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Shipping Container Buildings: Think Outside the Box

Shipping Container Buildings: Think Outside the Box

Aaron Supreme explains all about the shipping container buildings. Contact Aaron Supreme to learn about our products.

Buildings converted from shipping containers have been growing in popularity in the last decade or so, but their uses go beyond the simple tiny home, swimming pool or storage unit. There are many container-based buildings out there today that look cool but also provide an essential structure for purposes ranging from community centers to military training outposts.

Here’s a look at some interesting uses of shipping container buildings.

Sports Stadiums

You can use the versatility and mobility of shipping containers to host sporting events and festivals. Shipping containers are conducive to sports stadiums thanks to their modular construction, so much so that you could pair dozens or even hundreds of them together within a short span of time. This is a desirable option when compared with the time and cost of traditional construction.

Construction Site Workspaces

Imagine crafting a two-story observation workspace to overlook your construction, rock quarry, development or other area. In such a workspace, you can include a breakroom for drivers transporting loads, an office for real estate agents to go over pertinent home information with potential buyers, as well as the HVAC, plumbing and electricity needed to do it year round.

The top-level 20-foot container could comprise the office space with private bathroom, with the ability to watch over the construction site from an eagle-eye vantage point. The bottom level could combine two 20-foot containers into one big space that includes a bathroom, kitchenette, break room area, and locker room. The best part about shipping containers is that they can be stacked into position in just a few hours. Thanks to the durability and portability of these units, the structure can last for many years without fail.

20' mobile shipping container office ext

Training Facilities

Military training villages can be constructed out of shipping containers in a quick and effective manner. The site can be used to train soldiers in the military, complete with walls, doors and windows that simulate the homes or businesses that troops would be seeing on deployment. Such a village is easy to reconfigure and modify to cater to multiple scenarios. These structures are also much more durable than a standard stick-built structure and can stand up to the rigors of military training on the daily.

Community Spaces

Community members and officials who want to breathe new life into deteriorating neighborhoods can create a community center that includes resources for everyone who lives in the vicinity, including a police substation.

For instance, three 40-foot shipping containers can be paired to provide private office space, kitchen area and bathroom, with the ability to be relocated easily if need be with quick disassembly. Such a structure could become a source of pride within the community, bringing neighbors together with local leaders to discuss important issues surrounding the area. It can also include a space for community events to further solidify the neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Container Buildings

How long do shipping container buildings last?

Shipping container buildings, when properly maintained, can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years or even longer. The lifespan largely depends on factors such as the original condition of the container, the local climate, and the level of maintenance provided. Regularly checking for and addressing potential issues like rust, wear, and tear, as well as ensuring adequate insulation and ventilation, can extend the life of your container structure significantly.

Will a shipping container rust on the ground?

Yes, a shipping container can rust if placed directly on the ground. When containers are in direct contact with soil, moisture can accumulate underneath them, leading to accelerated corrosion. It’s advisable to elevate shipping containers slightly off the ground using blocks, piers, or a proper traditional foundation. This allows for air circulation, preventing moisture buildup and subsequent rusting.

Do you need a foundation for a shipping container?

A foundation is recommended for shipping container buildings for multiple reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the container is level, providing stability. Secondly, a foundation elevates the container, preventing moisture buildup underneath, which may cause corrosion. The type of foundation—whether pier, slab, or strip—depends on your container’s application, your local soil conditions, and specific building codes.

Can you put AC in a shipping container?

Absolutely! You can install an air conditioning (AC) unit in a shipping container. Given that metal containers can quickly become hot, adding AC makes the space more comfortable, especially if it’s being used for habitation or work. There are various AC options suitable for shipping containers, from window units to mini-split systems. When installing it, ensure proper insulation to maximize efficiency and comfort.

Contact Aaron Supreme

If any of these out-of-the box ideas sound good to you, we can set you up with the basic containers and raw materials you need to make it happen. To learn more about pricing, contact us at 800-243-0403.

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The Storage and Shipping Container Shortage in the U.S.

new 40 ft storage containers for sale and rent

Over half a million storage containers are stranded on cargo ships while hundreds of storage container ships are at a standstill at sea. The time it takes to unload the cargo containers has nearly doubled. This is causing a world-wide shipping container shortage.

But why?

It’s hard to give a concrete answer to the shipping container shortage. There’s a few factors, including decision making and consumer behaviors, that have been made within the industry and global trade market; however, there’s one common denominator that has imposed an unprecedented fracture to global trade, shipping lines, and the storage container industry.

Either way, we’re seeing an unnerving ripple effect of product shortages and price hikes. It’s not just the ports and cargo ships either. They’re just in the spotlight. The entire global trade market and container shipping industry is being affected. This includes the trucking industry and railroad systems too.  

How the Storage Container Shortage Started

According to multiple reports, the reason for the storage container shortage stems mainly from the COVID19 pandemic. As the deadly coronavirus raged around the world dwindling and terrorizing populations, country after country took extreme measures:

  • Lockdowns took effect.
  • Productions shut down.
  • Restrictions were put in place.
  • Regulations mandated.

When the lockdowns took effect, nothing was allowed to go in or out of countries. Cargo ships and storage containers had to stay put. This became a problem when countries started to open, like China, but others still remained closed, like America.

Meanwhile, a workforce dilemma soon emerged. Factories shut down. Workers were falling ill – sometimes fatally – from the coronavirus. Truckers were in short supply. As these problems persisted, production diminished. Meanwhile, cargo containers from China, Italy, Spain, and others that were reopening were shipped out to countries that were still closed. This caused a pile up. In turn, cargo ships tried to reroute to other ports causing even more of a disarray.

The Impact of the Storage Container Shortage

While a health crisis was underway, a future economic hurdle was brewing with the shipping industry at the forefront. Now, with the shipping crisis in full mode, it’s created a widespread impact in multiple ways including:

  • Increased prices
  • Shortage of goods
  • Rising freight rates
  • Containers being sent back empty
  • Businesses unable to ship their products

While the world continues to deal with the COVID crisis, it’s hard to imagine the shipping container industry getting back to smooth sailing any time soon.

The Future of the Storage Container Industry

Unfortunately, industry leaders aren’t forecasting an end until late 2022. However, some companies have been making adjustments to better handle the situation. Shipping company Hapag-Lloyd turns the fridge component off in their reefer containers so they can use it for dry goods. It’s made a positive impact but not enough to turn the storage container shortage around. It’s going to be a slow and steady process. Government officials are trying to combat COVID19, workers are returning to work, and more storage containers are being made.

Going forward, industry leaders – including those in trucking and rail – see a need for bigger changes to be made so that this never happens again. Some of those changes include more transparency, better communication, and advanced container booking systems. 

About Aaron Supreme Commercial & Home Storage Containers

Aaron Supreme is a dominant supplier of storage containers for commercial and residential uses. We sell and rent new and used shipping containers in a variety of sizes. Need it modified or repaired? We do that too! Call us to see what’s available and how we can help you with your storage needs: 1-800-243-0403.