Shipping Container Types: Are All Shipping Containers the Same?
When buying a shipping container, you might wonder, are all shipping containers the same? Nope. Not even close. This article will cover the key differences between these sturdy storage units. You can make a better buying decision by understanding all the available types. There are significant distinctions between the different sizes of shipping containers.
If you are considering shipping container options as a storage solution, you probably have questions about these containers’ size and standard specifications. The smallest is 8 feet long by 8 feet wide by 8 feet tall. The largest is a whopping 53 feet long by 9 feet 6 inches wide by 9 feet 10 inches tall—more than 20 times larger! Knowing the different sizes of a container is essential because it allows you to determine what you can store in it.
Shipping containers vary depending on their use.
There are many types of containers, each used for different reasons. Here are three of the main types of shipping containers and their uses:
1) Dry cargo containers are the most basic model and come in various sizes (10′, 20′, and 40’). They’re designed to protect dry, non-liquid items like furniture and a wide range of goods.
2) Refrigerated containers are insulated and can keep cargo at a constant temperature, so they’re great for perishables like meat and dairy products. They also have vents to control humidity levels, which is important for foodstuffs like coffee beans.
3) Open-top containers are exactly what they sound like: containers without a roof. They make it easy to load large objects that don’t fit through the door, but their lack of roof makes them vulnerable to rain or snow.
Some shipping containers can be stacked on top of one another
Containers designed for stacking have vertical corner posts (vertical posts that stick out from the top and bottom of the corners of the box where two walls meet) that are taller than those of non-stacking containers. This allows them to fit more snugly against each other when stacked, so they don’t get knocked around as much during transportation.
Non-stacking containers can be easily converted into living spaces because they have smaller corner posts, which means more room inside.
Shipping containers are constructed with different metals
There are three grades of steel quality for shipping containers:
Corten Steel
The most common grade of steel used in the creation of shipping containers, Corten steel, is highly resistant to corrosion and rust. This makes it an excellent choice for maritime transportation, meaning that Corten is used on most ocean-going vessels and shipping containers. Shipping containers manufactured using Corten steel are durable enough to withstand the harshest conditions at sea and the rigours and stresses of long periods spent on land.
Mild Steel
Mild steel is less desirable for shipping containers because it is not resistant to corrosion or rust. Mild steel has a much lower melting point than Corten steel, making it more susceptible to damage from heat and fire. In addition, mild steel releases toxic gasses when burned, which can cause serious health concerns in the event of a fire.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another material used to make shipping containers. It can survive extreme weather conditions but is not as strong as Corten steel. It’s also more expensive than Corten steel because aluminium ore has to be mined from the ground instead of recycled from old cars or appliances.
You can buy or rent shipping containers.
Shipping containers can be bought or rented. If you’re planning on using them for storage or to build a unique space, then it’s cheaper to buy them outright, but if you want to use them for something temporary, such as an upcoming move, renting is probably a better option. If you’re unsure which one to go for, contact a shipping container provider.
In the end, if you need a shipping container, you should select one that works for your needs. Factors like size and durability will be the ultimate decider, but there are other features to consider. Knowing what’s available and understanding the various aspects of shipping containers will help you decide what kind of container is right for you.
For the best shipping containers in the business, contact Axcess Box Mobile Storage today!
