5/7/2018 0 Comments How to Prolong the Life of Shipping Containers for Sale and When to Replace ThemShipping containers, no matter how sturdy they maybe, are not made to last. Sooner or later, you’ll find signs of deterioration that either needs immediate repair or indicates the need for a new one. Especially if you are using these containers for transporting goods, you have to be quick in deciding whether to continue using them or buy new units. How Long Do Shipping Containers Last?
Before making up your mind, make sure that you know how long the average container last. Well, the most accurate answer to that question is “it depends.” Shipping containers have different lifespans for different users. Depending on how they are handled, shipping containers can last from 10 to 25 years. The ones that are not in heavy use normally last longer, well over 50 years provided they are properly cared for. There are other factors that affect the longevity of shipping containers. These include the type of metal they are made of, the types of products stored in them, and the risks involved during each trip they make at sea, and what types of damage they have sustained. If you want to be sure about your decision on whether or not to replace your shipping containers, you should factor all of these in. How to Prolong the Lifespan of Shipping Containers Of course, you want to make the most out of your investment, which is why you would definitely do your best to extend the functional life of your shipping containers. Well, the good news is, there are many easy ways to achieve this. The most important one is to keep it as moisture-free as possible from the inside out. Moisture and the rest of substances that contain oxygen are the number one enemy of metals, particularly the non-ferrous ones. Although shipping containers for sale in Houston are made from tough steel, that metal still contains iron, which is the base element for all ferrous metals. When exposed to moisture, oxygen combines with iron to form rust. To prevent the formation of rust on your shipping containers, make sure that their surfaces are properly sealed with paint. The paint to use, especially on the exterior, must be strong enough to withstand rough weather. Luckily, there are many shipping container suppliers that offer high-quality, well-coated and sealed units that you can definitely rely on. These boxes are also made from high-grade steel so you can expect that they will last for a very long time without rusting. However, when you see signs of damage that you are sure to be unfixable, consider replacing them with new units to secure your goods. Find a trusted supplier in Texas, such as Equipment Management Services. About Equipment Management Services: As a leading provider of shipping container supplier in Houston, Equipment Management Services is committed to providing only the highest quality shipping containers to the consumers. Whether you need a brand new or used unit, we’ve got you covered. We even offer modification to help you come up with the design you want right away. Visit our off dock maintenance and storage facilities in Houston to find the shipping containers you need for your business. Source: How Long Will My Shipping Container Home Last For, containerhomeplans.org
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5/3/2018 0 Comments Some of the Best Types of Shipping Containers for Sale You Should Use for Your Business in TexasIf you’re planning to put up an import/export business in Texas soon, you should look into the various types of shipping containers for sale available in Houston. Knowing the differences between each type of shipping container will allow you to pick just the right one for your needs. Below are some of the types you might want to examine. All-Purpose Container
More commonly known as “dry container”, this type of shipping container is fully enclosed with an opening on only one of the smaller sides. This is the most common type of shipping container you will find at the docks, plausibly because it can safely store a vast array of products. They even come with adaptations, such as liner bags or flexi-tanks for shipping certain types of bulk cargo. If you have specific needs that other types of shipping container cannot meet, you can simply buy dry containers and modify them to your desired structure. Open Top For cargo that is taller than a standard shipping container, your best option is an open top container. This one has a convertible roof, which you can remove and reinstall. It is also ideal for products that cannot be easily loaded through the door. To prevent your cargo from shaking and getting damaged, lashing rings are installed on the upper and lower side rails and corner posts. Since the roof of this container is open, you need to improvise a temporary roof to protect your products from the elements. Open Side It’s not just the top portion of a shipping container that can be made convertible, but the side walls, too. Depending on the type of product you need to load in it, you can open either the smaller or the bigger sides. This makes loading and unloading much easier since you have a wider access of the inside. Like other types of shipping container, open side containers come in 20’ and 40’ so they can support long or large volumes of cargo. ISO Reefer If you are delivering temperature-sensitive goods, such as fresh meat, seafood, fruits, chocolate, wine, vegetables, or even flowers to a distant state or country, you need a reefer. This type of shipping container is designed with a cooling or heating system. To keep your goods safe and well-preserved, make sure that your reefer is ISO-certified. You also need to consult with an experienced shipper to learn how to properly control the temperature. Tank Container When transporting fluids, such as gasoline and crude oil, a special container is required. Normally, this is not the typical metal box offered by shipping container suppliers. Oil companies that export products via shipping wants their products to be readily available for use by distributors so they put it in tanks of their own design and mount those tanks in a specially designed shipping container, called tank container. This container type consists of tough and corrosion-resistant steel. There are many other types of shipping containers that you may find useful for your business. Make sure that the ones you will purchase are the most efficient options. Meaning, they can provide safe storage and quick access for your products. No other shipping container supplier can provide you with the units you need aside from Equipment Management Services, which has an off-dock shipping container maintenance and storage facility in Houston. About Equipment Management Services: Of the many shipping container suppliers in Texas, Equipment Management Services is arguably the most reliable because of the huge selection of products available on their on- and off- dock storage and maintenance facilities in the Houston area. Whether you are shipping goods or building homes, you deserve high-quality products, which you can only find from us. Source: The Climate-Controlled Shipping Containers That Transport Our Food Are Called Reefers, slate.com 5/1/2018 0 Comments Identifying the Key Players in the Shipping Business before Buying Your Own Shipping ContainersDespite the growing popularity of airfreight, still about 90 percent of all imported products on the market arrive via ship. There’s no threat of seaports shutting down for this reason anytime soon. The shipping industry remains as one of the biggest drivers of global economy, and so it’s still a good time to invest in international trade. Before drafting a strategy, though, you must first identify the key players in the business. Shipper
That’s you, the producer of goods that will be transported from one state or country to another. Without you and the rest of shippers around the world, there wouldn’t be a shipping industry. You are the lifeblood of the business. After manufacturing your goods, you have to pack and ready them for loading into shipping containers. The containers may either be yours or provided by your freight forwarder. Either way, you need high-quality shipping containers to make sure that your products will arrive at their destination unscathed. Shipping Container Supplier Both shippers and freight forwarders need high-grade shipping containers to continue with the shipping process. Any other types of container would not be a safe and efficient option, as they may not have the required size and endurance to meet your loading needs nor to confront the challenges at sea. Shipping containers are the most ideal option. You need to find a supplier that offers a wide range on shipping container solutions so that you can pick exactly the size and type you need for your business. If you’re operating in Houston or elsewhere in Texas, your best bet for a shipping container supplier is Equipment Management Services. Freight Forwarder Your chosen freight forwarder will most likely have their own shipping containers and lending them may be part of their services. If you want to save money, especially because you’re a start-up, this option is worth considering. As you expand and grow more profit, you can start investing in your own shipping containers and vehicles. However, you will still need the service of freight forwarders to get your products from point A to point B. They are the ones that smooth out and expedite the process for you. Without a reliable freight forwarder, you can’t expect your products to arrive at their destination on time and safe. Container Shipper Unless the freight forwarder has their own ship, they would most likely outsource to a container shipping company. This key player in the process is responsible for carrying your freight from port to port. Your freight forwarder, depending on the features they include in their services, will possibly contract a reputable container shipping company, one with spotless record of trips and have been around for a long time. To be sure, you can inquire about this aspect from your freight forwarder. Understanding the shipping process and the role of the different key players is crucial if you want to succeed in the import/export business. Knowing who to partner with and what to prepare helps streamline the process, eventually saving you huge sums of money in the long run. It could also mean better delivery, more loyal customers, and increased profit. About Equipment Management Services: EMS is a top provider of shipping containers in Texas. Whether you are an import/export business looking for a secure container for your products or an architect who wants to try something new, we’ve got your covered. Our products are used by a wide variety of industries. We have a vast off-dock shipping container storage and maintenance facility in Houston. Source: CONTAINER SHIPPING IN TEN STEPS, worldshipping.org Have you ever wondered how a furniture made from a certain country in Europe or Asia made it to a shopping mall in Houston where you bought it from? You’re probably thinking it was loaded on a ship, picked up from the port, and delivered to the store. Well, you’re quite right about the process, but there are so much more to it. A lot of other steps in between, particularly container shipping, are just as crucial. Here’s a glimpse of how container shipping works. Order Placement
A manufacturer overseas promotes their business to find retailers based in the U.S. and other countries who may be interested in supplying their products to the consumers. Interested suppliers will contact the manufacturer to place an order. The manufacturer will then contact the freight forwarder they are working with to pick up the ordered products from their factory. To save time and money, the freight forwarder will normally pick up orders from more than one supplier to maximize the space in the container. Trucking Depending on the volume of products to be picked up for trucking and on what the manufacturer and freight forwarder have agreed on, the container that the latter will mount on the truck may be 10, 20, or 40 feet long. All products must be carefully packed and strategically loaded into the container to have them ready for shipping. In some cases, certain products require unconventional way of trucking and shipping, custom shipping containers may be used. Before the truck leaves the factory, the container has to be bolted shut and fitted with a high-security seal. It will be opened again by the freight forwarder assigned to collect, sort, and deliver the products to the retailers who ordered them. Documentation Manufacturers usually pay freight forwarders to take care of logistics until the products arrive at their destination. The freight forwarder will therefore be responsible for making the necessary arrangement with a container shipping line and produce all legal documents the original and receiving countries may require for the delivery. Shipping As soon as the containers are handed over to the container shipping line and cleared, they are immediately prepared to be loaded onto the ship along with other shipping containers delivered by other freight forwarders. To further streamline the process, some freight forwarders set up their own container shipping line to do away with extra tasks during the clearing and documentation processes. Unloading and Distribution As soon as the ship arrives at its destination, the containers are carefully unloaded onto the dock and loaded onto the trucks the freight forwarders sent to pick them up. The containers will then be delivered to the retailers, suppliers, and distributors that ordered the products contained in them. Then the retailers will carefully unwrap the products for display in their stores for the consumers to pick and buy. All key players in the shipping process—factory, freight forwarder, and container shipping line—desire one thing: the products arrive at their destination safely. To achieve that, they need to use high-quality shipping containers. This is why they partner with the country’s leading shipping container suppliers, such as Equipment Management Services. Operating the largest off-dock shipping container maintenance and storage facilities in Houston, EMS can definitely meet, if not exceed, their expectations. About Equipment Management Services: EMS takes pride in operating over 80 acres of off-dock shipping container maintenance and storage facilities in the US Gulf region. We are a one-stop shop for all your container shipping needs. Our units are certified high-quality inside and out. Even our used units are well-maintained and guaranteed seaworthy. If you are shipping products that have special storage needs, we can modify our shipping containers to comply with your requirements. Source: CONTAINER SHIPPING IN TEN STEPS, worldshipping.org 4/16/2018 0 Comments Basic Things about Shipping Containers for Sale that Start-up Import/Export Business Owners Should KnowGlobal trade began thousands of years ago but it’s only half a century ago when it became truly efficient, thanks to the invention of shipping containers. These are metal boxes specifically designed to store goods that are to be transported overseas or from coast to inland. In the past, goods were loaded on ships in nothing more than crates and baskets. Constant movement as the ship rocks often damage these goods, sometimes rendering them unusable as soon as they reach the dock. With today’s shipping containers, product damage has been minimized if not completely prevented. Some containers are even designed to produce a temperature controlled environment for particularly delicate products to last the long journey. If you’re planning to go global with your business, you need to invest in high-quality shipping containers. An emphasis on quality is crucial, as not all containers on the market may meet your standards. But before you go looking for boxes, it helps to do a little research first. Knowing what you’re looking for and where the best versions can be found can save you a great deal of time and money. Container Sizes
Shipping containers come in different sizes to meet different cargo needs. Depending on your needs, you can choose between these two sets of sizes. Standard Sizes. Most shipping containers measure 20 feet (6.09 meters), 40 feet (12.18 meters), 45 feet (14.6 meters) and 53 feet (16.15 meters). Since your business is just starting up, it will be practical to choose a smaller size. The main benefit of choosing these standard sizes is that they can easily be loaded to ships, trains, and trailers because most loaders are designed to the same standard measures. It even makes them interchangeable between shipping companies. Customized. Of course, if you think the standard sizes don’t suit your needs, you can choose to customize. Doing so, however, doesn’t come cheap. You’ll have to use a customized trailer as well and you’ll to do all the hard work. Whereas, if your containers are of the standard sizes, the shipping company will most likely handle the delivery from port to port as well as from port to your property. Container Types Shipping containers also come in different structures, and for a number of good reasons. One is that some types of cargo require special handling or loading technique, which makes the regular one-side opening practically unhelpful, so other sides are made to open and close as well. Sometimes, the cargo is too tall to fit to the shipping container, so the top of the container is left open. If the cargo is too long, the opening needs to be on the longer side rather than on the shorter one. There are many other things about shipping containers for sale that you should know, especially if your products require special handling and storage. A trip to a trusted shipping container supplier in Houston, such as Equipment Management Services, is a good way to start. They can give you all the information you need to start your import/export business on solid ground. About Equipment Management Services. When it comes to shipping containers, the best place to secure quality units for your business is Equipment Management Services. For decades, we’ve contributed to the local and international trade by providing high-quality shipping containers to businesses of all sorts. We operate one of the largest off-dock shipping container storage and maintenance facilities in Houston, Texas, so you can definitely find the right type and size for your shipping needs. Source: Essentials of Container Shipping, thebalancesmb.com There are many risks in buying used shipping containers for sale in Houston. There’s always a chance that you’ll get a completely rusted or damaged unit. You can effectively manage these risks by purchasing from a trusted and licensed supplier in Houston. However, in some cases, even if you buy from one, if you choose a used unit, you’ll still encounter some issues. For one, the used shipping containers have already been through at least a couple of years of wear and tear. So, its always best to do some restoration of these containers to ensure longer life. The Metal Container Repainting Process
Now, suppliers can do their best to clean up and make the used containers look new again, but sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands. Rust is the most common cause of damage and deterioration of shipping containers. Simply painting over it won’t solve the problem. Follow these steps to ensure the rust is gone and paint is applied correctly: Step 1: Initial Inspection Do an inspection of the metal box before proceeding with cleaning and painting. Try to take note of any areas that are severely damaged and give these areas priority in the next steps. Step 2: Cleaning Use a pressure washer to clean the entire metal container. This makes it easier to get rid of dirt and debris with minimal effort on your part. Be as thorough as possible to ensure the container is clean before proceeding. Step 3: Rust Removal A spot of rust, no matter how small should be thoroughly removed or it will spread. The best way to do so is to grind the area down using steel wool or sandpaper. Grind the area until only metal is left and no rust spots can be seen. Wash down the container again and apply vinegar to areas that need extra attention. Step 4: Use a “Rust Converter” Once the box is dry, apply a coat of “rust converter” which is similar to the steel primer. It basically makes the surface easier to paint while sealing it from oxygen to delay or even prevent rust formation. Step 5: Painting When the primer or rust converter is finally dry, it is time to apply the final coat: paint. There are different shipping container paint choices to choose from, all with their advantages and disadvantages. Generally, Zinc pain that contains 90% zinc powder is great for preventing rust on metal. There are also oil-based, rust resistant paint specifically made for painting steel and metal. Make sure to paint every crack and crevice of the cargo container. To make the painting process easier, try to mount the container on something to get to the bottom parts more efficiently. Leaving just a small spot exposed is all it takes for rust to consume the entire metal box. Be thorough with the painting. Let the Experts Do the Job for You Repainting a used shipping container can be a tough task for someone without experience or knowledge. However, experts in Texas like Equipment Management Services are more than capable of inspecting, cleaning, and repainting used shipping containers to look and function like new. There’s no need to worry about a metal Conex box lifespan when the pros can fix it for you. Get in touch with EMS to find out more about the availability of quality used shipping containers. Sources: Shipping Container Rust – Prevent and Avoid It, ConFoot.fi Shipping Container Paint Guide, ContainerAlliance.com 3/2/2018 0 Comments The Correct Way to Turn Shipping Containers for Sale into a Safe Underground BunkerEvery time someone mentions using shipping containers as an underground bunker, everyone warns that it’s dangerous. We’ve all heard horror stories about bunkers collapsing when buried underground. Although shipping containers aren’t built to take on weight and pressure along its sides, with proper modification and reinforcement, they can be made into good bunkers. Take note that these modifications are best carried out by professionals, but it doesn’t hurt to know what they would do. Here are the necessary steps to take when building a secure, safe, and sturdy underground bunker using a shipping container: Step 1: The Excavation Process
Digging a hole in your backyard using just a shovel is not a good idea. Hiring the right people who can operate heavy machinery like a backhoe is the best way to excavate deeper and wider holes. Machines create a more even and smoother hole with lesser risks of caving in, plus it also requires less manual labor. Makes sure the whole is a little wider and deeper than the actual size of the shipping container. This gives it the extra room for the external modifications needed to strengthen the bunker. Step 2: Metal Container Wall Reinforcement All the best shipping containers are made from Corten steel, also known as weathering steel because of its ability to withstand external forces, wear and tear, and rusting. Although very strong and sturdy, the metal walls aren’t very thick because the boxes are built for stacking on top of each other. Before burying the shipping container, request for the supplier to modify the walls by adding thickness and insulation. This will make the box sturdier and be able to handle the pressure of being buried underground. Step 3: External Reinforcements One of the best ways to alleviate the weight and pressure around the containers is to add reinforcement and support outside the wall. This can be done by adding long and thick wooden planks along the sides and the roof of the box before burying it. Make sure that there is no space in between the planks for dirt to enter as this will affect its reinforcing capability. Step 4: Waterproofing Water entering the box is also a big issue with underground bunkers. The moment rain starts to pour, water will begin to collect inside the Conex box and destroy all your hard work. Speak to your trusted shipping container supplier about waterproofing options. Ask about specifically turning a container into a safe and habitable underground bunker. Don’t Risk It, Speak to Professionals First Building an underground bunker how some people prepare for emergency situations. However, building your own using shipping containers from Texas without doing more research or speaking to the experts at Equipment Management Services can put your project and yourself at risk. At EMS, there are trained experts who are equipped and knowledgeable about all types of shipping container modifications. Getting their expert opinion about burying shipping containers for sale and how to do so safely is the best way to ensure nothing bad happens to you and your efforts are not wasted. Sources: Underground Seacan Emergency Quarters, Instructables.com Burying the Box, SHTF Shipping Container Tips, Prepper-Resources.com 2/2/2018 0 Comments What You Need to Convert Shipping Containers into Sustainable Off-Grid Cabins in HoustonAfter a busy work week, there’s just something so appealing about going off the grid for the weekend. In fact, many people are now preferring to live far away from the hustle and bustle of a big city like Houston. For those who want a taste of that lifestyle, the good news is that you don’t need access to a private lakeside lodge or a sprawling summer house. With modified shipping containers, building a sustainable cabin has never been more convenient and affordable. Here’s what you need to get started on your little home away from home.
Shipping containers are made sturdy and durable so that they can survive long and rough journeys at sea. Even units that are considered “old” or “used” can last at least 10 more years before finally crumbling and being deemed unfit for use. How is this possible? Here’s an inside look at the process that is responsible for producing extra durable shipping containers.
The Walls All shipping containers for sale in Texas start off as a giant roll of metal sheet. This sheet is cut into smaller panels of varying sizes to make walls for the containers. Then the panels go through sandblasting and corrugation, which gives shipping containers their signature wave-like exterior. Once processing is done, the panels are welded together to form a box. The top and bottom of the box are braced with square tubing for added support. In most cases, these tubes play an important role in moving the box from one place to another. The Floor Frame The shipping container’s floor is typically made of two long I-beams placed perpendicular to the bottom of the structure with smaller I-beams welded in between them for better stability. After welding all the beams to form the container’s frame, the joints are grinded to smooth out rough and sharp surfaces. The Doors, Corner Posts, and Roof Depending on the type of shipping container being assembled, the design may include two doors. These doors are cut according to size, encased inside steel tubing, and finally sanded down for a smooth finish. No strong shipping container is possible without its sturdy corner posts. Welded securely to the I-beams, these posts are responsible for carrying most of the weight when the metal boxes are directly stacked over each other. Finally, to complete the structure the roof is added and a shipping container is almost done! The Priming and Painting To extend the lifespan of a shipping container, it needs several layers of paint. The first layer is called the primer; this ensures that the next layers of paint stick to the metal surface while also providing an extra coat of protection. The best paint to use for the succeeding layers are waterproof paint to prevent early rust formation. Finishing the Floors Many manufacturers add varnished marine plywood as the interior floor. This material is sturdy and water-resistant, which means it can hold a lot of weight without giving out and keep the bottom dry. They are screwed on to ensure they do not dislodge when in use. Waterproofing When all the parts are ready, the entire shipping container is sprayed with a waterproof sealant. This will protect the boxes from water damage and help it last longer along with the products it contains. The Job of Suppliers Finished shipping containers are delivered to suppliers. Reputable supplier, such as Equipment Management Services, usually partner with leading manufacturers to ensure that the products they provide are of the highest quality. Whether you need high-grade shipping containers for shipping goods or for structural purposes, it pays to get them from a reputable supplier. Not only will their units last longer, but they will keep whatever that is being stored in them safe from infestation and contamination. Sources: How Are Shipping Containers Made?, MarineInsight.com How Are Shipping Containers Made?, ContianerHomePlans.org Building a brand new structure from scratch can be quite expensive. This is why many people and businesses in Houston have turned to using shipping containers as an alternative to having new structures constructed—and it’s not hard to see why. Shipping containers, both new and used, are abundant and easy to source, especially from trusted suppliers like Equipment Management Services, LLC.
The robust and durable nature of shipping containers is mostly thanks to the fact that it is made of reinforced metal. However, this also means that a shipping container is susceptible to moisture. This can pose a problem for those who wish to use a conex box as storage or even a temporary field office. Fortunately, shipping containers can easily be modified to ensure moisture does not become an issue. With that in mind, be sure to consider the following: Have the Exterior Coated for Protection against Moisture Most shipping containers will already have been treated to stave off rust. However, be sure to talk about the anti-rust and moisture coating of the storage containers you plan to purchase. This is especially important when buying a used container. There may be a chance that the container in question would benefit from a fresh application of these special coatings. A quick inspection should reveal whether there would be a need for a new coating, as well as any potential areas for leaks and the like. Use the Right Type of Insulation for Your Climate Insulation is often used to help regulate the temperature of a structure, but it also plays a large role in regulating moisture inside a structure. As such, it is in your best interest to use the type of insulation that works well in your climate. After all, the kind of insulation used in a rainy area like Seattle would be different from the insulation used in dryer, warmer climates. Continuing with the scenario in Seattle, insulation that boasts a seamless vapor barrier would be a perfect choice. Plan for Ample Ventilation, Especially in Large Structures Ventilation is important for controlling indoor moisture and is quite cost-effective as well depending on how you plan to use the conex box. Shipping containers that will be used to build an office, restaurant, or any other such structure are primed for simple modifications that help with the ventilation. Your supplier should easily be able to include several windows and vents to help make sure that moisture isn’t trapped inside the container. Consider a Design That Allows for the Inclusion of a Large Dehumidifier On the other hand, certain applications can make it a little difficult to add certain features. For example, those who plan to use a container as underground storage would not need a window. In such cases, it may be better to ask the customization team to include a large dehumidifier in the floor plan. This way, you can maintain the right humidity to ensure that whatever you store avoids damage. About Equipment Management Services, LLC: Equipment Management Services, LLC is proud to offer quality shipping containers in Houston, Texas. We also offer customization options on all new and used conex boxes for sale, assuring you that your purchase fits your needs perfectly. Sources: Condensation Control in Metal Building Systems, MetalConstructionNews.com Guide to protect your products, Absortech.com |
about usEquipment Management Services is an independent, family-owned business that specializes in supplying shipping containers to businesses and individuals looking to buy or rent them. We offer a range of containers for cargo and storage, and we also operate off-dock container facilities in Houston, Dallas, and Seattle areas with a combined 80-acre footprint. Our business is founded on providing outstanding customer satisfaction with quality products and services, plus fair prices to match. We have a multiple ‘Depot of the Year’ awards under our belt as proof of our stern focus on customer service. You can rely on us for all your new and used storage container needs. Archives
November 2018
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