How to Pack 3 Units of Mazda CX-50 into One 40HQ Container: Step-by-Step Loading Guide

Short answer: three Mazda CX-50s do not fit end to end in a 40-foot high-cube container — together they are about 14.4 m long and the container is about 12 m inside. Loading three units needs a steel racking system that lifts one car at an angle above the others. The weight is no problem; the layout and lashing are what matter.

What are the key dimensions?

Container sizes vary slightly between owners, so the forwarder confirms the exact internal and door dimensions when booking. CX-50 figures are from the manufacturer's China-market data.

Why can't you just drive three in?

Two CX-50s nose to tail take about 9.6 m plus clearance, leaving roughly 2 m — not enough for a third car. Stacking flat does not work either: two cars are about 3.3 m tall against 2.69 m of internal height. The solution is an inclined rack: one car is driven onto a steel frame and raised at an angle so its wheels sit above the cars below, overlapping them in length.

Step-by-step loading sequence

1. Prepare the cars: wash, photograph every side, record mileage and fuel level, fold mirrors, and remove loose items. Keep fuel low as required by the carrier.
2. Install the rack: the loading team assembles the steel rack at the front end of the container and checks its locking pins.
3. Load the raised car: drive the first CX-50 onto the rack, then lift and lock it at the planned angle.
4. Load the floor cars: reverse or drive the second car under the raised car, then position the third car near the doors.
5. Chock and lash: place wheel chocks and secure every wheel with ratchet straps to the container's lashing points.
6. Final check: confirm clearances to the roof and walls, take photos of the stowage and record the seal number.

How are the cars secured?

Each car is held by ratchet straps over the tyres — not the body or suspension — plus wooden or rubber wheel chocks. Straps are tensioned evenly so the car cannot shift fore-aft or sideways during sea or rail movement. Your photos at this stage are also your record for insurance.

Is three always possible?

Not always. Feasibility depends on the rack system, the container's door height and whether the hybrid's extra 32 mm of height matters for a given rack. We confirm the loading plan before booking, and if three units do not fit safely we propose two per container or Ro-Ro instead.

Can I mix models in the same container?

Yes. Mixed-model orders are accepted — for example two CX-50s with a smaller car — and we plan the layout to make the best use of space. See fleet solutions for mixed orders and the export process for documents.

EVtoU Export Desk — Export sales and logistics team at EVtoU, Beijing.