Most Common Shipping Container Conversions in America
Shipping containers aren’t just used for shipping cargo. In recent years, they have become more and more popular for unique and inventive uses, from pop up coffee shops to mobile offices. Because they are made of heavy-duty steel, they’re durable, long-lasting and weatherproof, giving you many years of dependable service.
You can buy new containers or used containers, but whichever one you choose, you are free to get creative when it comes to its uses. Here are the most popular shipping container conversions in America, plus what to think about before you start your own project.
1. Residential & Business Storage
Storage is one of the main reasons why so many people choose to put shipping containers in their back yards or on their business property. There are many things you can store in a shipping container, such as:
- Furniture
- Sports equipment
- Documents
- Machinery
- Equipment
- Stoves
- Tables
- Artwork
- Newspapers
- Books
- Dryers
- Washers
- Electronics
- Home décor
- Lamps
- Mattresses
- Musical instruments
- Ovens
So, if you have extra items that you don’t have room to store in your main office or home, use a shipping container for safe, secure and weatherproof storage. If you buy new and plan to use the container for many years, this will save you those expensive monthly storage unit costs.
For paper, electronics and upholstered furniture, plan for airflow. Adding vents helps control condensation, and shelving keeps items off the floor. Many owners also use a container as a secure garage for vehicles, mowers and tools. If you are weighing your options, see how a container compares to a storage shed.
2. Restaurants & Bars
Just like the food truck trend that’s taking over work sites and college campuses all over the country, shipping container restaurants are also becoming popular in cities with high rent prices and limited space. Such containers are a great option for people who are very eco-conscious with a focus on sustainability.
A food or drink conversion usually needs more work than a storage unit. Expect serving windows, insulation, electrical, ventilation and, in most cases, plumbing and a health department inspection. Some operators pair the main unit with a refrigerated container for walk-in cold storage.
3. Pop-up Retail Shops
From boutiques and book stores to coffee shops and sunglass bodegas, pop-up container markets are also gaining in popularity. They’re especially cost effective and convenient for seasonal businesses who are only setting up shop for a month or two, such as to sell Christmas ornaments in December, fireworks in July, and Halloween costumes in October.
When the season ends, you lock the doors and the container doubles as storage for your inventory and fixtures. Brands use the same idea for product launches and festivals. Learn more about using a shipping container for your next marketing event.
4. Office Buildings
There’s a new generation infiltrating the workforce and they don’t want to be confined to boring, isolating, cookie-cutter cubicles. Instead, they’re looking for ways to modernize corporate America. That could be through the use of a single office in their backyard or an entire complex of shipping containers stacked on top of each other. These solutions give employees and business owners more flexibility, privacy and noise insulation.
Container offices are also a common sight on construction sites, where a steel unit holds up better than a trailer and can be locked down at night. See our guides on how to transform a container into an office, sample mobile office layouts, and how shipping containers compare to office trailers. For shared workspaces, read about shipping containers as co-working offices.
5. Emergency Hospital or Clinic
If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s to be prepared. That couldn’t be more true than with hospitals, testing sites and clinics. These establishments have to be erected quickly and must be located away from the main facility for health reasons. These mobile clinics also provide patients a quick and easy way to drive through, get tested or treated, and then leave.
With the possibility of needing more beds than any one hospital can accommodate, pop-up urgent care sites have become an important part of emergency planning in America. Such emergency hospitals feature beds, medical equipment, medication, sanitizing items, and more. We cover more of these uses in 3 ways to repurpose shipping containers in times of crisis.
6. Swimming Pool
When the pandemic cut vacations short, more and more people decided to vacation at home instead. With that boom came an influx of requests for shipping container pools, and they remain a popular backyard project. A container pool is about 8 feet wide and is usually built from a 20-foot or 40-foot container.
They can cost less than a traditional in-ground pool, but they are not a cheap DIY job. Smaller container pools can start below $20,000, while larger models often run $40,000 or more. The steel walls need a proper waterproof liner or coating, and a container set into the ground typically needs reinforcement because its side walls were not built to hold back soil. Corrosion is the biggest long-term concern, so most builders recommend regular chlorine over salt systems. Work with an experienced pool builder and check your local permit rules first.
7. Indoor Gardens & Greenhouses
Did you know a 40-foot shipping container can grow a huge amount of produce in a small footprint? Freight Farms, one of the best-known container farm makers, has said a single 40-foot unit can produce the equivalent of about two acres of lettuce per year. Why invest in a cumbersome and permanent greenhouse in your backyard or for your business when you can just use a shipping container and equip it with all the necessary hydroponic components? It’s time to start enjoying fresh produce no matter what the season!
A growing container lives or dies by its climate control. Plan for insulation, LED grow lights, electrical service, water access and ventilation to manage humidity. A high cube container gives you an extra foot of height for vertical growing racks.
8. Toilets
There never seem to be enough portable toilets whenever you attend an outdoor event such as a wedding, fair, festival, concert or football game. Owners of these events and establishments are challenged with affordable, sanitary and mobile bathrooms to accommodate a growing number of patrons and guests.
Container restrooms solve that problem. They are sturdier than plastic portable toilets, easier to keep clean, and can be moved from site to site by truck. They are also used on remote job sites as restrooms, shower rooms and changing areas for crews. These units need plumbing, lighting and ventilation, so they are usually built by a specialty fabricator.
9. Disaster Shelters
The aftermath of a hurricane, tornado or other type of emergency situation can be a chaotic one. There are often not enough first aid centers, water distribution areas and shelters where people can get the help and relief they need. Shipping containers as emergency disaster shelters can quickly be deployed to accommodate displaced families who need safe and clean shelter. Storage containers fit the bill due to their durability, weatherproof nature, comfort and ready availability.
Containers also help before a storm hits. Businesses and homeowners along the coast use them to protect equipment and supplies on site. Read more about why shipping containers make great storm bunkers and how to use them for on-site storage during storm season. A container used as a shelter should be properly anchored, and any storm shelter should be designed by a qualified professional.
10. Workshops & Studios
The pandemic forced more and more employees to work remotely from their home, and many still do. Many people were not equipped to handle a home office, usually due to lack of space or lack of privacy. But with a shipping container in your backyard, you can get both! In addition to home offices, shipping containers can be used as yoga studios, pottery studios, recording booths for bands, and more.
Others go further and turn their container into a sauna or a man cave, she shed or kids’ playroom. If you plan to work in yours every day, start with our guide on how to create a shipping container office for home.
11. Tiny Homes & Guest Rentals
Container homes are one of the most searched conversions in the country. A single 20-foot or 40-foot container can become a compact tiny home, a backyard guest suite, or a short-term rental. Several containers can be joined to build a full-size house.
Living spaces take the most planning of any conversion. You will need insulation, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and a proper foundation, and the home must meet local building codes. Our guides on how to convert a shipping container into a tiny home and using a shipping container to start an Airbnb walk through the basics. If you are in Georgia, read are container homes legal in Georgia?
How to Choose the Right Container for Your Conversion
The right container depends on what you are building. Here are the main choices to make before you buy.
Size. A 20-foot container works well for storage, a small office, a pop-up shop or a single studio. A 40-foot container gives you twice the floor space for restaurants, larger offices and homes. Browse our 20ft new standard containers and 40ft used standard containers, or check our full equipment specifications.
Standard or high cube. A standard container is 8’6″ tall on the outside. A high cube is 9’6″, which gives you an extra foot of headroom. That extra height matters for anything people will spend time in, since insulation, flooring and ceiling finishes all eat into interior space. For offices, homes and grow rooms, a 40ft high cube is often the better choice.
New or used. A new (one-trip) container has a clean interior and minimal dents, which saves prep time for living and retail spaces. A used container costs less and is a smart pick for storage, workshops and job sites. Read shipping containers: should you buy new or used? and our breakdown of container condition levels before you decide.
Container type. Most conversions start with a standard dry container, but some projects need something different. Refrigerated containers suit food businesses, and open-top containers make it easier to load tall or heavy items. See the 11 most common shipping container types for the full list.
Plan Before You Convert
A few steps up front will save you money and headaches later.
- Check permits and zoning. Storage containers often have few restrictions, but offices, restaurants, pools and homes usually need building permits and must meet local codes. Call your local building department before you buy.
- Prepare your site. The container needs level, solid ground and enough room for the delivery truck to unload. Our guide on preparing for shipping container delivery covers what to expect.
- Protect the structure. Every opening you cut weakens the steel shell. Large cutouts for windows, doors or joined containers often need steel framing to keep the container strong. Learn what affects the structural integrity of a shipping container.
- Pick the right partner. Ask about experience, timelines and what is included in the price. Read what to know when working with a container modification company.
Container Modifications from Transocean
You don’t have to start from a bare steel box. Transocean offers container modifications that get your project moving, including:
- Insulation and flooring
- Windows, skylights and roll-up doors
- Vents, lighting, electricity and HVAC
- Shelving, lock boxes and smoke detectors
- Custom paint
Each modification adds to the price and the lead time, so tell us about your project up front and we’ll include it in your quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common use for a shipping container?
Storage is still the most common use. Homeowners, farms, contractors and businesses use containers for secure, weatherproof storage they can place right on their own property.
What size container is best for a conversion?
It depends on the project. A 20-foot container fits storage, small offices and pop-up shops. A 40-foot container suits restaurants, larger offices and homes. For any space people will work or live in, a high cube gives you an extra foot of headroom.
Do I need a permit to convert a shipping container?
Often, yes. Rules vary by city and county. Plain storage containers may need little or no approval, while homes, offices, restaurants and pools usually require building permits and inspections. Always check with your local building department first.
Should I buy a new or used container for my conversion?
Buy new if appearance and a clean interior matter, such as for a home, office or retail space. Buy used if you want to save money on storage, a workshop or a job site unit.
Can Transocean modify my container before delivery?
Yes. We offer modifications such as doors, windows, vents, insulation, electrical, shelving and custom paint. Modifications add to the price and the delivery timeline, and we will confirm both when you order.
Contact Transocean Equipment Management
If you have been thinking about purchasing a shipping container for any of the above purposes, we are here to help you make the right choice. We supply new, used and modified containers across our service areas, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Please contact us at (910) 483-7828 or request a free quote.
