Shipping Containers Blog

Posts Tagged ‘storage containers’

How on earth can a shipping container be of use at any of the many festivals going on in the UK this Summer?  Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is the fact that shipping containers are so easily transportable and adaptable, which has meant that they have been used in a variety of different ways from Glastonbury to the Game Fair.

Perhaps the most obvious way in which they are used is in the form of refrigerated shipping containers.   The fact that goods, such as drinks or food can be kept in the temperature controlled environment of a refrigerated container which can be run either from a generator or connected to an electricity supply means that they are in great demand.   They are available for hire or for purchase.

Shipping Container Conversions such as those use to house cashpoints are also extremely popular.  As well as containers converted into stands or bars.  The coffee shop here is taken round the various festivals in Italy, although there are plans to build some in the UK.

Shipping container coffee shop closed

But of course, the most common use is as storage containers.   Keeping stock secure yet easily accessible  is vital both when travelling or when the stand at the festival is set up when the container becomes a store room.

These are just some of the ways in which you might see a shipping container used should you visit a Festival this year.   Let us know if you see any more - and send us a photograph!

Many Shipping Container Conversions are based around finding additional space for sport.   Be it for storing equipment, for clubhouses or for changing rooms the versatile nature of the shipping container and the fact that it can be easily transported - and quickly assembled - on site means that it is ideal for a variety of problems that may face either the individual, team, club or school.

The most simple of conversions is that of sports storage.   Often this involves nothing more than fitting out the container with shelves or racks to hold the equipment for the particular sport involved.   This make take the form of bicycle racks, canoe/boat racks or shelves for PE kit with cupboards underneath for balls, nets etc.   Containers have also been fitted with ramps so that they can be used to store specialist wheelchairs.  The real advantage that having the storage within a container is the fact that it can be placed easily on sleepers - or a concrete pad - on the side of the sports fields, by the river/lake and still provide secure, self sufficient storage.  Of course these storage container conversions can also be tailored  further to include lighting and heating, and often include a side personnel door for ease of access. 

Shipping Container Used as Sports Storage

But storage is only the beginning of what a shipping container can be used for in the sporting world.   Changing rooms and clubhouses are also very popular conversions.   A number of shipping containers - 20ft or 40ft containers - can be joined together in various formations to allow for multiple changing rooms -with shower/toilet facilities - as well as kitchens, rooms for referees and match officials and even meeting rooms.   The advantage of using shipping containers in this particular application over the more traditonal construction methods is the speed of which they can be assembled on site.   Even allowing for insulation, lighting, heating, plumbing and the assembly of the containers, these conversions can often be assembled in one day, and at a third of the cost.

What is important if you are thinking of a major conversion such as a clubhouse is that you carefully consider the layout of the containers.   Most shipping container companies should be able to advise you - and even produce CAD drawings - for you to consider. 

Mind you, while we are on the topic of shipping containers, I did mention in a previous article the use of shipping container walls as an easy way of producing a windbreak, or as quickly assembled stands in the formation of a sporting stadium.   We have even featured a shipping container converted into a self container pool and used for swimming or surfing against a mechanically induced current.

Next time you see a shipping container on a road, a train or even a ship, don’t just think of them as a means of taking goods cheaply from  A to B, but think of them as a possibility in helping sportsmen and women train and maybe as a helping hand in Britain’s preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

Shipping containers are used for more than import/export of goods. They are used by the shipping industry, businesses and individuals as a way of keeping items safe.

Steel storage containers are  secure methods for storing expensive tools and equipment.   Made of durable, corten steel they have a weatherproof patina which is especially designed to enable the storage container to resist rust.  The double doors are fitted with a high security locking system which can be further enhanced by the addition of a container lock box.

The container lockbox is a steel shroud, which protects the padlock and prevents access by bolt croppers, chisels or angle grinders.  When used with hardened steel shackled padlocks unauthorised entry to the shipping container becomes very difficult.  Shipping container security is greatly enhanced as a result.

So when you need additional space to store your items securely, think about the advantages a shipping container can offer for them.

If you don’t have enough garage space, or are looking for a secure, easily transportable solution for storing your car maybe shipping containers could provide the answer.

The roads at the weekends at the moment, are filled with vintage cars driving to various rallies and shows.  They look immaculate and well cared for but what happens to them during the winter months when safe, dry storage must surely be paramount.  Years ago, you would have found them stored in old barns and lock ups, perhaps even under converted railway arches and taking pride of place in people’s garages.   However, these days, many of these spaces will have other uses.   Barns have been converted into houses.   Most railway arches seem to be businesses of one kind or another.  Garages, are often converted into additional space or granny flats as people can not afford to move.  

Vintage cars have so much historical, and often financal, value these days.   They are, after all, irreplacable.   As such the security aspect of storage is of paramount importance.   A steel shipping container, fitted with locking rods and lock cowls provides inexpensive and secure storage containers.  A car will fit into the container and kept in weatherproof conditions until it is required.   If the car is extremely valuable, additional security can be provided in the form of monitors that will transmit to a mobile phone - or computer or similar device - when the container is moved  (and use satellite trackers so you know exactly where the container is!) or even inform the owner when the container doors are opened.  

Condensation can be controlled by using moisture traps so that there is no possibilty of mould to the leather and rubber in the car.

TVR Griffith

TVR Griffith being loaded into shipping container

If there are concerns about adding additional mileage to the car, don’t forget that the vintage car can even be transported to the location within the shipping container itself.   After all shipping containers are often used to ship cars abroad - or even into this country.  Chocks are placed under the wheels and the car is secured to the lashing rings in the container to provide stability.

But vintage cars are not the only vehicle that can make use of shipping containers.   Refrigerated containers can be used to test prototypes of cars at various temperatures.   Range Rover recently tested their latest model at a temperature of -20C using a refrigerated shipping container to provide a controlled environment.

Self Storage Depots have seen a rise in the number of cars that are stored in their containers.   Often 20ft containers are used to store the owner’s car  at a reasonable cost whilst their driving ban is in force.   With 24 hour security they provide an ideal solution.

Whatever the reason for needing to store your car, shipping containers could provide an economic, secure and practical solution to your problem.

We have been getting a lot of enquiries recently from schools asking about shipping containers for secure storage. Storage needs range from keeping bicycles safe, additional on-site storage for sports equipment to archiving school records. The requirements range from an 8ft container to a 40ft one.

What has been most marked recently though is the number of schools asking about shipping container conversions to provide classrooms either permanently or whilst a major redevelopment project is being undertaken. Obviously, whilst standard considerations apply to this sort of conversion such as insulation, windows, personnel doors, heating and lighting, special consideration has to be taken into account as the containers are going to be used by children. This affects lighting for example which has to be of a higher tamper proof variety than that installed in, say, a standard office conversion. Anti slip flooring is also important.

CS Shipping Containers also tries to arrange deliveries of either storage containers or the classroom shipping container conversion to fit in with the school time table. Often we deliver first thing in the morning before school starts in order to create as little inconvenience and to reduce any safety risks that may be incurred when children are around.

Shipping Containers are often chosen as home storage containers over the more traditional wooden sheds. There are a variety of reasons for this other than the fact that shipping containers are generally cheaper and more easily transportable. Perhaps the most important is the fact that the steel containers offer an extremely secure method of storage for personal belongings.

Whether the reason for needing home storage containers is as a result of a delayed house move, a major rennovation project or clearing space in the garage or spare room, there has been an increasing need for additional storage. It has been argued that the recent credit crunch has meant that many people are down sizing or continuing to rent whilst waiting for housing prices fall further, and this has meant increased demand for such storage.

There are a number of advantages to using shipping containers as home storage containers. The containers are made of corten steel -which is extremely strong and weather proof, having been developed to withstand marine conditions. The strength of the iso specification is such that shipping containers can be used to support bridges and therefore this makes them extremely durable and long lasting. The doors are fastened with locking rods that, when coupled with a lock box and a heavy duty container padlock makes illegal access difficult.

Lock boxes are sometimes referred to as lock cowls, lock shrouds or padlock boxes. As far as home storage containers are concerned their function is to protect the padlock from angle grinders or bolt croppers adding to the security aspect.

Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes - both standard and adapted - making them idea for home storage containers. The basic width of a container is 8ft with the height being normally 8ft 6″- although 9ft 6″ high cube containers are available. The length can then be adapted and is usually anything from 8ft to 40ft. The industry standard lengths are 20ft and 40ft (making these the cheapest options) but these can be cut down to any other length to fit into the space available.

Finally, shipping containers are easily transportable. They are often delivered and offloaded by a lorry with a hi-ab crane which makes the placement of the container at your home extremely easy.

Home storage containers that are flexible in size, extremely secure and easily delivered to your home - shipping containers have to be an option worth considering.

There are many reasons for shipping container sales. Most second hand shipping containers are not, in fact, sold for shipping. The most common reason for the sale of containers is for storage. The sizes of shipping containers - which vary from 8ft long to 40ft long - make them extremely versatile at fitting in to a variety of spaces as storage containers. Add to this the fact that the corten steel construction, when coupled with a lock box and heavy duty container padlock, make shipping containers extremely secure, it is not surprising that so many of them are sold for storage.
But there are other reasons for shipping container sales. The block like structure of shipping containers make them very adaptable and ideal for container conversions. These conversions can take many forms. 20ft iso containers are often adapted to make offices, classrooms, workshops or site accommodation. The basic box is insulated and lined, fitted with electricity to provide electrical sockets, lighting and heating as well as having personnel doors, steel shuttered windows and suitable flooring. The result is an extremely flexible space that is easily transportable and, again by its very construction, secure.
Nowadays, however, developed techniques mean that the conversions that are undertaken are not just limited to one container. Shipping container sales often result in multiple containers being sold. They have been used for student accommodation at universities (many hundreds of containers!), community centres or youth centres (often consisting of sales of 4 or 5 containers) and work preparation areas (2 containers). And it does not stop there. Architects have been building attractive and affordable housing out of the containers, art centres and even state of the art coffee bars or tanks for surfing.
Shipping container sales are not longer limited to the shipping of goods. There are so many more uses to them than people wishing to transport their goods abroad when emigrating. These adaptable units provide a number of economic and adaptable solutions to everyday needs. Their flexibility not only saves money and - where major construction is concerned, time - these shipping container sales also carry a “green” seal of approval when what is an essentially industrial product is recycled for new use.

Shipping Storage Containers are shipping containers that are being used for static storage rather than shipping. Mind you the fact that the containers are extremely transportable is not to be disregarded. Even if the containers are to be used for storage they need to be delivered to site as easily and economically as possible. The fact that shipping containers were designed for easy “intermodal” transportation means that they are easily delivered by lorries fitted with a hi-ab crane and can be offloaded on site without any additional costs.

Shipping storage containers are used not only by individuals but by businesses. Just as the fact that these shipping containers can be placed easily on site appeals to the home storage market as much as it does to companies. The fact that stock or file archiving can be stored securely near to the office or clients without the need for taking more expensive commercial space appeals to the business user. Add to that the fact that these shipping storage containers are made of corten steel constrction of these iso containers makes them extremely strong and weather proof. Add to that that the lock boxes and heavy duty security padlocks make the container extremely secure then it is easy to see why shipping containers are so often used for storage containers.

Recently, however, shipping storage containers have been used as storage for more unusual items. A great deal has been written about companies like Dell and Hewlett Packard being used to house servers for computers. The flexibility of the container to be fitted out with racking and climatic control makes them extremely versatile and easily adaptable to give a variety of solutions to the different conditions that computer servers are being asked to withstand. Some of the containers that are even decked out with servers and situated off shore.

Heavy industry has not been left behind as far as the use of shipping storage containers is concerned. Generators are built into shipping containers that have been sound proofed and insulated. Industry also uses the containers to provide workshops or convert them for chemical storage.

The adaptation of shipping containers to storage containers is becoming more and more commonplace. The phrase shipping storage containers looks here to stay.

Good quality second hand shipping containers make not only good financial sense - being about 50% cheaper than new/once used containers - but buying them is good for the environment. The simple fact is that in today’s economic climate it is cheaper for shipping companies to source their containers directly from the outbound port rather than to return used shipping containers from various locations all over the world. That means there a large numbers of good quality second hand shipping containers available for all sorts of uses. Those uses can vary from storage to conversions and - somewhat oddly seeing they have been discarded by the shipping lines - the shipping of goods by individuals.

But how to do ensure you get good quality second hand shipping containers? The first thing to ask that the company you source it from will guarantee that the container is wind and watertight and structurally sound. It is not always possible to visit the depot to see the actual shipping container yourself so this guarantee is very important. Secondly, remember that the age of the shipping container is not the best way to judge the condition of the unit. Second hand shipping containers will vary according to how they have been treated - for example a new/once used container that has been dropped by a forklift and therefore “blown” outwards is not going to be in such good condition as a storage container that has been properly sited for a number of years.

Once your second hand shipping container arrives, make sure that it is placed on level hard standing and that you check that the doors open and close freely. Look at the condition of the floor and make sure there are no obvious soft spots in the wood. Whilst inside the container inspect carefully the walls and especially the ceiling (which is often forgotten but is probably one of the most important areas to check) to see whether there are any pinpricks of light coming through that will tell you that the container is not wind and watertight. Finally, inspect the outside of the container to make sure that there is not an unreasonable amount of rust that, if untreated, will cause problems later on.
If you are going to use your container for storage you have now all the information you need to know whether you have a good quality second hand shipping container or not. If you are, however, going to use the container for shipping you should check the CSC plate - or the certificate if you have asked for one - to make sure that your container has been passed for shipping and will therefore be accepted by the shipping lines.
If you follow these simple rules you will not only have a second hand shipping container that will last you for many years, you will have saved money on a quality product and done your bit for the environment by recycling an industrial product.

What on earth does a shipping container have to do with the Internet?   It does not seem like an obvious combination.  Large , industrial steel containers designed to be able to move cargo easily about the world don’t seem to have anything to offer the highly technological world of the Internet.  Yet, the very versatility and inherent strength of these containers mean that they do have a part to play.

Most of us have heard of the Internet Archive.   It was set up as a giant internet “library” which allows people to view any page on the internet from 1996 to the present day.   It is primarily meant as a resource for researchers, scholars and historians as it allows permanent access to all internet content.  An amazing undertaking.  Yet it doesn’t stop there.   The Internet Archive has now been expanded so that it also records programmes from tv channels worldwide, as well as films, music etc.

All that information - some 3,145,728 GB of web pages at the present time (and growing) - needs to be housed securely and  Sun Microsystems developed a modular infrastructure that is housed in a customised enclosure known as a Petabox.   Still with me?   Because now we get to the relevant bit.   These Petaboxes are packaged into a 20ft shipping container.  Why a shipping container?   The very construction of these units make them ideal for storage containers.   They are made of highly rust resistant and strong corten steel, are designed for easy transportation, and can be easily stacked like lego as the archive grows.   They can be insulated and modified to maintain ideal climatic conditions for storing data.  In short, shipping containers make ideal data centres as they allow them to be both secure and self contained.

Currently, it is an amazing fact that what is one of - if not the largest - digital archive in the world is housed in a 20ft shipping container.  Other companies such as Dell, Microsoft and Google, to name but a few, are also using shipping containers to house their own data centres in various locations around the world - some even off shore.  A whole new use for shipping containers.   Whoever would have thought that combining cutting edge technology with steel shipping containers could be so successful?