’s ideal for homeowners with limited yard space or for people who need a secure structure that can be delivered quickly and placed almost anywhere without requiring major site preparation.
40-Foot Standard Container
This is the most widely used option for vehicle storage due to its balance of length, price, and versatility. A 40-foot container is long enough to store multiple vehicles without major rearrangement. Many custom garages and workshops start with this size because it offers excellent square footage at a practical cost.
40-Foot High Cube Container
The high cube version includes an additional foot of interior height compared to standard models. This seemingly minor difference dramatically improves the ability to store tall vehicles, add elevated shelving, or create multi-level motorcycle racks. High cube containers are the top choice for vehicle enthusiasts who want to maximize usable vertical space.
How Many Vehicles Fit in a 20-Foot Shipping Container Garage?
20-Foot Shipping Container Dimensions
- Interior length: ~19’4” (5.9 m)
- Width: ~7’8” (2.35 m)
- Height: ~7’10” (2.39 m)
The 20-foot container is compact yet surprisingly capable. Although it is not long enough for many full-size vehicles, it’s more than adequate for storing smaller cars, multiple motorcycles, or utility equipment.
20-Foot Shipping Container Capacity
1. One Standard Car
Most compact and mid-compact cars can fit comfortably inside a 20-foot container, provided they do not exceed the width of approximately 6 feet. The car can be parked straight or slightly angled to optimize maneuvering room.
Examples of vehicles that fit well:
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Corolla
- Mazda 3
- Ford Focus
- Mini Cooper
- Hyundai Elantra
- Kia Forte
Why these vehicles fit: They fall under the standard compact class, offering shorter wheelbases and narrower frames that accommodate the interior width of the container.
Limitations:
- Most mid-size SUVs (for example: Toyota Highlander)
- Full-size sedans (for example: Chevrolet Impala)
- Pickup trucks (for example: Ford F-150)
These vehicles exceed length or width restrictions and cannot be safely stored without modifications.
2. Two to Four Motorcycles
A 20-foot container provides ample space for 2–4 motorcycles depending on their size and how they are arranged.
Possible configurations:
- 2 large touring bikes (e.g., Harley-Davidson Road King, Honda Gold Wing)
- 3 mid-size cruisers or sport bikes
- Up to 4 dirt bikes or lightweight motorcycles
With the use of wheel chocks and mounting rails, owners can position the bikes in staggered or angled formations to save more room.
3. One ATV or Two Smaller ATVs
A standard ATV fits comfortably inside a 20-foot container, and two compact ATVs can be stored side-by-side if positioned efficiently. This is a popular setup for recreational riders and homeowners with utility equipment.
How Many Vehicles Fit in a 40-Foot High Cube Shipping Container?
40-Foot High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions
- Same length and width as a standard 40-foot container
- Interior height: ~8’10” (2.69 m)
The extra height adds tremendous versatility, especially for tall vehicles or customers who want integrated shelving or overhead storage.
High cube containers offer space for:
- Roof racks
- Luggage systems
- Lifted suspension trucks
- Taller SUVs
- Storage mezzanines
- Double-stacked motorcycles
This makes high cubes ideal for workshops, multi-vehicle storage, or custom garage conversions with lighting and insulation.
40-Foot High Cube Shipping Container Storage Capacity
1. Two Cars + Overhead Racking
The length accommodates two standard cars while the additional height allows for raised storage shelves above the vehicles. Owners can use overhead space for:
- Tires
- Tools
- Parts bins
- Equipment
- Seasonal items
2. One Van or Tall SUV + One Car
Only high cubes can store tall models such as:
- Mercedes Sprinter
- Ford Transit
- Ram ProMaster
- Large SUVs with roof cargo systems
A second smaller vehicle can still fit behind the van or SUV.
3. Double-Stack Motorcycles (Using Ramps or Racks)
The increased vertical space allows the installation of custom racks or mezzanines. With these additions, a high cube container can store:
- 6–10 motorcycles (depending on the model size)
- Or 4 large bikes + overhead shelves
This makes high cubes especially popular among motorcycle collectors and service shops.using a shipping container as a garage provides a durable, secure, and flexible solution for storing cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and even larger vehicles. By carefully selecting the right container size and considering factors such as vehicle dimensions, interior modifications, and layout efficiency, you can maximize storage space and protect your vehicles from weather and theft. For those planning to move or relocate a container garage, it’s important to understand proper transportation methods. Also, check out towing a shipping container: what pickup owners need to know https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2025/09/towing-a-shipping-container-what-pickup-owners-need-to-know/ to learn essential tips and guidelines for safely towing a shipping container with your pickup truck. With proper planning and organization, a container garage can serve as a long-term solution for vehicle storage. Investing in the right setup ensures both convenience and peace of mind for years to come.
