Why Are More Cars Moving in Containers?

Up to 2m vehicles could use alternative transport in 2026—mostly containers.

Cars are normally shipped on dedicated roll-on/roll-off vessels.

They are driven aboard through ramps and secured inside.

These ships are called PCTCs—Pure Car and Truck Carriers.

But China’s vehicle exports are growing faster than the specialised fleet built to carry them.

So more vehicles are moving in containers.

The surprising part?

New PCTC orders are surging—but the capacity gap is still growing.

Here are the four numbers that matter. 👇

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1. China’s vehicle exports are accelerating

China exported more than 5m vehicles in the H1-2026.