Everything You Need To Know About Custom Shipping Containers

Written by Susan Nalevac | October 25, 2022

Are you looking to learn more about custom shipping containers? You’ve come to the right place. Here in our helpful guide we will explore everything you need to know about custom shipping containers!

We’ll explain a custom container, why you may want one, the benefits they offer buyers, and more!

In This Article:

• What is a Custom Shipping Container?
• Why Would I Need a Custom Shipping Container?
• Benefits of a Custom Shipping Container
• Considerations Before Purchasing a Shipping Container

What is a Custom Shipping Container?

A custom shipping container is exactly what it sounds like—a shipping container modified or adapted to the customer’s specific needs.

Normally, shipping containers all look the same—they have the same dimensions and are made of the same materials. They are uniform so that shipping lines and transport services can use the same containers and equipment worldwide. But not everyone needs the same steel rectangular box—which is where custom containers come in.

Why Would I Need a Custom Shipping Container?

Why would someone need a custom shipping container considering they’re all supposed to be the same? Even though the main function of a container is to transport goods, there are many more applications for this simple steel box, including:

• Temporary offices
• Food trucks
• Storage units
• Trade show booths
• Pop-up shops
• Event merchandise
• Container homes, and
• Multiple additional applications!
  
  

While a typical shipping container can fulfill all these functions, buyers may want a custom container to better fit their unique application for the unit.

Benefits of Custom Shipping Containers

Is a custom shipping container better than a standard one? What benefits do custom containers provide?

Personalized Structure

One of the prime benefits of a custom shipping container is that buyers can choose the exact features they desire. For instance, for owners who need a temporary structure that is both functional and eye-catching (trade shows, pop-up shops, etc.), a unique, customized shipping container can be just the right element to grab someone’s attention.

When we see a shipping container outside of its normal setting and industry, we look twice. We want to see what it’s doing there and why it looks different. A container featuring multiple colors, doors, windows, and other customizations especially catches the eye!

Numerous Applications

While a person can use a standard shipping container for many applications, there’s practically no limit to the usability of a custom container. Whether for industrial use, the service industry, construction, or even a small home, a custom container’s versatility is practically unmatched.

Whether you need a temporary structure or a storage container, a custom unit can help get the job done quickly and affordably.

Affordable

Speaking of affordability, custom shipping containers are also an incredibly inexpensive option for structures. For many industries and jobs using temporary structures, including pop-up shops and construction sites, the margins are razor thin, and a container can help keep the budget in check.

At Container Management, Inc. those looking for a custom container can find affordable new or used shipping containers for sale in Chicago that we can modify to your specifications in our state-of-the-art fabrication center. Whether you need a temporary office, trade show booth, or something else—our custom containers are the more valuable and affordable option.

Durable

Another prime benefit of a shipping container is its durability and longevity. New shipping containers can last for decades, with many capable of lasting for three decades or more with sufficient maintenance.

Even a used container that’s crossed oceans and countries on ships and trucks can still last for many years, if not decades, after it’s been taken off the shipping lines’ fleets. Likewise, custom containers, new and used, can be relied on for their durability and longevity.

Portable

As anyone could guess, custom shipping containers are quite easy to transport from one location to another. The portability of a custom container makes it an attractive option for those who need a structure for a pop-up shop/restaurant or a trade show booth.

Shipping containers are meant to travel worldwide against harsh conditions while always protecting their cargo. If you need a portable structure that can go from place to place without worry, there’s no better option than a custom container.

Sustainable Alternative

Custom shipping containers are also more sustainable and economical, especially used custom containers. Instead of using materials and resources to build a new temporary structure, a shipping container is pre-built and ready for use immediately.

A custom container saves time, resources, and energy—a triple threat for helping the environment.

Considerations Before Purchasing a Custom Shipping Container

Before you purchase a custom shipping container, there are some things that you should consider first so that you can find the ideal container for you and your needs.

Container Size

How much space do you need? The most common shipping container sizes are 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches tall.

For most cargo and applications, that’s plenty of space to fit everything comfortably and securely. But if you think you need less or more, there are also 10-foot and 40-foot-long containers of the same dimensions for width and height. Obviously, the larger the container, the more expensive and harder it’ll be to transport, so consider how much space you need for the job before deciding.

New vs. Used

The next question is whether you need a new or used shipping container. A newer unit will cost more than a used container, but it’ll also come in a better condition and last longer.

But that’s not to say that used containers won’t serve you well—we use a strict grading and evaluation system to ensure that our used containers maintain their structural integrity. For many, a used container provides all the durability and capability they need at a discounted price. If you’re interested in a custom used container, we have plenty of used shipping containers for sale in Houston that we can customize to your exact needs at our Houston fabrication center.

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