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.

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.

If you own or manage a stadium, rink or field for a school or town, have you ever thought of adding a press box? If you already have one, is it old and unsafe, or too expensive to operate? Before the season gets underway, think of a new option: shipping containers.

Shipping container press boxes feature a unique design that will impress everyone who visits the stadium, from the home team to the away visitors. Plus, they offer a spacious and efficient workspace for media professionals so they can closely observe whatever sporting event is going on at the time.

Shipping containers can be modified to create comfortable, attractive, and functional press boxes, giving you complete design flexibility. From baseball and soccer to football and lacrosse, modular press boxes are an affordable and mobile way to view the activities. Press boxes are designated spaces where coaches, commentators, and members of the media enjoy an optimal vantage point for viewing sporting events. They also act as hubs for reporting on the action or crafting stories for the local paper.

An Eco-Friendly Choice

Shipping container press boxes can be customized to meet your specifications. You can choose any layout you want, plus you can add on features such as bleachers. You can even use two or more shipping containers linked together for additional space. These adaptable structures are more affordable than standard construction methods because they don’t need brick and mortar materials. There is also a decreased construction time with shipping container press boxes.

This smart, eco-friendly choice utilizes repurposed materials so you’re not contributing more waste to the landfills. People will appreciate your dedication to making the community safer and cleaner.

Comfort

You will be surprised at how comfortable and modern shipping container press boxes can be. They have just as many features as traditionally constructed press boxes, from high-end interiors and flooring to tables and electronics. Choose from the type of insulation, framing materials, and wall coverings you want.

The best part is, you can wire your custom press box to support electricity, Internet and A/V connectivity. There are many window and door designs you can choose from that open up the space and allow for plenty of ventilation and viewing areas.

Not only is a repurposed shipping container eye-catching and unique, it’s a cost effective method of saving your team or school money.

Benefits of Shipping Container Press Boxes

Check out these main reasons why a shipping container press box is a good idea for stadiums, schools and more.

1.     They Are Strong and Durable

Shipping containers were built to carry heavy loads and withstand harsh environments, so it stands to reason they could more than handle the demands of a stadium press box. Plus, you can stack them up to eight high. They are safe and secure enough to hold all your valuable equipment such as electronics and sports gear.

2.     They Are Eco-Friendly

Without sacrificing quality or comfort, shipping containers are smart eco-friendly choices that can help save the environment. For example, a 40-ft shipping container weighs 8,000 pounds, and when you repurpose that container, you’re not adding all that usable steel to the waste stream. You can also reduce or eliminate the need for traditional building materials such as cement, wood and bricks.

3.     They Have a Modular Design

It’s easy to transport shipping containers by ship, rail or truck due to the fact that they already adhere to standard shipping sizes. Because of their modular design, you can link or stack several units together if you need one big structure.

4.     They Are Cost Effective

Compared with brick and mortar structures, shipping containers are easy on the wallet. You can also add modifications quite affordably, and you don’t have to pay for labor. Plus, there are no delays related to construction like you would get with a traditional structure.

5.     They Can Be Customized

Shipping container press boxes are easily customized to your specifications and delivered to your site just how you want them. This means you get the most unique press box possible – one that no one else will have. The sky’s the limit when it comes to layouts, as you can select from any framing material and insulation type you want, as well as windows, doors, floors and paint.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Eager to get going on your next shipping container press box? Reach out to us at (910) 483-7828 and we would be happy to guide you.

Construction sites vary in size from multiple large new homes to minor house remodeling to road construction. All construction sites have tools, equipment, machinery, and lumber and other raw materials to get the job done. Usually, there aren’t any facilities already on-site for safe storage, rest rooms or break rooms.

Often times, these areas are the responsibility of foremen or company owners. That’s where versatile shipping containers come in. They can be used for job site storage, locker rooms and so much more.

Benefits of Using Shipping Containers

Shipping containers bring construction sites many advantages, such as:

• Affordability: Containers are a cost-effective option when compared with building from the ground up.
• Versatility: Containers are great for on-site offices for logistics managers, project managers, architects, contractors and store managers. Plus, they can be easily stacked or connected side by side to form large office spaces, points out GlobalTrade.
• Portability: When done with one on-site project, you can take your container with you to the next one.
• Durability: Made from Corten steel, shipping containers are long-lasting, corrosion-resistant and weatherproof.
• Security: With the right locks, containers are very hard to break into.
• Rapid Deployment: With little to no ground preparation, containers can be delivered on the same day of request in many cases.
• Compact: Your shipping containers take up less of a footprint on your site than a traditional building.

Uses For Shipping Containers

There are many uses for shipping containers on a construction site, from mobile offices to repair shops.

Practical Uses

You can use them for:

• Overnight storage: Store your expensive tools for protection against theft.
• Safe storage for flammable or hazardous liquids.
• Protection for fragile goods such as windows or bathroom fittings.
• Climate-controlled storage for materials that are sensitive to heat, cold and rain.
• Repair centers where you can make fixes to on-site equipment as needed without having to send it out for expensive and time consuming repairs.

You can make further adaptations through the addition of climate control systems, shelving, or extra doors.

They’re also very durable. Use storage containers for palleted goods such as tiles, cement, blocks, and other bulk deliveries. On top of that, you can add extra security features, such as alarms, lights, cameras, and special locks. And if you are concerned about environmentally-safe storage of fuel, oils, and lubricants, you can add vents and drip trays.

On-Site Workshops

While most work takes place on location, you may want to designate a workshop for cutting timber, putting together components, or recharging equipment. This weatherproofed and well-equipped workshop space is ideal in many trades to boost workflow and reduce accidents. You can also use these spaces for preparing materials for use on your site to prevent work stoppages and delays. An extra bonus: you can move these workshops around the site as needed.

On-Site Offices

A construction site must be able to accommodate administrative work too, which is why you need a container for:

• Blueprints and plans
• Computers and printers
• Planning documents, permits, compliance paperwork, etc.
• Health and safety paperwork
• Employee and subcontractor paperwork
• Delivery notes
• Accounting books

These containers keep all important documentation in one place, safe from the wind and rain.  In addition, you can use mobile space as:

• Sales offices
• Security offices
• Conference rooms

Medical Attention Station

Construction sites are dangerous places. Even the most safety-conscious construction sites will run into minor accidents here and there, such as falls, slips and trips. Even with rigorous safety rules put in place, major accidents are still a possibility, not to mention other health risks such as dehydration and allergic reactions to bug bites.

This is why it’s wise to use a shipping container as a mobile first-aid station. This will ensure fast, focused treatment of minor incidents, as well as for first response stabilization when it comes to more serious incidents. You will want to stock this unit with anything from bandages and medication to defibrillators and other life-saving equipment.

From break rooms to mobile offices, the benefits of shipping containers are far-reaching on a construction site.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Call us for a free quote on any of our container sizes and modifications you may want when creating a mobile office for your construction site. Get started when you call us at (910) 483-7828. We would be happy to suggest the ideal modifications to meet your needs.

When you buy a shipping container, you want assurances that your cargo will remain safe from the elements and thieves. You also want to make sure it’s easy to access whenever you need to. That’s why the cargo doors you choose are so important, as is the overall safety of your container.

From heavy-duty doors and theft-proof locks to alarm systems, surveillance, and perimeter fencing, there are many things you can do to ensure the safety of your unit. Doors are the main concern for many.

Types of Shipping Container Doors

There are many methods of cargo safety measures, the main measure being manual elements such as locks and bars. Remember, the right doors will protect your cargo from outside influences of humans and nature.

Here’s a look at the different types of doors:

• Double doors: These are the most common, providing you with the highest level of cargo loading flexibility. You can opt for both the front and rear ends of the shipping containers to have double doors, or you could add a set just at one end. It’s your choice.
• Open side doors: These are another popular choice, with two-leaf gates at the sidewalls that you can fully open for easy loading of heavy cargo.
• Personnel Doors: These doors are made of heavy-duty steel with insulated cores, and allow for easy and frequent access to the container by approved personnel. The insulated core regulates temperatures inside the unit.
• Roll-up doors: These are great for heavy cargo transport and unloading. They’re lightweight and can easily be rolled up to provide easy access to the interior. Also known as overhead entrances, roll-up doors can be attached to the sidewalls.
• Sliding glass doors: Made of glass and vinyl, these are not as common due to their transparent nature and the security issues they pose.
• Sliding steel doors: Similar to sliding glass doors, these are slightly more viable for cargo safety.
• Cargo Door: These are heavy-duty steel core, two-leaf doors located at the rear, providing tunnel access to the interior.
• Combination Door: This allows you to add different types with more security measures and cargo-loading flexibility. You can even have multiple access points, great for containers used as tiny homes or offices.

Container Door Elements

The kind of door you choose will determine decides how quickly, efficiently and safely you can load and unload cargo.

Open-side doors, for example, are a secure way to load heavy equipment securely due to the wider access.

But in addition to the door, you also should know about some of the markings, which tell you a lot about the container’s identity. This is where all the owner or manufacturer information will be listed, as well as the ISO number, maximum payload capacity and empty container weight.

You will also find safety approval plates such as the Container Safety Convention plate and the Approved Continuous Examination Program which tells you all about the safety status of the container. And finally, you will also see height caution stickers on the doors.

In the end, your container door acts as the last line of defense between the interior of your shipping container and the outdoors. That’s why it’s important to carefully research the type of cargo door you want. The right one will keep intruders at bay (important for those who own businesses with expensive equipment).

The right one will also keep Mother Nature out, as well as pests, moisture and rot. The above types of doors can generally be included on all common sizes of shipping containers, such as 20-foot, 40-foot and high cube containers. They can also be used on specialty units such as flat racks, open-sided containers, open-top containers, hard-top containers and refrigerated units (reefers).

Don’t hesitate to speak with your shipping container provider, as they can help you choose the right cargo doors for your intended purpose, budget, security needs and container type.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

We welcome any and all questions you may have about door options for our many shipping container models. You can get a free quote on our container sizes and modifications such as doors when you give us a call at (910) 483-7828. We service a large area for your convenience and bring you all the add-ons you need to complete your container.

Check out these innovative uses of shipping containers! You can contact Transocean Equipment Management to learn more!

Shipping containers are used in the shipping industry to transport cargo, but these versatile and useful pieces of equipment can be recycled and used in many innovative ways later on. Check out these innovative ways to repurpose a shipping container.

1.  Theaters and Bistros

You can reprocess shipping containers into open theatres and bistros, a trend that is growing in urban areas. Because theaters and bistros don’t always have the longevity that other recreational businesses do, they can utilize containers as their home base for a short time frame.

2.  Schools

With overcrowding in our nation’s school systems, it becomes more and more important to find low-cost ways of adding classrooms and annexes. The cost of constructing traditional school buildings from the ground up is very costly, so by using renewable spaces like shipping containers for classrooms, districts can save a lot of money.

3.  Homes

The use of cargo containers as tiny homes is a continuing trend as more and more new home buyers are finding traditional home purchases unrealistic. Building spacious, large and expensive homes is cost prohibitive for many, which is why solar-powered shipping container houses are gaining in popularity.

4.  Workshops

When there is a lack of space within the main household for conducting work from home or hobbies, shipping containers make perfect alternative workplaces. They can be placed anywhere, such as the back yard, and provide complete privacy away from the main house.

5.  Offices

Just like constructing school buildings to accommodate overflow is cost prohibitive, so too is it building offices from the ground up. Yet space constraints still plague several industries. Modifying shipping containers into convenient and spacious office buildings is the key.

6.  Emergency Hospital

Think of this as an ambulance yet in a fixed place most of the time. Shipping containers can be made into field hospitals that can be placed in parking lots or at sites of natural disasters to accommodate patients that can’t fit inside the main building. A good example of this is how many hospitals used shipping containers as mobile COVID-19 treatment and testing sites.

7.  Portable Toilets

Movable toilets are great for construction sites, real estate developments, and traveling entertainment venues such as concerts and fairs. They can be repurposed into sanitary and hygienic bathrooms for people to use on the go, says Marine Insight.

8.  Studios and Art Galleries

Shipping containers can be converted into studio workshops that inspire creativity for all works of art. They can also be converted into mobile art galleries that showcase seasonal work by local and regional artists.

9.  Saunas

Think about it: wouldn’t it be nice to have your own personal relaxation paradise in the backyard? A shipping container makes the perfect space for such a sweat-inducing oasis.

10. Disaster Shelters

When people are forced to leave their homes during times of unrest, or when their homes are damaged or destroyed by natural disasters, they need a safe place to congregate, sleep, eat and get medical attention. Shipping containers serve the purpose of temporary shelter house very well.

11. Vacation Homes

Much less expensive than renting a hotel room, vacation homes converted from shipping containers are a versatile, trendy idea that today’s travelers love. They can be located at the beach, in the mountains, or wherever tourists love to visit!

12. Discotheques and Bars

With such a high cost of traditional buildings to house discos, pubs and clubs, it’s easier and cheaper to appeal to the bar-hopping crowd with this clever adaptation of a shipping container.

13. Student Housing

In areas where lack of space is a big concern, reprocessed containers can function as an alternative to traditional dorms. Many colleges take advantage of these alternatives to meet high demand on campus.

14. Swimming Pools

You can make one small pool using one rectangular cargo container, or a large pool by using several in a row.

15. Camper

If you love to camp, reprocess your container into a high-comfort, fully-customizable camper.

16. Malls

Containers can be used as malls and outlets to accommodate retail overflow. They’re cheap to set up and operate, and can be moved as needs change.

17. Nurseries/Indoor Gardens

Containers make perfect indoor gardens and nurseries because they can be modified for climate control very easily.

We hope you enjoyed our list of shipping container alternatives!

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.

Transocean Equipment Management explain what to know about shipping container vents. Contact us today to learn more.

Shipping containers may look like big metal boxes, but they are much more than that. Not only are they built to withstand the turbulence of the open seas, they can also handle all types of harsh weather, from wind to heat. Built to be airtight, shipping containers – as you can imagine – lack ventilation.

That’s why it’s important to ensure your unit features the right ventilation. If you don’t, you may have to contend with mold, rust, odors, pests and diseases.

Why Do Shipping Containers Need Ventilation?

Although most shipping containers have an opening small enough for getting fresh air for breathing, it’s really not meant to be functional ventilation. If water gets inside, it can’t get out. That’s the main reason why sufficient ventilation is critical, particularly when storing humidity- or moisture-sensitive items or in places where the climate changes drastically.

If you have high humidity levels, place a dehumidifier inside the shipping container.

Issues Due to Poor Ventilation

Without an adequate ventilation system, a shipping container could overheat, damaging moisture-sensitive goods. While, as we said above, most containers have built-in holes, they’re simply not big enough for most uses, especially if you will be spending any considerable amount of time in the unit.

The ventilation system you install should feature plenty of intake vents, louver vents, and even a window or two.

Here is a look at some instances where ventilation could become problematic, especially where temperature changes are concerned.

• Explosion/fire: When temperatures rise, fires or explosions can occur.
• Health risks like air poisoning and human diseases: When the unit contains toxic or hazardous chemicals such as thinners and paints, the ventilation can lead to air poisoning or fumes. This puts hardware, goods, and people at risk. Reducing temperatures may help some, but installing an air conditioning system would be even better. Many conditions can arise due to improper ventilation, such as dry eyes, nausea, asthma, respiratory diseases, and even pneumonia.
• Moisture damages goods: Plants, food, and other perishables can fall victim to mold and mildew growth due to condensation. Rust can damage your electronics, too.
• Steel containers can rust: Humidity causes a condensation buildup that results in rust, which can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. In addition, poor ventilation can cause musty, unpleasant odors.

FAQs: Container Vents

Here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself when considering shipping container ventilation.

Q: Should you get a roof vent or a side vent?

A: If you plan to use the container as a livable space, a good ventilation system is critical. Integrate both roof vents and side vents. If you can, you want to place two vents on opposite sides of the unit – one high and one low. Of course, you will need side walls in order to install side vents.

Roof vents – AKA whirly bird or turbine vents – are installed on the roof.

Q: What is the importance of a roof vent?

A: For some people, the one pre-installed vent already in the container may suffice for their purposes. These vents usually have a triple-layered screen that blocks insects from getting in. If you live in a low-humidity climate, you may not need any intake vents.

But if you’re wondering how many vents you would need, the answer would depend on your intended purposes, usage requirements, climate, type of container and size of container. You can’t go wrong adding additional shipping container vents in any case.

Q: Should I hire a professional to install the shipping container vents or do it myself?

It’s always best to hire a pro to do it, as they come equipped with the right supplies and tools, plus they have the training and experience to get the job done right the first time. If you tackle it as a DIY job, you could damage the shipping container and end up spending money anyway to fix it.

We hope these FAQs have been helpful in learning more about shipping container ventilation.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Please call us today at (910) 483-7828 if you are interested in a free price quote on one of our many sizes of shipping containers. With offices in North Carolina and South Carolina, we can also connect you with modifications and add-ons such as ventilation systems.

Transocean Equipment Management shares maintenance tips for your shipping container. Contact us today to learn more about our containers!

Shipping containers were built to be tough, that’s for sure. After all, they were designed to make it across the ocean and back – sometimes multiple times! But even containers that withstand harsh weather conditions can still benefit from regular maintenance. This will pay off in spades, as you will get the most life out of your container.

If you fail to engage in proper maintenance, you’ll have to replace or repair your unit far earlier than you were planning to. Check out these maintenance tips for your container in general, as well as for its roof.

Maintenance Tips: In General

Looking to maximize the life of your shipping container? Here’s how to go about it.

1. Clean off the dirt and rust. Do this regularly to extend the container’s lifespan, minimizing the chance of rust. Use a hose and a commercial cleaning agent or bleach to remove most dirt and surface rust.
2. Make sure your container is stable on level ground. This will help to prevent corrosion if water collects underneath the container. It will also allow you to more easily open and close the doors. Don’t forget to set your container on some railroad ties or even concrete blocks to keep the unit stable and off the ground.
3. Lubricate hinges on doors. Doors seize up when not in use for a while. Apply grease to hinges regularly so they operate smoothly.
4. Don’t bear weight on the roof. Yes, your container’s corners are strong and durable, but the middle of the roof is weak. Take the time to brush off debris such as dirt, leaves, twigs and snow.
5. Replace worn-out rubber door seals. Rubber seals on doors keep the moisture out, but they only last about 10 years or so. When they show signs of wear, replace them – along with weather stripping and caulk.
6. Store dry goods in the unit, not moist goods. Store only dry goods in your container to prevent the buildup of condensation. While most used containers feature vents that encourage airflow and reduce condensation, you still want to use precautions. As such, don’t open the doors when it is raining out or humid. Don’t put sensitive documents or furniture against the walls. That’s because condensation forms there first.

Maintenance Tips: Shipping Container Roof

Now it’s time for some TLC for your unit’s roof. From weather threats to debris, the roof could cave in or get damaged if care is not taken. Heed these tips.

1.     Research Your Provider’s Reputation

During the buying process, do your homework on the provider as well as the unit’s quality. If you can, view the container in person to make sure the condition is what they said it would be. Your container provider should hand-pick the containers they sell to guarantee 100 percent customer satisfaction. Research the company’s reputation, experience, reviews, and years in business.

2.     Remove Debris, Water, Ice, and Snow

While the roof is resilient, it can’t take the presence of too much standing water, ice, and snow. If you continually ignore these issues, especially ponding water, rust or thinning metal can result. Always be sure to clean off debris after bad storms that can throw tree limbs and other debris on top of your container roof.

3.     Remove Dirt and Surface Rust

All you need is a standard hose and broom, commercial wetting agent, bleach, or anti-mildew solution. For all visible dirt and rust on the roof, scrub it well and rinse it. See any large dents, rusted areas, holes, or scratches? Call a repair professional to repair them before they get worse and more costly. Then, if you want, repaint the container with a fresh coat of paint.

4.     Don’t Bear Weight on the Roof

Your container’s structural integrity is bolstered by the strong corner castings (reinforced corners, not the roof). If you walk on the roof, it will bow and flex. If you know you will need to get up on the roof regularly, see if your shipping container manufacturer can reinforce the roof prior to delivery.

5.     Perform Regular Inspections

Regularly caring for your roof means it’s wise to perform regular inspections. Take notes, snap photos, and make repairs as needed. Be mindful that dents, such as on second-hand containers, will collect rain water that can result in rust spots on chipped paint. Repair dents immediately, followed by a treatment with rust-proof paint.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Contact us today for a free quote. We have offices in North Carolina and South Carolina.