Tuesday, October 19, 2021

A Look Back at Shipping Containers Through the Years

It’s hard to overstate the usefulness and durability of shipping containers. For basically a giant steel box, they have proven incredibly versatile. Besides the obvious use of transporting goods, they can be modified to suit all sorts of needs. Modern shipping containers can be transformed into long-term storage, mobile homes, offices, classrooms, and even mobile clinics. Shipping container sales remain high because they are so cheap that companies use them once and let them sit. That’s why so many can be obtained for even lower prices and modified for various needs.

Shipping Container Sales: The Versatility of Shipping Containers

In the Beginning

Shipping containers weren’t always so versatile or ubiquitous. Until the twentieth century, products were transported in either wooden crates, barrels, or exposed to the elements. With all these different sizes and shapes, efficient shipping was complicated. Also, this method brought spoilage risks, and the container often weighed more than the goods themselves.

Modern Times

In 1956, American businessman Malcolm McLean sought to make the industry of shipping more economical. He worked to develop a large, versatile container that could hold a lot of goods. His invention was, obviously, the metal shipping container. It was standardizing the container size and making them stackable that revolutionized the transportation industry.

The containers quickly became a commercial and international transport standard. More than 17 million are used, and shipping container sales show no signs of stopping as world trade increases. However, for the first few decades of their use, shipping containers remained primarily relegated to transportation.

Beyond Shipping Goods

In the 1980s, people at construction sites started to look for a place to secure big, bulky stuff on-site to deter theft. As a giant steel box with doors, a couple of locks and chains can turn any properly maintained steel container into a massive safe.

Their versatility only grew with demand. By the turn of the 21st century, shipping containers were being modified to serve as temporary housing for construction workers and similar laborers who needed to travel long distances for their contracts. From there, the modification of containers to offices and classrooms proved easy enough. As a result of recent health crises, shipping containers have also been used as mobile medical clinics and testing sites.

Shipping containers may not have a long history, but their presence has revolutionized transportation and other infrastructural fields. It’s almost impossible not to see a shipping container in daily life because there are so many of them, and they’re so helpful and versatile. Thanks to one man’s transportation vision, such containers are helping people across the globe.

Carolina Containers

Do you need extra storage, office, or retail space? A modified shipping container could be the solution. Carolina Containers is tops in shipping container sales. We have a wide selection of standard and modified shipping containers. Don’t see what you need? We can change it to your specifications. Contact us at 919-562-9187 and see what we can do for you.

The post A Look Back at Shipping Containers Through the Years first appeared on Carolina Containers.

Monday, October 4, 2021

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Working in the Container Industry?

When an industry is evolving, a lot of roadblocks and hiccups pop up. The shipping container industry is no different. There are many challenges, while most people think it’s a seamless industry. Below are some of the challenges that several leaders in the shipping container industry face.

Portable Shipping Container Raleigh NC: Industry Myths

Shipping Container Structures are Cheap

An unmodified shipping container is inexpensive. However, that cost is about 10% of the total for a modified shipping container. The balance includes electrical, carpentry, plumbing, site work, finishes, and other additions and changes. Therefore, the notion that container structures are cheap is false, and people need to change their mindset and choose to buy containers because they provide solutions, not because they are cheap.

The Industry is Young

The standardized metal shipping container industry began in the 1950s. Since then, the industry has expanded to using containers for various reasons, from extra storage to homes. The more the customization, the higher the cost for the customer. The industry continues to grow as the popularity of recycling containers into portable shops, eateries, and offices increases.

Modifications are Easy

Many people think they can alter a shipping container just because they have experience with welding or a home renovation. However, modifying a shipping container isn’t as easy as it seems. Faulty work ends up with compromised structural integrity, thus giving the industry a bad reputation. Most reputable companies have structural engineers on staff who have software to analyze every structure. This analysis is especially critical for multi-container designs.

Standards in Safety and Quality

As of now, container structures are regulated by states and local governments, and those regulations vary widely. Each entity has developed its own safety and quality standards. Unfortunately, there are no national organization standards. So it is wise to be cautious and research who you hire for modifications. Of course, any changes that include electrical or plumbing must meet standard codes of safety.

Standard Building Codes

Existing building codes weren’t meant for modified container structures. This situation makes these building codes challenging to follow. The codes are often opaque and inconsistent from locale to locale and even state to state. It is unclear what to follow and what not to follow and what even is being enforced.

Carolina Containers

Are you looking for more storage or office space? Your solution may be a portable shipping container in Raleigh NC. Carolina Containers carries a large selection of standard and modified containers for a variety of uses. Don’t see what you need? We can modify any container to meet your needs. Contact us at 919-562-9187 and see what we can do for you.

The post What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Working in the Container Industry? first appeared on Carolina Containers.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Are You Looking For A Custom Shipping Container for Winter Storage?

Shipping containers are so versatile and functional that you can use them for practically anything, ranging from storage to housing! They have only become more popular with new trends like shipping container bars, shopping outlets, and even homes. In fact, the use of cargo containers for self-storage has been around for many years now. The fact that real estate is becoming costlier with time means that these alternative dwellings are gaining even more ground with people.

The advantages of using cargo containers from Raleigh are well worth every penny. You will find our cargo containers to be safe, durable, cost-effective, and even weatherproof. One of the most common uses of shipping containers is converting them into storage space. When you think about conventional storage facilities, they are quite expensive to physically maintain and are usually not conveniently close. Buying a cargo container is like making an investment that can pay off any way you want it to in the future, not to mention you can use it as soon as you get it!

Long-Lasting Dependability

Cargo containers are also very durable thus they are ideal options for storing personal items outdoors particularly during the harsh upcoming winter weather. These storage containers have been designed and built to withstand all manner of external forces. Strong impacts and harsh weather will have little to no effect on your container. Cargo containers in Raleigh are made using weathering steel that is very high strength, with a finish that will keep out the elements and corrosion. You can truly trust the waterproofing abilities of a container, your things WILL be dry if you store them in your container. Water can cause grave damage to so many things, don’t give it the chance!

Security & Confidence 

Our containers are extremely secure. They have a lot of structural integrity, just looking around one will assure you of that. If you choose to buy more than one storage container, you can easily stack them on top of one another! They’re made to be stacked tall when they sit in shipyards or even on their overseas journeys. This allows you to truly maximize your storage space. You can add ladders or whatever you want to make it easier for you to access.

If you no longer have any good use for your cargo container, you can probably look to re-sell it for a decent price! You could also look to rent it out to anyone who needs temporary storage. You can also quite easily relocate your container wherever it is most convenient for you! Just one more great feature of shipping containers is how easy they are to transport, you can load them up on the back of a truck and take them where you want them!

As it Gets Colder out, Make Sure You’re Ready to Meet All of Your Storage Needs

It’s important that your power tools and other sensitive things be stored somewhere safe, make sure you have a secure and non-freezing place to put your things. You can base the size of the container you need on your own personal storage needs. You’ll need a larger container for any kind of vehicle, but much smaller if you’re just storing “stuff”.

Can you afford to lose the valuable household stuff you’ve labored for years? Definitely no, nor do you want to! At times, especially during the holidays, you want to do some extra shopping, have some new furniture, or even a car, so chances are good you need somewhere to keep some of it. Sometimes it’s a big risk to keep gifts for other family members in your home, as they can easily be stumbled across! Do everyone a favor and store all of your gifts in your container, it’ll save you from clutter and from that awkward moment!

Buy New Or Used Carolina Containers?

When it comes to the choice of shipping containers, you need to know what all of your options are. Shipping containers are available in different sizes, dimensions, and prices as well. You can either go the new or used route just depending on your exact wants and needs. Used shipping containers have been used for 10-15 years or more and may contain some visible surface rust. If the rust is a matter of concern to you, then, consider buying a new shipping container which is a bit expensive compared to the used shipping containers but will last you quite a bit longer.

If you give your shipping container proper maintenance, it’s going to serve you for a long time. Pressure washing and painting can help extend the life of your shipping container for maximum protection of your stuff. They are completely water and airtight, they are made to travel across entire oceans after all!

How Do I Get A Storage Container?

If you are looking for the most ideal standard quality storage container Raleigh, we can help you find the best storage container tailored to your specific needs. We modify our storage containers to meet the needs of our different customers and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. The smallest changes can make huge differences, such as a light or heating unit.

We Deliver Direct On-Site

Finding the best storage container in Raleigh has never been this easy. Imagine, by calling us, from the comfort of your home or workplace, we can help you find your dream storage container and we deliver exactly where you want when you want. So, don’t worry, we’ve taken the hassle out of the whole thing. Just tell us what you need and we help make it a reality!

So, Is a Storage Container on Your Wish-list?

We know it’s holiday time and spacious, safe, and secure storage is obviously something that interests you if you’re still here. Don’t miss out on our amazing offers on all types of storage containers. We’ve got the right price for the right container to give you great value for your money and make it an investment well worth the price.

Harsh climates with hot summers and chilly winters can be dangerous for some items that require long-term storage if they are exposed to the weather for long. Insulation is vital not only for comfort but also to prevent the container from mold or corrosion. Let’s see how one can insulate a shipping container.

Foam insulation

To keep the container warm during cooler climates and dry in damper ones, spray foam insulation is the way to go. As the most flexible and quickest method of insulation, it creates a consistent vapor barrier combating condensation and leaving the container dry. Foam insulation is sprayed into gaps on the inside and outside of the shipping container as well as underneath it to prevent moisture from creeping in.  If one is interested in painting over the foam, allow it to settle. Spray foam insulation is messier and more expensive than other options such as blanket insulation or insulation panels.

Insulation panels and blanket insulation

These two options require stud walls to use.  Insulation panels are purchased at predefined sizes and fitted into the gaps of a stud wall. Their depth gives them a high insulating power which is much cheaper compared to foam insulation. For blanket insulation, rock wool or fiberglass is the material used which requires a lot of care when handling. For safe installation, personal protective equipment should be at your disposal. Out of the three options mentioned, blanket insulation is the cheapest.

Eco-friendly options

Options that include natural materials like wool, mud, cotton or a living roof for insulation are all considered eco-friendly. Wool insulation method uses sheep’s wool while cotton uses recycle cotton which makes it differ from blanket insulation. Though it’s not recommended to replace proper insulation, a living roof can minimize indoor temperatures and mud can be used on the container’s roof.  It’s advisable to use mud only in areas where rain is scarce; too much water isn’t friendly to mud.

No need to stick to one method, combining more than one insulation process is different sections can ultimately provide a better result.

Types of Insulation

Styrofoam, spray foam and batt are the three main types of insulation used in shipping containers. Let us look at each of them:

  • Styrofoam: Polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam) is ideal for insulating storage containers. It is a fast, easy, and cost-effective way of insulating a storage shipping container and also helps reduce sound. Conventional climate-controlled storage containers typically come with an inch of Styrofoam insulation already installed.
  • Spray Foam: This is ideal for temperature-sensitive enclosures. It is not considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing insulation, and it is sprayed directly onto the container walls. The spray foam then sets as a water-resistant, hard covering. Spray foam is a more expensive insulation option.
  • Batt (or Roll): This insulation material is ideal for living spaces and offices. Batt is made up of finely woven strands of mineral wool, plastic fibers, or glass, and it is the industry standard for insulation used in residential and office containers.

The quickest way to insulate shipping containers is to put in insulation panels that are readily available in predefined sizes, making it easy to fit them. Blanket insulation is also considered to be one of the cheapest options available. Eco-friendly insulation materials are also available such as cotton, wool, and mud.

So when you are buying a shipping container, keep in mind the various insulation options there are as only with proper insulation can you successfully convert a container into a comfortable living or office space.

For more information on modifying a shipping container, please contact Carolina Containers at 919-562-9187.

The post Are You Looking For A Custom Shipping Container for Winter Storage? first appeared on Carolina Containers.