Freight Shipping Containers in Charleston, SC: What You Need to Know
When you think of freight shipping containers, you might picture massive steel boxes stacked on cargo ships at the port. While that’s accurate, these containers are used for much more than just ocean transport. In Charleston, SC, a major East Coast shipping hub, freight containers are also used for storage, construction, mobile offices, and even pop-up retail spaces.
Whether you need to ship goods overseas, store tools on a job site, or convert a container into a functional space, these units provide a tough and reliable solution. Here’s a detailed look at how freight shipping containers are used in Charleston, what types are available, and where to find them.
What Exactly Are Freight Shipping Containers?
Freight shipping containers are heavy-duty, steel units designed to carry goods across long distances. They are built to strict ISO standards and are capable of handling up to 30 tons of gross weight. This makes them ideal for hauling large, heavy, or valuable cargo.
Most containers come in standard lengths of 20 or 40 feet. However, a variety of custom sizes and designs are available depending on your needs. Charleston’s active port system ensures there is always a steady flow of containers available for sale or lease.
Available Container Types in Charleston
Not every shipping job requires the same type of container. Fortunately, Charleston has a wide selection of units to meet both standard and specialized demands:
- Standard Dry Containers: The most common type, suitable for general-purpose storage or shipping.
- High-Cube Containers: Offer additional interior height, which is ideal for oversized or tall items.
- Open-Top Containers: Designed for cargo that needs to be loaded by crane or from above.
- Refrigerated Containers (Reefers): Maintain consistent temperatures, ideal for food and pharmaceuticals.
- Flat-Rack Containers: Built with collapsible sides to carry oversized equipment or vehicles.
No matter the nature of your project, there’s a container that fits the job.
Common Uses for Freight Containers in Charleston
1. Global and Domestic Shipping
Charleston is home to one of the busiest container ports on the East Coast. Companies use freight containers here to move everything from raw materials to finished products across the country or around the world. With high standards and solid infrastructure, Charleston is an ideal point of origin or destination for containerized freight.
2. On-Site Storage
Many local industries, including construction, retail, and manufacturing, use freight containers for secure, portable storage. These units are ideal for storing tools, equipment, inventory, and seasonal supplies. They’re weather-resistant and built to handle heavy-duty use in demanding environments.
3. Portable Offices
Freight containers can be modified to function as temporary or semi-permanent offices. With added insulation, windows, doors, and climate control, a container becomes a mobile workspace that can be placed on construction sites, in parking lots, or at event venues.
4. Creative Spaces
Charleston’s growing entrepreneurial scene has embraced repurposed containers for retail shops, food vendors, bars, and art studios. A shipping container can be transformed into a trendy and cost-effective business space without the high overhead of traditional brick-and-mortar buildings.
5. Mini-Warehouses and Storage Facilities
By placing several containers side by side or end to end, businesses can create custom self-storage facilities or warehouse extensions. With added roll-up doors and internal partitions, containers can be turned into modular, scalable storage systems.
Container Customization Options
Freight shipping containers are highly customizable. With the right modifications, they can be adapted for almost any purpose. Some of the most popular upgrades include:
- Adding man doors, windows, and locks
- Installing insulation and drywall
- Adding electrical wiring, lighting, and HVAC systems
- Installing shelving, partitions, or workbenches
- Repainting the exterior or branding it with company colors
These modifications can turn a standard steel unit into a comfortable, fully functional space for work, storage, or business.
Why Choose Transocean Equipment Management?
If you’re in the Charleston area and need quality freight containers, Transocean Equipment Management is your go-to resource. We specialize in the sale of both new and used containers, available in various sizes, types, and conditions. Our team works closely with customers to provide tailored solutions for shipping, storage, or custom builds.
What We Offer:
- A large inventory of containers available for immediate delivery
- Competitive pricing on both single and bulk orders
- Modification services to help you create a custom unit
- Knowledgeable customer service backed by years of industry experience
We are based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but our reach extends well beyond. Our team supports customers across the Southeast with key service locations near major ports and logistics hubs.
Service Locations
Thanks to our centralized location near I-95 and a broad network of supply hubs, we provide reliable service throughout the region. Some of our key locations include:
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Savannah, Georgia
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chesapeake, Virginia
Whether you need a container delivered across town or prepared for export shipping, we can help.
Contact Us Today!
At Transocean Equipment Management, we take pride in helping our clients find the right freight shipping containers for their specific needs. Whether you’re focused on international logistics or planning a custom container project, we’re ready to help you make it happen.
Reach out to us today for a quote or more information. Let’s discuss how we can deliver the container solution you’ve been looking for in Charleston, SC.
