Since their invention in the 1960s, shipping containers spurred a revolution in how goods and cargo were transported all over the globe. Since then, there have been a variety of shipping containers emerging on the market to meet the needs of anyone who wishes to move goods.

These intriguing containers have evolved in many ways. As long as they are able to fit the footprint, you can pretty much put anything in there that will fit that space. Invented in the USA, shipping containers usually are measured in feet and inches, rather than meters.

Here’s a look at the different container types:

Standard Size Boxes

There are two standard lengths of shipping containers: 20 ft or 40 ft. You can also order them in high cube sizes. Standard containers typically have just one set of doors at one end, but you can get double door containers that feature doors at both ends.

Refrigerated Units

Also known as reefers, these containers can store goods such as food, flowers and pharmaceuticals that must be kept within an exact temperature range for transport. Some goods need to be frozen, while others simply need to be kept cold.

Insulated Containers

Similar to reefers, these units don’t have active air conditioning units within them. These are designed to prevent extreme temperatures – too low or high – from impacting the temperature within the unit.

Half Height Containers

Most storage containers are packed tightly to preserve the goods within, but there are exact weight limits for them to follow when fully laden. Therefore, for particularly heavy goods, it makes sense to pack a half height container in order to meet weight limit requirements, as well as to avoid damage from goods rattling around inside.

Open Top and Removable Hard Top

Open top containers are great for cargo that’s simply too large to fit through the door and that must be loaded via crane. They feature a removable hard top or soft top cover, which must be secured tightly. Most open tops come in standard heights.

Side Opening Containers

If the cargo in question can’t fit through the front doors, this calls for the use of side opening containers, whereby you can load them from the side via a forklift.

Bulk Containers

These are ideal for powders and aggregates which are too small by volume to be shipped via bulk cargo ship. Such containers load from the top and empty out at the other end, via a hatch at the bottom.

Tank Containers

Similar to bulk goods containers in that they can carry fluids that aren’t available in enough quantity to be justified for a tanker, they can be loaded and unloaded like a tanker truck.

Flat Rack Containers

If you plan to move a tractor or a yacht, a flat rack container can be used for shipping a vehicle that is too large to fit within a standard size container. They are loaded from the side.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Not sure which type of cargo container you need? We can help you decide. Contact us at 910-483-7828 for a free quote.

In the last few years, the concept of tiny homes has been hitting the design and real estate world. More and more people are ditching the commitments and high prices of large mortgages and huge homes, and opting for small homes made out of storage containers.

Here’s how you can use a storage container to achieve the perfect homestead that underlines your new minimalist lifestyle!

Make Sure to Plan Ahead

If you plan to use a cargo container as the basis for your tiny house, the first step to staying within your budget is to have a plan. If you neglect having a budget and schedule, costs can get out of control quickly. All the savings you thought you’d be taking advantage of with a tiny house can evaporate without some restrictions. Be sure to map out the amount of room you will need, take detailed measurements and think about how many stories you want your tiny house to be.

Avoid Silly Mistakes

Make sure to check with your town or community about the zoning, building and planning regulations. Don’t assume just because it’s a tiny house that you won’t need to follow the rules. Many cities have strict guidelines regarding zoning issues and construction regulations. If you don’t work these out beforehand, those oversights can get expensive in the end. Do this before you even buy a cargo container and start converting it. Know where you want to put it and what your city’s rules are.

Do Your Research

Before you buy a shipping container, understand what you’re getting. This is especially true of used containers. Some have been used more than others, and this wear and tear will show up in many ways. Make sure you inspect it in person so you can make note of any damage and its current condition. Remember: once you buy it, you’re the owner. If you get it home and don’t like its condition, yet you were given a chance to inspect it, you have no recourse.

Prioritize Needs vs. Wants

When building a home of any size, your budget can get out of control quickly. Create a list of things on which you are willing to spend money, vs. those on which you can skimp. Make sure you add enough storage so your tiny house can at least accommodate your basic needs. List out the most expensive things first so you will know if you have enough padding in the budget to take on some of the extras you want.

Tiny house living is the latest trend, but this doesn’t mean you should skip all the planning and budgeting. It all starts with finding a reputable shipping container company.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

If you’re looking for an alternative living concept and are interested in getting a quote on a storage container to convert to a tiny home, contact us at 910-483-7828. We would be happy to give you a free price quote.

You may not think about it often, but the roof of your shipping container is put under a lot of stress on the daily. It takes the brunt of all kinds of weather, not to mention it accumulates debris very quickly due to its flat surface. Be sure to pay special attention to this portion of your container if you want it to last the test of time without costly, unnecessary repairs.

1.    Deal With a Reputable Source

Quality is important. There are literally thousands of shipping containers on the market for purchase at any one time, so it’s critical that you do your homework in investigating the quality of the container you select. You’ll also want to research the capabilities of the manufacturer before you commit to a sale. Check the age of the container, being on the lookout for significant damage. Here at Transocean Equipment Management, we carefully select the types of containers we sell and rent, making sure they’re of the highest quality.

2.    Keep Weight off the Roof

Another thing to consider is the structural strength of your container. This will depend greatly on the strength of the castings at each corner. These are the reinforced areas of the container, and are actually more important than the roof itself when it comes to strength. Refrain from walking across the roof or storing heavy items there. It will bow and flex under too much weight. If you require rooftop access or storage, request that the manufacturer reinforce the roof.

3.    Remove Water, Ice, Snow and Debris

Yes, shipping container roofs are very durable and resilient, but do your part by being conscious of what is accumulating on top. Regularly remove standing water, snow, and ice that can build up on the roof. Letting those elements accumulate will put undue pressure on the roof and container. Ignoring ponding water can lead to thinning metal, rust or moisture accumulation. Be sure to clear off the roof after all significant weather events.

4.    Remove Dirt and Surface Rust

Use a commercial cleaner, bleach, or anti-mildew solution to remove all rust and dirt from the roof. You can do this with a hose and broom. If there are large dents, holes, scratches or rust spots, call a professional to fix these issues or even repaint the container if the damage is significant enough.

5.    Regularly Inspect the Roof

Regularly maintaining and caring for the roof of your shipping container will ensure a longer lifespan. Second-hand containers can get dented if other containers have been stacked on top. What happens? Those dents start collecting rain water which in turn leads to corrosion or chipped paint. Make sure all dents are repaired right away, treating them with rust-proof paint to prevent corrosion from occurring.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

To learn more tips on shipping container roof maintenance, or to get a quote on our containers, please contact us at 910-483-7828.

Shipping Containers Can Be Modified For the Whole Family!

You don’t have to keep day dreaming about creating your own peaceful retreat right in your backyard. You don’t have to put on an addition to your house or sacrifice an existing room to make time for you or to focus on your hobbies. You just need some space in your backyard, a shipping container, and some ingenuity.

From granny pods to play rooms, it’s time to get inspired! Here are some ideas for modifying your shipping container.

Man Cave

This is a space just for him, where he can watch the latest game, enjoy a beer, invite buddies over, work on his bike or just enjoy some down time away from the main house. Man caves are traditionally seen in garages, sheds, or basements, but you can expand the possibilities with a storage container in the backyard. Personal space is important…you deserve it!

She Shed

The ladies also deserve a private spot to unwind, get crafty, hold book club meetings, or drink wine with friends. The female equivalent of the man cave, the she shed can be a quiet retreat for reading, sipping coffee, or even as a home office away from the hustle and bustle of the family.

Kids’ Playroom

Acting essentially as pre-made cubby houses for your kids, shipping containers are the ideal alternative to wood sheds in the backyard where maintenance and upkeep can drain any homeowner. Your kids can now have a spot to call their own – sometimes we forget they need alone time too!

Creating a kids’ playroom with a shipping container means they can store all their toys within one dedicated space, keeping clutter out of the yard or main house. It also gives them a reprieve — a shady spot in the yard where they can relax, play, and allow their imaginations to run wild.

Shipping containers can be modified in many different ways, in many different configurations, according to your kids’ needs. Safety is of paramount importance here!

Granny Flats

If you have an aging parent who still wants their independence and can largely care for themselves, yet they wish to downsize from their large home, a granny flat or granny pod is the perfect solution. There’s no need to upsize, extend or renovate your own home to accommodate them. Place a modified shipping container in the back yard and voila – they have their own personal space yet it’s close enough to you so that you can cook for them and check in on them frequently.

This is also a great solution for when Grandma and Grandpa still live in their own home far away yet want to come and visit. They have their own space without having to trip over toys as they enjoy their morning tea.

In the same vein, such pods are great for college students who come back home to roost over the holidays and during the summer. They still get their privacy and can come and go as they please, yet they’re still close enough to invade your home for home-cooked meals and laundry!

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

To get inspired with more ideas for your shipping container, contact us at one of our North or South Carolina offices.

The shipping container industry, like all of America, has had a pretty shocking wake-up call over the last couple of months with this global pandemic. We’ve learned that we cannot get too complacent, and that even in the best of times, we have to plan for the worst. In good times, our customers use our shipping containers for a variety of everyday uses, such as storage of tools and equipment, at job sites, for storage of additional retail inventory, or home renovations.

We have seen many creative uses for our shipping containers over the years. But now more than ever before with the challenges posed by COVID-19, we are seeing our containers adapted for emergency situations. Here’s a look at the creative ways to repurpose shipping containers, especially in times of crisis.

1.  Growing and Farming

Take a walk through your local grocery store, especially in light of this global pandemic, and think about what the world would be like without food. Repurposed shipping containers can be converted into container farms – a popular use for this very reason. Not only are shipping containers modular and easy to ship, they are compact and self-contained, cheap and widely available.

Shipping containers – particularly those with high ceilings – allow you to stack growing trays for plants, vegetables and fruits. You can also modify your container in terms of lighting, humidity control and temperature. These shipping containers are perfect for climates where growing seasons are very short or in cases where land is at a premium.

2.  Emergency Storage and Drive-Through Windows

In times of national crisis, getting creative with resources is a must. Sometimes that entails the stockpiling of goods that may be needed in the future, such as gloves, medical devices, masks and other necessities. Storage containers offer an ideal temporary space for these needs.

In areas where remote offices may be needed, storage containers can be modified to include drive-up windows that can be locked at night to ensure the security of whatever the container holds.  You can set up these modified containers quickly and place them anywhere in order to be able to serve people in any location, from a department store parking lot to a remote rural pasture.

3.  Clinics, Triage Tents and Medical Waste Storage

During national emergencies and natural disasters, shipping containers can be used for non-traditional purposes such as triage tents, medical clinics, and medical waste storage units. You can place modified containers anywhere, from hospital parking lots to side streets so you can provide fast access to testing, office staff, or simply as a way to temporarily house the sick and keep them from entering the main building.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

For more information on ways you can repurpose or modify our shipping containers, please contact us today at 910-483-7828 for a free quote.

Whether you need a shipping container for storage or for a mobile office, buying new shipping containers can be overwhelming and expensive. But you can get a good deal by going for used, recycled containers, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, in the process. New shipping containers can cost up to $5,000, while used can cost up to $3,000 and below.

You just have to make sure they’re in good condition. Getting the best value from your purchase means doing your homework. Here are some things to consider before buying a used container.

Rest assured, Transocean takes pride in providing shipping and storage containers that meet our customers’ expectations. If we send you photos, you will always know if it is an unmodified representation photo or a photo of the actual container you will receive.

1.  Pay Attention to the Photos

Photos of shipping containers for sale can give you a good idea of their condition and dimensions, but you have to pay special attention to the details. Be aware of scams, as sometimes photos of one container are actually made up of several containers, i.e., interior shots from a new container and exterior shots of a used one, or vice versa.

If you can, it’s always best to inspect the container in person to ensure the images match up. You have to be sure the photos are indicative of the exact container you plan to buy. Just keep in mind that providers with massive inventories cannot realistically provide pictures of every single container they sell. In those cases, the photo is a representation of the average container in your specified condition.

Pay close attention to the product description so you know what to expect. Know the product and know the steps to take if the used container you receive fails to meet your expectations.

2.  Inspect the Exterior

Take a walk around the outside of the container to check its overall condition, assessing corner castings, paint, and seals around edges. Small dents here and there aren’t a big deal but if you notice large sections of corrosion and rust, this is a red flag.

3.  Inspect the Interior

Check the doors first for any signs of significant damage. Make sure they lock and seal correctly. Then, check door fittings, seals, gaskets, and locking mechanisms for damage. Once you have opened the door, notice if you smell any mold or rust. For instance, musty smells could indicate leaking.

Ask if the container is watertight. You can run a quick test by closing the door during daylight and checking for indication of sunlight through the door seal or anywhere else in the shipping container.

This will also alert you to any holes. If you see any points of light in an otherwise pitch black container, the unit in question is not wind or watertight. If you ordered a WWT container, this is problematic.

4.  Ask About Delivery Fees

Be sure to ask the seller about the terms and conditions involving the used container’s delivery.

How far away is the container from your location? Are there circumstances in which you would have to pay more than the pre-purchase quote? Next, ask about delivery accountability. Are you or the seller the ones held responsible for the container while in transport? What happens if it is damaged while coming off the truck?

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

Ready to make a purchase? To learn more about our used shipping containers for sale, contact us at either our North or South Carolina offices.

If you need an office for your oil rig, construction site or industrial site, you may be considering ground level offices (GLOs) made from shipping containers or mobile office trailers. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a look at some considerations.

Upfront Costs

Many people don’t realize that the upfront costs of a shipping container-based ground level office are comparable to an office trailer. Other cost considerations, such as your intended usage and budget, may make a container the best long-term choice.

Set-Up and Accessory Costs

Your costs will be less if you already have resources for set-up. For example, If you own an oil and gas company, you’ll have access to jacks and a forklift or crane. In this instance, the only added cost is perhaps some OSHA compliant stairs for your mobile office trailer.

If you do not have access to the necessary equipment, the price increases for both options. Trailers have to be jacked and blocked, which could cost a few hundred dollars. Ground level offices have to be taken off truck beds with a tilt bed, crane or forklift, which can cost up to $1000.

Depreciation Schedule: Taxes

Both ground level offices and office trailers have a depreciation schedule of seven years, which is not a measure of actual longevity, but a component of accounting.

Maintenance

Container-based mobile offices offer big-time savings when it comes to long-term maintenance. Not only do they feature sturdy steel walls, they don’t require a chassis and the maintenance that comes with it to keep up the tires and axles.

Life Span Comparison

The life span of an office trailer will depend on how often you will have to relocate it. An office trailer could spend 20 years and up in good condition just remaining in one place. But keep in mind, every minute it spends on the road will take its toll. An office trailer relocated just a couple of times over gravel roads will show wear and tear.

Shipping container-based ground level offices tend to be more resilient and will remain in working condition for 25 years and beyond, even with regular relocation. Shipping container offices also fair better in rainy and snowy climates, as the steel keeps out most leaks and won’t allow water seepage between vinyl or paneling.

Transportation Costs

The cost of each delivery varies with the distance; estimate between $2.50 and $5 per mile as a base price. Deliveries to more remote areas will cost you more. The most significant cost difference between trailers and container-based GLOs is the potential need to obtain oversize load permits. Shipping containers are designed to fit perfectly onto truck beds, which means they don’t need oversize load permits.

Office trailers that exceed standard width or height limits will require a permit, which can be a few hundred dollars if you’re staying in state.

As stated above, both options offer benefits. A mobile office trailer is good for short-term use in mild climates; shipping container-based offices are good for companies that plan to put their offices through several years of intense use. If durability is a concern for your business, shipping container offices are the best choice.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

For a free price quote, contact us today in our North or South Carolina offices.

Shipping containers are known as being reliable, secure, affordable and most of all, mobile. But they’re also super convenient, partly due to the versatility you have when adding doors. When choosing doors for your modified container, consider the level of accessibility you intend for the structure, asking yourself these questions:

• How will I use the container?
• How often will my employees need access to the container?
• Will I be storing over-sized items inside the container?
• Will anyone be living or working in the container?

Once you have answered these questions, you can better select from the following door options.

Cargo Doors

These are heavy-duty, weather-tight, and secure swinging doors that are usually situated at the container’s end. Using a cam and lock system, this ensures all contents remain protected against theft and the weather.

Use cargo doors if:

• You need to place large items inside the container easily, possibly by forklift.
• Immediate convenience is not a priority.

Personnel Doors

Crafted of steel, these are welded into the wall of the container so that the structure is wind- and water-resistant. The insulated core of the personnel door will keep the container cool in summer and warm in winter. These doors also come equipped with a deadbolt and steel handle for the utmost in security so you can keep important documents and valuables safe. If you need extra security, you can always add a keypad entry.

Use a personnel door if:

• The container is going to be used as a portable office building, living space, or storage space.
• The interior of the container must be accessed frequently, with the ability to walk in and out.

Roll-Up Doors

Also referred to as overhead doors, these lift from the bottom and roll up inside the container. You can easily latch them and lock them, plus they’re quite lightweight. They’re welded into the container wall, with installation possible along the side walls or at the end. You may be able to opt for an add-on rain pan that helps to keep rainwater out.

Use a roll-up door if:

• You plan on storing large equipment in the container.
• You will need to access the contents of the container frequently.

Sliding Glass Doors

The height and width of double wide personnel doors, this type of door is made of durable glass framed with vinyl. They’re available with secure locks for minimal protection but keep in mind the doors are transparent and are more inviting of theft.

Use a sliding glass door if:

• You are using the container as an office, store front or living space.
• You are looking for a stylish design and plenty of natural light.

Door Combinations

You may want to consider multiple entryways if you have a very large container or you are using it as a working or living space. In fact, extra doors are the most popular modification that people choose.

The design of any shipping container should fit your specific needs and budget. Whether you want more convenience or you want more light, there is a shipping container door out there for you.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

If you have questions about what door is right for your project, contact us for a free price quote at 910-483-7828.

The term “reefer container” is short for “refrigerated container.” They’re basically just big fridges used to transport temperature-controlled cargo such as produce, meat, fish, seafood, vegetables and dairy, as well as non-food products that must be refrigerated, such as flowers and pharmaceuticals. Such containers must maintain their temperature because they are crossing many miles and oceans before they reach their destination.

Reefer containers are able to maintain a variety of cargo at the required temperatures for the duration of the trip. They also make an ideal portable solution to short- or long-term storage and may be used to ship or truck goods on a long distance-basis. This is because they are able to be plugged into power stations on ships or feature clip-on generators.

Transocean reefers are wind and water tight, featuring secure lockable doors. Most of our specialized containers are available new or used in 20′ and 40′ lengths.

Let’s go over the benefits of reefer containers:

Broad Temperature Ranges

Reefer containers can sustain a temperature range of -30 degrees F to 80 degrees F, with the ability to keep goods warm as well as cold. Refrigerated units are designed to maintain or lower the temperature of your shipment, even under the harshest of conditions.

Versatile Airflow

To maintain the set temperature of frozen goods, air flows around, under and upwards along the sides of the goods. To maintain the temperature of chilled goods, air flows around, under and into the inside of goods.

Portability

Reefers can be easily transported, which means they’re perfect for transporting temperature-dependent cargo such as medicine or food.

Cost Efficiency

Yes, you will have to shell out money for the initial investment, but over time you will save money knowing your goods are stored in a temperature controlled environment and won’t spoil. Products are kept at the correct temperature and moisture levels, extending their shelf lives and keeping spoilage to a minimum.

Many Uses

Reefers can be used for additional purposes than just ocean transport of goods. They can be used for:

• Restaurants and hotels
• Seasonal festivals and fairs
• Pharmaceutical storage

They can be used in the following industries and for the following purposes:

• Inventory Overflow Storage Floral Industry
• Commercial Kitchen Remodels
• Farming and Agriculture Storage
• Chemical Supply and Manufacturing
• Medical and Biomedical
• Vaccines
• Meat Processing
• Seafood Wholesale
• Food and Beverage Distribution
• Produce Storage

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

If your company’s products are temperature controlled and you need to store or ship them for long periods of time, you need a refrigerated container. They’re well worth the investment, as you can’t risk losing your entire shipment due to spoilage. Contact us at 910-483-7828 to learn more about our refrigerated containers, our rates and the sizes we offer. We would be happy to give you a free price quote.

The answer to this question will depend largely on your needs, preferences and budget. But in general, there are several advantages to both.

Advantages of Buying New

In general, buying a new shipping container will cost more but you get a more durable product and a longer useful life.

Here are some benefits to buying new:

• 20’shipping containers and 40′ shipping containers are shipped with cargo just once. Translation: the storage unit you’re buying has only been exposed to the ocean environment one time and is in the best condition possible.
• You get 20 or more years of serviceability.
• New containers come in a wider selection of sizes and configurations than used containers.
  • 10′, 16′, 20′, 24′, 40′ and 45′ lengths.
  • Standard height (8.5′ high) or high-cubes (9.5′ high).
  • You can have either double doors on one end or on both ends of the containers.
• Manufactured with Corten steel corrugated panels and doors, featuring a protective layer that keeps corrosion at bay.
• Can be loaded and moved with up to 30 tons gross weight.
• Can support forklift loading and unloading.
• Created under strict guidelines and fully certified.
• Can be customized with colors or logos.

Consider new shipping containers when you want excellent condition, long life, or convenient fulfillment of shipper requirements. One-trip containers in seaworthy condition are ready to be loaded and transported, with no need for costly or time-consuming repairs.

Because of their excellent condition, new containers are perfect for your storage needs, thanks to the nearly spotless and intact condition. As a result, you get a valuable storage unit to hold your prized personal possessions or delicate items.

Advantages of Buying Used

If your budget is tight and you don’t need a top of the line selection, used is the way to go. With used, you get:

• Affordable pricing, with many years of service left to offer
• The choice of a variety of conditions, sizes, colors and configurations
• Swing doors and wooden floors
• A variety of purposes: as-is or custom modifications according to your needs
• Minimal ground preparation is needed.

• Many sizes for sale and lease: 20 ft, 40 ft, 45 ft, 48 ft and 53 ft.

Generally, used storage containers have been retired from cargo service and offer a nice cost over new containers, while still giving you long-term secure storage. Used containers are typically in very good condition but there’s no guarantee that there won’t be blemishes, dents, or surface rust.

Contact Transocean Equipment Management

If you need additional help choosing between a new or used shipping container, please contact us in either our North Carolina or South Carolina offices.