The standardized steel shipping container has its origins in the 1950′s when commercial shipping operators and the US military started developing such units.  ISO Standards for containers were published between 1968 and 1970.

A typical 20ft shipping container or 20’ storage container is 8’W x 8’6”H.  They are constructed of corrugated steel panels (usually COR-TEN steel).  COR-TEN steel is made up of a group of steel alloys.  It was developed to eliminate the need for painting, and form a stable rust-like appearance if exposed to the weather for several years.  They have lockable double cargo doors on one end as well as 1-1/8” thick marine plywood flooring. Get a free Quote.

There are variations of 20ft shipping containers or 20’ storage containers as well.  Some are equipped with double cargo doors at both ends.  Some are taller than the standard 8’6”H.  They are referred to as “high cube” containers.  The “high cube” containers are 9’6”H.  They are not as readily available as the standard height containers.  There are also 20’ containers that are referred to as “open top” containers and “open side” containers.  The “open top” containers literally have no roof.  The usually have a tarp that covers the opening that can be secured to the top of the container.  The “open side” containers have doors on one or both sidewalls.  They are not very common.

The 20ft shipping containers or 20’ storage containers usually remain in shipping service (internationally) for about 7-10 years.  When they come out of shipping service, they are utilized for a multitude of applications in the aftermarket.  The most common use is general storage.  They are very often seen at construction job sites, retail businesses and residences.  They are easily maneuverable and can fit in a standard parking space.  Some of the more creative uses include repurposing the containers for commercial use, office space, hunting camps, storm shelters and housing to name a few. Containers are usually available in most port areas as well as many inland areas throughout the country.  Containers come in many sizes.  However, the 20’ container is one of the more versatile sizes available.

Feel free to contact us for a free quote.

Hollywood and the Warner Brothers mega million-dollar production has come to a normally very quiet rural down – In the Superman comic, the town of Smallville is an important piece of the puzzle. To the producer and director of Superman, Plano, IL represents the perfect Smallville.

Filming for a portion of the movie was recently completed in Plano. This small but growing rural community 50 miles west of downtown Chicago was transformed into a Metropolis for a couple of weeks in August. The historical downtown district was closed to business while the movie was being filmed.

Sections of the town were temporarily changed to incorporate a barbershop, bank, fake 7-11 and other stores. As you can see from the pictures, they are just “storefronts” built in front of a structure that consisted of 20′ storage containers stacked and lashed in place three high.

So you may ask yourself why shipping containers? And what do they have to do with Superman? Well shipping containers are as strong as superman himself. They are made to be stacked 8 or 9 tall loaded with cargo. The structure of the container when lashed down is capable of withstanding category 5 hurricanes with ease. It has been reported even that during very powerful tornados, storage containers if secured to the ground are the only structures that survive. Storage containers have been used on countless movie and television sets for many different reasons. Often the shipping containers serve as a backdrop to create an industrial setting. They can easily be arranged like building blocks to create the ideal setting. They can also be used as portable structures, such as in Superman. The portability gives a non-permanent structure that can be setup quickly and efficiently. In addition to being convenient, they are also affordable.

The twenty four (24) 20ft storage containers were supplied by Great Lakes Kwik Space, Aurora, IL. Great Lakes Kwik Space was happy to provide a solution for the Superman set and are pleased to hear that the movie created a positive economic impact for the local community in Plano, IL.   By the way, the fake 7-11 store gets blown up, (the shipping containers remain safe) and half the “town” gets destroyed… but we think Superman will prevail. Feel free to contact us for more information and a free quote.

Storage containers and shipping containers are a very secure means of storage. They are constructed of 14 gauge corrugated steel and have lockable double doors at one end of the container. For additional security a “lockbox” can be installed on the entry doors that will cover and protect your lock. While a mini storage warehouse may have fencing around the entire property, there are many other renters with access to the property as well. Most mini storage warehouses utilize a roll up door as the entry point. A very similar roll up door can be installed in a storage container or shipping container. However, the lockable double doors that come standard on a storage container or shipping container offer a more secure access point than a standard mini storage roll up door.

Aside from security, another major advantage to utilizing a storage container or shipping container is convenience. One of the downsides to off-site mini storage is the limited hours in which you are able to access your storage unit. By owning an “on-site” storage container or shipping container, you have access to your valuables at your convenience.

Storage containers and shipping containers are available in various sizes depending on your individual storage needs. The two most common sizes are 20′ shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers. Both are 8ft wide x 8ft 6in tall. Depending on how long you plan to store your items, purchasing a storage container or shipping container can be more cost effective than renting mini storage space.

Buying a storage container or shipping container is a smart investment with a long return. However, if you decide that you no longer need your container, companies who specialize in the sale of storage containers and shipping containers (like Container Technology, Inc.) are always interested in buying them back. If you’re looking for additional long term storage, a storage container or shipping container is a great option. They are safe, secure, convenient and are comparable in price (if not more cost effective) to all other forms of storage.

They have enlisted our services to retro fit the 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers with steel floors, lights, electrical, insulation, additional entry doors, etc. Upon being retro fitted, AdEdge takes over from there. The containers are delivered directly to their facility where they are transformed into WaterPODS™. All of the components that make up the WaterPOD™ are installed to meet the unique water treatment requirements of their customers.

Containerizing the WaterPODS™ makes them watertight and easily transportable. The structural integrity of the 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers remains intact. They can be transported to remote locations and require minimal space on-site when installed.

The 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers have yet again proven to be a viable solution for aftermarket conversions. AdEdge has shown that with creativity and ingenuity, shipping containers can be repurposed for just about any application.

For More information regarding AdEdge Containerized Water Treatment Systems please visit their website at www.adedgetech.com or

Download WaterPOD brochure

Domestic shipping containers are usually 48ft and 53ft long. In addition to the length domestic shipping containers are also wider than international shipping containers. Domestic containers are 8ft 6in wide, whereas all of the 20ft and 40ft international shipping containers are 8ft wide.

The container ships are able to handle far more 20ft and 40ft international containers than the 48ft and 53ft domestic containers. In turn this allows for more cargo to be transported overseas. You will primarily see the 48ft and 53ft domestic containers utilized for over the road or rail purposes.

Often times, cargo coming into the U.S. is trans-loaded from 20ft and 40ft international containers to 48ft or 53ft domestic containers in order to be railed to inland locations. The reverse also occurs when export cargo is trans-loaded from domestic containers to international containers for loading on a shipping vessel.

Whether a container is used for international shipping or for domestic purposes, many of them are utilized in the aftermarket. They are mainly used for on-site storage. However, containers are also being converted into mobile offices, storm shelters, mini storage units, residences and much more.

We were contracted by the Atlanta Botanical Garden to convert a 40ft non-working refrigerated container otherwise known as 40ft insulated container into their “Frog Pod”.  They approached us with the concept to create on-site lab to cultivate new and endangered species of frogs.  They called it a “bio-secure amphibian research lab”.

A non-working refrigerated container (or insulated container) was a perfect fit for their application.  They didn’t need the refrigeration machine to be functional.  They needed an insulated area where the temperature and humidity could be controlled for the frogs.

We created two separate rooms within the 40ft insulated container.  The smaller room or “clean room” is where they enter the lab.  They come into this area and prepare themselves to enter the lab.  This is done to avoid bringing any outside contaminants into the lab itself.  We installed the access door from the exterior, interior door, electrical, overhead lighting, window A/C and linoleum flooring.  The botanical garden also installed some of their own components as well as the plumbing.

The interior door opens up into the lab area.  This area is where the frog specimens are cultivated and monitored.  We installed the exterior door, windows, electrical, overhead lighting, and window A/C.  All of the tanks, racks, tank lighting and miscellaneous components were installed by the botanical garden.

It was a fun an innovative project to be a part of…The “Frog Pod” represents another creative way in which a container (in this case, a non-working refrigerated container) can be converted and used in the aftermarket.

Writer: Ray Gregorio Company: Container Technology Inc. Contact: ray@containertech.com | 770-960-6210

A shipping container’s life begins in the manufacturing plant, typically in China.  Most shipping containers are then utilized for international shipping service.  However some of them come to the states as “one-trippers”.  A “one-trip” container is not utilized for international shipping service.  It is loaded and shipped to the states one time (hence the name “one-tripper”).  Once a shipping container lives out its life in shipping service (typically 7-12 years) or comes over as a “one-tripper”, it is then sold to wholesalers, distributors, and end users.

What happens to a shipping container after it comes out of service?  That’s where we come in.  As a wholesaler/distributor we sell the containers to the end user.  We sell them to be utilized for on-site storage purposes.  We also sell them to other businesses in the storage industry who utilize them for resale or rental purposes.

In many cases, shipping containers are used for a wide variety of applications other than storage.  This is what makes a shipping container so versatile.  We receive inquiries on a daily basis from customers that want to convert containers into field offices, mobile workshops, mini storage, retail space, bunk houses for hunting camps, storm shelters, specialized equipment modules, research labs and even residences.

Shipping containers are one of the most rigidly built structures in the world.  They are constructed of 1.6MM corrugated steel panels throughout as well as solid marine plywood floors.  Shipping containers offer the perfect medium and can be modified into a variety of configurations.

The bottom line is, while shipping containers are great for storage…they are also versatile!  With a little creativity and the experienced people (that’s us) to make your vision become a reality, the possibilities are endless.

When I say “who”, I’m referring to individual sellers versus retailers.  An individual seller is someone looking to re-sell a storage container they purchased, either from another individual or retailer.  A retailer is someone with direct access to the containers when they come out of shipping service.  We are a retailer of storage containers.  We are also a wholesaler of storage containers.  We sell to retailers who in turn sell to their customers.

While buying from an individual has some advantages, you may be better served buying from an expert (the retailer).  As a retailer, we are able to offer you shipping containers in varying conditions and price points.  You can also be assured of purchasing a container that is in “wind & watertight” condition when going with a retailer.  A retailer should be able to offer you a guarantee that the storage container is “wind & watertight”.

INSPECT THE CONTAINER – It is always in your best interest to inspect the shipping container (if possible) prior to making the purchase.  I don’t know about you, but I always like to look at what I’m buying before I buy it.  If nothing else, it will give you piece of mind that the sales person you spoke with represented their product well.

There are several things you can look for when inspecting the container.  In our opinion, the most important things are – general exterior surface rust, especially at the door bottoms – condition of the door gasket around the door area – condition of the wood floor on the interior – penetrations or pin holes in the steel panels.

Unless a used shipping container has been repainted, it will almost always have surface rust.  Surface rust is very common as the shipping containers have been exposed to salt air while in shipping service.  Most used containers will have patches of surface rust here and there.  Try to stay away from containers with most of the exterior covered in rust.  If you decide to go with a container like this, it should be priced lower than a shipping container without as much rust.  Be sure to inspect the door bottoms of the shipping container as well.  You should always look for a container with minimal rust at and around the door bottom area of the container.

The door gasket is an important feature to take notice of as well.  The door gasket provides the watertight seal around the doors when they are closed.  You want to avoid a storage container that has rotted door gaskets or areas around the doors where the gasket is missing completely.

Another area you want to inspect is the interior.  The areas to focus on are the floor, sidewalls and roof.  When inspecting the floor, be sure it’s solid and there are no soft spots or apparent holes.  The floor is typically comprised of 1-1/8” marine plywood.  Forklifts are used to load and unload shipping containers while they are in service.  It’s fairly common for the floor to have shallow gouges where forklift blades have rubbed along the floor.  It’s fairly easy to see if the floor is damaged.   Just use common sense when it comes to inspecting the floor.

It’s also very important to inspect the interior sidewalls and roof of the storage container.  You definitely want to avoid purchasing a container with penetrations or pinholes in the steel panels.  If the holes are small, they can be very difficult to see when the container doors are open.  An easy way to identify small penetrations or pinholes is to stand inside the container with the doors closed.  Hopefully you are not claustrophobic.  It is completely dark inside the container while the doors are closed.  You will easily see any light penetrating from the outside.

Hopefully this information will be useful to you while searching for the perfect shipping container.  Please remember that you are looking at used equipment.  Most used shipping containers will have surface rust, dents & dings and scratches & scrapes.  Use your best judgment while inspecting the container and I’m sure you’ll find the one that’s perfect for you.

Portable cold storage units can be delivered and moved anywhere that your business requires. This could be beneficial when you have too much inventory, have a special promotion or decide to move premises. Static refrigeration units/warehouses would make things significantly more difficult and costly. Your product is handled less; reducing the risk of spoilage or damage as well. Portable refrigerated storage is efficient and convenient. Long term rental contracts are not a requirement. You return the unit when you are done. Portable units can be leased for as long necessary, as opposed to buying a static unit outright. Avoid the hassle of loading items into your vehicle, driving them to an off-site cold storage facility and then unloading your product again. Portable refrigerated storage containers/trailers are brought directly to your site. There are definite benefits to choosing portable refrigeration over static cold storage. A portable refrigerated container/trailer simply makes more sense. For more information regarding refrigerated containers please visit Portable Refrigerated Storage. PRS is the refrigerated division of Container Technology Inc.

The primary difference between a 40ft Standard height container and a 40ft High Cube Container is the difference in height of exactly one foot. The 40ft Standard container is 8ft 6 in high on the exterior which corresponds to a 7ft 10in height on the interior. A 40ft Standard container has 2,350 cu ft of storage space on the interior, whereas the 40ft High Cube container has 2,694 cu ft of storage space. This additional height gives the 40ft High Cube container an extra 344 cu ft of storage capacity.

All the other specifications remain the same in terms of the width and length.

Another difference in the 40ft High Cube container versus the 40ft Standard container is the weight. The 40ft High Cube container weighs 8,775 lbs. The 40ft Standard container weighs 8,000 lbs. Both the 40ft High Cube container and 40ft Standard container have a Maximum Gross Weight (weight of container and the cargo inside) of 67,200 lbs. When it comes to shipping the weight limit is the same. On the other hand, if you are using a shipping container for on-site storage and it is not being moved, the weight limit is irrelevant.