Are you worried about the security of your shipping? It is understandable why you would be concerned about the security of a steel shipping container. After all, you will be storing valuables in it whether you will use it as a home, office, shop, or storage unit. Here are a few ways to enforce the security of your used shipping container.
Install Lock Boxes:
Steel shipping container lock boxes are made of steel, which makes it
hard for someone to tamper with them. Their design will keep your
padlock out of view and accessible from one direction only. This gives
any lock cutter, chisels, and angle grinder a hard time accessing your
steel cargo container. Most lockboxes will be welded into your steel
shipping container by you or your dealer. If you would like the option
of removing the steel box, use the bolt-on option. They might need a
little more modification if you are using them anywhere other than the
ends doors.
Be Mindful About Windows: If
you are extremely security conscious, you will not use windows at all.
But if using your steel shipping container as an office or pop up shop,
windows will be vital for ventilation and natural lighting. A window
mesh or bar is the most common choice if you are looking for something
permanent. Permanent windows do a great job of keeping people. They also
keep small objects from breaking your windows, especially if you use
mesh. If you have a great view you would not want to block; a window
cover will be your best option. It similar to a lock box but it is solid
steel. This is perfect for security because windows are not as secure
as doors. You can either install the horizontal swing, vertical swing or
bar door (horizontal slide).
Fence Your Property:
Security for your office container is vital whether you have started
using it or not. Once you bring it to the site, do not assume that an
intruder will not be interested. Instead, enforce security by ensuring
that your property is well fenced to keep unwanted people out. This may
not stop dedicated intruders, but it will definitely slow them down,
hopefully in time for you to stop them. Fencing that has metal mesh and
bars is often more secure.
Hire a Security Team:
A security dog is excellent at keeping intruders away. The presence of a
dog and guard offer signs that help stop an unwanted visitor. A dog
barks when there is an intruder, alerting you of the impending danger.
And as long as there’s a guard there, someone will be able to
investigate if the dog is alarmed.
A standard size
shipping container can store 3,500 shoe boxes while a 40-foot container
will hold 8,000 boxes or more. With this kind of storage space, it is in
your best interest to spruce up the security. Leaving it open for
intruders will give you a hard time when you finally start using your
steel shipping container.
Around the world, there are about 17 million shipping containers, but only about 5 million are in use. While most used containers shipping containers for sale are of high quality, it is crucial to know how to avoid a low-quality container. Here are some important things to consider when searching for shipping containers
Decide on the type of shipping container:
First, check the height of the container and select one that will
accommodate your storage, shipping, or other needs. Standard containers
are 8 feet 6 inches in height while high cube containers are 9 feet 6
inches tall. An extra foot in height means you can comfortably install
insulation and remain with 8 feet height. The additional investment is
definitely worth it.
See the container in person before you make the purchase: Just because you want to buy used shipping containers
does not mean you should trust the picture you see on a website. When
attempting to buy used shipping containers, many people make the mistake
of doing so over the phone or online, and then they end up disappointed
with their purchase. Make sure you see the storage container in person
and check for any dents, rust patches, strong doors, and locking styles
before you purchase. If you are completely unable to inspect the
container personally, ask for photos from all angles both inside and
outside the container.
Avoid low specification containers:
There are two types of used containers available on the market. One is
built with high-quality steel and the other is manufactured with less
steel. Obviously, you want to avoid the one with less steel since it
will not be as durable. Also, this type has doors that are challenging
to operate, which will give you a headache. Thinner steel means your
protection against rust and corrosion is compromised. Low-quality
containers are also known to have a thin layer of paint. Also, the
weight of the container is shown on the door, so make sure to check when
you spot a used container that looks great.
Check the legal framework of using the storage container in your area:
There is nothing worse than being told to bring down the shipping
container home or office you have built. Check with your local planning
authority and ask about regulations to ascertain that your office, shop,
and structure comply with their guidelines. Have an idea of what you
want to build, where you want to build, and the construction plans when
you visit their offices.
Where To Buy Used Shipping Containers
In
order to buy used shipping containers, you need to know the first place
to look: on the internet. Look at the shipping container companies in
your locality and view pictures of the containers they have available.
Check your list and see which company has the quality you are looking
for.
Once you narrow down your search to three or four
companies, visit their site and ask as many questions as possible about
their used containers. Take a tour of the containers and see for
yourself the kind of quality you should expect if you buy from a
specific company. Remember to check for all the tips we have highlighted
on this post to avoid purchasing a low-value storage container.
Used
shipping containers have many uses, but you must be careful when
purchasing if you are to get value for your money. The good thing with
shipping containers is they are built to last, averaging a 25-year
lifespan.
When you think about containers, a 40-foot-high shipping container comes to mind. Modifications to these cargo containers are also extremely common. You can convert them into an array of storage units, container pop up shops, and even mobile offices. Before we look at what you can use a storage container for, we’ll compare and contrast new and used storage containers and what their remarkable differences are.
New vs. Used Storage Containers
The main difference between new vs. used storage containers is that one type is obviously older than the other. But that’s like scratching the surface of a rock. There are a multitude of other differences a customer needs to know if they are to get value for their money.
The majority of new container manufacturing is happening in the far east. All containers you find in Europe, hired or sold, have been shipped one way from their manufacturing site in the far east. When you buy a used shipping container, expect that it will come in the original shipping line color and will have probably be shipped globally before it was put up for sale.
A new shipping container has the life expectancy of approximately 25 years. Most used containers have transported cargo to close to nine years before they are put up for sale. You are likely to see a few dents and rust patches here and there which is industry standard. Mostly, these are cosmetic issues you can fix with a little paint job. New shipping containers are still used to transport cargo but will have little to no scratches and dents. They will also not need any paint job.
If you are looking for a specific color, you are more likely to get it if you go with a new shipping container. In most cases, new shipping containers will come in color green or blue, but you can request a specific color if you so wish. Used shipping containers do come in different colors as well. However, you are not guaranteed to get a particular color, and you may have to go with what you get.
A new container has a few advantages here. First, the doors will not be stiff, which makes it easy for you to open and close your storage unit. Secondly, new shipping containers come with a slimline lock box that is fitted in the factory and ready to use. This type of lock offers the best security option for your storage unit.
Another critical feature in a new container is that it is multi vented, which significantly reduces the chances of condensation. This reduces the likelihood of the container rusting, which further increases its durability. A used container usually has less ventilation, which makes it susceptible to a lot of heat during the warmer seasons and extremely low temperatures during the cold seasons. You can, however, install insulation and heating systems to keep things comfortable, especially if your idea is to have houses or offices made out of shipping containers.
Should You Buy Used or New Containers?
The answer to this question will mostly depend on the use you have in mind and your budget. There is nothing wrong with buying either a new or used container. If you don’t mind a few scratches and dents, a used container will serve you as good as a new one. Also, the color should not deter you. Paintwork will be an added cost, but one that is worth it if you are really eyeing a specific color.
New vs. used storage containers have a lot of similarities as they do differences. Around 675 containers are lost at sea every year, but the ones that make it to the market are made to last for decades and will give you value for your money.
When you think about shipping containers, you probably don’t immediately associate them with anything other than their original use, which is to store and ship various items around the world. What you may not realize is that there are unique uses for a storage container and shipping containers that you may find surprising. Using storage and shipping containers for specialty projects like container pop up shops, for houses made out of shipping containers, and for mobile office containers are fun and unique ways to either promote your business or to live!
Container Pop Up Shops
If you are looking for a fun way to promote your business, or a more efficient storefront than a container pop up shop might be just what you need. There are many benefits to a container pop up shop, the first of which is that it can be mobile. Using 40 foot shipping containers for your container pop up shop means that you can easily transport your container to your target market. You can also utilize smaller containers, which makes it even easier to move your business around. They are easy to move and easy to set up, and with a professional shipping container sales business to help you modify your containers, you’ll be able to get what you need for your business. Not to mention the uniqueness of a business run from containers is bound to draw in some curious customers. Another plus of having a container pop up shop is that you can utilize parking lots and dead space to set up your business. Overall using containers for pop up shops can reduce your costs, are quick to set up, and allow for flexibility.
Shipping Container Homes
Shipping container homes and tiny houses are becoming more and more popular. One reason why this is happening is that with the proper care and with regular maintenance, a shipping container can last for an up to 20 years! You would be investing in a new or used container that could potentially be your tiny home for up to 20 years. Modifying houses made out of shipping containers is done in a variety of ways, including adding doors, windows, and skylights, to name a few. A shipping container sales business can assist with finding or modifying containers to be climate controlled containers and can also assist in finding local solar installation companies if you are interested in having an energy efficient home. Another great thing about using containers to build your home is that you can use a single 40 foot shipping container or you can use multiple 40 foot shipping containers to build a larger home. Depending on what you choose, you will also have a home that can easily be picked up and moved whenever you want!
Mobile Office Containers
New and used containers can also be used as mobile office containers. If you have a business that requires you to relocate frequently, perhaps in construction or for various job sites, a portable office container might be just what you need. An office container allows for you to set your business’ office up where ever you need to. It’s also an easy way to add additional office space to your company if you need it, they are also great if you are looking to expand your office to new locations but are not yet sure how much office space is required during the initial setup.
There are many different uses for storage containers, and it can be challenging to know where to start. A business that specializes in shipping container sales and modifications is a great place to start if you are considering utilizing storage containers for an innovative project. They will be able to assist you with finding new shipping containers for sale or help you decide if it is better to buy used shipping containers based on your needs. Having someone there to assist you through the shipping container sales process is very useful, and they can also help you with the modification process, too!
The metal shipping container was first invented in 1956 by Malcolm McLean. His goal was to develop a new way of transporting goods over long distances. Prior to that, goods were shipped using a method known as “break bulk” in which items were individually loaded onto ships in boxes, bags, and barrels. Shipping containers would ultimately prove to be a more efficient method for shipping bulk goods and products.
Today, shipping containers play a big role in most of our lives, whether we realize it or not. Why? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Over 95% of all cargo worldwide is transported overseas via ship. Almost 97% of shipping containers are manufactured in China. And there is a good reason for this. Namely, that most of the world’s goods are manufactured in China. China is also home to the two busiest ports in the world (Shanghai, Singapore). With goods and shipping containers being produced in the same places, it has become a much more cost-effective method for manufacturers to ship their products globally.
Out of nearly 17 million shipping containers in the world, only 6 million containers are currently in active use. That means that somewhere around 11 million shipping containers are currently unused. Rather than sitting empty, these shipping containers could be modified and used in various ways. In this article, we will look at a few possible storage container modifications that can be made to old containers to make them re-usable for different purposes.
Storage Container Modifications
You may be asking: “What can you build with storage containers?”
One obvious use for old cargo containers is to construct them into small homes. You’ve probably even seen one or two on the internet or even in real life. But what are some other storage container modifications that can be made? What are some alternative uses for old cargo containers? The possibilities are truly endless.
Disaster Shelters
With a few storage container modifications, a shipping container can be transformed into a disaster shelter for people displaced from their homes due to natural disasters or accidents. Modified shipping and storage containers are sturdy and function as great makeshift shelters.
Mobile Kitchens
Another great idea for storage container modifications is to convert old shipping containers into mobile restaurants. Some containers are small enough they can be attached to a truck chassis and hauled like a trailer, but large enough to hold everything you would need to run a street food operation, such as grills, deep fryers, refrigerators, and anything else you would find in a restaurant kitchen. A service window can be cut into one side of the trailer and a folding counter-top or bar can be fabricated out of sheet aluminum or wood. This can then be locked into place during business hours and folded up when the trailer is in transit.
Backyard Tool Shed
Without very much modification, shipping containers can be turned into a convenient backyard tool shed or even into a workshop for welding, painting, or any number of other projects. Shipping containers are sturdy and well constructed, making them an obvious way to keep your tools and work-space safe from the elements.
Greenhouses and Grow Rooms
By replacing the ceiling of cargo containers with panels of greenhouse glass or polycarbonate materials, shipping containers can be easily converted into micro-farms and nurseries for all sorts of plants.
These are just a few smart uses for re-purposed storage containers and storage container modifications, but there are endless possibilities. How will you use your new space?
