Transocean Equipment Management explains how you can convert a shipping container into a sauna

There are many things you can do with a shipping container, and a sauna is one of them. Actually, they are perfect suited to these spaces because they are the right size for the job. You can put one in your backyard or on site at your business.

Saunas are essentially small rooms that can be heated to temperatures of 150°F to 195°F. They usually have wooden interiors, benches, temperature controls, and rocks as part of the heating element responsible for absorbing and giving off heat. You can pour water onto the rocks to create steam. They are often found in gyms and fitness centers but can act as stand-alone units on private property.

People enjoy sitting in saunas for the many benefits they offer. Such spaces increase body temperature by nearly four degrees Fahrenheit, causing blood vessels to widen and ensure an easier blood flow. Plus, it triggers excessive sweating, which helps to flush out fluid from the body.

Sauna Benefits

There are many benefits associates with saunas, such as:

• Detoxification
• Increased metabolism
• Increased blood circulation
• Weight loss
• Pain reduction
• Anti-aging effects
• Skin rejuvenation
• Improved immune function
• Improved cardiovascular function
• Improved sleep
• Stress management
• Relaxation

Building a sauna in your home may sound like an expensive and extravagant purchase, but you can offset those costs by converting a shipping container with some simple modifications. Now you can unwind in the privacy of your own home or yard without the need to travel back and forth to the gym.

This convenient way to alleviate stress and lose weight has prompted more and more homeowners to use shipping containers for their at-home saunas. The biggest benefit to a shipping container sauna is that it’s self-contained and easily transportable. So even if you move in the future, you can transport your sauna with you via a flat-bed truck.

Design Considerations

Shipping container saunas are low-maintenance structures that should be planned out well from a design stand point. Think about the layout and which configuration would be best for your steam room. You can even come up with multiple design options for a layout before settling on the best one. Computer software can help you achieve this easily.

Consider where the electric outlets in your sauna should be and how you will integrate them. For example, you’ll have to include an electrical supply if you plan on having an electric sauna stove. Or, you could power your sauna by installing solar panels to generate electricity.

Modifications

It may sound difficult at first to convert a shipping container into a sauna, but with careful planning and guidance, you can easily create and enjoy your very own steam room.

You may want to add these modifications to your sauna:

• Benches
• Ventilation system
• Heaters
• Interior wood paneling
• Shower unit
• Racks for towels
• Lighting
• Bluetooth speakers
• Flooring

The features you add to your sauna will all depend on your budget and how luxurious you want to get.

Before you purchase a shipping container in the first place, make sure you look into permitting requirements in your town. You may have to get permission before setting a container on your property for use as a personal sauna.

You’ll also have to consider where you will put it. You can put it just outside your home so you can make a quick jaunt to it even in cold weather. This can be right outside a back door, or near a pool area to enhance your outdoor entertainment experience. Or, you can opt to place it inside your home, perhaps in a basement or home gym.

You will have to equip your sauna with all the right fixtures and elements, such as a non-permeable floor, proper steam ventilation and adequate room for electrical wiring.

In the end, the purpose is to enjoy your container no matter where you place it, and no matter what the purpose is (for your own enjoyment or for entertaining). Just be sure to put a good lock on the door so no one gets in when it’s not in use or being supervised.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Contact us today in either North Carolina or South Carolina for a free quote if you would like to purchase a shipping container to use as a sauna. We can connect you with the right details and modifications to customize your unit so it can become a fully-functional, enjoy and comfortable steam room.

 

Now that you have purchased a shipping container, you may be wondering what you can do to make it more comfortable and energy efficient. The best way to do this is to insulate the inside of the container.

There is one main reason why you would want to insulate your container, and that is to guard against heat and humidity. You’ll have to consider these factors when deciding on the best way to insulate it:

• Container size
• Intended usage (storage, cabin, office, pop up)
• Climate in which you live or work (tropical vs. temperate)
• Budget
• Quality and amount of insulation desired

Wind and water tight containers are already pretty good at keeping air and moisture from making their way inside because they were originally built to make arduous ocean voyages. But you’ll still need to insulate it if you plan on spending an extensive amount of time in there, such as for a home or on-site office.

Your local climate will have a lot to do with it. You’ll need the right insulation to guard against outside weather and to maintain comfortable interior temperatures. As a general rule, your insulation needs will increase with extreme variations in temperatures. In particular, very wet and very dry climates will pose challenges due to the heat and humidity involved.

Knowing When to Insulate Your Container

First off, you need to determine whether or not insulation is needed. Usually it is, not just to guard against the effects of high and low temperatures, but to prevent condensation (this can result in rust and mold).

You will need insulation if:

• Your local climate experiences extreme temperature variations, such as freezing winters or tropical heat waves. The conduction of heat leads to moisture condensation inside the walls, which can damage any materials you are storing.
• You plan to live or work in the container. While insulating a container for storage will primarily protect materials from condensation damage, when you use the container for offices or living spaces, there’s no choice: you need insulation. Not only will it keep you more comfortable, it will reduce outside noise and reduce your heating and cooling bills.

Humidity Problems

It’s critical to control humidity inside a shipping container due to the formation of moisture condensation. You don’t necessarily have to live in an area of tropical heat; the sun that beats down on the container can cause it to get higher than 100 degrees. This temperature rise can cause the air to condense at the ceilings.

The top six inches near the ceiling is called the “sweat zone.” When water droplets collect on the ceiling, this can lead to “container sweat” or “container rain.” This moisture will then drop onto your stored items, damage them and form mold. Rust can eventually form on metal surfaces too, as well as discoloration.

A good temperature to maintain should be one that’s less than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity of 50 to 60 percent.

How to Decide Which Insulation Method is Best

You should think about:

• Performance: To determine how much insulation you need, consider that extreme temperatures combined with intended usage of hours in the container at once will help determine which materials you need, such as open vs. closed cell structure.
• R-value: This is how well the insulation will prevent transmission of heat energy. Consider the degree of heat protection.
• Vapor Permeability: This is how well insulation will prevent vapor from leaking out.
• Cost: The price range on insulation is very wide. Spray foam insulation is at the high end of the price gap, while batts or fiberglass insulation are at the lower end. Recycled materials may cost even less.
• Expertise: Do you have the knowledge and tools to do it yourself or do you have to hire a pro?
• Eco-friendliness: You may want to use sustainable, environmentally friendly materials that contain natural, renewable fibers, such as cotton, wool, cotton, or cellulose insulation made out of cork or recycled paper.

There are many factors that come into play when deciding whether or not to insulate your container, as well as how much or what type of insulation you should use. It all comes down to budget, intended use and personal preference.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Contact us today in either North Carolina or South Carolina for a free quote on the shipping container of your choice.

Shipping container doors are an important part of the container’s structure. This is why it’s critical to select the right door – not only to keep its contents safe but also to improve accessibility and ease of use. Let’s take a look at the important parts of shipping container doors, as well as the types of doors available.

Components of Shipping Container Doors

For every storage container door, there are five essential components:

1. Door Body

Generally, the body includes:

• Two vertical hollow leaves
• Two horizontal C-sections
• Frame with corrugated steel paneling
• Four steel hinges (AKA blades) that hold the body at the rear corners, allowing the door to swing 270 degrees against the wall.

2. Lockbox

This is a protective steel box that is welded right onto the door, holding a padlock. This lockbox keeps the contents inside safe from theft, break-ins and tampering.

3. Lock Rod and Handle

Each door has between two and four vertical lock rods which help to open, close, and lock the door. It features a welded cam-and-knuckle mechanism, AKA the cam keeper. When the door is opened, the handle rotates, forcing the cam out of the keeper.

4. Rubber Gaskets

Rubber gaskets bridge the door body and the container’s edges. These form a seal that prevents leakage from water.

5. Hinge Pins

Door hinges act as pivot points which allows for rotational movement.

The Best Way to Open and Close Container Doors

You may think it’s pretty simple and straightforward to open cargo container doors. But over time, those doors may stick and become more difficult to open. Sometimes the use of opening tools or extra equipment is necessary.

You can take these steps to make it easier to open container doors:

• Rotate and lift the latches on one side, which frees up the handle so you can rotate it.
• Rotate and lift the handles upward, pushing in a bit to release the handle.
• Pull the handles toward you to open the door.
• Repeat these steps for the other side.

To close the door:

• Press both handles toward the container firmly.
• Lock the hooks at the tops and bottoms of the rods into the brackets.
• Secure both handles tightly at the same time, ensuring they are parallel to the door.
• Rotate the latches above the handles to put them back in their original position.
• Further secure your container using a padlock if desired.

If you container doors keeping sticking, here’s why that may be happening:

• Improper alignment of gears
• Warped lock rods (cargo movement during transit can cause this)
• Corrosion that leads to seizing at the hinge pins and blade
• Damage or hardening of the gasket due to cold weather or frequent use
• Water infiltration between the doors
• Poor construction quality

If your door is sticking you can try:

• Lubricating the brackets, hinges, and bar guides
• Applying grease onto the locking bar cams
• Replacing the door hinges, brackets and handles if corrosion or damage is present

Types of Shipping Container Doors

There are many types of shipping containers:

Cargo Doors

These are heavy-duty free-swinging doors that you will find at end. This option is good for storing tools and machinery, but can be difficult to access in tight spaces.

Personnel Doors

This convenient option is best for portable offices, workspaces, and living areas that require frequent access.

Roll-Up Doors

Roll-up doors (AKA shutter doors) can be lifted from the bottom and roll up to nest inside the container. If you’re tight on space, this is a great option.

Sliding Glass Doors

Glass doors provide a nice aesthetic look if your container will be serving as a café, shop or exhibition. They are transparent, encouraging as much light as possible to filter into the unit. They aren’t as secure as other doors though.

Combination Doors

For large containers, you may need multiple doors for easier and faster access.

In the end, the security, accessibility, and appearance of your shipping container will all come into play when choosing your doors. Take a moment to think about your needs and which door would best fit those needs.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Still not sure which door to choose for your container? Just ask our team; we would be happy to advise you. Contact us today for a free quote and to learn about your options.

There are two important considerations when choosing which kind of shipping container you need: appearance condition and shipping grades. Today we will go into detail about the condition grades of all our new and used shipping containers. 

Your shipping container provider should be honest and upfront with you about the condition of your desired unit. Here at Transocean Equipment Management, you can always count on our transparency!

New/One Trip

New containers were built within the last two years and at the most may have been used only once for international shipping. All parts of the container are considered to be in excellent condition. This is the best condition you can get.

A Grade

A grade containers will feature minimal rust, with doors and gaskets that are in very good condition. There will be no major dents, floors in good condition, and few (if any) patches in the roof. This is also an excellent quality container that looks aesthetically pleasing but that can still be painted if you wanted to.

B Grade

With B grade, you can expect some rust, but overall the corrosion is minor and superficial, and any areas of rust that are present won’t be bigger than six inches in diameter. There is little to no rust around doors, gaskets, hinges and seals, but there could still be a few patches on the roof and floor. Side walls may feature some deflections, but overall, this is a good quality unit, best used for general storage purposes.

C Grade

Rust is present but not overwhelming, with most of it being superficial. Areas of rust could be larger than six inches in diameter. Doors are functional but there may be some light rust on gaskets, hinges or tops of doors. There will likely be many patches in the roof and floor with delamination present on the floor. This is not the prettiest option but it’s one of the more popular grades due to its affordability and structural soundness.

D Grade

Rust will be structural and predominant, with doors that are difficult to open and close. It’s likely that the unit has loose gaskets with severe delamination occurring on the floor (which may also be loose). You will see medium to severe rust around seals. Sides could have large deflections or dents. These units are likely 20 years old or more. They’re the cheapest option and pretty ugly, but they are still wind and water tight and perfectly fine for storing four-wheelers, lawnmowers, and other similar equipment.

Overall, there are many things that will dictate which grade you choose, from budget to intended usage. You can get the best deal with used or recycle containers, which can cost you about $3000, while a new one will cost you $5,000 or more.

Checking the Condition Before Buying

Before settling on a container, always check the condition to make sure its condition has been properly presented to you by the rep. Here are some tips when searching.

Look at Photos

Photos will help you determine the container’s condition and dimensions, but don’t neglect the details. Be aware that there are scams out there, so make sure the photos add up to the one you’re seeing in reality.

Check the Exterior

Walk around the outside to check on overall condition. Pay attention to corner castings, paint, and seals. While small dents can be expected here and there, large sections of denting and rusting are a cause for concern.

Inspect the Interior

Now head inside. Do the doors show any signs of significant damage? They should be able to lock and seal correctly. Next, take a look at all door fittings, seals, locks and gaskets for damage. Do you smell mold? Musty smells may mean there’s a leak somewhere.

Ask About Delivery Fees

Find out what the terms and conditions are when it comes to your container’s delivery.

How far away does the container have to come? What circumstances would arise that would necessitate an increase in pre-purchase quote? Who is responsible for the container while it’s in transport? What if it is damaged when being dropped off by the truck?

There are all crucial questions to ask before you take ownership of the shipping container.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

To learn more about the many grades of storage container we offer and which one would be right for you, contact us today for a free quote.

Now that the purchase of your shipping container in Virginia is complete, it’s time to start preparing for the next phase of the process: delivery. This will entail some preparation on your part, so get ready to prep the area and think about where you want everything to go.

When you are preparing for delivery at the site, your first thought will be to guarantee the driver’s safety while doing the drop off. This will, in turn, ensure a seamless process that will go quickly. If you fail to prep, you may have to pay fees from your shipping container provider.

Here are some facts and suggestions regarding site prep:

The Trucks

Most containers are delivered with either a roll-back truck or a flat-bed truck. Ask about this beforehand, as the designated truck will dictate the site conditions and prep work.

Roll Back Trucks: This is the most common way to deliver a unit. They’ll put it right on the ground wherever you want it to go. Keep in mind, this truck and trailer combo measures 55 feet long. In order for your driver to maneuver without issues, you’ll have to do your part to ensure your site is accessible.

• Deliveries of 40-foot shipping containers take more clearance than 20-foot storage shipping containers. Why? They are being dropped off by a larger truck.
• The ground must be dry and compact at delivery to ensure the truck can get out in out without getting stuck in soft ground conditions such as sand or mud. To aid in the process, position 4”x 4” boards, concrete blocks or railroad ties under the unit to encourage air flow. This way, it won’t sink into the ground.
• The standard full-length truck at Transocean ensures drop off of one 40-foot, 45-foot or 53-foot storage container or two 20-foot storage shipping containers at one time. Don’t have enough room on your site? We will bring along a smaller 28-foot truck to deliver one 20-foot storage container, but we ask that you tell us beforehand.

Flat-Bed Trucks: This happens to be the cheapest method of container delivery. This entails you being responsible for unloading the container.

• A 20′ container weighs 5,000 pounds.
• A 40′ containers weighs 9,000 pounds.
• Before accepting a flat-bed delivery, you should have clear access to the proper equipment in order to offload the unit. These can include anything from cranes and fork-lifts to top-lifts and boom-trucks. You would use these for larger orders, government agencies, or industrial requirements.

Factors of Delivery

How much space you have: You need plenty of space for those large trucks, no matter which one makes the delivery. They must have enough clearance to make wide turns, maneuver once on your property, cross culverts, and get between gates.

In general:

• When the container is being delivered on a full-sized truck with trailer, drivers need at least 70 feet of space.
• When delivered on a small tilt bed truck, drivers will need 40 feet of space.

Clearance: Trailers with containers at 13’6”H, can get up to 16 feet tall when they are raised. Are there any overhead obstructions that may pose a concern? These obstructions can include tree branches, electrical wires, and bridges. It sounds like a no-brainer but you wouldn’t believe how many people are unprepared and haven’t ensured clearance!

State of the ground: You can’t set down a shipping container on mud or wet grass because it will sink. But even more importantly, the truck delivering the container will sink too and not be able to get out. You need firm and level ground to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Safety concerns: We can’t speak for others, but Transocean Equipment Management trains its drivers in precise and safe container delivery. Our drivers take the utmost care to avoid damage to your unit and the surrounding property. However, in the event the driver doesn’t feel like he or she can safely deliver the container where you have specified, they will have no choice but to leave and charge you for an unsuccessful delivery. This is why we can’t stress enough the importance of checking the surrounding area to ensure safety, clearance, and solid ground.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management in Virginia

Every container delivery is different. We would be happy to discuss the specifics of your shipping container delivery in Virginia when you contact us at 910-483-7828.

Did you know that the East Coast shipping ports are expanding operations? The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are still suffering from months-long delays. A huge number of companies are opting to send goods to the East Coast to avoid delays on the west coast.

Even though the cost to send goods to the East Coast ports from Asia is roughly $3,000 extra, shipping companies find this is far more cost-effective than waiting out in the Pacific for California to fix its myriad problems.

East Coast shipping port authorities have stated that their operations are more than ready for the new shippers to arrive. Places like the Port of Charleston have invested $2 billion in infrastructural improvements over the last few years. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best, biggest, and newest improvements to East Coast shipping ports. Let’s start by discussing why the East Coast is a viable option for goods coming from East Asia.

The Improvements to Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a man-made watercourse that connects the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. First ideated in the 16th century, it took until 1914 for the canal to open for business. 

Since this time, the canal has gone through various stages of improvement and expansion. The third set of locks was added and opened in 2016, making it even easier to ship goods across the Pacific and up the Atlantic seaboard.

Most recently, a third bridge was opened in 2019. Known as the Atlantic Bridge, ports across the East Coast knew that this would increase the shipment of goods around the world. 

Because of the consistent and expert expansions of the Panama Canal, east coast shipping ports have started to expand capabilities to handle the wealth of new goods entering the United States.

California’s Coastal Catastrophe

Only two ports take on upwards of 40% of America’s goods and shipping containers. The Port of Los Angeles was ranked as the #1 container port in the western hemisphere between 2000 and 2020. 

The Port of Long Beach was equally as sought-after. However, in 2021, both ports were hitting their limits thanks to increased consumer demand and poor management. Trucking companies and inland warehouses were overburdened with items and understaffed as a result of mismanagement in California’s COVID response.

Now, east coast shipping ports are becoming the go-to option for companies around the world. Shipping containers tend to fair better on the East Coast due to the latest improvements to these ports.

Shipping Ports on the East Coast

East Coast ports have seen an 8.6% increase in shipping container business from East Asia since 2017. At one time, the east coast of the United States handled the most shipping container volume in the world. 

China has certainly surpassed the East Coast shipping ports, but goods on their way to America have made up for the discrepancies. Let’s explore some of the ports and their container statistics.

New York/New Jersey Shipping Port

In terms of the market share, New York and New Jersey make up 32% of trade in container ports on the East Coast. Anyone lucky enough to live in or visit New York and New Jersey has seen the ports. It makes up a significant portion of the coastline around the famed states’ major cities like New York City.

Earlier in 2021, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey saw an overall increase in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of 7.9%. The total import volumes in both ports have risen by roughly 11% every year.

In 2020, the ports saw a total throughput of 7.59 million TEUs. The demand for containers subsequently increased 87% between 2019 and 2020. The growth of New York and New Jersey might be short-lived as many east coast ports are starting to seriously compete.

The CMA CGM Brazil, a 15,000-container ship docked into New York in September 2020, signaling the shift to east coast operations for most of America’s shipping needs.

Savannah is Close Second

The Port of Savannah is the second busiest port on the East Coast, but the largest single-terminal container facility in the country. The Port of Savannah has exported more filled containers than any other port in America.

Oddly, the Port of Savannah is the third-fastest growing port in the nation. As the port is located within 300 miles of 37.2 million residents, major international airports, 5 other major ports, and 11 huge cities, it’s no surprise that Savannah may soon overtake New York/New Jersey for the biggest and busiest on the East Coast.

The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project expanded the port size significantly. Adding an extra 7 miles to the entrance and 18.5 miles of the outer harbor, Savannah is looking to become the top container port in the nation.

Georgia is one of the best places to buy shipping containers in the United States. However, you must ask your provider the right questions before engaging in business. Just because containers and shipping are part of the booming industry of Georgia, doesn’t mean that everyone knows what they’re doing.

Last year, Savannah handled 21.6% of the East Coast container trade. That’s 4.4 million TEUs. All told, Savannah handled 12.2% of containerized exports in 2020.

North Carolina’s Large History 

North Carolina’s State Port Authority set a record in October 2020 by welcoming the largest container ship (to date) to the Port of Wilmington. With a carrying capacity of 14,220 TEUs, the Yang Ming Warranty is the largest class vessel calling into the East Coast.

North Carolina was able to set this record thanks to a $200 million capital improvement plan to expand operations throughout the shipping port. Last year, the port opened 2,600 contiguous feet of container birth space.

Buying a shipping container in North Carolina is becoming easier. But finding the right company can be confusing. Ensure you’re looking at an organization with a variety of container options.

Why Florida is in The News

In 2021, Florida’s largest shipping container port broke local records by moving 1.4 million cargo containers. The governor of Florida has gone so far as to invite shipping containers stuck off the coast of California to Florida for easier transport.

Florida ports are open 24hours a day, 7 days a week to mitigate supply chain issues from the COVID-19 pandemic. Shipping container companies are increasingly turning to Florida as a faster option than waiting for California to get working again.

Many companies who use the shipping industry to transport goods have asked their shipping container provider to utilize east coast ports to avoid issues in California.

Along with being highly functioning, Florida ports also have huge capacities. Jacksonville Port Authority, upon hearing of the crisis in California, opened to an estimated 1,000 additional container ships per week. 

Port Everglades also accommodated the MSC Stella, with 7,000 containers. The MSC Susanna also arrived with 9,200 containers via the Suez Canal.

The governor of Florida has allocated almost a billion dollars to over 70 of Florida’s shipping port projects. In just one month, the state government provided $250,000 into seaports. 

Virginia’s Container Cargo

The Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads Harbor received 1.5 million container units in 2020. The total number of short ton and metric ton container cargo units (in thousands) reached more than 21,000 and 19,000 respectively.

The main commodities to make their way out to the rest of the world through Virginia are minerals and fuels, with fruits and seeds being a distant second. The imports through Virginia are predominant goods like homewares, but also major foods, nuclear reactors, various machinery, and more.

Virginia is expanding their port operations. The Port Authority recently signed a 20-year lease agreement with a private terminal in Portsmouth Harbor, meaning even more opportunities await in the state. With its proximity to Washington D.C. and other major U.S. hubs, Virginia is on its way to competing to the top spot in east coast shipping ports. 

Global Trade Opportunities 

While California and other parts of the west coast have boasted a majority of shipping for most of recent history, things are changing fast. The growth in the east coast shipping industry is due to proximity to the rest of the world. 

The west might be closer to Asia, but the East Coast receives trade from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. When coupled with the expansion of the Panama Canal, the East Coast is getting busy quickly.

India is another major trade nation with the United States. The Port of Virginia exported more goods to India than any other nation. India was also the second-largest importer to the state.

Regardless of the type of shipping contain company you’re looking to work with, knowing niche details about each east coast port is essential for accurate operations. As the problems on the west coast continue, the East Coast may dominate the shipping industry by the end of 2022. 

Contact Transocean Equipment for More Shipping Management Information

To learn more about these major changes to shipping ports across the United States, get in touch with us today. For a free quote on the best shipping containers, look no further. 

Our offices are located in North Carolina and South Carolina, but we operate across the world. No matter what your shipping container needs, we’ve got you covered. 

The main purpose of a steel shipping container is to transport cargo across the sea on large ships. During the journey, those containers can get dented, scraped, and scratched – not to mention exposed to the harshest of elements — all while protecting the goods enclosed inside. This durability is what has led to many home and business owners across the country purchasing shipping containers to use as ground level storage on site.

Buyer Beware

Many companies sell to customers “sight unseen.” The prices are usually low to entice the customers into buying something without seeing it first. But just like you wouldn’t buy a car, boat, house or other large purchase without inspecting its condition, you shouldn’t buy a shipping container without taking a look.

It’s strongly recommended that you inspect the container in person before signing on the dotted line. If you can’t, do business with a company that you have bought from in the past or that at least has a stellar reputation in the area for quality products and excellent customer service.

Ask to see high-quality photos of the exact container you are agreeing to buy. Many companies send pictures of similar containers, not the actual one you want. Be specific. Make sure the picture features all four sides (with doors closed) and a few of the inside, including the floor.

Price vs. Supply and Condition

There is usually a surplus of containers in the United States, which means there’s always a pretty steady supply. Prices are usually based on age and condition.

Price will vary with condition due to the following factors:

• Miles Traveled – Some containers log more mileage moving cargo, while others spend more time sitting in ports.
• Container Handling – Some containers fall victim to rougher handling by forklift and crane operators than others. Rust can develop wherever the paint has chipped.
• Container Cargo – Sometimes the cargo the container is carrying will leak or spill its contents onto the floor.
• Environment – A container that travels on ships in milder climates will show less wear and tear than one that has spent many years enduring harsh climates.
• Road Transportation – Some containers get damaged during transport via tractor trailer, due to all the road grit, elements and more.

Age

You can quickly tell how old a container generally is by looking at its:

• Doors – A container with flat doors is generally considered to be an older container. That’s because container manufacturers switched from flat to corrugated doors in the early 1990s.
• CSC Plate – This plate can be found at the left-hand door of the container, listing all the pertinent information about that specific container, including the date it was made. It’s just like a VIN (Vehicle Information Number) on a car.

What to Look Out For

When inspecting your container, there are several elements you should take a look at.

• Doors: Make sure they open and close easily. Also, make sure the locking mechanisms work, which are comprised of handles and vertical rods. If those are bent, it will make it more difficult to open and close the doors. Take a look at the hinges too. If they are rusted, the doors won’t swing open and closed smoothly.
• Roof: Check the roof of the container from the interior, looking for dents and dings where water could collect and lead to rust. At the same time, look for dents and scratches in the paint that could eventually rust through the roof. That’s not to say you should never buy a container with dents or dings. Just be sure you know what you’re buying and the level of risk that comes with it.
• Door Gaskets: Make sure the gaskets seal up tight. Look for rust where the gasket joins the door, particularly at the bottom.
• Lower Side Wall: Check the exterior side wall where it comes into contact with the flat portion of the beam at the bottom. This is a common point of water accumulation that can result in rust later on.

Delivery Options vs. Cost

If you don’t live close to your shipping container provider, you will pay less to have the container delivered to you on a flatbed truck rather than on a tilt bed truck or trailer. This is because flatbed vehicles are much more common, while tilt bed trucks and trailers are much more specialized.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

If you need more guidance in buying a shipping container in North Carolina, South Carolina or Georgia, contact us at 910-483-7828 for a free quote and assistance.

About 90 percent of the world’s cargo is being moved by ships, so you can imagine how many shipping containers are currently in circulation – each one used for a different purpose. There are many shipping container types out there. From flat rack to tank containers, each unit helps with something different. Some transport liquids, while others transport temperature-sensitive foods and pharmaceuticals.

The one you need will depend on the business you’re in. To aid in your decision, here’s a look at some of them.

1.  General Purpose Containers

Also known as a dry container, these weather proof units are fully enclosed and feature a rigid roof, floor and walls. This is the most common type of container, used to transport most kinds of standard cargo. You can add modifications such as liner bags or flexi-tanks if you need to ship liquid cargo or dry cargo in bulk.

2.  Flat Rack Containers

Featuring collapsible sides, these containers can fold down into a flat rack. The end walls are durable enough to secure cargo, so you would choose this option if you had heavy machinery, vehicles on tracks, and construction materials to transport. Some 40′ flat rack shipping containers can carry up to 45 tons of cargo!

3.  Open Top Containers

These have convertible tops that can be removed if needed, good for over-height cargo that can’t easily be loaded through the door. You would choose this option if you had tall machinery or other heavy finished products that could only be handled with a crane or rolling bridge.

4.  Double Door Containers

Just like the name implies, this type of unit has doors on both ends of the container. Also known as a tunnel container, this type of unit is ideal when you have to quickly load and unload goods through either door. Both doors have the same locks and weather tight seals for the utmost in weather protection.

5.  High Cube Containers

Similar to general purpose containers, high cube containers are taller by one foot. You will find them most commonly in size 40′ and sometimes 45′, ideal for when you need a slightly higher volume capacity.

6.  Open Side Containers

Also similar to general purpose shipping containers, these units have doors that can open on the side too. You have more room and wider access, which makes it much easier to load and unload materials.

7.  ISO Reefer Containers

These are used to ship temperature-sensitive, perishable cargo such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and even medications. They rely on external power sources to maintain a regulated temperature. They come in sizes of 20’ and 40, usually made of Corten steel.

8.  Insulated Containers

Similar to a reefer container, an insulated container features a regulated temperature control so they can withstand higher temperatures. Also known as thermal containers, they come equipped with a mechanical compressor to cool or heat the air, constructed of a vacuum flask. This makes them suitable for long-distance transport of anything from biological materials and chemicals to organs and blood.

9.  Half-Height Containers

These containers can transport heavy, dense, bulk cargo such as coal and stones. Used commonly in the mining industry, half height containers have a lower center of gravity to enable them to easier handle heavier loads than their taller container counterparts. As you can imagine, they are very durable because they can withstand rough industrial environments.

10.                Tank Containers

Also known for short as tankers, these containers are made of steel or other anti-corrosive materials to transport liquid materials. It should be at least 80 percent full so that surging of the liquids does not occur in transit. By the same token, it can’t exceed 95 percent full because that doesn’t leave room for thermal expansion.

11.                Swap Body Containers

These are exchangeable containers used for road and rail purposes, more commonly seen in Europe. They feature a convertible top, making them ideal for shipping a wide range of goods. They don’t have upper corner fittings and can’t be stacked one on top of the other, so they are only used for land-based transportation.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

No matter which type of container you need, we can hook you up with the right one for your requirements. Start off with a free quote when you contact us at 910-483-7828. Let us know what you need your container for and we can determine the best fit.

If you need to purchase or rent a shipping container for a business or personal project, you will need to find a shipping container modification provider that can help you customize your unit. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. All it takes is some preparation and a partnership with a reputable container modification company.

Most shipping container providers (the ones who sell you the units) will also help you customize them as well. Here’s what a container modification company will do for you:

1.  They’ll Work With Your Ideas

Everyone’s ideas are different. No two projects are the same. You want a company that will be receptive to your ideas and then help you implement them. After all, this is your business and your idea! Whether you want to open a pop-up shop or you want a mobile office, make sure the company you choose is flexible and creative.

2.  They Want to See Your Designs on Paper

As you think of them, scratch out some sketches on paper. This will be something you can bring to the modification team so they have a better idea of what you’re talking about. Even better: bring them blueprints, construction plans, drawings, and diagrams for an even more detailed look at the scope.

3.  They Can Help You Flesh Out the Main Purpose of Your Shipping Container

Before you meet with the design team, make sure you have a full understanding of what the main purpose of your container will be. Is it temporary or permanent? Do you want to rent or buy? Do you need more than one unit? Will this be for a long-term project such as a container home or office? Will you be using it for business or personal reasons? Will you be working out of it or do you plan to sell food out of it?

4.     They Can Help With Modifications

Shipping container modification companies have the resources for installing additions like skylights, windows, doors, shelving, and HVAC systems. Discuss all modifications as early as the conceptual stage. Let them know if you need modifications for an insulated or refrigerated container, as these types of units tend to lose their insulation once reconstruction has been done on the interior walls.

5.  They’ll Help You Stick to a Budget

Know your budget going in. Communicate that budget to your container company so they can determine how best to distribute funds throughout the project. Setting and sticking to a budget will help prevent overspending. But keep in mind, unexpected expenses often come up during the construction phase, so it’s wise to set aside an emergency fund in case this happens.

6.  They Adhere to Building Codes and Permits

If your project requires permission from the city or town, you need to obtain a building code or permit. Your container modification company cannot start work unless you have secured this permission. To make sure your project progresses on schedule, provide them with a permit so they can adhere to it. Find out if your city has specific rules regarding container structures.

7.  They Manufacture Each Container to Order

Most container companies mass produce 20-foot and 40-foot containers, but if you need something smaller or larger, discuss the design and size dimensions with the team. Be sure to review the sizes of each container as well as the total amount of containers before the manufacturing phase begins. Once actual work starts, it will be difficult or impossible to change the order.

8.     They Will Safely Ship Your Container

Once complete, trucks drivers will load the customized container on a flatbed and drop it off at your desired location. Prepare the space around the site so that it is level, secure and free of obstacles.

9.  They Will Work With You Through All Stages

When you work side by side with a shipping modification company, it truly becomes a collaboration between two partners. From the first phone call through design, manufacturing and delivery, your company should be in touch with you every step of the way to ensure you are completely satisfied. They will also make sure the shipping process goes seamlessly and make sure the deliverable is up to your specifications. Finally, timely delivery of your unit will complete the process.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

If you would like to work with a reputable shipping container modification company in North Carolina and surrounding states, contact us at 910-483-7828 for a free quote.

Purchasing new containers or used containers is a great idea for so many reasons, whether you use them for mobile offices and classrooms, or to use as storage in your backyard. Steel shipping containers are very durable and are designed to last for years, decades even – if they’re cared for properly.

Many people choose to make modifications to their shipping containers. However, they may not realize that those modifications can compromise the structural integrity of the container, resulting in long-term repercussions. In order to safely store items and valuables inside the container, the structural integrity must remain intact, for one thing, and for another, it must be able to accommodate safe alterations that you may make in the future.

Annual routine maintenance, particular to the roof and doors, will help to extend the life of your container. But there are many things you have to take into consideration that can negatively impact the structural integrity of the shipping container.

What Affects Structural Integrity? 3 Factors to Consider

There are three main factors that affect a shipping container’s structural integrity. They are:

Improper Stacking of Containers: Whether you’re stacking containers for storage purposes or you’re looking to build multiple container complexes, stacking is a common practice. When done right, it isn’t harmful to the containers. But when the containers are incorrectly piled on top of one another, they can result in structural damage as well as a dangerous situation for people around them. As such, you should always stack units at the corners (not diagonally), tying them with twist locks to ensure a multi-level shipping container building that is structurally sound.

Too Many Modifications: Alterations are a common undertaking among shipping container owners. Perhaps you would like to transform the unit into a garage space or workshop or maybe you want to add security upgrades to your mobile office so it’s safer at night when you’re not there. Whatever the case, changes to the original container are sometimes necessary and should be allowed to happen. However, you have to follow certain guidelines and precautions to ensure it remains structurally sound even after the modifications. For instance, you can’t cut out too large a space to accommodate more doors or cut too close to the corners, as this will lead to an uneven distribution of weight and a precarious situation. Keep in mind that every shipping container is carried via the corner castings, which are basically the four corners of the container. Let’s say you cut out a corner casting to make a desired modification design change. If you did this without consulting with a structural engineer, you could be sacrificing the container’s structural integrity. Drastic cuts to a wall, for example, are another way to compromise structure. If you were to cut out an entire wall, this would cause the roof to sag, while the floor would become almost spring-like. The walls carry a lot of weight in addition to the corner castings, and they are necessary to maintain the container’s  shape.

Frequent Sea Travel: The deterioration process is hastened with frequent travel and exposure to the ocean air and water. All that salt can cause corrosion, and objects in the water can result in dents. If buying a used container that has been in the ocean, make sure you fully inspect the unit, checking for signs of rust, wear and tear, and other damage. Keep in mind, if you buy a used container, this means it likely traveled at sea many times. You may want to take a look at “one-trip” containers, which have only traveled once across the sea. A used container that has been exposed to the ocean is more affordable and may be perfectly suited to your needs of storage. But if you need a structurally sound container to enhance into a classy mobile office, art space or yoga studio, you’ll want to go with one trip or new containers, especially when people’s safety is at stake.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Whether you’re on the hunt for new containers or used ones, we can hook you up. Please contact us at 910-483-7828 for a free quote. For your convenience, we have offices in South Carolina and North Carolina, with representatives who can help with your request at any time.