When searching for a temporary mobile office, there are two options available: office trailers and ground-level offices (aka GLO). Each option supplies functional space for employee and customer access. When an office is needed temporarily, such as at a construction site or when a company needs a low-cost alternative to putting up a brick and mortar building, these offices may be the solution. Before making a decision on which option is best for your business, let’s look at the differences.

An office trailer is a structure set on wheels as the base. The trailer sits off the ground and requires stairs to enter. These trailers are constructed using steel and aluminum for the framing with walls made from fiberglass, vinyl, plywood, aluminum, or a combination of those materials.

A GLO is a converted shipping container. A GLO sits directly on the ground, so there is no need for stairs for access. A significant benefit of a GLO is its basic construction. Being made of steel, breaking in is near impossible. This extra security helps prevent robberies from occurring on the job site. Items inside the office are safe once the steel doors are closed and locked.

The one requirement for both office trailers and GLOs is that the location for placement needs to be flat and dry.

Transporting either an office trailer or GLO is easy. Office trailers are permanently mounted on wheels. Attach a semi-truck to the trailer, and it’s ready to move. A GLO requires a crane, a forklift, or a tilt-bed truck to move. No need to remove furniture or office equipment. This easy transport makes either option the ideal solution for businesses that have temporary locations.

With an office trailer, weather conditions need to be considered when placing on the site. Trailers are especially susceptible to strong winds since they sit off the ground. GLOs, on the other hand, are built to be weathertight and being set directly on the ground are less affected by wind.

Since the costs are similar, there is one other factor that needs to be considered. If the office is permanent or rarely moved (i.e., at a school or church), an office trailer will be perfectly acceptable and last about 20 years. If the office will be moved frequently or moved over unpaved roads or rough terrain, a GLO is a better choice. GLOs can withstand this rough handling with minimal maintenance.
Whatever the needs of your business, there is a mobile office solution. Office trailers and GLOs can be outfitted with multiple offices, electricity, restroom, conference room, doors, windows, or extra storage.

For more information on how a shipping container can become your new mobile office, contact Carolina Containers at 919-562-9187.

Custom Landscaping Equipment Storage and Workshop

A secure and lockable shed is almost a must-have for any backyard today, if you have any kind of landscaping business you know you need secure storage for your work tools, if they go missing so does your income. In this case, a shipping container that is not only heavy-duty built to withstand a lifetime of work on land and sea, but it can also extremely secure and customizable, and can be modified to make the perfect equipment storage shed. A shipping container storage unit is a far more cost-effective option than regular garden sheds on the market today, and the good thing is you can choose between a 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft container with the choice of standard height 8.6ft high or high cube 9.6ft high. With that much space, you should be covered for the foreseeable future!

There is a lot you can do in the way of modifying and making the design truly your own. but keep in mind that while you are installing a workbench, adding some shelves or a place to store your mower, shovels, and rakes, shipping containers are a steel box, and they can get really hot if not adequately Insulated or ventilation is installed. The most cost-effective thing you can do to control the temperature is add vents to draw air throughout the unit because the last thing you or your precious groundskeeping equipment need is to spend time inside a super-hot melting pot in the middle of summer.

Store Strangely Shaped Objects

Landscape trailers and equipment storage is an issue year-round and properly maintaining and storing groundskeeping tools is critical to keeping your operation running smoothly. You do need to make sure your city or town will allow you to keep your container without a permit first. Once you’re sure you’re good to go you can start thinking about all the customizations and features that are going to work best for you. The height and width of these containers allow you to really get strangely shaped stuff stored with ease.

It’s important that you prepare a space for your container to sit at your home, it can’t just go anywhere. It ideally needs to be flat and have a resting pad like small concrete blocks, crushed rocks, just anything that is level and NOT directly on the ground. If you’re ready to take that next step so you can actually have the storage available that you so badly need, contact us!

Get Your Container Doors Opening Like New Again

Shipping containers make durable and robust building material to be used in constructing homes or storage units compared to other eco-friendly building materials like straw bales or recycled plastics. As strong as these containers are, parts can get weaker and compromised over time. While general-purpose shipping containers such as the 20-foot and 40-foot, including standard height and high cube containers, are made from a copper chromium alloy and weather resistant material known as cor-ten steel, you still need to take the steps you can to keep it protected as much as you can. Redundancy is better than doing nothing to later learn it’s caused you some huge issues.

Everything Will Rust Eventually

Shipping containers can rust, and while Cor-ten steel displays high resistance to corrosion, it doesn’t eliminate rest entirely and unfortunately, in in the right environment, the protective oxide film on the metal’s surface comes into contact with both oxygen and water an oxidation reaction occurs leading to rusting. A container which is continuously exposed to salty sea air will rust much faster than one in alternating wet and dry climate cycles. When buying a container you want to mostly be looking at any points of contact or points that bear a lot of weight. This would include the roof, corners, and floors!

How to Loosen up Your Doors

There are many routes you can take when your doors start getting sticky. The best thing you can do is try to protect from it in the first place. Consider the following tips to help maximize the life of your shipping container, even get your hard-to-open doors working like new:

• Cargo door hinges will seize from not being used for an extended period and to keep them working smoothly, just be sure you’re actually moving them around frequently.
• You can reduce the possibility of corrosion by hosing down dirt and surface rust issues with a simple cleaning solution or bleach. You should also brush off snow in the winter and any other debris that may land and put unnecessary weight on the roof and substantially weaken it.
• Install air vents in your container to ensure airflow and reduce condensation.
• Avoid opening the doors when it’s raining or very humid and replace worn rubber seals on doors which also applies to weather stripping and caulk if it looks damaged.
• Position the container on railroad ties or concrete blocks to keep it on level ground away from puddles of water and to allows the doors to open and close as they should.

In summation, the best thing you can do is just keep your container protected, use it regularly, and keep it lubricated with WD-40 and oil in any trouble spots. If you need further advice on your container, please contact us! From office containers to containers just used for storage, we work with them all!

Tips to Ensure You Have the Best and Most Comfortable Shipping Container Office

More and more people are converting shipping containers into business or offices. Shipping containers portray a very modern and structural aesthetic and this is part of what makes them so attractive particularly to younger market demographics. It is also cheaper and easier to set up a mobile office using a shipping container in comparison to building one from scratch as long as you have sufficient land space. Here are several tips to help you set up your shipping container mobile office.

Buy a Quality Container

Most buyers find it difficult to choose if they want to buy used or new shipping containers considering new containers are stronger but older ones are cheaper. If this is you, then you should look into one-trip shipping containers for your mobile office. These containers have been used once only assuring you they are still in proper condition and are not too expensive. A good middle ground of both.

When buying a shipping container for a home office, look for those made from Corten steel. This material is very good for shipping container offices because it is tailor-made to resist harsh environments and corrosion. When you have a shipping container office made from Corten Steel, you are guaranteed that your office can handle harsh weather conditions. This will help you save on any possible costs of repair in the future. Pretty much all containers are going to be Corten steel, but it can’t hurt to ensure.

Think About HVAC & Add-ons

Most reputable vendors typically provide their clients with customization options for their shipping container offices so that you can fit it to YOUR needs. The most popular are the windows, HVAC systems, general comfort. Conex shipping containers are still metallic all through, they can get warm when it’s hot outside. A window air conditioner is usually sufficient for an HVAC system but if you want to connect multiple shipping containers, you are better off with centralized air conditioning. Even toilets are an option.

It is important to have sufficient lighting in your mobile office as you would any other office space. When modifying your shipping container, think about installing a few large windows to let in enough natural light in the day. This will offer added visibility in your shipping container office and the natural light makes space look much bigger and more cheerful. This can help you increase productivity and morale.

Add More Storage Space

Storage space is usually an issue in shipping containers especially if you have to keep many documents nearby at all times. You can solve this by installing a few overhead cabinets or shelves to maximize on floor space as opposed to filing cabinets. This option allows you to have more space for the things you really need. If you need a mobile office, you need to come to Carolina Containers so we can get you taken care of.

Shipping Container Swimming Pools – Why They are Great

Shipping containers are increasingly being be purchased from warehouses, port terminals, and on the internet to be re-purposed to build a large variety of creative and innovative structures such as recording studios, retail and coffee shops, urban homes, and much more. Now take a moment to imagine having your own backyard pool made out of a shipping container that has proven to be not only stronger than other aboveground pools, but can also be fitted with cool features such as LED mood, lighting, jets, heaters, even portholes to make it that much more fun.

A swimming pool is a significant investment not to mention all of the potential add-ons that’ll run you extra. While running costs will be similar to those of a regular pool considering the type of pump and filtration equipment you will use, the initial costs of the container and getting it converted to a working pool will likely end up being cheaper than buying a regular pool. Those pool coverings and units themselves can be surprisingly expensive.

Above & Below Ground Pools

Among the many benefits of using a shipping container, one that stands out is that it cost less and can be built both above and below ground, unlike an inbuilt swimming pool. With these, you get to choose between above and below ground, you aren’t in any way limited. It can also be modified to have unique additions such as windows that let light filter through, built-in steps, child-proof and retractable pool cover, a high-tech Ultraviolet water filtration system that keeps pool water clean without the need for chemicals, plus it can be relocated to a new property when/if you move.

Of course, the layout of your property will naturally determine the size, shape, and design of your swimming pool. Depending on the area you have, you can choose anything from a 10ft to 40ft container. It also depends on your needs, if you’ll mostly be swimming alone you may not need a huge pool. But if you’re rarely alone, you may need a larger container! Most yards though are going to be perfect fits for a 20ft container.

Build for the Yard You Have, Not the Yard You Want

Availability of space is crucial as it will determine the dimensions and the number of containers you will require. Do note your container pool is going to be one standard depth all the way accross, it can be cut down if you need it to be any more shallow than average. Make sure it is what you wan’t, don’t settle for something too deep or shallow for you!

Just as any regular swimming pools, custom container pools can be fitted with different linings such as fiberglass or heavy-duty painting depending on your budget and preference. Additionally, specialized welding will be required to ensure that the container does not leak because, after all, they are built to keep water out, not necessarily in. But with the right work and all done, it can be the pool you’ve always wanted.

If custom containers interest you, we can do it all! From custom mobile offices to custom personal at-home containers, we can modify any container to fit your specific needs.

Best Accessories For Your Container

In the world today, storage containers have become some of the most popular and convenient storage solutions for homes, worksites and businesses. The standard container is great; however, investing in accessories that compliment your shipping container could be the next big thing for you. Depending on the nature of your project and need for that extra on-site storage, Carolina Container modifies shipping container to your specifications. We can truly take a metal box and turn it into something that’s perfect for what you need.

If you want to have windows, roll up doors, vents, office doors, insulation, air conditioning, heating, electrical and drywall among other modifications, container customization is the thing for you. Now as great as these containers are, modifying them can take their usefullness to the next level for you. Carolina Containers is more than glad to work with you to get all of the customizations you need done, we know just how great these containers can be.

Why You Need A Storage Container

If you work in construction and you need storage for various things on your jobsite, a shipping container is a great solution. These things are quite large, they can hold not only a lot of stuff but can support a massive amount of weight. A container is going to keep even the most valuable materials secure and completely out of the hands of those you don’t want and the weather. Once you close your container up, it’s going to stay sealed tight.

Due to the fact that shipping containers are highly customizable, they’re a fantastic platform for a building or store-front even. What really sets them apart is the portability, these containers are relatively simple to move. So you can move around from locaiton from time to time, saving yourself a ton of time and money compared to having to rent out new spaces and move all of your stuff there.

Are You Looking For A Portable Office?

Having a mobile construction office is a huge step towards greater effiency and production for any construction company. It gives you a space where you can have meetings, you can lay out plans and work out details as work as beggining, you can have workers take breaks in there, the amount of possible uses is nearly endless.

These mobile offices can so easily be laoded up and moved over to the next jobsite as needed. And if you find yourself last minute needing space to store supplies, you can just throw them in there! It’s still a shipping container at the end of the day so it’s going to hold all of your stuff and keep it secure at the end of the day.

Why Carolina Containers?

If you are looking to buy a shipping container for your own use, or you already have a shipping container and you’re looking to get it customized and make it your own, we’re your people. May be you want shelves, windows, lock boxes and extra security features added in, and we can do that no problem. Container customizations are how you make it YOUR container, you can customize every detail exactly how you want and need it. From shelving for storage to putting in work benches and saws, it’ll all fit perfectly. We can take you from basic to top of the line.

General skepticism when it comes to shipping containers is understandable, it is something new to a lot of people. But once you’ve been around one and been able to use it, you’ll start to see just how fantastic it is. Please don’t hesitate to look around out website and read all the info we have and we’d love to have you conatct us with any other questions or concerns you may have!

Used vs New Containers, are you Sacrificing Anything?

Container prices are going to differ some based on you buying new or used ones, it won’t be thousands of dollars but it won’t be nothing. Each option comes with its benefits and negatives of course. Depending on why you need a container, you’re probably going to consider all of your options very in-depth. Truly the large mojority of the time their is nothing – or very little wrong with any used shipping container.

Most people, and we support this, look out for all the different deals they can find. In the end we can guarentee that most used containers are going to hold up as well as a new one, apart from maybe looking a tad more beat up on the outside. Let’s break this down further for you below.

Save on cost

If your budget is tight and you need a container, we certainly reccomend that you really consider used ones. They are more affordable for the simple reason that otherwise they’d just be sitting somewhere rusting away, these containers have to be extremely high quality to be considered “sea-worthy” so you’re almost “recycling” it in a way. Though they may have been used a lot in the past, they really do stay in great shape through all of this use. You do not have to compromise on quality simply because your budget is a little on the lower end. If you compare a new and used container of the same size and similar conditions, the used is going to be cheaper almost every time.

Purpose of the container

The reason you need a container will play a major role in determining if you really need a new one. For example, if you are purchasing a container because you want to turn it into a home or an office, you should just go with a new container so you can ensure you’re starting from a perfect base. You don’t want to risk finding any dents or rust that compromise the integrity of the container. You need to ensure a secure and safe environment if you will be living in it.

On the other hand, if you’re just going to be using it as a “storage shed”, a used container will be more than adequite. It will serve the same purpose just as well as a new one in addition to saving you money on overall costs.

Will you have modifications made to the container?

Buying shipping containers so you can turn them into homes or office space obviousy means fairly intense modifications need to be made. You may choose to reinforce the floor, add windows and vents, subdivide the space, and/or allow for plumbing. Whatever you’re doing, considering that these alterations can be very costly, it is highly recommended that you do them on a new container, this way you can ensure that you’re working with a quality base and things aren’t going to fall apart over time. If you start modifying a used container, you could be halfway through installing A/C before you realize you have a spot of rust near the base that’s weakening the wall, that could be all it needs for your container to fail.

Chances of Shipping the Container

Do you think you’ll ever move your container overseas to transport anything? Or do you even think you’ll be loading it up on a truck and having it driven elsewhere in the country. A new container is already certified for shipping but that will cost you a small premium. On the other hand, there is absolutely no need to buy a certified container if you do not intend to ship it to another country, that would be a waste of money.

So when it comes down to it, the new vs used debate all hinges on your intended used and if you have any deisre to actually use it for shipping. Basically, if you want to ship it or use it for something more involved and intensive like a home or shop, you need to buy new. If you’re literally just using it as a storage shed or anything else like that, we totally reccomend that you go the used route. These containers are just like the new but maybe with a dent or two, and a lower price tag!

The Guide to The Best Accessories for Your Custom shipping container

Do you own a shipping container? Are you looking to accessorize and customize it more to fit your needs? Simple modifications and accessories can help make it far more useful for you. This guide will help you figure out what’s best for you and your container. Some of them can be included during manufacturing, while others can be included after manufacture and delivery.

Six Accessories to Aid in Securing Your Shipping Container

1. Fortified lockbox: If you have a lockbox, then you should consider adding an extra steel box. This will improve your security by shielding the lock from bolt cutters and tampering.
2. Lifting jacks: Create ground clearance by placing the corners of the container on some blocks. Blocking includes railroad ties or cinder blocks. This will help you lift the container when you need to. Take note that a custom shipping container lifting jack is different from a hi-lift jack. A hi-lift jack is made for different use and thus cannot handle the weight of a shipping container. You are bound to cause an accident if you use it.
3. Chassis: Are you planning to relocate? Purchasing a chassis may be a good option for you. It is a special crane or forklift that is capable of lifting a custom conex box. If you plan to move with any frequency, it’s worth getting one of your own. It can handle the weight of the contents of the shipping container and the shipping container itself.
4. Twist locks: Ground plates have twist-locks that help to secure the shipping container to the foundation in a faster way. You will just have to bolt the plates to the concrete and lower the container for the castings to line with the twist locks. Secure the container by pulling the lever on the twist locks. These locks can help secure the containers that are stacked up. These work for containers that are perfectly stacked in ports or on ships. They can also work for multi-story container buildings.
5. Bridge fittings: This is in reference to fittings that are for multi-unit container structures. Please note that seismic and winds events can damage containers by simply rocking them. If you want to protect the shipping containers from this type of damage, make sure you stack the multi-unit container-based structures with bridge-fittings. This will hold them in place and prevent them from toppling over and damaging. The extra structural security is important because it helps the additional containers get stacked on multi-wide structures. If a person wants to make the multi-wide structures a building, then the bridge-fittings will be secure and snug.
6. Built-in shelves: If you will be storing items in the container, make sure you organize the container with shelves. You can secure the shelves during relocation to prevent time wastage and make sure you are ready to use the container once you reach your location.

Regardless of what exactly you do, any modification you make are going to make your life easier. It’ll be well worth it down the road when you think about all the time and energy you’ve been able to save thanks to one or two simple things.

How Shipping Containers Took The World By Storm

Have you ever wondered about the history and background story of shipping containers? Since they were created there has been a huge transformation in the way goods are sold and distributed around the world. They have truly revolutionized global trade, the world is a different place since their advent. They have helped make global trade far more efficient, they pass through international waters and enter different countries at every moment of every day.

Prior to the existence of shipping containers, goods were directly loaded onto the ships and it was known as break-bulk shipping. They were exposed to harsh conditions and as a result, lead to much larger losses for businesses as they could count on losing some goods. Each ship would store about 200,000 cargo pieces per trip. The trips would take weeks or months, which meant long waiting periods and things like foods would have large quantities go rotten. Additionally, loading and offloading it would take days or even weeks, as everything had to be offloaded individually. This also made shipping more expensive overall as labor costs just continued to rise. These costs were, of course, passed on to suppliers, making goods more expensive for everyone!

Immediate Differences

Post the existence of storage containers, the demand increased, especially when the Vietnam war really got going. The war required the transportation of at least 1200 storage containers every month. Malcolm McLean who was an American entrepreneur created the shipping container in 1956. The first container ship was called “Ideal X” and the first ship trip managed to carry about 60 shipping containers to Houston from New York. This was a monumental moment, shipping containers offer so much more protection than nothing. International shipping was forever changed from this moment on.

These original storage containers, of course, changed with time to what we have now use in modern times. They just kept becoming more popular, even to this day their usage just continues to increase. In 1980, about 50 million containers were in regular use. In 2012 alone, continents such as North America, Europe and Asia use roughly 600 million containers. This growth is more than McLean could have ever imagined. These containers aren’t just great for keeping goods out of the elements, they’re also great for an added layer of security. They have double door locks that would be extremely difficult to get through for anyone.

More Containers, More Savings

Shipping containers have reduced the cost of loading cargo on to the ship to about 16 cents for every ton. Arguably even more importantly, it exponentially reduced the amount of time needed to load cargo. Now, instead of hundreds, tens of thousands of tons an hour can be loaded. This greatly cut down on labor costs, and the savings passed on to all parties involved. These days, it’s hard for us to imagine moving our goods all over the world WITHOUT shipping containers. Nowadays, 90% of the goods transported via water are done with the aid of storage containers. It is worth noting that about 675 shipping containers are lost at sea per year. This is just because of shipwrecks and other accidents. After containers serve out their effective lifespan on the seas, they’re often reported for a number of on land uses. From homes to mobile storage units, they have a variety of uses.

The largest cargo ships can carry more than 19000 containers inside it and the standard one can fit in the contents of approximately a 3-4 bedroom home. The biggest exporter of cargo is China. It was the highest exporter in the year 2010. Now the average number of containers traveling across the ocean is more than 1 billion at any given time.

All the Sizes and Configurations That Custom Storage Containers Come In

Do you have a lot of cargo to transport? You might be wondering, what size do I need my custom containers? What kind of max carry weight do I need? Are their even different types of storage containers? It is good to be aware of what all is out there so you can make the BEST choice for your own needs. The weight and dimensions will often affect the type of things that can be stored in it. At Carolina Containers, our goal is to meet your storage needs as adequately as we can. Our storage containers come in three main size variations, namely 10’, 20’ and 40’. However, each variation comes with certain container configurations. Below is a brief outlook on our most popular containers. You can go to both our rent and buy pages and check out the specs of all of our containers. Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or thoughts!

• 10-foot mini custom containers: The exterior dimensions of the container is 10 by 8 by 8.5 feet. Its tare weight is about 2,866.01 lbs and it can load contents weighing up to 19,532.97 lbs.  It also has a volume of 1,172.55 cubic feet. Its interior dimensions are 9.25 by 7.66 by 7.85 feet. The end door of the container is 7.67 by 7.42 feet.
• 10-foot high containers: The exterior dimensions of the container is 10 by 8 by 9.5 feet. These containers tare weight is 3,262.84 lbs. and can load contents weighing up to 22,046.24 lbs. These containers have a volume of 1,172.55 cubic feet. Its interior dimensions are 9.25 by 7.66 by 8.87 feet. The end door of the container is 7.67 by 8.40 feet. They do not have a rooftop or side door.
• 20-foot standard containers: The exterior dimensions of the container is 20 by 8 by 8.5 feet. These containers tare weight is about 4,949.38 lbs and can load contents weighing up to 62,247.57 lbs. These containers have a volume of 1,172.55 cubic feet. Its interior dimensions are 19.25 by 7.66 by 7.85 feet. They do not have a rooftop or side door. These are the most common containers by far, frequently what you’ll find moving goods on ships.
• 20-foot high containers: The exterior dimensions of the container is 20 by 8 by 9.5 feet. These containers tare weight is about 5,335.19 lbs and can load contents weighing up to 61,861.76 lbs. These containers have a volume of 1,172.55 cubic feet. Its interior dimensions are 19.25 by 7.66 by 8.85 feet. The end door of the container is 7.67 by 8.50 feet. They do not have a rooftop or side door.
• 20-foot double-door containers: The exterior dimensions of the container is 20 by 8 by 8.5 feet. These containers tare weight is about 4,949.38 lbs and can load contents weighing up to 62,247.57 lbs. These containers have a volume of 1,172.55 cubic feet. Its interior dimensions are 19.25 by 7.66 by 7.85 feet. The end door of the container is 7.67 by 7.40 feet. They do not have a rooftop or side door.
• 20-foot high cube double-door containers: The exterior dimensions of the container is 20 by 8 by 9.5 feet. These containers tare weight is about 5,335.19 lbs and can load contents weighing up to 61,861.76 lbs. These containers have a volume of 1,172.55 cubic feet. Its interior dimensions are 19.25 by 7.66 by 8.85 feet. The end door of the container is 7.67 by 8.50 feet. They do not have a rooftop or side door.
• 40-foot standard containers: 20-foot double-door containers: The exterior dimensions of the container is 24 by 8 by 8.5 feet. These containers tare weight is about 8,168.13 lbs. and can load contents weighing up to 59,028.82 lbs. These containers have a volume of 1,172.55 cubic feet. Its interior dimensions are 39.40 by 7.66 by 7.85 feet. The end door of the container is 7.67 by 7.40 feet. They do not have a rooftop or side door.

If YOU need a custom storage solution, you need to work with Carolina Containers to get the storage you need. You can’t beat the ease of access that on-site storage offers. Contact us, let’s see what we can do for you!