Tuesday 8 November 2011

Six Great Ways to Use Surplus Shipping Containers

Over the last few years exports in the U.S. have dropped off. This has left many shipping yards and shipping container retailers with extra used containers. Surplus shipping containers, known for their cheap prices, are reusable in a multitude of ways. Here are six of the best uses.

Shipping containers of any size make a great place to store items for either your business or your home. Solid steel containers are known for their ability to protect goods. When they were used for overseas shipping they had to endure harsh seas, corrosive salt water, being stacked upon one another, and even strong winds. So their use on dry land is perfect for ensuring that your most valuable of items are safe from Mother Nature. You can even have a locking door mounted to keep potential thieves from stealing your belongings. Using a container for item storage is as simple as purchasing one, having it delivered and moving your items in.

Surplus containers are also great a great low cost way to move or ship your personal belongings. Maybe you just got a new job in Paris and you want to take along your grandmother's antique desk. Buying a used container can be a great way to get your items safely to your destination. They are also great for land based moves. You can rent or buy a container and even rent a chassis to carry it on. Once you fill it up and attach it to the back of your truck you are ready to go. This is great if when you get to your new location you do not want to unpack everything at once. You can just leave the items in your container until you are ready for them.

Small businesses and offices can also benefit from the utilization of various shipping container sizes. These sturdy boxes make great office space. You will, of course, have to make some changes such as adding electricity and windows. This would even be a great idea for your new pyrex glassware store. With a few container modifications, you can set your container up anywhere and start selling your products. This is good because if you find one location does not work for sales, you can move to another location.

Containers also provide the option for extra room in overcrowded schools. They can be a cheap way for schools to get by until they can afford to build an addition. Shipping containers, with windows, power, and heating and cooling installed, can provide comfortable classrooms. In schools, containers can also be used to keep harmful cleaning chemicals or equipment away from children.

One area that is an unknown use for containers is in wilderness areas. Because some containers are refrigerated units run by generators, they can keep large food supplies safe from the elements and from wild animals. Containers can also be used for forest ranger sheds and rest areas.

Perhaps the best use of surplus shipping containers is for cheap shelter. This is especially beneficial in areas with a high homeless rate. Those who need shelter can use an insulated container to keep warm in the winter. Usually, though, containers are converted to permanent houses with electricity, running water, and heating. Use in this manner provides lost cost homes for many people.

Monday 31 October 2011

Shipping Container Foundations: Part 2, Concrete Footings

Concrete footing are another option for the foundation for your used shipping container. Building concrete footings are more complex and involved than the wooden beam option, but if you're planning on keeping your container in one place for a long period of time it may be worth the investment.
Materials Needed:
  •         Premix Concrete - total amount depends on your geographic area
  •         Loose stone or gravel
  •         1/4" plywood to construct the form
  •         2"x2" or similar wood planks to construct the form
Using concrete footings as a foundation for your shipping or storage container falls in the middle cost range of the three options. It's cost effective, durable, but requires more time and attention when building the container foundation.
Before you being to build the concrete footing foundation for your container, you need to decide how deep the footing must be. If you live in an area with no frost this decision may not be necessary. However, if your area is prone to frost the freezing of the ground can shift your foundation and cause problems later on. The only way to prevent "frost heave" is to build your footing at least 6" below the frost line. The frost line is the maximum depth where the ground will freeze in the winter and this depth varies from 50" in North Dakota, to 0" in Florida. To learn more about the frost line in your area you can refer to the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
The second step is to decide how large your footings must be. As a general rule, one or two stacked 40' ISO containers will require 10" deep, x 20" wide, by x 20" wide (not included the extended frost footing). The chart below offers suggestions on how large your footings should be.
Footing SizeCubic FeetCubic Yards80lbs bags
8" x 16" x 16"1.2.0442 bags per footing
10" X 20" X 20"2.3.0863.8 bags per footing
12" X 24" X 24"4.156.75 bags per footing
The third step is to mark off the area that the storage container will take up. Measure the area out, making sure that all corners are square so that your footings are in the correct place. It's a good idea to post the area with stakes, and then tie them off so you have a strong visual idea of the size and space required.
Decide which is the highest of the four corners and begin the process here. Dig out an area wider and slightly deeper than required by the footing and compact the soil in the bottom. Follow this up by adding a 3" base of loose stone. Using the plywood and planks, construct a concrete form to the dimensions decided earlier. If you're going to reuse the same form for each footing it's better to assemble the form with screws so that it's easier to take it apart and reassemble it for each footing. Lining up the footings properly is key to this project, and the first footing will be the point from which the others are built. It's also advised to add rebar to increase the strength of your footings and prevent them from cracking. Rebar should be cut 8" longer than the depth of the hole, and driven into the ground so they are flush with the top of the footing form. The rebar should be a few inches apart in each footing, and the amount of rebar depends on the size of your footing.
Once the form is placed in the hole and the concrete poured, allow it to set for 48 hours before removing the form.
The next footing must be measured and placed based on the height of the first one. To do this accurately you'll need a laser level with which to measure the height. With the proper height and distance lined up, you're ready to pour your final three footers or more if you require the added security. Repeat the same process of digging the area out and installing the stone and concrete form, and pouring the concrete until all footers are in place.
Ideally, this should be complete several weeks before the container is due to arrive. The actual time may vary depending on the heat and humidity in your area, and it's best to ask a professional the appropriate time to allow the concrete to cure.

Monday 24 October 2011

Storage Container Foundations: Part 1, Wood Beam

Once you've decided to purchase a shipping container and convert it into a storage unit, it's important to decide where it's going to be placed. A solid foundation for your container isn't an absolute requirement for your container, along with making keeping it stable and square, it can greatly reduce your storage units exposure to moisture and the corrosion that follows. Depending on your budget and the length of time that you expect the container to remain in it's place there are several options available to you. The three most common are: wooden beams, concrete slabs, and concrete footings. In this article, we will discuss wood beam footings.

This article provides a general outline for building a suitable foundation. Before you undertake a project like this on your own it's always important to check with a professional to make sure that there are no environmental or other issues that must be considered in your planning.

Wooden Beam Footings


Materials Required:

  • Rail road ties, treated 4"x4" Wood beams, or similar skids.
  • Loose stone or grave for a gravel bed.
  • Spade shovel, gloves, etc.
Wooden beam footings are the least expensive, easiest to install, and the better than leaving your storage container rest on the ground. With minimal site preperation they can be installed shortly before your container is delivered. Before you start, you'll need pressure or oil treated rail road ties or skids, and loose stone or gravel; both of which can purchase from most local lumber yards or at Home Depot. Since steel containers get their support from their frame, you'll only need enough material to support in the four corners. If you'd like extra stability, you can also place support at the middle points on the long side of the container.

Begin to build your foundation by laying out your area and digging a 4" to 6" gravel bed at each end, the length of the end. The gravel bed will provide necessary drainage to keep the beams dry and prevent any premature rotting. Once the gravel beds are in place you can lay out your beams accordingly. It's best to have your container at least 6" off the ground to allow for air circulation. Skirting or fencing can be installed later if you are in an area where there are small animals that may decide to take residence under your storage unit.

Once your container arrives the lift or truck can place it on the ties, however it may require some adjustments to keep your foundation in the proper place.

Part 2: Concrete Fotting Container Foundation

Part 3: Concrete Slab Container Foundation

This article was contributed by ContainerAuction.com, where you can find shipping containers for sale.

Link to article: Storage Container Foundations: Part 1, Wood Beam

Thursday 20 October 2011

Shipping Container, Bunkhouse, Cargo Container

Used shipping container modifications have become a very popular, cost effective, and environmentally friendly way to construct new housing, livable and usable structures, or storage units.  All that it takes is someone with a creative mind take an every day issue and apply a modified shipping container to it.
Shipping Containers

The shipping containers are carried by a truck, boat or airplane and are used to transport goods from one place to another. As shipping containers travel in a variety of ways, they can be used for land shipping and air shipping as well as marine shipping. The goods can be transported overseas also with the help of shipping containers. There are multitudes of sizes and types available in shipping containers and the type or size you choose while transporting goods depends on the type of goods you are transporting. Thus, shipping containers have become popular in freight industry because of the facility it provides while shipping the products. There are 20 feet containers as well as 40 feet containers available and you need to choose depending on the quantity of goods you are transporting. Before buying a shipping container, you also need to check that the shipping container should be space efficient. Shipping containers are not only used for shipping cargo, but they are also used for storage purposes by making some adjustments. A used shipping container can be used as a storage space, office or even a house. A 10 foot long container is about 80 square feet, so it can be very well used as a storage space or even a ticket booth. Now this sounds interesting isn't it? Below given are the possible uses of a shipping container:-

Kitchen Bunkhouse

An aesthetic look kitchen bunkhouse can be designed using a used shipping container. There are different kitchen bunkhouses available in the market like furnished kitchen bunkhouse, luxurious kitchen bunkhouse, kitchen bunkhouse with sink etc. There are also kitchen with office bunkhouses, computer workstation bunkhouses which are an excellent idea for people wanting to open their own restaurant but don't have enough funds for investment. These bunkhouses are available with total electricity wiring and plug in to insert external.

Office Containers

The office containers are furnished with cabinets, tables, chairs etc. and are perfect choice for construction sites, domestic rental Government agencies etc. These office containers include portable cabins, portable office containers, office portacabin, furnished security office cabin etc.

Lodging Containers

Lodging containers are the pre fabricated units which are furnished with beds, tables, chairs etc. There are also windows and good ventilation system in the containers so that the sunlight and air can enter the unit. These lodging containers are waterproof with proper electricity and water supply.

Sanitary Containers

The sanitary containers are fully furnished containers which offer toilet services. These sanitary containers are used in public areas like parks, trade fairs, seminars, exhibitions, events etc.

PUF Insulated Portacabins

The PUF insulated portacabins are prefabricated PUF/polystyrene insulated cabins and portacabins that are extensively required for sheltering telephonic equipments. These fabricated structures help in reducing the transportation costs as the equipments can be stored in these PUF insulated portacabins near the working sites.

There are many uses of these shipping containers and bunkhouses which are made of sturdy and finest quality rugged steel that is procured after rigorous testing of chemical and physical attributes.

Thursday 13 October 2011

Shipping Container Modifications: Types of Doors

It's very common for a person buying a used shipping container to request to have a door installed. The first question volleyed back is, "What type of door do you need?" Invariable, the response is always "What are my choices?" The most common types of doors installed on shipping or storage containers are roll up doors, and standard "man doors". Depending on what you intend to move in and out of the container, you'll need to decide which is the better option for you. Also, it's important to note that shipping containers, by design, are wind and water tight. Modifying a shipping container in any way can compromise the integrity of the box and special attention should be made to insure that the modification is properly sealed.

Roll Up Doors: Roll up doors do just what they claim to, and that's roll up and out of the way. These doors are typically made of aluminum, or in some cases vinyl, and are very convenient if you have limited space available inside of your storage container. The main concerns with roll up doors are security and durability. They tend not to be as secure as a man door or standard ISO door, and because of the moving parts they are exposed to more wear over their life time. Roll up doors typically range from 6' to 12' wide.

Man Doors: Man doors are the convetional swinging style door. They require more room for movement, but in return the can offer greater strength and security. A standard man door is 84"x36", and there are also industrial grade, heavy duty man doors available at some depots. Industrial grade doors are also 84"x36" and can be 3 hour fire rated. Many depots also offer custom door sizes to better meet your needs. It's best to have an idea of the approximate dimensions when contacting the seller or depot about what type of door you'll need.
Door Type Size Description Approximate Cost Picture
Roll Up 6' - 12' wide Aluminum or vinyl, requires little room and leaves more room for storage. $650 - $850 shipping container roll up door
Man Door - Standard 84"x36" Standard type swining door. More secure than a rool up, but requires room for movement. $650 - $850 shipping container man door
Man Door - Industrial Grade 84"x36" Stronger and more secure than a standard door, can be fire rated. Varies shipping container man door

If you intend to have a door installed it's best to communicate with the person or company selling the shipping container, or the staff at ContainerAuction.com. In many circumstances the modifications can be done at the depot before it's delivered to your location, however prices for services and modifications vary from depot to depot.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Refrigerated Containers – An overview

One of the most popular containers searched for on ContainerAuction.com are refrigerated containers, or 'reefers'. The questions that we receive have all been fairly consistent, so we decided to write an overview of reefer containers and some facts and uses of them.

Just as the name implies, refrigerated containers are capable of keeping goods cool, but they don't stop there. Reefer containers can be set to maintain temperatures between -13F (-25C) to 77F (25C). They are heavily insulated and can keep products frozen, refrigerated, or at a consistent temperature.

The exterior dimensions of a reefer container are consistent with the standard container sizes (40', 20', and in some cases 10'), this makes them easier to transport and integrated into existing intermodal transport methods. Due to the insulation reefer containers have interior dimensions that are a few inches smaller than standard dry containers.

Refrigerated containers are typically equipped with a three phase electrical supply to power the generator and refrigeration unit. Once loaded on-board the ship they are connected to an on-board power supply to maintain the desired temperature. If the on-board power supply isn't enough to meet the demands of the reefer units an additional "power pack" that's equipped with a large diesel generator may be used to keep the system charged. While at the terminal the ship and containers are connected to the terminals power supply. Once the container transported in some intermodal (road or rail) method it is powered by a generator set, commonly called 'genset'.

ContainerAuction.com regularly has refrigerated containers available on the auction and they're typically purchased by farmers, hospitals, or even ice cream producers. It's important to check the description before you decided to purchase a reefer container as some are listed with 'non-working machinery'. These are still quality containers, and even though the refrigeration unit isn't working they are still well insulated and have many good uses.

If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding refrigerated containers don't hesitate to contact ContainerAuction and we'll gladly provide insight with the experiences that we've had.

Thursday 6 October 2011

ISO Containers, Shipping Containers, and Storage Containers

A shipping container is a container with strength suitable to withstand shipment, storage, and handling. Shipping containers range from large reusable steel boxes used for intermodal shipments to the ubiquitous corrugated boxes. In the context of international shipping trade, "container" or "shipping container" is virtually synonymous with "standard intermodal container" (a container designed to be moved from one mode of transport to another without unloading and reloading). The general Storage Containers are great for storing personal effects, business documents, sporting equipment, tools, machinery and just about anything else. These Storage Containers are available as new, used or refurbished units.

For the storage of paint, thinners, oils, diesel, chemicals, class 3 flammables & any other potentially dangerous substance, Royal Wolf's dangerous goods Storage Containers offer the perfect solution.

The range of refrigerated containers offers cold storage for catering support at functions, additional cold storage for the busy season & temporary cold storage space during renovations.

When you need a storage container but have no land to store it, companies' self storage offers a great solution. They offer affordable self storage solutions where you can hire a storage container & store it at our branch.

An intermodal container (also container, freight container, ISO Container, shipping container, hi-cube container, box, conex box) is a standardized reusable steel box used for the safe, efficient and secure storage and movement of materials and products within a global containerized intermodal freight transport system. Lengths of containers, which each have a unique ISO 6346 reporting mark, vary from 8-foot (2.438 m) to 56-foot (17.07 m) and heights from 8-foot (2.438 m) to 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 m). There are approximately seventeen million intermodal containers in the world of varying types to suit different cargoes.  Aggregate ISO container capacity is often expressed in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU / teu) which is a unit of capacity equal to one standard 20 × 8 ft (6.10 × 2.44 m) (length × width) container. For air freight the alternative and lighter IATA-defined Unit Load Device is used. Non-container methods of transport include bulk cargo, break bulk cargo and tankers/oil tankers used for liquids.

A typical Shipping Containers has doors fitted at one end, and is constructed of corrugated weathering steel. Containers were originally 8 feet (2.44 m) wide by 8 feet (2.44 m) high, and either a nominal 20 feet (6.1 m) or 40 feet (12.19 m) long. They could be stacked up to seven units high. At each of the eight corners are castings with openings for twist lock fasteners.

Each container is allocated a standardized ISO 6346 reporting mark (ownership code), four characters long ending in U, J or Z, followed by six numbers and a check digit. The containers flex during transport.

Container capacity is often expressed in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU, or sometimes teu). An equivalent unit is a measure of containerized cargo capacity equal to one standard 20 × 8 ft (6.10 × 2.44 m) (length × width) container

Tuesday 4 October 2011

How to buy used shipping containers

Shipping containers are sold into the ‘retail’ market for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons that shipping lines and leasing companies sell containers are that the used container is at an inconvenient location and it would be expensive to ‘reposition’ the empty containers into a more accessible port or depot, the container may have reached the end of it’s useful life and, while it’s still in good condition, it’s no longer suitable for shipping, or it may be a convenient market to sell the shipping containers into. Whatever the reason may be, many times the container is well suited for being repurposed into a new role as a tool shed, mobile storage unit, or possibly a modular home conversion.  If you’re interested in buying a used shipping container we can already assume that you have a specific purpose in mind. Over the past few months we’ve collected some of the most frequent questions that have been asked of our staff and we’d like to share them to help you make the best decisions before, during, and after your purchase.

What are the typical dimensions of a shipping container?
Shipping container dimensions can vary, but the most common containers are 20’ and 40’ long and 8’ wide. The external height is typically 8.5’, which means that inside clearance is 8’. The exception to the height is a ‘high cube’ container which is 9.5’ high.

What condition do I need my container to be in?
If the container is being used for shipping or a modular home conversion project, it’s best to look for either ‘one trip’ or ‘cargo worthy’ containers. These containers are still suitable for shipping and, while they do tend to be a little more expensive, they are structurally solid and have little to no damage on them. If you’re planning to use the container as a tool shed or portable strage unit you can save a few dollars and search for a container that’s ‘wind and water tight’.

How do I have the container delivered?
For buyers in the United States finding a trucking company is quick and easy. On every listing page we’ve included a tool from uShip.com that provides estimates, and if you decided to proceed, exact quotes from hauling companies… [full article here]

What’s the best way to keep the container level?
If you’re able to find two railway sleepers for the container to be situated on this will make the container more level and help to keep it up off the ground and away from excess moisture. It is very important for the container not to be “racked” or twisted as this stops the doors from opening properly. If you’re not able to find sleepers, the next best options are leveled concrete block or rail road ties. Keeping your container level and square is important.

How do I paint a shipping container?
Painting will not only make the container look more appealing, it also serves to lock out any rust and corrosion. It’s important to note that ordinary house paints won’t do the job properly. You may well want to paint it so that it is in keeping with the area but also to preserve the steel. It is no good using ordinary house paints, you’ll need marine paint for containers or a solvent based paint to provide maximum protection.

These are just a few of the most common questions that we receive. If you have any questions regarding buying a new or used shipping container you’re welcome to contact ContainerAuction.com and we’ll do our best to provide you with information that helps you make an informed decision.

Monday 3 October 2011

Things to Consider When Buying Commercial Storage Containers

Buy mobile office storage or commercial storage containers with various color options, features and get benefits of using them for all your commercial as well as residential requirements. The portable mobile office storage or commercial storage containers are very useful for storing office equipment, machine parts, records, merchandising goods and various other products. You can move these storage containers from one location to another location. That's why the portable containers are perfect solutions for all your storage related problems.

Many users know very well what type of containers are most suitable for their mobile office storage or commercial storage containers requirements. But some are not aware and have lack of knowledge about what to figure out while buying storage containers in order to get the best and most suitable storage containers for their needs.
Following are the things to determine while buying commercial storage containers:

1. Determine the products you need to store.

Before buying storage containers, you need to first determine the product's type and size you need to store in a container. You also must know how much space it will require in a container.

2. Find the storage containers with suitable sizes

The cost of a storage container depends on its size and size of a container depends on your requirement. No doubt, if the container's size is large than it will be more costly than that of small one and will have more space to store excess merchandising goods. Thus, you should always look at the size of the container before buying it.

3. Determine whether you have sufficient space or not

Before buying the container, the very important thing is to find whether you have sufficient space or not in your home or workplace to place it comfortably without causing any problem to other things.

4. Find the kind of storage container you are going to buy

To store your important materials or products, your container should be very strong enough to store them securely and comfortably for a long time. Different materials such as steel, plastic, aluminum and other type of metal are used to make these mobile office storage or commercial storage containers. So, you must know what type of container is most suitable for your need.

Thursday 29 September 2011

Building A Container House

Shipping container homes are becoming a popular alternative for home builders wanting something different. They are cheap, easy to build and have many eco-friendly benefits. For many excited architects and builders shipping containers are providing a new form of architecture, where containers can be used as building blocks and structural elements for houses, offices and even cities.
Container homes are built with shipping containers. They are very affordable and strong enough to become the framework for a house. Building a container home is quite easy. Builders place one or several containers onto a regular foundation, cut windows and doors in the container walls, insulate the modified container properly to resist heat and cold, decorate it and voila - a container home turned modern home. The modular structure of shipping containers means that they can be easily attached to each other. This allows architects to create interesting and unique designs.
The cost of a 40-feet cargo container is about US$1200. As you can imagine, building a house made from shipping containers. In general, the cost to build container house is half that of the cost of building a conventional house. Cargo container homes are low cost, very strong, have a fast construction time, easy to modify, and shipping containers are widely available.
However, there is some skepticism with the benefits of t alternative houses. For example, it is argued that the high heat conductivity of steel requires better insulation for such houses in comparison to the usual brick or wood houses. Also, there is concern of the health risks that originate from the original flooring of shipping containers, which are usually treated with harmful chemicals. The original flooring of shipping containers is always removed before construction begins.
Though container housing a new concept, the popularity and public interest in them is growing rapidly in many countries. The obvious economic benefits, with the green eco-friendly practices of recycling and sustainability, create a lot of opportunity for modern architects and builders to develop and improve the container home concept.
It won't be long before we start seeing alternative houses such as container homes grace our neighborhoods. The idea of taking used metal cargo containers and using them as the foundation of a house, building, shelter and so on really excites me. I have already seen some great container home projects, such a student accommodation, modern offices and even prisons. I can't wait to see how container housing evolves over the next 10 to 20 years.

The Auction Process for Buying Shipping Containers Online

Buying new or used shipping containers online may be a first time experience for many people, however it’s very similar to other auction or ecommerce purchases that most people are familiar and comfortable with.

The process of buying a shipping container begins with deciding what you need the container for, and what type of container you’ll need. Will you be using the container for international shipping, converting it into a portable storage unit, modifying it into a container home, or some other purpose? Once this decision is made you’ll be able to choose which type of container is best suited for your needs and begin your search on ContainerAuction.com.

The top menu bar on every page of the website is the most common place to begin your search. Type in your city, select the type of container that you need, and click the search button. These search results will display all container are currently offered by our sellers and you can refine your search criteria on this page. You’re able to remove criteria by clicking on the [X] that’s next to the that item, or add items on the left column to better filter your search results. We encourage you to browse as many of the listings as necessary and register an account so that you can contact the sellers to learn more about the containers that you have an interest in.

Once you find a container that you’re interested and you’re ready to bid, or in some cases use the ‘buy now’ feature. Log into your account and navigate to the listing that you’d like to purchase. Next to the red ‘Maximum Bid’ button is the text field where you can enter in your maximum bid. After you type in and submit your bid you’ll be asked to confirm the offer one last time. Once confirmed the seller will also be notified of your offer.

If the auction closes and you’re the highest bidder over the reserve amount you’ll first receive a confirmation at the time the auction closes.  Then, shortly after 12:00GMT you’ll be emailed a copy of the final invoice. Once the payment is remitted you’ll be able to make arrangements to collect your container or have it delivered to you.