Safely Stacking Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are like the soul of the export/import industry. During their lifetime, wear and tear of these massive containers are very common. Some of that damage is due to weather conditions experienced during transport, but some are due to mishandling. Businesses using containers surely do not want their investment to be wasted.

When shipping containers are used internationally or are used for storage, they are often stacked to save space. It is essential to stack the containers appropriately to avoid damage. Here are some safety tips to follow when stacking shipping containers.

Stacking Containers

Shipping containers are constructed in standard design and sizes to be used in any combination, no matter the manufacturer. The general rule is, containers must be stacked no more than eight high. The containers are designed to fit together and lock on the four corner posts. The corner posts and flooring of these boxes are capable of bearing the weight of the containers above it.

Cranes or Forklifts

The first thing is to get the containers to the site of loading. Usually, the containers are delivered via truck, but if unloading or loading in a shipyard, railcars could also be used.

When stacking, there are two pieces of equipment used: cranes and forklifts. Large stationary cranes are used in shipyards to load and unload cargo from ships. The containers are stacked both onboard the vessel and in the shipyard.

Mobiles cranes can be used on sites where a stationary crane is impractical. Special care is taken when stacking the containers using cranes. It is done very carefully by placing straps on all four corners.

Sometimes the use of a forklift is more useful. Forklifts are usually used when containers don’t have to be stacked very high, limited room, or when the containers have to be moved about frequently. It’s important to hire trained forklift operators who have experience in the container stacking procedure.

Setting the Base

If the base containers are set precisely, then the multi-level structure’s upper layers will also be secure. All necessary safety precautions should be taken to form the base level correctly. For the upper layers, employ the container stacking system wherein locks are placed at all four corners.

Final Adjustments

If the containers are in one place for a long time, check that the containers are weatherproof. To do so, caulk all the seams. This sealant prevents water from entering the containers and damaging the goods inside. Some owners add a roof cap to deflect snow and rainwater.

If creating an office or living space using containers, electrical and plumbing can be connected once everything is set.

Carolina Containers

We have lots of ideas about how containers can be used for your business. Call our team at Carolina Containers, and we’ll help you with sales and shipping container transport to meet your needs. Call us today at 919-562-9187.

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Tips to Help You Prepare For a Shipping Container Delivery

Anyone who has purchased a shipping container needs to prepare for delivery ahead of time. The buyer wants the delivery process to be smooth and straightforward. They need to develop a plan where the shipping container will be transported and stored. This post will go over the steps necessary to have a shipping container transported and placed successfully.

Best Ways to Prepare

Adapt Location If Needed

A shipping container needs to be delivered to a specific location. Choose where this location will be ahead of time and think carefully about this area. Make sure this place is somewhere where you and the company delivering the container can easily access it.

Verify that the size of the location is big enough. If your shipping container doesn’t fit on the site, this will be a big problem. This area should also be level and solid to support the shipping container. Remember, shipping containers are weighty and large.

Create a Foundation

Before the shipping container comes, look at the area you have chosen. Is the ground flat enough and sturdy enough? Concrete, gravel, and other foundation surfaces are excellent for shipping container stabilization. Place the container on a firm foundation to prevent sinking into the ground and begin to list. If the container is transported across the soft ground for final placement, use wood planks placed on the ground to create a delivery truck pathway.

Clear The Area

Once the ground is stable enough for the shipping container, make sure that there is nothing in the way. Clear the land and the surrounding area so the truck delivering your container can get in and out with ease. Remember to look up for power lines, trees, and other overhead obstructions.

How Will Shipping Container Be Delivered

How the shipping container is delivered will depend on a few factors:

• Whether container has Front or Side Door Entry
• Length of container
• Size of placement site
• Access to the placement site

A flatbed tilt truck can be used if the site has enough maneuvering space for the truck to back into the placement site and slide the container off. A flatbed truck can be used when there is tighter space but still needs room for a forklift or crane to deliver the container to the final placement.

Make a Schedule

Lastly, ensure that you have scheduled a time for your delivery. Talk beforehand to the delivery company. Confirm when and where you will meet. Be on time, and do not make the truck wait for you to arrive.

Carolina Containers

Need a container for your business? All sales at Carolina Containers include shipping container transport. Call us today at 919-562-9187.

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Dry Ice Vs. Cold Storage For Perishables

Perishables are defined as goods that have a short shelf life. Since they spoil quickly, we are often forced to dump such products before we consume them. When food insecurities are growing every day in different parts of the globe, preserving and improving such perishable foods’ shelf-life becomes necessary.

Cold Storage Containers

Cold shipping containers are an excellent solution for storing perishables. These products would be mostly held in 20′ or 40′ trailers, almost like on-site walk-in refrigerators and freezers. They are also called reefer containers and can be transported by rail or road. They come with some advantages.

• Convenience for large sporting events or weddings or restaurants.
• Consistent climate-controlled environment.
• Optional built-in lighting and shelving help in organizing the stored items
• Electric-powered unit designs are suited for maximum thermal efficiency and minimal air leakage.

Dry Ice

Another option for storing perishables is dry ice, which is a way to keep your frozen and refrigerated foods from spoiling if there are chances of power cuts or travel. Dry ice is maintained at a temperature of -109 degrees Fahrenheit and can easily replace a refrigerator or freezer. The procedure is easy and hassle-free. Place the dry ice on the top shelf of the freezer and the bottom shelf of the fridge. In case you are evacuating or moving, perishables can be transported using dry ice placed in a cooler. People prefer dry ice for the following.

When mechanical refrigeration is not viable, dry ice can be used in food storage and transport. A benefit of using dry ice over ice is that the problems associated with water leakage are non-existent since dry ice evaporates into a gas and allows the container to be free of moisture even after several hours.

Precautions

However, there are some precautions to be followed while using dry ice.

• Always wear gloves and long sleeves while handling dry ice.
• In case you are traveling, do not carry a cooler with dry ice in an enclosed passenger cabin to avoid any issues with carbon dioxide build-up.

Choosing between storage containers and dry ice for perishables largely depends on the different conditions, like the scale of storage, transportation, or storage period. It is always advisable to consider these aspects before making your selection.

Carolina Containers

If you are searching for a refrigerated shipping container? Check out Carolina Containers. Call 919-562-9187 for more information.

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The Longevity of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are an incredible storage and transportation device. These glorified steel boxes revolutionized cargo transportation across land and sea. Durable and reliable, these containers can be found all across the world. Shipping container sales and their use are consistently high, and so some might ponder just how long the average shipping container lasts.

Shipping Container Design

Shipping containers are designed to take a lot of abuse and see a lot of use, and as a result, they can last for up to twenty-five years. Despite this, shipping containers are often only used once for shipping and then spend the rest of their days as storage or in some other capacity, including oversized paperweight.

The reason for this is pragmatic economics. The cost of transporting an empty shipping container is often more than only purchasing a new or used one to replace the transported container. As a result, the containers tend to build up, but fortunately, their long life and durability make them incredibly versatile.

Storage Containers

Shipping containers are often used for large storage at locations such as construction sites. Their large size and longevity mean they can be set, loaded, and even moved from site to site relatively quickly. Another everyday use due to their lasting nature is for mobile offices, classrooms, and the like. Their large size and portability make them ideal for quick and cheap office space, as long as the user of such an office doesn’t mind Spartan accommodations.

Though durable and long-lasting, that’s not to say storage containers don’t need at least some maintenance to keep going strong. Their hinges need to work and paint to prevent storage, and conversion to an office or classroom can require a bit of work. By and large, though, the containers should perform just fine in whatever capacity you have in mind for them as long as it takes the whole giant steel box issue into account.

Repurpose Shipping Containers

Though they tend only to be used for cargo transport once, shipping containers can easily last over twenty years. This once-use practice means plenty of shipping containers in decent condition can be used for storage, mobile offices, and even transportation of supplies and cargo. Shipping container sales are high because of shipping costs for empty ones, but there are plenty of used ones on the market. Taking advantage of that situation means there are opportunities to save money when looking for cheap office and storage space.

Carolina Containers

If your business needs a durable, secure storage container, it may be time to consider a shipping container. The best shipping containers sales in the southeast are Carolina Containers. Contact us at 919-562-9187 and see what we can do for you.

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6 Reasons You Need A One Trip Shipping Container

One trip shipping containers are the perfect way to save money yet still get a quality shipping container. Most buyers assume that they need to get a brand new container or rent one for their business or personal needs. However, this is not necessarily true.

One Trip Shipping Containers

A single trip container has only been used once and is practically brand new. These containers are just as strong and effective as new containers. Also, you get way more value out of them. We’ll talk more about how you can benefit from these containers.

Save Money

These shipping containers cost less than a new shipping container because, like with many products, used is cheaper. Of course, you may not be able to purchase a used container locally, so that a transport fee may increase the cost. But, it will be worth every penny to buy a one-trip container.

Some people prefer to rent shipping containers, of course. But if you are renting a container for more than eighteen months, you will save money by getting a one-trip container.

Sell Your Container

If you rent a shipping container, you will return it at the end of the rental agreement. However, if you buy a one-trip container, you can sell it once your need is finished. As long as there is no apparent damage, your one trip container will retain its market value for many years.

Choose Different Sizes

Rental containers do not offer the same variety of options as one-trip containers. However, with a one-trip container, you will choose from all kinds of sizes!

Customize Container

Not only can you get a shipping container in any size you want, but buyers can also customize their one trip container. Rental containers cannot be tampered with or modified in any way. If you buy your container, though, you can do what you want to it.

Ship Things Right Away

One trip containers are ready to be used right away. Since they were already shipped out once, they have been pre-prepared for use.

Resistant To Corrosion

Best of all, these types of shipping containers stay tough for years to come. They are corrosion resistant and won’t break down anytime soon!

Call Carolina Containers

If you are interested in purchasing a single trip container, contact Carolina Containers at 919-562-9187. We offer some of the best single trip containers in the Raleigh, North Carolina area.

 

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Shipping Container Floor Options To Ensure Durability

Metal shipping containers are durable, reliable, and incredibly versatile. Whether as storage, a home, or for a mobile office in Raleigh, or any other city, storage containers have plenty of uses and can be found cheaply. Even though they’re already pretty sturdy, sometimes it pays to put in a little extra to make them even better.

Shipping Container Modifications – Flooring

One such way to improve on a container is to add flooring. The original metal floor might get the job done for storing crates and the like. Still, if the container is holding something more delicate or converted for another use, a nice looking, sturdy floor is probably a good idea. There are some excellent flooring options on the market, depending on the container’s intended use.

Plywood & Bamboo

Plywood or bamboo flooring is an excellent example of versatile and durable flooring used in a storage container converted into an office, spare classroom, or pop-up store. It can also be handy for creating a level storage floor for items that need to be easily rolled into or out of the container.

Vinyl Planking

Vinyl planking can also be used. Imitation wood vinyl is usually used for offices and homes, so it is perfect for converted containers. The same is true for coin vinyl. Coin vinyl has a more industrial look with the added benefit of being water-resistant. If liquids are being stored or the container’s location is damp, water-resistance is an added value.

Aluminum Plating

For the ultimate durability, the best way to ensure the metal’s strength is to reinforce it with more metal. Aluminum plating is useful if the container is on the older side and needs to be strengthened. Aluminum plating is either smooth or treaded and is water-resistant. Though better suited for storage than an office or home, it’s still a good option thanks to the extra strength it provides to the container and the water resistance. One note: this flooring can become slippery when wet.

Epoxy Coating

For simplicity and versatility, a simple epoxy coating is hard to beat. Many containers get an epoxy coating over their original flooring or even an old metal floor. This coating adds additional strength to the container, a bit of sound dampening, and extra water resistance.

There are a variety of flooring options for storage containers on the market. Choosing the right one depends mainly on what the container is getting used for and the owner’s preference.

Contact Carolina Containers

Are you in the market for mobile offices in Raleigh, NC? Check out Carolina Containers. We have new containers and modified containers ready for sale—call 919-562-9187 for more information.

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The Perks Of A Ground Level Office Over Your Regular Office Trailer

Many businesses need mobility because they conduct their work temporarily at different locations. For this reason, they need a solution that enhances work productivity and offers ample space. A business has two options when it comes to this. They can either get a conventional office trailer or a  ground-level shipping container office.

Temporary Mobile Office Choices

Here is everything any business looking to have temporary space needs to know about this so they can make an informed decision.

Conventional Office Trailer

The Conventional Office Trailer (COT) is mounted on a metal base that has wheels. It sits above the ground, so it requires a set of stairs for people to enter this space. These stairs must be compliant with the Occupational Safety and Hazard (OSHA) requirements.

Ground Level Office

The Ground Level Office (GLO) is mainly a shipping container that has been turned into an office space. They don’t need stairs as they are set on the ground. Other than that, they are incredibly long-lasting and can withstand any climate or weather conditions.

Why GLOs Are Better

Here are a few reasons why businesses need a ground-level shipping container office:

Security – The main reason why businesses invest in GLOs is that they are very secure. The entire container is constructed from steel, so many people can’t break into it. If a great locking system is added, then a business is good to go. Conventional trailers can easily be broken into, which is one hazard no one needs for their business.

Durable – This type of shipping container office can last exceptionally long because it can survive any harsh weather conditions. It is best used as a storage space to keep those expensive supplies that may be ruined under extreme conditions.

Easily Relocated – While relocation, a business might experience some rough roads and terrain. A conventional trailer can get ruined on such roads but not a GLO. They can easily be moved from one place to another without being damaged, and so less expense and maintenance cost over time.

Carolina Containers

A ground shipping container office is an ideal choice because they are portable. They also don’t need stairs, and so there are no additional regulations with which to comply. Any business looking for a compact and sturdy temporary space should go for a GLO. Carolina Containers has a large selection of modified container offices. Call 919-562-9187 for more information.

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