Everything You Need to Know About Shipping Containers

Published In : 23-October-2024

Across various industries, shipping containers provide high-quality solutions that improve business operations. These versatile containers come in various sizes and can be customized to address countless needs.  

Wondering how a storage container can help your business reach its goals and improve day-to-day operations? Curious about the different sizes and specifications of shipping containers? Use this complete guide to shipping containers to answer all your questions about these versatile units and what they can do for you. 

Common Shipping Container Sizes & Specifications 

Shipping containers come in a wide array of sizes and specifications, empowering businesses with a variety of goals and needs to utilize them successfully. Some of the most common shipping container types include: 

  • Standard Containers: These containers are 8’ wide and 8’6″ high, with varying lengths listed below. 
  • High Cube Containers: These models differ from the standard containers, as their height is 9’6”. 
  • Other Types of Containers 
  • Open Side Containers: These containers have the same features as the standard containers, but they have two additional bi-fold doors on one of the side walls. 
  • Double Door Containers: These containers are the same as the standard container, with the only difference being doors placed on both ends rather than one end. 

Shipping Container Modifications 

Storage containers offer a simple, sturdy space to store a wide range of items, but they can also be customized to suit unique business needs. Learn about the various modifications available that can transform a portable storage unit. 

  • Entry Doors: Although a standard storage container has an entry door on one end, these units can be customized in many ways to alter or add entry points. Standard roll-up doors made of galvanized steel can be added to the ends or sides of a container, or users can opt for a heavy-duty version made of anodized metal aluminum. Industrial and residential personnel doors can also be added to these shipping containers. 
  • Windows and Skylights: Looking to create an office or retail space in a portable storage container? Windows and skylights can be the perfect addition to add light and warmth to the space. These windows typically come in 2’ x 3’ or 3’ x 3’ options. Skylights can be added to the top of a container in various sizes. 
  • Flooring: Flooring can transform a storage container into a completely different space, allowing these units to be customized to a wide variety of needs. Typically, these containers have plywood floors; however, they can be outfitted with steel overlay, vinyl floor covering, and commercial carpet tiles. For vinyl and carpet, customers can choose from a variety of colors so the unit can be tailored to the brand or the overall aesthetic of the space.  
  • HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can transform a shipping container from a simple container to a comfortable space that suits many business functions. Many different options exist for temperature control or ventilation in a storage container, including window AC units, commercial through-wall HVAC, ventilation air ducts, rooftop turbine vents, fixed louver vents, and exhaust fans.  
  • Insulation: Storage containers do not come with insulation by default. However, adding insulation can provide even better climate control within your unit. You can opt for fiberglass insulation with FRP plywood paneling or Hardie paneling, rigid polystyrene foam paneling, or closed-cell spray foam—depending on your insulation needs.  
  • Electrical: Another way to completely transform a storage unit is to install electrical features, including lights, outlets, and phone/data lines. Units can be outfitted with standard 110V receptacles in two or four outlet options. Overhead fluorescent lighting and LED lights are also common additions to the container’s interior. Externally, you can add flood lights or porch lighting.  
  • Paint: Customize your shipping container to fit your brand image with custom paint. A fresh coat of paint can completely change the look of your storage container. Not only does this improve the aesthetic appeal of your container, but the marine-grade industrial enamel also adds extra protection to the surface.  
  • Locking Mechanisms: Keeping the contents of a shipping container secure is the top priority when you invest in one of these units. Luckily, these containers offer many options to protect their contents. Although the standard units come equipped with two locking clasps on each door, additional locking mechanisms can be selected. Depending on your needs, you can choose a cargo door lock, security swing arm, or lock box.  
  • Shelving: Need to keep inventory or materials organized in your shipping container? Shelving offers the perfect way to sort items in a portable storage unit. These shelves are added with interior D rings, and they can be easily installed and removed as needed. 

Shipping Containers Uses for Businesses

Wondering about the different ways businesses can utilize shipping containers to address their goals? The following are just a few of the options for utilizing a portable storage container: 

1. Inventory: For many retail businesses, finding an organized way to store and sort inventory is crucial. Storage containers provide a secure space to organize inventory without investing in expensive warehousing options or a large building for operations. These shipping containers allow for convenient organization at an affordable price point, making them a smart investment for many businesses. By installing racks or shelving, these businesses can then sort their items accordingly.  

2. Office Spaces: Across various industries, portable storage containers can serve as the solution to create an office space. The portable nature of these units means they can be set up wherever they’re needed, allowing for enhanced convenience. For instance, sometimes an office space is necessary on a construction site, and portable storage containers empower companies to create this space. They can be customized with flooring, electricity, and furniture to meet the standards of a traditional office. 

3. Construction Storage: Portable storage containers can provide storage space across many industries, but these units can be particularly useful in construction. Shipping containers offer a secure, weatherproof space for construction materials and equipment. Plus, they can be kept at the construction site and transported accordingly, they allow for the utmost convenience and efficiency. Construction companies can rest assured that their items are safe when stored in a durable storage container.   

4. Retail and Pop-Up Shops: Seeking a retail solution for your business? Shipping containers can be a great way to set up a temporary retail space or pop-up shop. These customizable containers can be altered to maintain the brand’s appearance and provide an attractive storefront to appeal to customers. They can be easily transported and offer an effective way to expand your company’s clientele by temporarily setting up shop at different locations.  

5. Emergency Relief: When natural disasters or other emergencies call for relief efforts, shipping containers offer a durable way to temporarily set up on location. These containers can be customized to provide shelter, be used for medical triage, operate as a food bank, and more, allowing emergency relief efforts to have a conveniently located space to help those in need. 

Invest in Shipping Containers for Your Business

With shipping containers, your business can customize the unit and meet your unique business goals, allowing for enhanced operations.  

Looking for a trusted Atlanta storage container provider to purchase your container from? Count on Container Technology, Atlanta’s premier shipping container provider since 1988. Our sturdy, secure containers offer the perfect way to keep your items safe and secure and can be customized to serve as everything from a pop-up shop to an emergency medical station.  

Request a free quote online or call us today to learn more! 

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