Throughout history, humankind thrived by trading with each other. With the advancements in technology and globalization, doing business across countries has become a necessity. The need for bulk transportation arose, and the answer was shipping containers.
In time, shipping containers have become more than just a means to carry cargo from one place to another. People have started to utilize these huge boxes for various purposes. There are countless options that a shipping container can offer you. For instance, you can have a tiny house, container office, pop-up shop, studio, pool, restroom, etc., with a shipping container conversion project. Accordingly, we use shipping containers for more than just transportation, meaning, directly or indirectly, they become parts of our lives more than before. The more we need shipping containers for our personal or commercial needs, the more we want to learn about them. However, it is pretty natural to feel confused about some terms related to shipping containers. In this regard, it would be beneficial to be familiar with some basic terms through which you can ground your knowledge about shipping containers. That is why we are here to explain some misconceptions about shipping containers so that you can get rid of confusion and take a step further for your container conversion project.
First of all, there are various container types and some nuances that differentiate one type from another. For instance, you might have heard the term “Conex box” or wondered if a storage container or a shipping container were suitable for your project. Or, you might feel confused about the terms “one-trip” and “new” shipping containers. To be able to utilize your container in the best way possible, you should primarily know which type of container is the one that works for you. However, you might find a comparison between storage and shipping containers a bit confusing. In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about some essential container types to decide which one answers your needs perfectly.
Shipping Containers
A shipping container can be defined as a container with strength suitable to withstand shipment, storage, and handling. They are steel boxes used for transporting goods nationally or globally. Most shipping containers are made from Corten steel, high-quality, corrugated steel and durable to corrosion. The harsh conditions of ocean travel are negated by using such materials on shipping containers. There are various shipping container sizes and types to be used to transport different cargo sizes and types. Some of the much-used container types are as follows:
- Dry storage containers
- Flat rack containers
- Open top containers
- Open side containers
- Refrigerated containers
Shipping containers come in different sizes and features to meet different transportation needs. 20’, 40’, 40’ HC, and 45’ HC shipping containers are the most popular shipping container sizes. They can also have some specific features to ease the cargo loading and unloading process. For instance, shipping containers with doors on both ends, also known as tunnel containers, come in different size options, including 20’, 40’, & 40’ HC.
Storage Containers
Shipping containers are built to store goods for national or global transportation. Accordingly, it is only natural that shipping containers are also referred to as storage containers. However, some containers are not suitable for ocean traveling anymore and these containers are utilized for storage needs. Moreover, storage containers do not have to be in standard shipping container sizes. They can also be custom-size to meet various customer needs. For instance, you can ask your container company to modify a shipping container with specific sizes, including 8’, 10’, or 12’ or With Doors on Both Ends options. These custom-size containers are suitable to store considerably smaller goods. Finally, people generally prefer used shipping containers to utilize them as storage areas.
New/One-trip/Conex Containers
Containers used once before they reach their destination are called one-trip or new containers. Imagine buying a brand-new container and having it shipped to you. So, they mean the same thing. The life span of the one-trip shipping containers is much more than the used ones. This makes it a one-trip container.
The name “Conex” is a mix between the words “container” and “express.” They are shipping new shipping containers by another name. The need for standardized containers actually began during the late 40s and early 50s. During World War II, the U.S Military began experiments with containers to ship across seas to the frontlines. Supplies being damaged or stolen was a severe problem, and even the bulk loading and offloading of goods were time-consuming. Standardized Conex containers were the answer! The Conex box has two standard sizes, 20 and 40 feet, allowing the Conex containers and their contents to travel by ship, train, or truck. If they are currently being used for cargo transport, they have regular inspections and certifications for cargo worthiness.
Conclusion
Shipping containers are your answer for various purposes, including transportation, storage, housing, and some commercial needs. Whatever your shipping container project is, you should know some basics so that you can choose your container type in accordance with your way of the utilization of your container. This blog post will definitely help you solve your confusion about shipping containers and bring you closer to realizing your dream container project successfully! Yo can buy or rent storage containers.
