A Beginner’s Guide to Purchasing Your First Shipping Container

As you start your search for new shipping containers for sale, the process can seem a bit overwhelming. With this handy guide, you’ll be prepared to find the perfect container to meet your needs. Let’s get started!

Choosing a Container Type

When looking at new shipping containers for sale, you’ll first want to consider what type of container you need. The most common options are standard dry storage containers which come in either 20 or 40-foot lengths and are great for basic storage needs. They offer a waterproof and secure space. There are also refrigerated containers that allow you to control the internal temperature and are ideal for transporting perishable goods like food. Tank containers hold liquids, like chemicals, and oils, and have special seals and attachments. Open-top containers, as the name suggests, have an open-top, so you can easily load goods from above. They work well for oversized cargo. Flat rack containers have an open side and can accommodate very large items. Think about what you’ll be storing or moving to choose the best container type.

Finding Containers for Sale

Once you’ve decided on a container type, it’s time to find some new shipping containers for sale! Here are some options to consider. Container dealers specifically sell shipping containers, both new and used. This is often the easiest route. They will have the experience you need to find a great container. They’ll work with you to understand your needs and make recommendations based on your own unique requirements.

Inspecting Your Purchase

When you’ve found some promising new shipping containers for sale, carefully inspect them before making a purchase. Check for rust, dents, or other damage. Make sure doors and locks are functioning properly. Look for any major leaks and check the condition of the wind/water seal. A careful inspection will help avoid getting stuck with a useless container.

With some savvy searching and proper inspection, you’ll soon have the perfect shipping container to meet your needs. According to Discover Containers, 70% of the world’s goods are carried by sea, and 52% of the world’s sea trade is transported in shipping containers – so you’ll have the same equipment used by a huge portion of global industry. Reach out to Integrated Equipment Sales when you’re looking to purchase a shipping container.

The Many Ways Steel Shipping Containers Can Be Used

Steel shipping containers are sort of like the Swiss Army knife of industrial assets. There are so many ways to modify and use them that it would take an entire search engine just to fit them all into one place. Whether you want doors or windows or are using them for work purposes or leisure, the possibilities are endless.

For starters, here are the basics of shipping containers. They’re typically used for the transportation of cargo, and they play a huge role in world imports and exports. In fact, shipping constitutes about 90% of the world’s trade, and most of that is done through the magic of roughly 20 million weather-resistant, water-tight steel shipping containers.

Now, for the fun stuff. Custom containers can be created for just about anything you can think of. They are absolutely ideal for remote projects that you need housing for, and there are a ton of other great ways to repurpose them at an extremely low cost. Here are just a few of the most popular uses for steel shipping containers:

Portable office containers

There is no better solution for your portable office needs than shipping containers. It allows you to bring your work wherever it needs to be, and they’re also perfect to add to your existing workplace. In a recent study of more than 2,400 employees, it was found that the more employees work in tight quarters, the more they take sick days. While this is just an ancillary benefit of a portable office, it goes to show just how much they can do for your workplace.

Pop-up shop

Shipping containers can be outfitted with climate control, windows, doors with locks, and everything else you need to work out of what is essentially a small, inexpensive store. Whether it’s a boutique clothing store or your own little café, a shipping container can provide the tools you need to succeed. You can have them outfitted with shelves, lighting, awnings, and tons of other add-ons to accommodate your business.

Playroom for kids

One of the most popular trends in the steel shipping container industry is placing them in the backyard as a clubhouse for children. Every kid wants their own place to bring friends and play, and shipping containers make the perfect private space for your children to make their own. They allow kids to get creative and offer protection from rain and snow to let them play for as long as they’d like.

These are just three of the infinite ways that shipping containers can be useful to you. A great distributor can customize your container to fit your needs, and once you have them, you can do any number of things to truly personalize your shipping container experience. Have fun!

Why Should I Use Steel Shipping Containers to Create an Office Addition?

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

3 Alternative Uses for a Steel Cargo Container

Once modified, a steel cargo container can have almost unlimited uses beyond its traditional use as a place to store or transport 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 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.

Top Shipping Container Modifications You Should Consider

Shipping containers can be modified into awesome living spaces, offices, shops, and more. If you’re thinking about buying this product, there are some key modifications you’ll want to make. Here are the top shipping container modifications to make.

Pick Your Container

First things first; you’ll need to buy shipping containers. You can purchase new or used containers in standard 20ft and 40ft sizes. According to Food Circle, most container ships carry up to 15,000 to 18,000 standard shipping containers. So don’t worry, there are plenty of containers out there. Consider how you’ll use the space when making your choice. A 20ft container gives about 160 sq ft of room, perfect for a small office or guest house. 40ft containers offer double the space at 320 sq ft for larger builds like a home or apartment. Think about your needs before buying containers.

Doors and Windows

One essential modification to make is the addition of doors and windows. Shipping containers are closed metal boxes, so you’ll need to cut openings. Standard containers have doors on one end. Ask your supplier to create window openings before delivery or have a metal shop cut custom shapes later. Consider placement carefully to maximize light and views.

Electrical and Plumbing

You’ll also need electrical and plumbing for lighting, outlets, bathrooms, and even tiny kitchens. Choose interior wall placement wisely so pipes and wires can be installed efficiently. LED lighting works great and saves energy. Consider solar power as an eco-friendly option too.

Insulation

Don’t forget insulation. Unmodified containers transfer lots of heat and cold. Spray foam or fiberglass batt insulation will keep interiors comfortable year-round. Vapor barriers and interior paneling give added insulation.

Flooring and Wall Treatments

Once sealed up, it’s time to make the interior your own. With this part of the process, make sure you are picking materials that fit your style preferences and functionality needs. Epoxy coatings create seamless, durable floors. For walls, go with wood paneling, drywall, fabric, or anything you desire. The possibilities are endless.

With smart modifications and custom finishes, shipping containers can become amazing living spaces perfect for you. Regardless of how you want to modify a container, you must first buy shipping containers with a quality provider. Turn to Integrated Equipment Sales to get the perfect one for your needs.

Creative Storage Solutions Using Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are some of the most versatile things on the planet. A used shipping container can be transformed into a pop-up shop, an office, or additional storage space. More people are purchasing shipping containers to utilize them for creative storage solutions. You can transform your shipping container into the ultimate storage solution in several ways. Let’s take a look at how you can figure out if you need certain modifications.

Consider the Purpose

Before transforming your shipping container, consider what you’ll be storing there. Cold food storage will call for additional insulation and refrigeration. Extra closet space will require flooring and plenty of shelving. Think carefully about what you will be storing in the shipping container, and then start planning to transform your used container into the ultimate storage solution.

Fabulous Flooring

A shipping container can be modified to suit your needs and style. The first thing you need to do is get flooring installed. There are various types of flooring to ensure your shipping container meets your needs. Depending on the aesthetic or functionality you’re pursuing, our team can show you our flooring options.

Superior Shelving

Storage containers have so much room that you can install ample shelving to accommodate anything you want. Opt for various-sized shelves to ensure everything fits perfectly. Consider high-quality wooden shelves for closets or storage spaces that don’t require refrigeration for additional style and appeal. Leave gaps in shelving to ensure the space doesn’t feel claustrophobic. For extra storage, like for seasonal items, consider functionality over style.

Personalization

Storage areas you’ll spend more time inside call for more personalization. For additional closet space, hang paintings on the wall. Include comfortable seating options to create a personal home away from home. When you buy a shipping container from our team, we can install a few windows to ensure you have plenty of natural light.

According to Port Technology International, about 17 million shipping containers exist worldwide, but only 6 million are being used. Purchasing a new or used shipping container today ensures they don’t go to waste. Contact us to learn about our prices and the modifications we offer. We’ll be here to answer all of your questions and discuss our modification options for your purchase.

How to Choose the Right Shipping Container for Your Business Needs

Shipping containers are an essential part of many business applications. When it’s time to choose one, it’s necessary to do the necessary research in order to make a well-informed decision. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global cargo shipping market size is estimated at 10.85 billion tons in 2020. In this growing market, you want to make sure you’re getting the right containers for your needs. Here are a few factors to consider when you’re shopping for containers.

Figure Out Your Use and Application

Shipping containers are now used for many different types of applications above and beyond simple shipping. They can also be used for storage and even office space if converted properly. The way you’ll be using the container will influence your purchase to some degree. When shopping for containers for sale, you’ll want to discuss your intended uses with our team.

Think About Safety and Security

The level of security or safety that you need for your purposes will also help to inform which container to choose. If security is a top priority, you’ll want to purchase containers that are made also with this as a priority. When you get in touch with our team, we can discuss ways our normal containers ensure security as well as our modified containers.

Consider if You Want New or Used

Used shipping containers are available as well as new ones. If a used container can suit your purposes, this is one way to save money during this investment. However, new containers are often preferable if you plan to use the container as office space. There are so many benefits of either option, so make sure you consider it before making a purchase.

These are just a few factors that you should consider if you’re looking for containers for sale. To get the best options and the best deals on shipping containers, please contact us today. We are here for your container needs. When you give us a call, a member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the shipping containers we have to offer. Make sure you ask us for a container quote to ensure this investment fits within your budget. We look forward to hearing from you!

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