Shipping containers are designed to stack corner to corner, like you see on ships and in ports. If you want to stack containers in an unconventional way, or cut out big windows and doorways, it's important to note additional budget and work will be required. “If you're building a one-story container home, it's really a breeze. But the second you go up a floor, just know there's going be a lot of added costs and added structural reinforcement needed, especially if you're stacking in the non-conventional way,” explains Washington State-based builder Devon Loerop.
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“When you turn containers 90 degrees and they're not stacked on the corners, and that's when you have to look at some serious structural reinforcement. It makes for a really cool design, but it's going be a bit of a headache. So you really want to do your due diligence and dive into understanding structural steel, what it's going to take to make your home 100% rock solid, and how that is going to affect the inside of your design.”
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Metal is inherently a bad insulator so condensation is quick to form when it’s hot inside and cold outside or vice versa. For this reason, closed cell foam should be used for shipping container homes because it acts as vapor barrier as well as an insulator. If traditional insulation is used moisture in the form of condensation can cause corrosion, mold, and mildew to build up over time, which can be hazardous and dangerous.
Now, closed cell foam can be expensive, especially if you have to reach a specified thickness for R value to meet inspection (keep in mind building codes and requirements will vary by location and climate). “I paid something like $32,000 to do a closed cell spray foam,” shares Loerop of his Pacific Bin build.
But in hindsight, this one clever technique could have saved him thousands: "A way to save a ton of money is to just apply a very thin layer of closed cell spray foam on the inside of your walls—like three quarter to an inch thick. That will add a little insulation but the main thing is it's creating a vapor barrier for you to then roll in typical batt installation. That alone will probably save you like $15,000 on insulating your home.”
Shipping containers are cargo containers that allow goods to be stored for transport in trucks, trains and boats, making intermodal transport possible. They are typically used to transport heavy materials or palletized goods. Shipping Containers are used to protect transported cargo from shock and bad weather conditions, as well as keep storage products intact. They were first used in the 1950s and were initially developed for the purpose of commercial shipping.
Depending on the type of product that is going to be sent, the Conex box can vary in dimension, structure, material, etc. Characteristics of these shipping containers were later standardized, something that expedited transport without the need to load and unload the merchandise along the way.
There are different types of Conex Boxes for different types of transportation:
Common Types of Shipping ContainersShipping Containers are typically suitable for any type of dry cargo: pallets, boxes, bags, machines, furniture, etc.
Common types include:
Dry Storage shipping containers are your typical standard shipping containers. Basic construction is made of steel, and hermetically sealed, without cooling or ventilation. Sizes typically come in 20 ‘, 40’ or 40 ‘High Cube. The High Cube category facilitates an increase of 13% of the internal cubic capacity and can handle the heaviest loads (coal, tobacco, etc.)
Refrigerated Shipping ContainersReefer shipping containers provide a temperature controlled environment. They have a power supply that connects to energy sources during transport. This allows the products to be transported at a constant temperature throughout the journey. They have the possibility to lower temperature from -18 ° to 30 °. There are 20 and 40 foot models, in addition to the High Cube.
This type of shipping container is especially recommended for transporting food or products that need a low storage temperature.
Open Top Shipping ContainersOpen Top shipping containers have the same measurements as the standard containers, but are open at the top because they have a removable canvas roof. These containers facilitate the transport of bulky loads.
Flat Rack Shipping ContainersFlat Rack shipping containers are like the Open Top, but also lack side walls and even, in some cases, front and rear walls. They are used for atypical loads and pay supplements in the same way as Open Top.
Open Side Shipping ContainersOpen Side shipping containers have the same measurements as standard containers; 20 or 40 feet, with the difference that they have a side opening. This allows for transporting very long merchandise, whose dimensions prevent it from being loaded by the back door.
Tank Shipping ContainersTank shipping containers are used for the liquid transport and made to carry dangerous as toxic, corrosive, highly combustible chemicals, as well as oil, milk, beers, wine, mineral water, etc. They have the same dimensions as a dry shipping containers, but their structure is different, as they include a polyethylene tank inside.
Ventilated Shipping ContainersVentilated shipping containers are made for transporting products such as coffee or cocoa beans, which must be ventilated in transit; sometimes these units are called “coffee containers”.
Tips for Buying a Shipping Container and Pricing
Thinking of buying a new or used shipping container? Then you must aware of cost. Cost of shipping containers depends on your requirements. One can buy shipping containers for their home, a guesthouse, a garage, shelter, or shed. A shipping container typically costs about $1800-5000 USD depending on the size. Customized models may add $250-$2500+ to the cost of the shipping container. On the other hand, used shipping containers typically costs $800-2000 USD.
Shipping Container Price
A shipping container typically costs about $1800-5000 USD depending on the size.
Used Shipping Container Price
Used shipping containers typically costs $800-2000 USD. Shipping containers are often too expensive to ship back, so they are readily available for resale.
You can also hire any inspector to inspect your shipping container before buying. This will make you sure that you are buying the best material shipping container.
Shipping Container Added Features and Upgrades
Shipping containers always come without security features, so you should put aside an extra budget if you want to add security to your shipping container.
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Buying cargo containers can cost you more. Always check if seller adding shipping cost or not and if yes, how much the extra cost they are adding.
Other factors that affect the price of the shipping container
Availability: Most shipping containers suppliers have access to 20- and 40-foot containers. Containers with unique dimensions may need to be shipped to the location, which adds to costs.
Delivery Cost: Shipping costs, increase depending on your distance from the supplier.
Size: Always buy one larger container rather than two smaller ones. This will cost you less.
For example, if you have the space available, it is better value to go for the largest container. A 40ft container is will cost you less than a 20ft one.
Shipping Container Maintenance
Inspection
Shipping container maintenance costs goes as far as the cost of parts and yours and your employee’s time. Inspection should be done on a regular basis. Inspect the walls, roof, floor and doors to see that there is no rust developing that seems concerning. Doors should be firmly attacked and close well.
Paint
Shipping containers are made of steel and they rust. One way to keep your shipping container in good shape is to keep it painted. Industrial alkalyd enamel is recommended and costs about the same price as standard paint. Paint your shipping container properly and use proper painting techniques, like removing dirt and oil and prepping the surface as you would any other prior to painting.
Rust Prevention
Shipping container roofs get the most moisture and are likely to have issues first. Protect shipping container roofs by applying extra pain and cover them as needed and when applicable.
Shipping Container Repair
Doors Do Not Shut Correctly
The most common issue with shipping containers is that the doors do not shut right. Shipping containers take a beating and doors shift during transit. The easiest fix to this is to either readjust your blocking or add a little blocking under your container. To make things easier in opening and closing shipping container doors, our leverage tool uses the principles of leverage to do the difficult work. By providing an extended area on which to grasp, with both hands, a more stable platform to manipulate the latch handle is achieved and therefore open and close shipping container doors with ease.
Seals or Lockrods Break
Seals and lockrods can eventually break. Lockrods (the piece that goes the height of the door) can bend or break. These parts are replaceable.
Holes in Shipping Container
Holes may occur overtime in shipping containers. These are usually fixed by welding them shut. If there are larger holes, these can be fixed by cutting out the damaged sections and closing them up with corten steel. These repairs require welding and metal cutting skills.
Floor Repair
Shipping container floors are made of plywood and are fairly easy to replace. Replace floors with the same thickness of wood and pattern as the original. Treat plywood with moisture preventing varnish or paint to prevent moisture from coming through.
When doing research in finding the right shipping container, follow some of these tips:
Research OnlineChoose which companies have a good track record of excellence and reputation. Read reviews and what other customers have to say.
Check for AvailabilityIf you are shipping from various locations, check for availability if containers can be delivered to your required areas.
Check for Best PricingIf money matters, you can find used container resellers online that might be able to offer half the price on used containers.
Check for Good Customer ServiceIf you plan to order often, you might want to check for good customer service. Ask potential container companies a question through email or their online customer service. See how fast they respond.
Check for WarrantyCheck with companies to see if they offer any warranties or buy back or trade in plans.
There are millions of shipping container in use around the world, and a lucky few get a second life as repurposed shipping container structures. While they look a bit plain and boxy to the untrained eye, shipping containers play a critical role in our lives, whether embarking on ocean crossings to deliver the goods we use every day or venturing into a second life as a container structure.
Here are Some Fascinating Facts about Shipping ContainersShipping Containers are not just used for cargo these days. There are many innovative and imaginative uses you may like to consider.
Here are few ideas of how shipping containers have been used for modern, cost effective buildings.
HomesThe trend to build cost-effective homes from recycled shipping containers started in USA and has reached Australia.
Art GalleriesArchitect, Tomokaza Hayakawa designed an art gallery in Japan using two shipping containers stacked on each other.
Drive-Thru CoffeeStarbucks in Washington have used four old shipping containers to create an architect designed drive-thru store.
CafesA cafe in Footscray (Melbourne) called Rudimentary has been built using three 40-foot shipping containers.
Polar StationsIndia has built a Polar Station in Antarctica using 134 shipping containers. They cover three floors and are well insulated for the weather conditions.
A well-maintained shipping container can hold 75% of their original value for 25+ years. Every day, container ships transport goods all over the world on the international seas.
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