Shipping lines own almost half of all shipping containers. However, such containers are popular with the military and government as they serve many purposes. Shipping containers are made of steel which makes them very strong and durable. They are also weatherproof and can withstand all types of climates. Here are some ways the military puts steel containers to good use.
1. Storage
These containers conveniently store many items ranging from food and water to ammunition and medical supplies. Shipping containers can also store equipment and vehicles. During deployments, soldiers may be in harsh conditions and need to be able to access supplies quickly. Storing food and equipment supplies in a steel container provides a temperature-controlled environment and keeps supplies organized.
2. Barracks
Steel shipping containers are used by the military to create barracks when soldiers are away from an official military base. They can be stacked on top of each other to create two or three-story barracks. The military can also place them side-by-side to create long, linear barracks. These containers can be outfitted with all the necessary amenities to provide soldiers with a temp home, including electricity and running water.
3. Offices
When working in remote locations, the military often uses steel containers as offices and command centers. They are outfitted with furniture and supplies to provide a private space for soldiers to work. They provide a secure location for soldiers to coordinate operations and communicate with other units.
3. Training
The military always needs ongoing training. Luckily, shipping containers become training facilities for a variety of purposes. They can be used as mockups for urban warfare, provide a realistic environment for medical training, and make a suitable location for target practice.
4. Barrier
Shipping containers can become strong barriers. By placing them in the water to create a floating barrier or on the ground to create a barricade, they can block roads or create checkpoints.
The military has no problems putting steel shipping containers to good use. They are strong, durable, and weatherproof. They can be used for storage, housing, training, and barriers. In other words, soldiers have reliable steel shipping containers to thank for many of their comforts while deployed.
In theory, making a log cabin home using a storage container seems straightforward, but the process isn’t always as easy as it seems from the onset. For instance, you must ensure the extra home space is structurally strong, beautiful, and sustainable because, according to Container Auction, storage containers can last up to 20 years if you maintain them regularly. Keep reading to get more insights on building log homes using shipping containers.
View the Construction Material Before Purchasing
When purchasing a storage container, you may not be able to do a complete walkthrough, especially if it is in a port miles away from you. However, you can ask the seller to share detailed pictures and videos with a thorough description of the container.
As you look through the storage container, check for dents to determine its age. Ensure you receive one that’s in good shape. However, you might want to avoid brand-new storage containers since they can be relatively costly. All in all, get a glimpse of the building materials before you start the project.
Know the Local Building Codes
If you’ve completed a building and construction project, you’ll agree that the sector is highly regulated. Many cities have particular restrictions against using certain materials to build homes. Therefore, before you invest in buying and shipping storage containers, check the local building codes. As you do your research, start with the various governing bodies that will advise you on property zoning, deed restrictions, and specific laws that impact container homes.
Get a Qualified Contractor
Because container homes are a relatively new niche, it can be difficult to find a competent contractor. Be advised to take things slowly and find a person who has a proven track record. You’ll be guaranteed to get a good-looking and structurally-spot-on container home. Integrated Equipment Sales is a great place to start!
When purchasing storage containers, you can’t go all in without looking at the nitty-gritty details. A home is a long-term investment, so don’t make a rash decision without seeing the container, knowing local legislation, and employing a qualified contractor. Be sure to check those boxes before you proceed. Visit us to discuss how we can provide you with a container to turn into a functional log cabin that will enhance your property outlook and boost its value.
While shipping lines own about half of all containers, according to iContainers, shipping containers are available to others who can find creative ways to repurpose them. These large containers are becoming a popular solution for businesses looking for a cost-effective and flexible way to open a pop-up shop. Here are four businesses that could benefit from this trend.
1. Boutiques and Small Retail Stores
For small retail businesses, the biggest advantage of using a shipping container as a pop-up shop is the low cost. Shipping containers are typically much cheaper to rent or buy than traditional retail space. They’re also easier and faster to set up, which can save on construction costs. Store owners can use them as is or input shelves, racks, and other fixtures to create a more traditional retail space. Paint or brand them to match the look and feel of the rest of your business for a cohesive look.
2. Food Trucks and Carts
Food trucks and carts can utilize shipping containers as storage space for food, supplies, and equipment. One can free up space in the truck or cart for prep work and cooking. Shipping containers can also become mobile kitchens, outfitted with stoves, sinks, and other fixtures. Such functionality allows food truck and cart owners to prepare food on-site, rather than at a commissary kitchen. Since shipping containers can be parked almost anywhere, they provide food truck and cart businesses with greater flexibility in terms of location.
3. Artists
Shipping containers serve as both work and exhibition spaces for artists. Use them to store art supplies, materials, and finished pieces. Artists can install lighting, sound systems, and other features to create a temporary gallery space. These containers easily serve as pop-up shops to sell their work.
4. Clinics
Shipping containers can be outfitted with examination tables and other medical equipment to create a temporary clinic space. These clinics may be able to serve more people depending on where the pop-up shop lands, which can be especially helpful in communities with limited medical access.
If you’re a business looking for a cost-effective way to open a pop-up shop, shipping containers are worth considering. They provide a wide range of benefits that can fit the needs of almost any business. From retail shops to food trucks, shipping containers are a versatile solution for businesses looking for temporary space. Contact Integrated Equipment Sales today to learn more!
There are lots of ways to recycle shipping containers. According to EPA, each recycled shipping container prevents the dumping of more than 3,500kg worth of steel. By using shipping containers for construction, you will also be saving all the traditional building materials like wood, mortar, and bricks. You can turn a shipping container into an office, restaurant, or even a guest house on your property. Here are the advantages of using a steel shipping container as a guest house.
Low Construction Costs
Constructing a steel shipping container guest house is way cheaper than building a brick-and-mortar structure. If you are planning to turn the guest house into a rental, you’ll be able to recoup your money faster. Generally, a shipping container guest house would be 30% cheaper than a traditionally built home. The price can even go lower if you do some of the things on your own.
Eco-Friendly
This is another huge benefit of using turning a shipping container into a guest house. There are millions of unused shipping containers around the world which are being wasted. This is especially a problem when it comes to one-use containers. They make one trip across the ocean and are never used again. As mentioned before, a 40 ft. shipping container carries around 8,000 pounds of steel. When you use a 40 ft. container, you not only save 8,000 pounds of steel but the 8,000kWh that it takes to melt it down as well. This is huge compared to about 400 kWh needed to repurpose the container.
Quick Construction
It can take you about four months to a year to construct a guest house the traditional way. On the other hand, you only need eight to ten weeks to convert a shipping container into a guest house. If you are lucky, you can get a finished unit. This means you will only need to add some features to your bedrooms and bathroom. Once you furnish it, the guests will be ready to arrive.
If you’re planning to add a guest house to your property, a steel shipping container is the way to go. You don’t spend a lot of money, and the construction will be complete in no time at all. However, to get the best results, you need to work with professionals. It’s important to let someone who has shipping container conversion experience handle the job for you. Contact Integrated Equipment Sales today if you need help with your shipping container guest house.
Is your small business expanding? Do you want to onboard a bunch of new employees but don’t have the space for them in your current office? Instead of going through the hassle of finding a new office space or constructing a new office space altogether, you can invest in shipping container office addition construction. This method is a great way to meet your space requirements while remaining in your typical office space. They’re cheaper, highly durable, and simple to use. Here are three key advantages of using steel shipping containers for your office addition project.
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Building an office addition using shipping containers is more cost-effective than traditional building methods. According to Container Exchange, you can get a shipping container for as low as $2,000. Constructing your shipping container office addition requires fewer building materials and labor. All you need to do is find a reliable contractor to help you with the construction. Here at Integrated Equipment Sales, we specialize in office modifications for shipping containers!
2. Availability
According to Show House, there are around 17 million steel shipping containers worldwide. Of these, only six million are in use. This means about 11 million shipping containers are currently lying unused. These could be converted into structures for people to utilize. As you might imagine, this also means that finding a shipping container to use for your office addition won’t be a huge struggle. That, coupled with the fact that they’re quite affordable, makes them perfect for office additions.
3. Ease of Construction
Another advantage of using steel shipping containers to create an office addition is that structures built using containers are quick to construct. In fact, you can get a prefabricated addition. This significantly cuts down the time needed for construction. Plus, when you hire professional modifiers, you can focus on your business expansion and let the experts get to work!
There are countless advantages to using shipping containers for your office addition. It’s not only cheaper but you can quickly create a space for your new employees to work while remaining in your usual office. If you’re looking for steel shipping containers to use for your office addition, get in touch with Integrated Equipment Sales today! We’re happy to assist you in modifying a container so your business can expand and flourish.
