Once modified, a steel cargo container can have almost unlimited uses beyond its traditional use as a place to store or transports supplies. They also come in a variety of sizes, from 40 foot containers, which are fairly standard, to sizes as great as 180 feet wide and 1,3000 feet long. Furthermore, because shipping containers are meant to be moved around, they can be placed wherever you need them, like as a pop-up business or an addition to a work site. This means that there are endless options for a modified shipping container, limited only by what you want out of a steel cargo container.
Here are three of the many options for modifying a storage container:
They Can Act as a Modified Office
Many businesses are looking towards modified shipping containers as a new way of constructing their offices. This is because of the flexibility that they offer, as they can be moved where they are needed. This is great for a construction company, which won’t always work in the same location, or other work that happens at off-site locations like an archeological dig. This environmentally friendly option is also customizable to fit the needs of the portable office. It’s not a one size fits all, generic office that you’d be getting. On top of all that, they’re also a great economic decision for a business. It’s both cheaper than building an office from scratch, but can also be sold later for a profit, or if not a profit then at least a portion of the initial cost.
They Make Great Concessions Stands
Almost every sporting event, from youth sports for children through professional sports, have concessions stands at them. Of course, sports aren’t the only place that you’ll find a concession stand. Fireworks, parades, air shows, fun runs, and any event that draws a notable crowd will need a concession stand to help keep everyone full and happy.
Steel cargo containers are easily converted into concession stands, and much like food trucks the mobility that is offered by a shipping container allows the shipping container to become a portable concession stand, going to events throughout the region. Furthermore, due to their size, shipping containers can offer some shelter to sit and eat at if there is bad weather for the event they’re serving, making them a great option to replace the traditional concession stand that typically amounts to some folding tables and a tent.
They Can Become a Seasonal Shop
In shopping malls, strip malls, empty lots, and parking lots across the country there are seasonal pop-up shops that appear over the course of the year. Around October they’ll sell costumes and Halloween decorations, and come the winter those spaces tend to be filled with Christmas trees, ornaments, and other winter holiday supplies. They’ll even pop-up to sell fireworks at the start of summer in states where they’re legal.
A converted steel cargo container makes a great alternative to traditional pop-up shops. It can be moved wherever there is space or would be the best for the business, while also being customized to fit the needs of whichever particular season they’re in, versatile when necessary, and is easily turned over into different seasons. Furthermore, because modified shipping containers are a cheaper option than traditional structures it helps the bottom line of a pop-up seasonal shop.
Because these modified shipping containers are customizable, they can fit almost any need you can think of for them. These are just three options in a world full of possibilities beyond these. That’s the true strength of using a modified shipping container, their versatility in purpose.
A drive-up COVID-19 testing site will open in the parking lot behind Don Ahern Veterans Stadium near the foot of West 25th Street, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The site is in partnership with Immediate Care-Walk In Co. of Red Bank. Walk-up testing will also be available.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, testing will be from 1 to 7 p.m.; on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointments needed. For more information, go online to Immediate Care at immcare.com.
“It is important for Bayonne residents to have the option of drive-up and walk-up Coronavirus testing,” said Mayor James Davis.
Mobile unit
This is Immediate Care’s first mobile testing site in Hudson County, with no out-of-pocket cost to residents. It’s a retrofitted shipping container.
Immediate Care is responsible for setup, maintenance, and break-down of the site. Primary contacts will be Immediate Care personnel. Immediate Care serves hundreds of people a day at mobile units in Middletown, Marlboro, East Windsor, and Old Bridge.
Testing requires driver’s licenses and insurance cards. Uninsured people should provide a Social Security card or number and will be covered through the federal government.
Drive or walk to the northern entrance of the parking lot, in lanes set up with cones. A self-administered saliva test or staff-administered nasal test are available. Results in 48 to 72 hours.
People walk their specimens to a container and fill out paperwork. Total time is just a few minutes. Departure is through the southern exit.
Testing at Bayonne Medical Center and at the Bayonne Community Museum have ended.
Storage container testing sites
Many more of these testing sites are in the works, said Immediate Care CEO Sal Cannizzaro. They open quickly and can accommodate up to 300 tests a day, without appointments.
“If someone is suspected of having COVID, we send them to the mobile testing center first for nasal or saliva PCR tests,” Cannizzaro said. “If the tests are negative, then we can accommodate them at Immediate Care. It is an effective way to keep our patients safe, while serving the incredible ongoing demand for COVID testing.”
According to Cannizzaro, the mobile sites attract asymptomatic people who need testing to return to work or school, to travel, to have surgery, to visit relatives, and for a host of other reasons.
“COVID tests take 10 minutes to do,” Cannizzaro said. “People don’t need to enter a full-service urgent care clinic where they can potentially infect others or be infected. The mobile centers are ideal, with testing done safely, and people in and out quickly.”
Cannizzaro said he has access to “acres and acres” of unused shipping containers, which he is now buying or leasing from three distribution centers, in Woodbridge, Chicago, and Baytown, TX.
The standard size is 20 feet long by 8 feet wide, with four testing rooms. The mobile sites can be retrofitted for a variety of uses.
“We can make these as step-down, critical-care units by connecting the containers or using larger ones,” Cannizzaro said. “The customizing is really endless. We paint them. We insulate them. We bring electricity and water to them. We panel the entire interior and ceiling with high gloss, vinyl, medical-grade washable panels and cover the floors with epoxy. We install HVAC systems and negative air pressure with exhaust fans. By the time we are done, patients have no idea they are sitting in a former shipping container.”
From testing to vaccination
Cannizzaro said the next logical step is to use them as mass vaccination centers. He envisions thousands set up throughout New Jersey, and many more across the country, as the federal government ramps up a never-before-seen effort to vaccinate the masses in a few short months.
The containers can be dropped off by a flatbed truck and be fully operational in a few short days, powered by generators. Potential customers could be government entities at all levels, eager to provide testing and vaccinations as quickly and as cheaply as possible.
“Right now, we are working with many more municipalities in northern New Jersey as we try to keep up with the demand,” said Cannizzaro, noting he has retained a leasing agent, R.J. Brunelli & Co. of Old Bridge. “We see an immediate and ongoing need for more and more of these mobile sites into 2022.”
Most of the shipping containers available for sale in the U.S. are used shipping containers. Typically, these containers have been used in the shipping industry for about 10 to 12 years. As such, you will find used shipping containers for sale in different conditions — some in perfect shape and others in less than ideal conditions. Perhaps buying new containers is more straightforward because of their pristine conditions. Most of the new containers (97%) are manufactured in China, loaded with cargo once, and shipped to the U.S. These are also referred to as one-trip containers.
So, how can you tell if a used shipping container is in great shape before making a purchase?
The Classification of the Container
Used shipping containers for sale are generally classified under three categories — Cargo worthy containers, used wind and watertight containers (WWT), and as-is containers. They vary in price just as they vary in conditions. Used shipping containers that are in great shape and can be reused for shipping purposes are classified as cargo worthy containers. Containers in this category can easily pass as new containers because they are usually in top shape and conditions.
WWT containers have had a longer service life in the shipping industry — anywhere from eight to 15 years. The interior and exterior conditions of a WWT container are noticeably different from those of a one-trip container. You can expect some minor dents and dings on the container body, and the exteriors and interiors of the container may have some rust and faded parts. However, these containers are windproof and waterproof and are ideal for storage purposes and short-distance shipping.
As-is containers are on the cheaper side. These containers are sold in whichever condition they are. If you are only looking for a cheap container, you will find great options in this category. Depending on the extent of damage on these containers, some may be waterproof and windproof, and some will have visible holes on the walls.
Inspect the Interior and Exteriors of the Container
You should closely inspect the seals, paint, and corner castings around the edges. Inspect whether the doors lock and seal correctly. Check out if there are cracks or small holes that may let in air or water. You can do this by closing the container door in the daylight and observe if some light leaks into the container. If you notice any leaks, it means that the container is neither waterproof nor windproof. If you intend to use your used container for shipping purposes, you should consider hiring a qualified marine surveyor to certify its conditions.
Buy Used Shipping Containers for Sale From a Reputable Dealer
At times, you may not have the chance to inspect a used container. In such a scenario, you can only trust that your container dealer will deliver the promised quality. The reputable container dealers will also stock new shipping containers for sale alongside old shipping containers. Such a dealer will have 40-foot shipping containers, 20-foot containers, climate-controlled containers, open-top containers, and high cube storage containers.
Additionally, the top container dealers will also offer cargo container modification services for both new and used containers. Therefore, you can have your used container modified and delivered as a container pop up shop, office container, or a portable concession stand. Regardless of what you intend to use your container for, the top dealer can handle all the modifications needed.
Buying used shipping containers for sale shouldn’t be a complicated process. For the most part, you’re guaranteed to get quality used shipping containers when you buy from a reputable dealer. However, it doesn’t hurt to inspect a used shipping container’s conditions before making a purchase. You should thoroughly inspect the exteriors and interiors of a shipping container. A good shipping container should be waterproof and windproof. You can expect some minor dents and dings on a used container, but not too extensive. If you intend to repurpose a used container for shipping purposes, it’s advisable to get a qualified marine inspector to examine the container.
The versatility of steel shipping containers makes them incredibly useful in the business world. The design, size, and shape of shipping containers makes them appropriate for different uses such as storage, pop up shops, mobile offices, and portable concession stands. Today, businesses of all sizes are modifying shipping containers to provide solutions for their various needs. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons steel shipping containers are so popular among business owners right now.
Readily Available for Purchase and Use
Billie Box estimates that there’re more than 17 million shipping containers in circulation globally. After their service in the shipping industry, most steel containers are still in great shape and can be reused for different purposes. Therefore, you can buy used shipping containers at an affordable price. Alternatively, you can buy new shipping containers for sale from a dealer near you. Since new and used shipping containers are plenty in the market, you can buy one at a great price.
Easy and Affordable to Modify
It is convenient to modify your shipping container to fit different applications. You can custom-modify your new or used shipping containers at an affordable price. For instance, you can install windows, doors, storage cabinets, ventilation, insulation, and air conditioning for a mobile office container. It doesn’t take long to modify a shipping container and install all the extra amenities that you need for your operations. This makes it particularly attractive for big companies looking for quick turn-around solutions to provide extra office space or storage space. Even when you conduct extensive modifications to your shipping container, it will still be more affordable than the traditional brick-and-mortar offices.
Sturdy and Long-Lasting
According to Container Auction, shipping containers can last for more than two decades if they are taken care of with regular maintenance. It does not take much to maintain your steel shipping container. You only need to dust it down and pressure-wash it occasionally. Other than that, your shipping container will withstand adverse weather conditions without sustaining damage. This is because steel shipping containers are made from corrugated steel that can accommodate heavy loads and hostile weather conditions. That is why steel shipping containers will endure adverse conditions such as heavy ocean waves, high pressure, gale-force winds, or hammering rain. Additionally, the corrugated steel is mold and rust-resistant because it contains zero organic material. For this reason, steel shipping containers are ideal for specialty projects that may require you to work in remote places with inhospitable climates.
Sufficient Space for Your Goods
Steel shipping containers vary in size. The most common size is 40 feet and 20 feet shipping containers. Depending on your application, you may need a bigger or smaller container. It is therefore convenient that shipping containers vary in size. If you need extra space, you can buy another container and stack it on the existing one. This also saves you ground space, as you can stack several containers without eating up your warehouse space.
Steel shipping containers provide handy solutions for companies in need of storage or office space. Since it is easy to modify shipping containers, they’re convenient for companies of all sizes in search of custom solutions. Steel shipping containers are sturdy, affordable, and durable, making them ideal for any number of uses.
Anyone who is interested in making some unique or novel designs with architecture often ends up finding out that their creativity is limited by some of the constraints of the modern world. High expenses and outlandish budgets make some projects impossible to conceive. In other cases, a lack of proper building materials can make your creativity feel stunted from the very start. In this brief guide, we will aim to explain some of the key benefits of making use of storage containers and steel cargo containers. Namely, we will explore some of the key ways in which you can bring your creativity and ideas to life by making use of these new and upcoming approaches.
Steel Cargo Containers and Storage Containers Allow You to Maximize Your Budget for Other Needs
Costs often hamper projects before they are even allowed to get off the ground. Storefronts and large construction projects often dictate the full extent of an idea prior to its full execution. When you instead choose to make use of steel cargo containers and used storage containers, you can cut out many of the largest expenses that are often associated with business and commercial projects. With the extra funds in your hands, you’ll soon find that you’re in an ideal position to let your creativity and ideas run wild!
Steel Cargo Containers Allow You to Make Some Unique Alterations to Meet Your Needs
Unique ideas require unique designs and alterations when you’re starting from a foundation such as a storage container. Thankfully, the world of shipping and storage containers has come quite a long way in this regard. With the ability to add power sources, windows, doors, and lighting, the sky is the limit when you’re bringing your ideas to life with a steel cargo container. By working with an established company that specializes in these kinds of modifications, you can be even more confident that you’re making the most out of your space. More and more storage containers are being used for all kinds of applications. As a matter of fact, there are around 17 million shipping containers in the world, with only 6 million of these in use. Therefore, approximately 11 million shipping containers are currently unused and could be converted into homes for people.
Steel Cargo Containers and Storage Containers Make for Perfect Mobile Set Ups
If you want to make sure that your ideas are portable and compact, then you would certainly be quite hard-pressed to find a better technique than to make use of steel cargo containers. With so many modern options available on the market, it’s easier than ever before to make one of a kind designs that can also make for a portable set up. Whether you’re looking to make a fun concession stand or a unique pop-up clothing store, used storage containers and steel cargo containers are among some of the best options available.
At Integrated Equipment Sales, we’re proud to offer a wide range of steel cargo containers that will make the perfect fit for a variety of different business applications. Whether you’re in need of storage containers for sale, portable officer containers, shipping container houses, or any other type of steel cargo containers, we’re here to help you out. If there are any major aspects you don’t know about storage containers, or if you’re in need of some more information about the kinds of products that we have to offer, then please don’t hesitate to reach out and get in touch with a member of our team today. We’re excited to work with you and the rest of your business team.
