There was a time when steel storage containers were simply used to move cargo across vast tracts of land or between continents, and then sometimes, once they reached their destination, for continued storage of the transported goods.
Today, storage containers, which are also commonly known as dry freight shipping containers, have a multitude of uses from retail outlets, workshops, and offices, to clinics, and even stylish upmarket homes.
While steel storage containers are essentially just boxes, if you’re considering a shipping container conversion, then you’re going to have to think out of the box!
The standard sizes of general purpose (GP) storage containers are defined by international standards that are set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This includes the internal dimensions used for the design of steel shipping containers as well as external dimensions. The standards also specify minimal internal measurements for door openings.
In general terms, GP storage containers are referred to internationally as being either 10 foot, 20 foot, or 40 foot in size. The metric conversions for these dimensions are 2.991 m, 6.058 m, and 12.192 m.
The width of all these containers is the same, 8 feet or 2.438 m. The standard height is 8.5 feet or 2.591 m, with 9.5 feet/2.896 m “high cube” units adding an extra foot in height to the container.
So, there are just five sizes and they don’t provide many choices. Or do they?
The limited standard sizes of storage containers belie their versatility. This is because they are modular in character and one, two, or multiple containers may be used together for conversion projects.
Shipping containers that are designed for the storage of goods during transportation are strong, durable, and highly mobile, meaning they can be moved with ease.
When it comes to using them for conversions, storage containers manufactured for shipping have numerous advantages. Even though not originally designed for any form of conversion, they can be repurposed with ease. Furthermore, the conversion process is incredibly quick when compared to most other forms of construction.
All you need to do is consider the container as a building shell. You don’t need major foundations to support it, and so it will enable you to cut costs right from the beginning. No extensive earthworks are required either.
The fact that storage containers are modular is one of the major benefits when it comes to conversions because they can be used alongside one another or on top of other units. They are also incredibly easy to customise. They may even be used to create multiple storey buildings. You will need professional input, and the conversion will need to meet local building regulations, but site work and basic structural work are simplified.
The beauty of steel shipping storage containers is that they can be used as-is for storage, or they can be repurposed to meet any specifications.
We have new and used containers that can be used for just about anything, from accommodation to ablutions. We also offer converted shipping containers that are ideal for on-site use, particularly in remote locations.
Call us today to see how we can help with the storage containers we have in stock.
