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Self Loading Auto into a shipping container
Instructions on Loading a Car into a Shipping Container Using a Flatbed Tow Truck
Self-service customers looking to load their car into a shipping container can save on costs while ensuring their vehicle is securely prepared for international or domestic shipping. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to loading your car safely and efficiently using a flatbed tow truck, along with materials required and where to purchase them. For ease, we've included helpful illustrations to guide you through the process.
Materials Needed:
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Wood Blocks or Wheel Chocks
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Purpose: To stabilize the vehicle within the container.
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Where to Buy: Hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or online retailers like Amazon.
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Ratchet Straps
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Purpose: To secure the car by anchoring it to the container floor.
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Specifications: Heavy-duty straps with a breaking strength of at least 10,000 lbs.
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Where to Buy: AutoZone, Harbor Freight, or Amazon.
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Container Ramp or Makeshift Wooden Ramp
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Purpose: To transition the car smoothly from the flatbed tow truck into the container.
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Where to Buy: Rent or purchase from local equipment rental services or build using plywood and 2x4s from a hardware store.
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Protective Padding
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Purpose: To cushion any exposed parts of the car that might contact the container walls.
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Where to Buy: Moving supply stores, U-Haul locations, or Amazon.
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Heavy-Duty Gloves and Safety Gear
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Purpose: To protect yourself during the loading process.
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Where to Buy: Safety equipment stores or hardware stores.
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Measuring Tape
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Purpose: To confirm the dimensions of the car and container.
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Where to Buy: Any hardware store or online retailer.
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Container
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Ensure the container floor is clean and dry.
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Install wood blocks or wheel chocks at the intended position of the car’s wheels.
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Position the Tow Truck
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Align the flatbed tow truck with the container entrance.
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Ensure the truck and container are on level ground to prevent accidents.
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Deploy the Ramp
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Set up the ramp securely between the flatbed and the container.
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Test the ramp for stability by walking on it before use.
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Drive or Winch the Car Onto the Flatbed
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If the car is operational, carefully drive it onto the flatbed.
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If the car is non-operational, use the tow truck’s winch system to pull the car up.
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Transfer the Car Into the Container
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Slowly roll or winch the car from the flatbed into the container using the ramp.
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Check alignment to ensure the car enters straight and centered.
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Secure the Car Inside the Container
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Use ratchet straps to anchor the car at all four corners.
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Attach the straps to the container’s lashing points and tighten securely.
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Place protective padding around the car’s edges to prevent scratches or dents.
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Double-Check Stability
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Gently shake the car to ensure it’s immobilized.
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Verify all straps are taut and wood blocks are in position.
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Seal the Container
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Close and lock the container doors securely.
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Attach a high-security seal to the container.
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Self-Loading Auto Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to safely load your car into a shipping container. This guide ensures your vehicle is properly prepared, secured, and protected for transit.
Materials Checklist:
- Wood blocks or wheel chocks
- Heavy-duty ratchet straps (min. 10,000 lbs strength)
- Container ramp or makeshift wooden ramp
- Protective padding (moving blankets or foam)
- Heavy-duty gloves and safety gear
- Measuring tape
- Fuel siphon or container for draining gas
- High-security lock and seal
Preparation Before Loading:
- Verify the container is clean, dry, and free of debris.
- Confirm your car dimensions fit within the container.
- Align the flatbed tow truck and container on level ground.
- Drain the gas tank to less than a quarter full to comply with safety regulations.
- Remove or deactivate the car alarm to prevent interruptions during transit.
- Roll up all windows and lock the doors once secured.
- Place car keys in a clearly marked envelope and leave them in a designated location (e.g., taped inside the container or handed to the shipping agent).
Steps for Loading:
- Carefully drive or winch the car onto the flatbed tow truck and into the container.
- Position the car centrally in the container, leaving space on all sides for strapping and inspection.
- Secure the wheels with wood blocks or chocks.
- Use ratchet straps to anchor the car at all four corners, attaching them to the container's lashing points.
- Shake the car gently to ensure it is immobilized.
- Add protective padding to prevent contact with the container walls.
Additional Tips for Personal Effects:
- If shipping personal effects in the same container, separate them from the car using dividers (e.g., plywood or a cargo net).
- Do not stack heavy items above the car to avoid potential damage.
- Secure all personal effects with straps or padding to prevent shifting during transit.
- Consider covering the car with a protective cover to guard against accidental scratches or debris.
Post-Loading Checklist:
- Close and lock the container doors securely.
- Attach a high-security seal to the container.
- Ensure all tools and materials are removed from the loading area.
- Verify compliance with customs requirements, ensuring the car's position allows for inspection if necessary.
For further assistance or questions, contact us at info@ecshipping.net or call us at (888)-238-0180.
Download our step-by-step instructional diagram: Download PDF
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