Why Certified Racks Beat Disposable Racks in Container Car Shipping

The automotive shipping industry is evolving, especially with the surge in demand for shipping electric and used vehicles in containers. As this growth continues, so does the need for reliable, safe and sustainable vehicle transport solutions. Unfortunately, some companies have resorted to using disposable racking systems to cut costs, at the expense of efficiency, vehicle safety, and environmental responsibility.

At Trans-Rak International we believe there’s a better way. Our certified, engineered racking systems, like the R-RAK system favoured by Tesla as pictured above, were developed specifically to solve the problems posed by disposable racks, offering a superior solution for shipping cars in containers. Here’s why it matters.

The Risks of Disposable Racks

1. Unsafe Loading and Unloading

   
   

Disposable racks are often built onsite or assembled from generic components. This inconsistency leads to serious safety hazards:

• Unstable structures that can shift or collapse under weight

• Manual handling risks due to lack of standardisation or proper anchoring

• No tested load ratings, leaving workers vulnerable

  
  

When dealing with high-value vehicles, especially EVs with sensitive battery systems, this level of uncertainty is unacceptable.

2. Increased Vehicle Damage

Disposable racks are often made from low grade stainless steel or wood. Wood warps, splinters, and breaks. During transit, wooden racks often:

• Allow cars to shift or scrape against surfaces

• Cause stress on undercarriages or bumpers

• Contribute to misalignment or shipping damage

  
  

The result? More insurance claims, higher repair costs, and reputational risk for shipping partners.

3. Unsustainable and Wasteful

Disposable racking is, as the name might suggest, almost always single use. After just one trip:

• It’s discarded into landfills or burned

• It contributes to deforestation and carbon emissions

• It creates unnecessary labour for disposal

  
  

At a time when global logistics is under pressure to go green, disposable systems are a step in the wrong direction.

The Case for Certified Engineered Racking Systems

Our racking systems are designed from the ground up to solve these issues, providing a safe, sustainable, and scalable solution for vehicle shipping in containers.

Engineered for Safety

• Certified load ratings

• Rigorously tested steel construction

• Repeatable, secure loading every time

Your teams work faster and safer, with fewer risks and fewer variables.

Protects Every Vehicle

• No contact with car surfaces

• Precision-fit vehicle supports

• Shock-absorbing features to prevent transit movement

This dramatically reduces claims and ensures vehicles arrive in showroom-ready condition.

Sustainable and Reusable

• 100% reusable for hundreds of trips

• Fully recyclable materials

• Minimal waste and maximum lifespan

Compared to the throwaway nature of disposable racks, our tried and tested systems offer a long-term cost advantage and a far lower environmental footprint.

Globally Compliant

Our racking systems meet international shipping and safety standards, making cross-border logistics smoother and more predictable. Whether shipping EVs from North America to Europe or used vehicles from Asia to Africa, you can rely on certified performance - every time.

The Bottom Line

Disposable racking systems may seem economical on the surface, but the real cost comes later, in safety incidents, damaged vehicles, environmental waste, and damage to the industry’s reputation.

At Trans-Rak International, we’re committed to lifting the standard for containerised vehicle shipping. Our certified, engineered racking systems, like the EL-RAK, deliver the performance, protection, and sustainability the industry needs - and your business deserves.

Stop settling for short-term solutions. Choose safety, quality, and responsibility. Choose engineered. Contact us today to learn how our racking systems can transform your shipping operations.