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.
The Endless Possibilities of Steel Shipping Containers
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’s 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’s a ton of other great ways to repurpose them at an extremely low cost. Here are some fantastic uses for steel shipping containers:
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.
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.
- Portable office containers
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Modify Containers to Make Home Additions
By now, you’ve probably heard or read about the many creative ways that people around the world are turning new and used steel cargo containers into tiny houses and cabins, mobile offices, container pop up shops, and more. And maybe you have an idea of what you could do with one yourself — but you’re not sure if it would work.
The truth is that there are almost endless ways to customize any single 40 foot shipping containers to match your vision. Below are some of the most common and popular cargo container modifications used to turn ideas like yours into a living reality.
Custom Doors
The standard door on a storage container was made with shipping in mind. In fact, 95% of the world’s cargo still travels by ship, with high-volume ships being the most cost-efficient way to transport goods. But that’s probably not what you have in mind. Instead, you might opt for a roll-up door or personnel door for easy access in and out of the container.
Windows and Skylights
An affordable and easy way to add more natural light to the interior of your container space is with a few windows, usually measuring around 2×3 or 3×3, or skylights overhead, which can be made round or square. It’s your space; light it up!
Climate Control
With a mounted AC unit or roof turbine vent, you can have a climate controlled container for storing sensitive goods or regulating temperature just like you would inside of any structure.
Paint
A little bit of fresh paint can add a lot of personality and color to your container. A high-quality, industrial-grade enamel coating will also help the metal exterior withstand the elements of nature, no matter where you’re planted.
Interiors
Wall paneling, flooring and electrical wiring are also popular and important cargo container modifications, especially if you intend to use it for living or working. It won’t “feel” like a real home — it is one!
If you can dream it, it can be done. For the smallest change or the most elaborate project, contact us with your modification ideas for steel shipping containers today. We will do all we can to meet your needs and make your dreams come true. A great distributor like Integrated Equipment Sales can customize your container to fit your needs, and with our help, you can truly personalize your shipping container experience.
As a business owner, you need to consider storage. Having an organized storage can make your business more efficient and secure. By using the best storage containers for sale you’ll be able to maximize space in your facility. Read on to find out how.
Create a Plan
With the right shipping containers, you’ll be able to create a storage plan that could benefit your business for years to come. As you create a storage plan, decide what you’re going to store and how long you’re going to store it. You can have a separate shipping container for specific types of items. A plan ensures have enough containers to fit everything.
Sort Items of Importance
When you understand how to organize your items, you’re taking a major step in maximizing space. You can sort your items according to size and weight and use that as a way to determine which shipping containers you put them into. You could organize items based on how often you use them. For example, if there are things you need to assess daily as opposed to things you only access seasonally, you should have a separate shipping container for that.
Use Racks
Don’t just throw items and boxes into your shipping containers without considering where they’ll fit. According to TheRoundUp.org, most shipping containers cost between $5,000 and $10,000. Why not spend a few more dollars by accessorizing them with the right racks and other features that help organize anything you put inside? With these racks and organizational systems, it’ll be easier to find things you need inside the shipping containers.
Stack Containers
Did you know that when you buy the best storage containers for sale, you can stack them? Find a way to stack and assess them vertically, and then you can maximize your space even more. Part of your storage system may include a ladder or steps to access the containers at different levels.
If you’re running a serious business, you can expect to have to organize things at some point. What better way to do so than having reliable storage containers to maximize space? When you save space in your facility, you’ll have room to do other things and make your business look more serious. Contact Integrated Equipment Sales today for the best storage containers for sale!
Are you a business that relies on shipping containers? Shipping containers aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re used for different purposes and come in different styles and features. Read on to learn more about the type of containers for sale you may consider.
Refrigerated Container
Are you running a business responsible for transporting food or anything else perishable? If so, you may need to purchase a refrigerated container. According to Kuehne and Nagel, the standard relativity humidity in a refrigerated container is 60% to 85%. When you’re in the business of shipping fruit, vegetables, pharmaceuticals, and anything that needs to be kept at a certain temperature, a refrigerator container is a must.
Open-top Container
An open-top container is a valuable resource when you’re transporting certain oversized items. When you have oversized and heavy cargo like vehicles like trucks, cars, and certain machinery, it’s often easier to lower them in from above. After all, these items usually are more difficult to fit in through the standard doors of a shipping container. As a result, an open-top container is perfect for transporting these items long distances. However, the open top is usually protected by some removable covering.
Dry Storage Container
Dry good storage is for shipping things like textiles, electronics, furniture, and anything that doesn’t require refrigeration. So, if you’re storing items from a move, you may often utilize a dry storage container. The standard sizes for these types of containers are around 20 feet or 40 feet. Since they handle non-perishable items, use these types of containers for various items.
Used Container
Storage containers for sale are extremely durable and strong. They are often made of steel, so they can last decades. Therefore, many of them are still good after being used over a certain period of time. As long as the used container is still in good condition, it could still be suitable for international shipping. Many people even buy used containers for housing, pop-up stores, and other creative purposes.
As you can see, there are many types of containers for sale to consider. You have containers to carry food, clothing, oversize vehicles, electronics, and more. These containers come in a variety of sizes. So whether you need them for ongoing storage or international shipping, there’s a container for you. Contact our company today for more.
Shipping containers have revolutionized global trade. Before the invention of shipping containers, loading and unloading ships took a long time, and space was often used inefficiently. It should come as no surprise then that Container Home Hub reports global cargo shipping reached 1.85 billion metric tons in 2020, up from 0.1 billion metric tons in 1980. Yet while modern shipping containers have improved trade, they’re still an investment, even if you pick them up during a shipping containers sale, and you may wonder just how long they’ll last.
The Expected Lifespan of a Shipping Container
In ideal conditions, a shipping container can last 25 years or more. However, “ideal” is the keyword. For shipping containers to last this long, you’ll have to minimize exposure to the elements and other risk factors. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning will also be needed to maximize the lifespan of the container.
Many cargo companies will retire shipping containers after about 10 to 12 years. These containers are often subject to high use and constant exposure to saltwater, rain, the sun, and everything else. The high seas can be a harsh environment. You can sometimes pick up used containers during a shipping containers sale.
Shipping containers are made out of COR-TEN steel, or weathering steel as it’s sometimes called. Unfortunately, like other types of steel, weathering steel can still rust, especially if exposed to salt water. That said, Cor-ten steel is more resistant to rusting than other forms of steel.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Shipping Containers
Special paints and protective layers can be applied to protect the steel from rusting. Of course, if this paint should wear out or be damaged, then it may no longer provide adequate protection. Properly applied zinc-aluminum coatings can extend the lifespan of a shipping container by a few decades.
If you own shipping containers, you’ll want to make sure that they are well-maintained. You may need to reapply coats of paint and protective coatings. Pay close attention to hinges and other components as they are sometimes the most prone to rusting.
If you’re not going to be using your shipping container for an extended length of time, proper storage could extend its lifespan. Ideally, you’ll keep it indoors, say in a warehouse. If you can’t store it inside, protecting it with a tarp may help.
Are you looking for new shipping containers? Have more questions about how you can get the most years out of them? Feel free to contact us. Also, if you’re looking for a shipping containers sale, get in touch.
Shipping containers are an integral part of the global economy. They make it possible to efficiently transport goods around the world. However, storage containers can also be used for other purposes as well. The government and the military have found the following uses for shipping/storage containers.
Temporarily Housing Soldiers
Shipping or storage containers can be converted into temporary housing. Once completed with insulation, air conditioning, and electricity, these prove to be great housing options that can be set up quickly. These are often used in remote locations, such as combat zones. They can also be used during disaster relief for victims who have lost their homes as well. A shipping container for sale can be used by anyone to create housing options as long as local building codes allow.
Equipment Supplies Storage
According to iContainers, about 50% of all containers are owned by shipping lines, but the U.S. military also owns containers that are used for equipment and supply storage. These containers can be kept in one location for storage or moved when needed. Because most shipping containers are weather-resistant and durable, they can be used to store sensitive equipment and ammunition or weapons used by the military.
Temporary Training Facilities
Shipping containers can also be used by the military to create training areas such as shooting ranges or obstacle courses. These facilities can be set up quickly and in remote areas because shipping containers can be moved easily. The options are nearly endless.
Field Hospitals
Containers can even be used to set up field hospitals when needed. These can be completed with operating rooms, recovery rooms, and other medical areas. A fully functional hospital can be set up quickly in a remote location using containers. These hospitals can be used to provide medical treatment to soldiers and civilians.
Security Barriers
When shipping containers are stacked and welded together, they can create strong security barriers for vulnerable areas. This is often necessary in war zones. This is a quick and cost-effective way to accomplish this.
The government and the U.S. military use shipping containers because they are versatile, inexpensive, and durable. If you are looking for a shipping container for sale for your needs, please contact us today. We have a variety of options available to suit your needs.
