Building Structures Using High Quality Used Cargo Containers

Before they were used as modular building materials, freight containers spent their days being trucked, shipped, and railed from country to country, safely moving cargo. These containers can be used for shipping for about 10 to 15 years, but as modular building materials, their usefulness can be lengthened indefinitely. If you’re considering buying used shipping containers for your building project, you need to keep in mind a few quality considerations.

First of all, determine the age of the container. It will give you an idea of how much beating it has probably experienced. It’s quite easy to determine age. Containers each have unique serial numbers (called ISO reporting marks) to make them trackable while in transit, and to guarantee that they pass ISO standards. This number also reveals the age of the containers and their owners.

Next, look for any major dings and dents. Some dents are okay as long as long as they do not affect the structural integrity of the shipping container. You also want to check for presence of any toxic materials. Was the container used to transport hazardous waste? If yes, then it will need treatment to become safe and habitable.

Finally, you should also check for rust. Used shipping containers have typically been on long haul routes and are expected to have rust spots, but their non-corrosive steel construction means that the rust stays on the surface and does not impair the integrity of the unit. What you should be on the lookout for are deep areas of corrosion. Some suppliers will try to fool you into buying a low quality container by painting over deep rusts and hiding the problem. Don’t buy from those suppliers.

Like anything second hand or used cargo containerswon’t be shiny and spotless. Be prepared to find signs of wear and tear. The best way to get good value for your money is to inspect (preferably in person) the container you are looking to purchase.

Are Steel Storage Containers Efficient For Storage?

Steel containers are efficient for storage because of their high-quality locks as well as their watertight and airtight properties that keep items protected from the elements. Some storage containers even have special features such as ventilation systems and ramps.

Most of the high-quality shipping containers used for transporting and storing goods must follow the ISO and CSC standards, making them versatile for a wide range of applications and usage. Steel storage containers are efficient for storage as long as you use the right size that matches the items and your storage needs. There are storage container providers that sell and lease containers of different sizes. A 10-foot shipping container is great for personal storage; the volume of items it can hold is equivalent to what you can put in a studio apartment. There are also 20 feet containers that are as big as a one-car garage for bigger storage needs. A 40-foot shipping container is as big as a two-car garage, making it perfect for storing larger equipment, construction materials, sports equipment, and machinery.

Steel storage containers that are 30 feet and 45-feet long provide more space that you might need for long-term, higher-volume storage, but they tend to take up more room in your construction site or property, making them more appropriate for larger industrial areas. Before choosing a steel storage container of a specific size, be sure to measure the space where you will be placing it. Experts recommend leaving five feet of extra space on every side. Selecting the right size allows you to save money and minimise storage hassles.

It’s easy to determine if the shipping container is suitable for storing the items you want to put in it. There are companies that indicate storage-grade containers to differentiate them from CSC-plated containers, which are commonly used for international shipping. You also need to consider how long you are planning to keep the steel container. From there, you can decide whether to rent or buy your own steel storage container.

Can Refrigerated Containers Be Used For Transport?

Refrigerated containers are intermodal or shipping containers used in international or long haul freight transport. They have their own cooling systems, making them suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive goods. Apart from storage, they can be used for transport, too. There are solutions that ensure constant cooling within the container to keep the contents fresh and prevent them from spoiling.

Also known as 'reefers', refrigerated containers usually have an integral refrigeration unit, but they need external power to run. Electrical power points are installed in the container ship, the quay, or a land-based site.  During road transport, a diesel-powered generator may also be used.  Most refrigerated containers rely on an integral refrigeration unit to control the temperature within, arranged in a manner that the container's external dimensions meet the ISO standards. However, an integral refrigeration unit may take up space, causing a loss of internal payload and volume. Keep that in mind when choosing the size of the container that has an integral refrigeration unit.

There are refrigerated containers that use a water cooling system especially when they are stored below deck, where ventilation is limited. Generated heat can be removed, but water cooling systems tend to be expensive. As a solution, new-generation vessels utilise ventilation to eliminate heat from the cargo holds.

The most common sizes of refrigerated containers are 20 feet and 40 feet long, and eight feet high. If you are looking for refrigerated containers to transport temperature-sensitive products, you need to make sure that it is CSC-plated. CSC-plated shipping containers are suitable for international shipping. They need to be certified as water and wind-tight, too. There are companies providing refrigerated shipping containers for hire and for sale, and they are available in different sizes that match your needs, budget, and the size of your cargo.