A shipping containeris a strong enclosed structure that is made to carry cargo and keep it dry and safe during travel. Shipping containers can be from large steel boxes on cargo ships to small cubes that are portable as a U-Haul. With its use in international trade, the container is designed to move from boat to train easily without the need to unload and reload the goods inside. There are various types of shipping containers, but the intermodal is the most popular as it is reusable and brought inland as an onsite storage facility. They are durable, usually sizes twenty to forty feet. They have now become popular by people for multiple uses.

The popularity of reusing these shipping containers has been growing when it comes to making commercial, industrial, or residential space. Bars, stores, offices, and homes are being created out of these modified shipping containers because of its versatility, low cost, Eco-friendliness, and safety of usage. It has become a creative ingenious use of them as a single unit as part of another building, such as a garage or a regular storage unit. Its original intent was to move things overseas rather than plane because of lack of space and weight. So, it is not odd to have this on land.

The main difference here is that many users need to have instant access for personal belongings. A garage of a storage unit in another building does not work. Buying or renting one to put onsite make it very feasible. A container for storage can be changed to have roll up doors, shelving, and electric outlets. The steel frame also allows containers to be fitted with certain locks and layered to insulate everything safely from the elements, notably rain, snow, and wind. Many of these containers are now customized to have everything needed like a second home. Shipping containers range from $1800 to $5000; sometimes, it can be found a cheap as $1000 based on their size. They are usually ready to send over after buying.

For those on a tight budget, you can even look at eBay or even a local shipyard for good quality containers. Also, note that all shipping containers are not made from the same steel. The best are those made with CorTen Steel because they last the longest and stand up to weather and rust. Containers are made to sit on a ship with the corrosive salt all around them for the long journeys and can survive for years. Check if the container is a Intermodal Steel Building Unit as it is certified and reliable to withstand fire and is safe to use.

The construction features of a shipping container is made to appealing for everyone and everyday use. They can be relocated easily by forklift and placed on a flatbed to move it around. A shipping container as onsite storage is the best choice for businesses, contractors, and individuals for personal use. They are even being built in with homes because of its looks, for what its worth for further consideration.

Image from Tiger Containers