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
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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.
There’s more to shipping containers than being used for freight forwarding and storage. Especially with more people becoming interested in building container homes, there are plenty more creative ideas coming out of the woodwork to maximize the use of shipping containers. Here are some that could pique your interest in case you’re looking for a way to spruce up your property using this material.
Container Swimming Pool Yes, you can actually use a shipping container and convert it into a swimming pool. It definitely is possible to make modifications to the unit to adjust the depth of the pool and make it a safer place for people to swim in. There will be differences in how the structure will be reinforced, depending on whether you install it in-ground or above, however, so make sure to consult first with your contractor. Accessories and other improvements, such as pool steps, gutters, and others can also be integrated, much in the same way as regular pools have. Shipping Container Pool House To complement your container swimming pool, why not use a shipping container as well for your pool house? A 20ft container could be perfect for it, as it’s small enough to fit an adequately sized backyard, but also spacious enough to accommodate more than just a dressing room. It can be outfitted to have a full-sized bathroom, and possibly even a lounge, so that the guests can be comfortable inside waiting for their turn in the shower. Shipping Container Work Shed If you’re a serious hobbyist for crafts and other handiwork, you’d surely appreciate your very own work shed, but all the more if it’s mobile. This is a great idea for those who frequently move about, but also would like to be able to bring their work shed with them without having to set it up repeatedly. Storage is obviously a huge advantage with shipping containers because of the entire space that it affords inside. Shelves can be secured on the wall to make it travel-friendly, while compartments can also be fitted in to safely store other materials. If you’re planning on staying in one place, then you can just park it in the space beside your garage. This is a good idea for a couple of reasons. First of all, you free up your garage from the clutter that usually come with having a work space integrated in it. Other people won’t have to be deprived of a decent parking space in your garage on account of ongoing work. Secondly, you give yourself the privacy that you need when you are working on a project and in the zone. It’s your own little man cave right in your backyard. Shipping Container Vertical Garden Let’s say you unfortunately do not have the luxury of a backyard where you can grow your own plants and herbs. Consider using a shipping container and convert it into your very own greenhouse. It is feasible, practical, and highly viable as vouched for by those who have already been doing it. It’s highly recommended that you take good care in outfitting the container unit as a garden, of course, especially because you’ll need to insulate it to protect against the resulting moisture from the plants, as well as install good lighting and plumbing for your watering needs. You can get shipping containers in Houston, Dallas, or Seattle from a reputable supplier like Equipment Management Services. With a company like EMS, you can be sure to accomplish whatever creative shipping container ideas you may have. About Equipment Management Services: Equipment Management Services is a trusted and renowned supplier of shipping containers. We are operating off-dock container storage and maintenance facilities in Houston, Dallas, and Seattle. Whether you are a large construction company looking to build container homes or a mom and pop shop out for better storage, you can count on us to deliver. Sources: 7 Benefits of Shipping Container Home Design. MarineInsight.com. Pros and Cons of Building with A Shipping Container Home. ContainerHomePlans.org. One of the biggest construction trends to come out in the last decade is the upcycling of shipping containers from mere mobile storage units to habitable buildings. Folks who have gone on board this trend vouch for their cost efficiency and, of course, the sheer coolness of living in a container home.
If you want to do the same, it’s highly recommended that you get shipping containers from reputable suppliers. Even if you’re using an alternative material, you still should prioritize its structural integrity for everyone’s safety, after all. Here are some other helpful tips you can use when planning on building your very own container home. Consider Used Shipping Containers Most people think that they need to buy brand new units so that they can have the perfect container home. Fact of the matter is that there are ways to meet your requirements without digging deeper into your pockets than you should. Used shipping containers are great for this project, more specifically if you get the One-Trip ones. Basically, these are shipping containers that have only ever been used once, which makes them practically brand new without having the high cost of a new unit. They have less “mileage”, too, which means that it’s less likely to have much damage or wear and tear. It’s great quality all around for something that’s certainly budget-friendly. Envision Your Design Having a clear layout or a vision of the structure is important not only so you can prepare for the aesthetics, but also because you need to anticipate the needs for your construction. Especially since you’re buying modular containers, you need to be able to determine how many you’ll need, as well as what specific kind of container you’ll need. For this, it would also be very helpful if you familiarize yourself with the types of containers around. Your contractor can help you with this, but just the same, it would be ideal for you to have a say in the matter as well. From the height of the container to the door or openings, you can already map out a viable layout for the building, and be more efficient in positioning the container units, especially if you intend to have multiple levels. Knowing the layout should also save you the trouble of arbitrarily cutting holes into the structure, such as for windows or doorways, which could affect its strength and overall durability. Insulate Properly As strong as these steel containers are, you still need to pay attention to its insulation. Especially if you’re located in a colder area, insulation is going to be critical in having a comfortable and cozy living condition. There are various ways of insulating a shipping container, both on the interior and the exterior. You can use spray foam, insulation panels, or blanket insulation, among others. Best rely on your contractor to get this job done right, and preferably on the first try. Know Your Zoning Laws Before you run off to buy shipping containers for your construction project, you might as well check in with your local community to ensure that you’re not getting into any trouble with the zoning laws. As popular as shipping containers are as a construction element, they are sometimes not allowed in residential areas. The sooner you get clearance from the parties involved, the better you can get started on your construction. Otherwise, you could face penalties and fines. Ultimately, in order to have a good quality shipping container home, you need to get it from a reputable and trusted supplier. You can get shipping containers from Houston suppliers like Equipment Management Services. They even have locations in Dallas and Seattle. About Equipment Management Services: Equipment Management Services is a proud supplier to the maritime industry. We not only offer brand new units but also quality used ones. We can also modify them according to your specifications. We handle other services like sales, storage, and shipping, among others. Sources: 11 Tips You Need to Know Before Building A Shipping Container Home. ArchDaily.com. The Reality of Building Shipping Container Home (From Someone Who’s Done It). Nine.com.au. With architectural innovations becoming increasingly creative, it is a great time to invest in shipping containers. In fact, the number of homes, unique shops, and offices made from shipping containers have spiked tremendously in the last decade. If you want to try this option for adding facilities on your property in Houston, here are three creative ways you can utilize shipping containers.
Swimming Pool It probably isn’t the first thing that would come to mind, but people are starting to warm up to the idea of a pool structures being built with shipping containers. Thanks to its modular shape, it can be easily converted into either an above ground or an underground pool. It will have to be fitted properly in order to function properly. Which is why you need professional pool builders to help you with this. While using shipping containers can take away half the job of pool installation, it still involves a great deal of work. Depending on your preferences, there may be a need to cut the container so you can achieve your desired water depth. Reinforcements on the container are also important so that it can safely handle the amount of water that will be loaded into it. Not to mention, there are also the plumbing requirements, including the pumps, filters, and intake pipes that must be taken into consideration. At the end of the day, though, you’ll have just about one of the coolest swimming pools in town, thanks to a shipping container. Mini-Garden / Greenhouse If you have a green thumb but don’t have a secure place for gardening, consider using a shipping container. It can be transformed into a fully functioning, heavy-duty garden shed. Instead of putting up a greenhouse from scratch, you can simply outfit one with all features that are necessary for horticulture. Not only will it help you save huge sums of money but you can rest assured the structure will last for a long time. Also, the secure and climate-controlled space inside the container allows for better plant growth. Insulation, proper plumbing, and lighting are all critical to having a successful shipping container-slash-garden shed. It definitely helps to first do your research on what kind of plants you can grow together given a particular condition that you can simply set as default mode in the shed. This way, you can maximize the energy you’re using up without sacrificing the quality of growth for the plants. Pop-Up Shops If you’re a striving entrepreneur who would like to cover more ground and expand your market reach, you can give your business wheels and get on the road. A small shipping container (20ft) should be perfect for a pop-up retail shop, for example. It can save you a whole lot of costs, too, particularly with lease space. Just set up the interiors so you can put your wares in full display. Basically, you take on the concept of a food truck, only that you don’t have to sell food per se. You go to where people are, and they can come to you for their purchase. This makes for a revolutionary retail shopping experience, perfect for those who prefer the convenience of buying from a mobile store to the impersonal services that come with online shopping. To get started, the first thing you should do is to get your shipping container from reputable suppliers operating off-dock container storage and maintenance facilities in Houston, Dallas, and Seattle, such as Equipment Management Services. About Equipment Management Services: Equipment Management Services is a supplier of brand new and used shipping containers to both businesses and individuals. We have been in the business for over 15 years, which is why we are a trusted go-to source in the maritime industry. We serve mostly Houston, Seattle/Tacoma, and Dallas/Fort Worth. Sources: 15 Awesome Ways to Reuse Shipping Containers. Momtastic.com. 5 Creative Ways to Reuse Shipping Containers. MoreThanShipping.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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