The Amazing. Ever Changing World of Shipping Containers

It's been a while since my last post, and the world of shipping containers has been gradually turned over on it's head.  Actually, it's still in the process of happening, but we've all seen it coming.

On the positive side of things, spring is just around the corner and container sales in the United States have been very positive so far, especially considering that Polar Storm Mess that had a majority of the east coast on it's heels.

We've got a few new ideas and tips for you that you will (hopefully) find helpful when you start shopping for storage units or shipping containers come spring.

5 Tips to Use When Buying a Used Shipping Container: A lot of this article states the obvious, but it's a lot of things that people don't think about when they're buying equipment.  Some good ideas can be found here, especially for the novice buyer.

If you're buying a shipping container for the first time, you should at least sound like you know what you're talking about, take "container parts 101" by reading, "Shipping container parts and pictures".

Planning on having a shipping container delivered? Learn how to avoid paying too much by reading, "Avoid Expensive Delivery for Shipping Containers".

That's all for now.  I'll try and post a little more frequently now that my hands and fingers are thawing out from the winter cold.  If you've got any questions you can always email me through the blog.

Where to Buy Cheap Shipping Containers in Ohio?

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s almost time to start thinking about all of those summer DIY projects that you’ve been putting off until the snow thaws in the Ohio Valley. If building a new shed, or doing anything that requires additional long term storage, is on your summer project list, it’s a great idea to consider buying a new or used shipping container to re-purpose as a storage unit. If you’re in Ohio, you can find cheap shipping containers for sale in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. There are auctions for shipping containers that take place all summer in these areas, and if you’re in a hurry you can normally buy a shipping container directly from the shipping lines at cheap, wholesale prices.

How to Find Shipping Container Auctions in Ohio?

Unpaid Storage Auctions: Unclaimed storage containers and unpaid storage units are typically advertised in local newspapers and at the storage facilities themselves. These auctions are similar to the ones that you see on television and listings can go cheap and the items inside can be priceless, or worthless.

Shipping Container Auctions: Shipping container auctions, auctions for empty shipping containers, take place regularly online at ContainerAuction.com. In these auctions you can purchase cheap, new or used shipping containers, direct from shipping lines, container leasing companies, and logistics companies. These shipping containers are 20’ and 40’ long and either a standard 8’6” tall or a high cube is 9’6” tall. Depending on the condition, they can be used for just about anything. While only shipping containers that are in new, to cargo worthy condition can be used for shipping, almost all shipping containers can be used for storage, farm storage, an onsite office facility, or just about any other modification project.

How to Buy a Shipping Container in Ohio

Buying a cheap, used shipping container in Ohio is a lot easier than it seems, and many people are surprised at how simple the process is. A quick search on ContainerAuction.com will show you where the closest containers are to you. Finding one close is helpful because it will insure that the delivery cost will be cheap. On ContainerAuction.com you can contact the seller if you need to arrange a time to inspect the container, and from there you can purchase the container directly through ContainerAuction.com. Once the container is paid for, it’s delivered directly to you location and unloaded.

	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Columbus, Dublin, Lancaster, Grove City, or other places in the Metro Columbus area.
	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Cincinnati, Fairfield, West Chester, Springfield, or other places in the Metro Cincinnati area.
	Search here for shipping containers for sale in Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, Elyria, or other places in the Metro Cleveland area.

Storage and shipping container auctions from Ohio, the United States, and around the world can be found on ContainerAuction.com.  If you have a container and need to protect the lock we recommend a bolt on container lock box, available from ContainerLockBox.com.

Shipping Containers in Denver, Colorado

Colorado is a hot market for storage containers, and that makes it hard to find a cheap shipping container in Denver.  Denver is a regional hub for intermodal transportation and containers loaded on trucks and trains pass through the city in volume, however many of them don’t stick around and the ones that do are in high demand.
The most common containers at depots in Denver and the Front Range are 20’ and 40’ containers.  You can find a variety of new and used containers, and when you do find one that fits your purpose it’s well advised to purchase it quickly, as it may not be available by the end of the day. 
As with anything, when you begin shopping for used shipping containers in Denver the first thing to do is find a few prices and compare them.  How you define "cheap" may be very different than someone else's definition. Finding online pricing may be hard, as many container traders and retail locations don't always provide online pricing; constant inventory changes makes this difficult.  If you don't have any luck finding a local business that sells used shipping containers, the next stop is to visit an ecommerce website that sell shipping containers. The first obvious choice is eBay. There are a usually a few shipping containers listed on eBay, but the inventory tends to be limited and centered in only a few specific areas. The next choice is ContainerAuction.com.  ContainerAuction.com is a leading website that specializes in both new and used shipping containers.  Many companies, including some of which may be local to you, have accounts on container trading platform and either list their used containers on the sale, or you can contact them directly through the site to inquire about their inventory.
To help you get the best price on new or used shipping containers, you'll want to have a few questions already answered and ready to share with the company selling the container.

• How long do you need the shipping container to be (10ft, 20ft, 40ft)?
• What will you be using the shipping container for?  Examples include storage, housing conversion, and shipping.
• Do you know what condition you need the container to be in?  Typical conditions are "cargo worthy", "wind/water tight", "one trip", and "as-is, where is".
• Will you need the container to be delivered to your location?
• If you need the container delivered, do you have a crane or forklift on site, or will the truck need to drop the container to the ground?

To help get you started in your search, ContainerAuction.com offers direct searches to help you find used shipping containers in Colorado.  During the month of October they’re offering a great discount on new, 20’ and 40’ shipping containers located in Colorado.  To learn more, visit the site and check out the available inventory.  As mentioned above, containers in Colorado sell quickly so check back if the inventory is sold out.

Buying a Cheap Shipping, Cargo or Storage Container: Where do I start?

So you’ve finally decided to buy a shipping container. Like most people, you’re probably not sure where to start. It’s not a purchase that you make every day, and I’d be willing to guess that most of your friends haven’t done it either. To being, you should really have the answers to three questions:

1. Why do I need the shipping container?
2. When do I need the shipping container?
3. Where do I need it?

The answer to the first question is usually pretty straight forward. People need shipping containers for many reasons, the most typical being for shipping, portable storage, or some type of contianer home conversion project. This question is important because it could have an impact on the condition and price of the shipping container that you need to purchase. If you need the container for shipping you’ll need one that is either one trip, new, or cargo worthy. If you plan on modifying the container into some other project, for example a storage unit or an outdoor bar, you could possibly get away with saving some money and purchasing one in “as is” condition. Typically, “as is” containers are structurally sound but have some surface rust or other cosmetic blemishes. If you’re prepared to explain this to someone in the industry they should be able to help you find the best suited container for your needs.
When you need the container also depends on what you’re going to do with it. If you plan on using it for shipping you may need it quickly, if you’re putting it onto your property as a long term storage unit you may need to prepare the site first by installing a foundation or gravel bed to drop the container on. Keep in mind that depending on where you live and the schedule of the delivery driver it may take a week or two to have the container delivered to your location.
Do you need the container at a location that’s far from a port or a major city, or are you located within 45 miles of a major port? If you’re near a major port like Los Angeles, Newark, or New Orleans you’re in luck. Containers tend to be readily available in these areas and arranging delivery can be quick and easy. If you need the container in a rural area, or city that’s distant from a coast line you can still find a container, but you may need to pay a little more for it. At some point in time someone had to move it to your area and this cost is typically built into the price. The obstacle to overcome for repositioning a container to a remote area is delivery.
Once you can answer the why, when, and where questions you’re well on your way and only need to find a shipping container for sale. eBay occasionally has containers for sale, however a site that specializes in containers like ContainerAuction.com has a wide inventory and direct contact with shipping industry experts.

Shipping and Storage Container Auctions in Memphis, Tennessee

ContainerAuction.com hosts online auctions for shipping and storage containers, and next week they have great offers starting on 20’ containers located in Memphis, Tennessee.

These containers are in great condition and can be used for shipping and transportation, storage, or a container home or other modification project.

They are all built to the following specifications:

• 30 Ton tested
• RAL 1015 (light ivory)
• Plywood Floors,
• Lock box and high locking gear
• All units inspected on the line to ensure high quality units provided

 If you’re looking for winter storage, a modular housing conversion project, or adding additional square footage to your property that’s quick and affordable, cargo containers are a great option to consider. Cargo containers durable, cost effective, easy to purchase and install, and most importantly highly secure. Since they are designed for international shipping everything that goes into a container is designed with the intent of portability and security. Anything that you lock up inside will remain safe and secure from the weather, and any other creatures that may want to damage your belongings or make an unwelcome home in your unit.

More information regarding shipping container and storage unit auctions in Tennessee can found on the following page here.

If you have any additional questions you may contact the seller directly through the listing page. All questions will be answered within 24 hours.

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.

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 Size	Cubic Feet	Cubic Yards	80lbs bags
8" x 16" x 16"	1.2	.044	2 bags per footing
10" X 20" X 20"	2.3	.086	3.8 bags per footing
12" X 24" X 24"	4	.15	6.75 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.

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.

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

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.

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.