When most people think about storage containers, they picture spaces designed to store tools and raw materials across the world’s industrial worksites.

It’s true that these containers have the durability and dimensions necessary to house a variety of items, and to keep them safe from the elements. But that isn’t all these containers offer. Thanks to their privacy and customizable nature, they can also be used as standalone rooms.

Take offices for example. For those operations or facilities that don’t have an office, or need an extra one, a shipping container provides the perfect canvas on which to create an ideal administrative space.

Not only that, but there are many perks to going with this self-contained option rather than reworking an existing room or building a new one. Today we’ll discuss a few uses for office storage containers for your business, and the benefits of using containers over regular rooms.

Convenient Ways You Can Use a Metal Office Storage Container

If you’ve always used storage containers as holding areas for materials, refashioning one into an office may seem like a stretch. However, there’s a reason that more worksites and organizations are viewing these units as the perfect place to build an office.

Here are some of the ways you can use metal containers as offices to support your projects and help out your team.

1 – Support Administrative Functions

There are some projects that see workers, materials, and tasks scattered about in a decentralized fashion. This is common in fields like construction and engineering, where the task is literally to build a new location.

But what about the location you need to pull the worksite together? Specifically, what about the important functions that every worksite needs, such as:

• Payroll, accounting, and HR
• Training, development, and coaching
• Marketing and advertising
• Management and continuous improvement

Using an office storage container is helpful for businesses without a central hub for the above locations. This dedicated space makes it easier to support projects and keep them going strong.

The office is the one thing that can boost the progress of operations in all industries. Whether a project has just started off or it’s already in progress, bringing in office shipping containers is a proven way to add value, direction, and momentum to your efforts. 

2 – Create a Security Area

While offices can come in many forms and handle a variety of different functions, one of their most important purposes of all is to provide security. For worksites with the decentralized design that we talked about, security is a top priority.

Trying to keep track of everyone and everything is difficult without a central hub. Once you bring in metal office container as a security office, you have a base location you go to for tasks like:

• Setting up security monitors for onsite cameras
• Storing and organizing security footage
• Filling out and filing daily security reports

The right technology and processes can create a much safer and more orderly worksite. Having a single location to focus on for these matters makes it much easier to keep consistent with your security proceedings, which is one of the best things you can do if you’re aiming to make safety a priority at your workplace.

3 – Set Up an Entry Area

Another way to keep your operation organized for both safety and productivity purposes is to create an entry area. This spot can be used to check everyone in when they arrive at the site. 

When individuals show up at the worksite, you can have them sign in and even get IDs or other required materials if necessary. This simple process allows you to control who enters the worksite, so you have a running list for staffing and safety purposes.

Using an office container as an entry point is also helpful for directing the flow of traffic at a work area, which creates movement patterns that decrease congestion and confusion while facilitating productivity. 

The same setup can be used at the exit of a facility, providing additional knowledge about who leaves a site and who is still there, which can reduce liability and uncertainties at the site.

4 – Build a Breakroom 

Every workspace needs a special dedicated space set aside for administrative purposes, security matters, and even check-ins and check-outs. But this isn’t the only must-have for a worksite. What about a break area?

When employees have a dedicated space they can slip away to and take a break, it’s much easier for them to rest and recharge after their hard work. Just like offices can be outfitted with the right equipment for specific needs, the same can be done for breakrooms, with:

• Furniture like chairs, sofas, and tables
• Snacks, drinks, coffee makers, water tanks, etc.
• TVs, radios, magazines, and other forms of entertainment

If a worksite is outdoors, or if a building doesn’t have dedicated space for breaks, it can sometimes be demoralizing for employees. After all, no one wants to be at a location where there’s no private area to escape to for a quick break.

Office containers can become a safe haven for employees when they need time to rest, a bite to eat, or just a chance to step away from the business of the worksite. 

5 – Store Supplies Safely

Let’s not forget that the top function of a storage container is to provide safe housing for your belongings. But we’re using this as an office container, right? Yes – and that means you can house the supplies typically found in the average office.

Consider important items like files and documents, along with the specialized storage furniture necessary to house them. You could also house standard supplies you may need during the day like paper, pens, and anything industry-specific that tends to be used regularly at your worksite. 

Do you already have a plan for your office storage container? Then let’s put that plan into action together – start out the process here with a free estimate. 

Benefits of Using Metal Containers as Offices

When you think about where you’d want to base an office, metal containers may not be the first environment that comes to mind. But with a little work, you can get these spaces ready for business and turn them into the ideal office location. 

Why choose a container as your office space? There are many reasons why a shipping container office is efficient, or even superior when compared to building onto a facility or relocating. 

Office Containers Are Cost-Effective

When you find an office container for sale for a good rate, you may have found an amazing deal – because not only do you get an affordable price, but you could also be saving a lot of money by going with this option over alternatives.

An office storage container can be cost-effective in several ways. Firstly, it provides a secure and convenient storage solution for office equipment and supplies, eliminating the need for expensive off-site storage facilities or costly office spaces in the traditional sense. 

Secondly, it can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional office construction or renovation. An office container can be converted into an office space at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction, while still providing a comfortable and functional workspace for employees.

An office storage container doesn’t come with the rent and utility costs of typical office spaces, which is a big plus for commercial organizations. Finally, office containers are durable and require minimal maintenance, reducing long-term repair and replacement costs.

A Shipping Container Office is Easy to Move

When we think about the typical worksites and projects that could use shipping container offices, they are often mobile or temporary in nature. For example, traveling events may pick up and head to new locations each week. Construction projects can finish up in one area and move to the next to start work shortly after.

Office containers are mobile and can be easily transported from one location to another, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses that need to move frequently.

Office containers can be moved to a new location easily and quickly, allowing businesses to adapt to changing needs or opportunities without the hassle and expense of traditional office moves.

By using a mobile office container, businesses can avoid the time and energy involved in finding and setting up a new office space. This can be particularly useful in situations where time is of the essence, and the team is ready to get to work quickly. 

Containers Are Customizable for Many Purposes

Because office containers are modular, they can be customized to suit a wide range of needs and preferences. This makes it easy for businesses to create a workspace that is tailored to their specific requirements, without having to compromise on location or layout.

Consider how you can modify and customize your office storage container with:

• Office furniture and equipment
• Company-specific branding
• Custom paint jobs
• Heating and cooling system
• Independent power systems

These are just a few of the options you can consider when you’re setting up your container office. The best part is that given the size and straightforward design, you can rework your setup with ease.

What if you need different setups? The affordable and convenient nature of these units means it’s perfectly possible to get multiple containers at your site. 

Maybe you’ll have a full collection of containers. One can be your main office, another can provide security surveillance, while more can protect your equipment or function as a dedicated space where your employees can relax.

Whenever you need your container or containers, contact us – we’ll provide you with top-quality products and even handle the delivery process, giving you the complete experience you deserve in a professional container solution. 

Need an Office Storage Container? Call Us Today

When you need a shipping container office for any purpose or project, trust this important need to an expert in the field. 

Transocean Equipment Management is a leading provider of shipping containers, storage containers, and other intermodal equipment across the globe. Based in Houston, Texas, the talented team brings four decades of combined experience. We’ve established a reputation for providing reliable and high-quality equipment to businesses and individuals around the world.

Our containers are:

• Highly affordable
• Durable and built to last
• Easy to deliver
• Easy to maintain
• Versatile and adaptable 

This type of solution can be refashioned from an office into a storage room and back again – it’s the all-purpose space that can provide value to your operation in countless ways.

The applications are nearly endless. Use your office container as a business hub, storage center, storm shelter, or even as the foundation for another building.

What Else Do We Offer?

If you want additional container solutions to go with your office setup, you’ll be happy to know we have an entire inventory of highly rated and expertly engineered container products.

Transocean Equipment Management offers a wide range of container types, including standard shipping containers, refrigerated containers, open-top containers, flat rack containers, and more. 

These containers are available in a variety of sizes, from 10 feet to 45 feet, and can be modified to meet specific customer requirements. In addition to new and used containers, we also offers rental options, providing businesses and individuals with flexible and cost-effective storage solutions.

The company’s customers come from a variety of industries, including construction, agriculture, energy, and more. Our equipment has been used for a wide range of applications, from offshore oil platforms to on-site storage for construction projects.

Get the Best Experience and the Best Container

Transocean Equipment Management prides ourselves on a commitment to customer service, offering expert advice and support to help customers find the right equipment for their needs. 

Our team of experienced professionals can provide guidance on everything from container selection to transportation and delivery options. This personalized approach has helped Transocean Equipment Management establish long-term relationships with its customers, many of whom have been with the company for years.

With a global network of partners and affiliates, our U.S. company can provide equipment and services to customers around the world, making us a trusted partner for businesses in a wide range of industries.

Ready to get your office storage container purchased, delivered, and ready for business? Contact us today to start the process with a free quote. 

Shipping containers can be made bigger and better with modifications after the fact. From sports lockers and cafes to gyms and studios, there are so many cool things you can do with a shipping container in Fayetteville NC. This city is known as the “Athens of the Ozarks”, the seven hills that surround it, and its innovative spirit. If you’re planning on buying a storage container here, read on.

To accommodate your chosen usage, you can choose from several modifications that range from shelving and ventilation to HVAC and accessories. If you need to make storage modifications in Fayetteville, home to 355,000, here are some ways to make them stand out.

Flooring

Most storage containers have marine-grade moisture-resistant flooring, and you can upgrade from there if you need to, especially if you plan to convert the space into a mobile office, conference room, or training room. You could go with vinyl flooring with wood plank design, as an example.

But if you plan on making a mobile restroom, you will need something more durable and easy to clean, such as a slip-resistant polyvinyl floor. For portable gyms, rubber or soft mat flooring is best.

Branding

When used for business purposes, paint or wrap your container with your brand and logo. You can even slap on some signage of contact information with hours in the form of magnetic signs. This allows you to make changes frequently, and is ideal for businesses with increased visibility needs for promotion.

Interior Paint

You won’t find many standard shipping containers that come with interior paint. This means you have to do it yourself if you choose. Whether you do this or not, and what kind or color paint you choose will depend on the purpose, such as office, food stand, or restroom.

Plumbing

Let’s say you plan to operate a restaurant out of your storage container in Fayetteville, where you need sinks for washing food or a bathroom for employees. You can add in plumbing for everything from fridges and kitchen sinks to appliances and bathrooms.

Lighting

From detail lighting and task lighting to recessed lights and pendant lights, the possibilities for illumination are endless. For additional security, add motion sensors that activate when motion has been detected.

Miscellaneous Modifications

The most popular options when it comes to modifications include:

•     Windows
•     Framing and insulation
•     Roll-up doors
•     Sky lights
•     Security bars
•     Vents and fans
•     Heat and AC units
•     Electrical
•     Partitions
•     Shelving
•     Solar panels

Many Uses of Shipping Containers in Fayetteville NC

Why modify your existing storage container? There are many reasons why, and many creative sages you can entertain. Try these ideas:

•     Hydroponic container farm
•     Ticket booth
•     Security booth
•     Home
•     Sports equipment locker
•     Pop up café
•     Garage
•     Pool
•     Bistro
•     Shed
•     Theater
•     Studio
•     Sauna
•     Field hospital
•     Art gallery
•     Student housing
•     Disaster shelter
•     Indoor garden
•     Camper
•     Lab
•     Backyard pool house
•     Guest house
•     Playhouse

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

We offer a variety of modifications in Fayetteville, so contact us for a free price quote today!

There are many ways you can use shipping containers, and one of those ways is for an office space. Not only are they more affordable than traditional office spaces, they’re environmentally friendly because they’re made from recyclable materials. They also happen to be portable, which adds an extra convenience.

Their versatility allows them to be customized to fit your unique needs, with a variety of sizes to choose from. Shipping containers are increasingly being used for co-working spaces, offering more flexibility than traditional offices.

Co-Working Space: Defined

This is a communal workspace where people can conduct business. There are many benefits to working in such a collaborative environment, from better communication to increased productivity.

Here are some top benefits of shipping container communal offices.

1.    Increased Creativity and Productivity

In a traditional office setting, workers are surrounded by people who are all doing the same job. This can be distracting and doesn’t lend itself to creativity. In a co-working space, by contrast, everyone is working on different types of projects, which leads to better creativity and productivity. Why? Each individual is surrounded by talented people each with a unique skill set that can be shared.

2.    Networking Opportunities

In a traditional office, most people are only concerned with the problems impacting them the most. In a co-working space, there are professionals from different backgrounds coming together for all sorts of reasons but they are less territorial when it comes to what affects them professionally.

Thus, networking opportunities are born that can lead to new and varied job opportunities, business ventures and more diverse teams.

3.    Reduced Overhead Costs

Using shipping containers as co-working spaces will slash how much overhead is necessary to run the business. Instead of paying high monthly rent on a large office or building, you only have to rent a few shipping containers, which reduces monthly expenses and allows you to fund other, more important things.

4.    Improved Flexibility

Instead of being bound to long-term leases that use up your capital for years with a traditional office building, shipping container office spaces don’t come with restrictive leases.

5.    Improved Productivity

Because of the open floor plan, container offices lead to more collaboration and thus increased productivity. Everyone has a clear view of everyone else and knows what is going on at any given time.

Types of Co-Working Offices

There are many different types of shipping container offices to choose from, such as:

• The Standard Container Office: This is a standard shipping container that’s been converted into a co-working space. It’s versatile and affordable, and can be used for any number of purposes.
• Modular Container Office: This is a flexible option that’s customized to meet your business needs. You can divide this office into multiple rooms, with built-in HVAC systems and access to wi-fi.
• Container Office Suite: This is great if you’re looking for high-end office space complete with all the amenities you want from a traditional office space, such as conference rooms, reception area, restrooms and a kitchenette.

Transocean Equipment Management

Not sure which kind of shipping container would meet your needs? We can help. Just call us today at for a free quote on any size container.

If you need to stock your site with mobile offices or you just need one for your backyard, you need a temporary mobile office solution that really works. Mobile office trailers can be a good route to take, but often they aren’t very durable and they have limited layout options. But with shipping container-based offices, these can last upwards of 25 years and come with several versatile layout options.

Here’s how to find out what the ideal container layout is for your needs.

Importance of Mobile Workspaces

With more and more people working from home these days, mobile workspaces have begun to fulfill a large number of functions. Maybe you don’t have the extra space in your home and don’t want any distractions. Maybe you need an office in the middle of a busy construction site. Maybe you need supplemental workspaces to fill in gaps at your office. Whatever the case, it’s important to find the right fit.

There are many reasons why people are choosing shipping container offices over traditional construction. For one, containers are portable, durable, easy to transport, and professional looking. For another, they’re more affordable and quicker to implement on site than ground-up construction.

Because containers are created and assembled offsite, they can easily be modified and brought to wherever you need them. This makes it easy to scale your business while achieving unique goals within your organization.

The modifications out there are endless when it comes to workforce living and beyond. You can incorporate anything from storage space and locker rooms to media rooms and retail spaces.

Options for Mobile Shipping Container Offices

As customer needs have evolved, so too have the approaches of many shipping container providers. Most offer a variety of sizes and designs to accommodate the needs of customers. They can be fully customized to incorporate anything an office needs, from shelving and seating to storage space and restrooms.

Here are some sample mobile office layout options you could choose from:

1. Open office: This is essentially a blank slate, available in 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot configurations. There are no partition walls.
2. Open office with half-bathroom: Designed for comfort, this gives you easy access to a restroom while working.
3. Dual office: Usually available with a 40-foot unit, this gives you two private office spaces within one unit.
4. Dual office with half-bathroom: You get two office spaces with a restroom located in the middle for quick and simple access by both sides.
5. Storage and work office: A partition wall separates an office and a storage space next to the other.
6. Workplace with conference room: This gives you two private offices with a large conference room in the center.
7. Two-story observation area: Three containers can be stacked to make a two-story office featuring large picture windows where you can easily monitor the grounds below.
8. Double container: This involves two containers placed side by side with a clear, large opening.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

To get a free quote on the many containers we have for your mobile office, contact us today.

We’ve seen the rise in popularity of shipping containers over the years, but have you ever considered adding one to your home? Sure, they’re cool looking, but are they practical? The answer is yes. Shipping containers are versatile, customizable, and can be used for almost anything — whether it’s storage, a home office, or a play area. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best use cases for shipping containers in Augusta. Check it out and see if adding a shipping container to your home is right for you!

Home Office

This one seems like a no-brainer. With more and more people working remotely, the need for space has never been more important. While some have an extra room to spare and some don’t mind working in their dining room, others need a space that’s quiet and dedicated solely to working. That’s where shipping containers come in handy. They can be customized into an office complete with doors, windows, AC, and electrical. 

Green House

Love gardening in a more controlled environment? Shipping containers are a great option if you’re looking for somewhere clean, climate controlled, and pest-free. With 24/7 lighting, controlled nutrients and environment, you end up with a packaged high yield farm- in fact, a whole farm in a box. Without worrying about the weather or pests, you can even maintain multiple harvest cycles. 

Play House

Does your house feel cluttered with all the toys and crafts? Why not buy a small shipping container to turn into your child’s ultimate play house? From video gaming, to arts and crafts stations, the opportunities to create a unique space are endless. Plus, they’re a lot safer than a tree house!

Swimming Pool

Talk about luxury. Have you ever swam in a shipping container pool? Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they’re durable, have flexible configurations, and they’re easy to set up.

Workshop

Shipping containers are great for storing your tools and for working on projects, too! Building furniture? Drawing and painting? Whatever the project, shipping containers make the perfect workshop so you have a dedicated space that’s protected from the elements.

Buy Shipping Containers in Georgia

From Atlanta to Savannah, we provide high-quality storage containers to Georgia residents. Our convenient cargo container solutions can solve your storage or shipping problems with ease no matter where you live or work in Georgia.

Shipping Container Services in Georgia

Shipping containers are relatively new. They were invented in the 1950’s and became popular in the 70’s. It’s astounding how colossal this industry has become and the value people saw right off the bat. In fact, people saw the potential of utilizing storage containers other than shipping purposes when it first became widespread by the shipping industry back in the 70’s.

Just like the rapid growth of storage containers, our services have expanded throughout the years to accommodate the vast range of needs and demands in Georgia and worldwide. So, whether you need an affordable and compact office space in Atlanta or you live out on a farm in Laurens County and need additional shelter for livestock, we got you covered!

Storage Containers in Augusta

We offer a full-range of services to help meet the needs and wants of our customers. When you become a customer of Transocean Equipment Management, we’ll be there from start to finish helping you every step of the way. Here’s what we do:

• We Sell Storage Containers

We have new and used shipping containers suitable for any purpose that we sell directly to consumers. Choose between different sizes, different types, and modifications.

• We Lease Storage Containers

You can also rent shipping containers from us! Maybe you need a temporary storage solution. Maybe you need one for a construction site. Whatever the case may be, we’ll provide you with a suitable and affordable storage container solution for long-term or short-term lease. We make it easy!

• We Modify Storage Containers

The modifications we offer are endless. If you can dream it, we can build it! Drywall, doors, windows, and flooring are just a few examples of what we can add to your storage container.

• We Deliver Storage Containers

We offer hassle-free delivery service, which makes the entire process of buying or renting a storage container that much smoother. For our delivery service, we use rollback trucks or flatbed trucks depending on your order and the delivery location.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

To purchase a new or old shipping container in any size, please call us today at (910) 483-7828. We also offer a variety of modifications and add-ons that can further enhance your unit.

If you’ve always wanted more space for your cars, tools and equipment, now’s the time. Don’t have the space in your home or existing garage? Why not extend the space with a shipping container garage?

You can add extra garage space at a fraction of the cost of a traditional garage expansion or addition. Here we will talk about why a shipping container garage may work for you.

Shipping Container Garages Cost Less and Save Time

First off, you can save money by converting a shipping container into a garage, as compared with investing in building a brand new garage from the ground up. Shipping container garages are a much quicker and cheaper option for homeowners.

When you build a brick and mortar garage, you have to pull permits and hire contractors and sub-contractors, which takes time and money. A shipping container garage, on the other hand, is a more cost effective way of adding more square footage to your home.

Shipping Container Garages Are Versatile

If a single shipping container won’t be enough for your storage needs, go with two or more. You can configure them in any way you like, so you’re not tied down to one permanent design like with traditional construction.

A single shipping container provides eight feet of width and 40’ of length; when you add a second container, you get a total of 16 feet in width. This is plenty of space to store any car or toy such as an ATV. To combine containers, you have to remove one side of each container and then add a roll-up door. Other options include personnel doors or windows. Even with these modifications, a double container garage costs less than traditional construction.

Shipping Container Garages Are More Secure

Security is probably high on your list as a homeowner, especially if you’re storing valuable things in your garage. Because shipping containers are made of corrugated Corten steel designed to withstand the harshest of weather, they can protect your cars and equipment from the elements and theft. You can also add after-market locks for additional security against thieves.

Shipping Containers Are Easy to Install

All you have to do is prepare the site for shipping container delivery and your job is done. You’ll have to add a sturdy foundation and make sure you have plenty of space for the truck to deliver the unit.

Shipping Container Garages Are Portable

If you ever move, you can take your garage with you. Portability is a major advantage to shipping container garages. Just try to do that with a standard garage!

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Here at Transocean, we offer a variety of container sizes and modifications. To get a free quote or learn more about what we have in stock, contact us today. Or browse our site to get an idea of what we have for sale.

There’s no getting around the fact that shipping containers must be filled and shipped with hazardous cargo inside. But it’s critical to ship hazardous goods safely to avoid disaster. The shipping of hazardous goods is an industry that’s highly specialized and regulated, requiring proper documentation and proper containers.

So what exactly are dangerous goods? These substances or items are those that pose a risk to health, safety, the environment, or property while in the process of shipping. They have to be handled with top-notch care from start to finish. Dangerous goods take many forms, from solids to liquids to gasses.

They may be corrosive in nature, or they could be common items that we use every day, such as perfume. All of these dangerous goods are transported in shipping containers for ease of transportation as well as safety. Because shipping containers can be stacked, bulk transportation is possible.

Top Hazardous Goods

There are nine classifications of dangerous goods, and those include:

1.     Explosives

These are materials that can quickly conflagrate or detonate due to a chemical reaction. Examples include flares, fireworks, and gunpowder.

2.     Gasses

These are substances that can be compressed, liquefied, refrigerated, or dissolved. Examples include oxygen, helium, and chlorine.

3.     Flammable liquids

These are liquids with very low ignition temperatures, meaning that they ignite easily, and are extremely volatile and combustible. Examples include acetone, kerosene, and gas oil.

4.     Flammable solids

In the same vein, flammable solids are solids that are easily combustible. Examples include sodium batteries, metal powders, and activated carbon.

5.     Oxidizing substances

These include oxidizing agents and organic peroxides, which are highly reactive and combust easily. Examples include hydrogen peroxide and lead nitrate.

6.     Toxic and infectious substances

Toxic substances can be deadly if swallowed or inhaled, or if received via skin contact, while infectious substances can result in disease. Common examples include dyes, medical waste, and biological cultures.

7.     Radioactive materials

These substances would be extremely dangerous if they were to become unstable. Examples include yellowcake and medical isotopes.

8.     Corrosives

Corrosive materials will disintegrate or degrade other materials on contact. These highly reactive corrosives produce a positive chemical effect, with examples including batteries, paints and chlorides.

9.     Miscellaneous goods

All other goods are included in this category, such as dry ice, motor engines and marine pollutants.

Packaging Requirements For Hazardous Materials

There are some packaging requirements to keep in mind when shipping dangerous goods.

• UN number: This four-digit code is preceded by the letters UN.
• PSN: This stands for proper shipping name, and is used to describe the cargo.
• Packing group: There are three packing groups: I, II, and III, which help to determine the degree of packing necessary for a certain good.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

We take safety very seriously here at Transocean, and are well aware of these nine dangerous substances. If you need safe, durable steel containers to transport your dangerous goods, call us today to learn about our options.

Forklift pockets are basically the openings at the bases of shipping containers, designed to accommodate the insertion of forklift prongs. Their purpose is to secure, lift and balance shipping containers safely. It’s common to see forklifts picking and moving containers within a shipping container yard or port.

The pockets are included as standard fittings in 20-feet containers, positioned parallel to the container’s center within the bottom side rails. If a container did not have pockets, only the top side could be lifted via crane. You don’t see too many forklift pockets in 40-foot containers, as it can be dangerous to lift and balance such a heavy load.

The equipment tasked with handling a container must have a sufficient rating to handle the weight. This obviously means that if the container has cargo inside, this added weight is taken into consideration. Thus, you shouldn’t be using standard warehouse forklifts to lift shipping containers. Those are meant mostly for transporting pallets and heavy items within a warehouse or factory setting, best for indoor activities on stable, even surfaces over short distances only.

Types of Pockets

Let’s take a look at the different types of forklift pockets that can lift shipping containers.

1.     Grappler Pockets

Some containers have grappler pockets that can lift the units up with grapplers, generally used as an alternative to top spreaders that use corner castings to lift units.

2.     Gooseneck Tunnels

40-feet containers have inlets or recesses on their front-end floors. Called gooseneck container trailers, those goosenecks match up with the tunnels on the container’s bottom. The tunnels then  balance the units on the gooseneck chassis.

Common Issues

Sometimes, dangers can arise with the use of forklift pockets. One common issue involves the accidental entry of certain objects inside the unit that may prove to be hazardous later. Tools such as spanners or screwdrivers that have been left behind in a forklift by mistake by employees can cause damage.

Additionally, objects that may have gotten blown inside the container by wind can become lodged inside the unit. Both scenarios present challenges when the prongs from forklifts are inserted into the pockets, making the containers become off-balance. To avoid problems, covers can be installed over pockets when not in use.

Forklifts are great machines to have in a container yard because they offer so many benefits and solutions to tight logistical challenges. They can position containers on and off large trucks, they’re affordable, and they serve many helpful purposes. However, you should take any and all safety precautions when using a forklift to lift containers by their pockets.

Always adhere to the forklift’s upper weight carrying capacity before lifting a container. And remember not to use standard warehouse forklifts to lift shipping containers.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

We hope you found this blog on forklift pockets interesting. If you need more information on buying or renting a shipping container of your own, call us today at (910) 483-7828.

Rust is never a good thing when it comes to your shipping container. It slowly eats away at the steel, making holes that get bigger and more jagged as the months wear on. You want the most out of your investment, right? Well, you need to perform regular maintenance so such deterioration doesn’t occur.

Rust will reduce the lifespan of your container like nothing else. Yes, containers are made of heavy-duty steel, which will slow down the advancement of rust, but it’s not immune to corrosion’s effects.

Shipping container rust originates from oxidation that occurs from contact with moisture. Untreated dings and dents also invite rust because they have lost their protective paint layer. Protect your container from water infiltration and fix dents immediately to improve not only the appearance of the unit but its lifespan as well.

Here are some tips to prevent rust from occurring.

Keep Your Container Dry

Make sure your container remains dry and away from sources of water and harsh weather. Long-term exposure to water from the ground or trees can quickly start the spread of rust.

Place a Tarp Over the Unit

Place a thick plastic tarp over the container when not in use, especially if you live in a rainy or snowy climate. The tarps will provide protection against direct exposure to snow, rain, hail, and heavy winds that can send branches and rocks flying into the container. If you still want to use your container while protecting it, pitch the tarp over the unit like a tent.

Keep it Off Soft or Wet Ground

Put your container on a foundation of some kind, such as a concrete slab or two railroad ties, to prevent the bottom from coming into contact with moisture. This will keep your container off wet or soft ground such as dirt, gravel, grass, or sand, and it will keep bugs from getting inside too. Plus, it will encourage air flow under the container so it can dry out after rain.

Gable the Roof ​

Many older shipping containers develop small dents on the roof after being stacked during overseas transport. These concave dents can pool water, which can lead to rust. Prevent this pooling of water by placing a 4×4 wood plank at the low point of the roof and pushing it into the ceiling with a jack. Now, the water will roll right off.

Pressure Wash Mud

Containers often get caked with mud. To get it off, wash it off with a hose or a pressure washer. This is also a good way to prep your container for a new paint job.

Get Rid of Surface Rust Immediately

The good thing about surface rust is that it hasn’t yet reached the internal layer and can still be treated. But if you leave surface rust untreated, it will make holes eventually. For minimal rust, scrape it away with a wire brush, then use a damp cloth to wipe away particles.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

We hope these tips have been helpful. If you need assistance with buying or renting a shipping container, call us today at (910) 483-7828.

In the market for a shipping container? As you may already know, there are many options out there. Rent vs. buy? New vs. used? How can you decide? We have put together this handy guide to help you make the most educated decision possible.

New vs. Used

Buying new or used goes well beyond how much money you are willing to shell out. Here are the benefits and drawbacks to each.

Why buy new?

Buying a new shipping container has many advantages. It will cost you more but you will get a better quality product that will give you a long shelf life.

• 20’and 40’ shipping containers have only been shipped with cargo once, meaning they have only been subjected to the ocean environment one time.
• You can be assured you’re getting the best condition possible, with 20 or more years of serviceability.
• You get a wider selection of container when you buy new, as well as configurations.
  • Lengths of 10′, 16′, 20′, 24′, 40′ and 45′ lengths
  • Standard height (8.5′ high) and high-cubes (9.5′ high)
  • Choose from double doors on one end or both
• Manufactured with Corten steel panels and doors
• They feature a protective layer to prevent rust
• Can accommodate 30 tons gross weight.
• Can support loading and unloading by a forklift.
• Full certified.
• Made under strict guidelines.
• May be customized with colors or logos.

If appearance is important to you and you want a container in excellent condition with a long life, go with a new one-trip container in seaworthy condition. You won’t have to worry about expensive or time-consuming repairs for a long time.

Why buy used?

Don’t have a very forgiving budget? Don’t care about excellent condition? Used may be the better way to go. With used containers, you get:

• More affordable pricing, still offering many years of service
• A variety of conditions, sizes, configurations and colors
• Swing doors and wooden floors
• As-is condition or with custom modifications
• Minimal ground preparation requirements
• Many sizes to choose from: 20 ft, 40 ft, high cube, etc.
• Refrigerated containers available

Used storage containers are those that have been retired from cargo service, still able to give you long-term, secure storage even though they are used. They’re still in good condition but may be marked with some blemishes like dents or surface rust.

Rent vs. Buy

Now the next consideration is if you should rent or buy your container. Here are some tips to decide.

Why you should rent

Renting gives you a good idea of what you’re getting into. Perhaps you may buy one at a later date but aren’t sure which one will work for your needs. Renting first will allow you to determine your needs without getting tied down to a purchase right now, especially if you don’t have the capital. You can always downsize or upsize later.

The ability to rent-to-own is another benefit of rentals. In most cases, you are given the opportunity to buy your rented container any time during the rental term. It can be viewed as a trial period.

Why you should buy

Purchasing a container has its benefits too. When the container is yours outright, you can modify it any way you wish. From mobile offices and kiosks to pop up cafes and concession stands, there are many ways you can use modifications and extra accessories to achieve the function and look you want. Put another way, with a purchase, you are in control of what you do with the container.

Additionally, you can move it where you see fit. This mobility factor is a big feature, without the need to have to keep it at the original location. If you need a container for the long term, you’ll save money buying rather than renting. On the flip side, if you only need a container for a few months, renting is a more cost effective option. Also, when you buy a container, you can amortize its cost over several years.

In the end, the length of time you need the container as well as its purpose will dictate whether you get new or used. If you only need a container for a month for an exhibition or trade show, renting is a good option. If you need a mobile office on your property for the next few years and you want to make modifications, buying is better.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

If you still can’t decide on new vs. used or rent vs. buy, perhaps we can help. Call us at (910) 483-7828 for more guidance, terms and pricing.