Posts in category: Blog

Does shipping container size matter? You bet it does! You always want to choose a container that is the right size for your particular needs. If you see a small 6ft container next to one of our 40ft shipping containers, you’ll see an immense difference. So what are our top uses for our 40 feet containers?

• International shipping and removals:

It may be the most obvious option, but understandably many of our 40ft shipping containers are destined for life on the high seas as they transport items from point to point.

To give an idea as to why shipping container size matters, a 40 feet container has 54-58 cubic metres of space within. If you choose one of our 40ft high cube containers, with their additional height, you can add another whopping 9 cubic metres making the capacity in the region of 65 cubic metres. Compare this to a 20ft container which scrapes in at just 25-28 cubic metres.

If you need huge amounts shipping, a 40ft shipping container is the answer.

• House conversion:

There’s a growing trend to make living spaces out of containers. They can be moved from location to location, and they are considerably more affordable than traditional property!

A 40 feet container is the largest container type and therefore is most suited for a house conversion project. Again, add on the additional height in a 40ft high cube and you gain valuable extra headroom and storage space.

Shipping containers are weatherproof as well as being well ventilated. We’ve seen some wonderfully different small home designs using our 40ft shipping containers.

• Swimming pool:

Want a fabulous home pool for doing long lengths? A shipping container could be the solution. This is an interesting trend we’re keeping our eye on, but we can see why these marine-grade containers are being used in this way.

• Healthcare centre:

Hospitals and surgeries short of space are realising that larger shipping containers can create additional room. We’ve seen 40 feet containers turned in to treatment and testing rooms, especially where bulky equipment is required.

• Restaurants:

For pop-up bistros with just a serving hatch, you can probably use a smaller container, but if you want a restaurant venue then a 40 feet container is ideal. With room for the kitchen and for the diners, you can transform the container to match your style.

• Classroom:

With schools expanding but little room in the budget for building works, shipping containers can make an excellent medium term solution. Converted in the same way as a shipping container home, our 40ft shipping containers are the perfect size for a regular classroom. You will be able to fit desks and equipment and it can be situated within school grounds. When funds for building arrive, it can easily be removed and sold on.

• Offices:

A 40 feet container is large and therefore it makes an ideal space for offices which need to expand but can’t justify extra floor space. They are also ideal for temporary site offices. Easily having room to accommodate several workstations, they can be converted in to comfortable offices. You can also choose a smaller shipping container size if you don’t need to accommodate so many workers.

• Over height and oversize equipment storage:

One of the most popular uses for shipping containers is for equipment storage. We always recommend assessing the equipment and machinery you need to store before deciding on the shipping container size. Some equipment is too large for a standard shipping container and you would do well to choose a 40ft high cube container.

• Long-term exhibition space:

If you’re organising a semi-permanent exhibition, then a 40ft shipping container can provide you with the space you need. Being weather and theft-proof, the contents will be secure.

• Cinema room

Another of our favourite conversion projects for a 40 feet container is a cinema room! Internal cladding combined with a projector and comfy seating, transforms the shipping container. Having no windows is ideal for this option and we’re sure many customers are having fun with theirs!

Choosing shipping container size

We’re always willing to offer our expert advice regarding which shipping container size is most appropriate for your needs. Our largest containers are the new 40ft high cube containers. Find out more and request a quote here.

When we consider transport containers, whether being used for shipping or another use, there is a spectrum of choice. We tend to find customers are predominantly focused on size. However, of perhaps greater importance is the degree of insulation. Transport containers come in a range from standard, through insulated shipping containers, to our extreme temperature containers. Insulation improves as you move up the range.

Why is insulation important in transport containers?

In order to understand why you may need to opt for insulated shipping containers, you first need to understand the problems that shipping containers can have with condensation.

Shipping containers, by their very nature, are a metal box. They are kept externally in variable temperatures. This means that any residual moisture within that ‘box’ has the potential to become condensation which could damage items stored within.

This begs the question: why would there be any moisture inside the transport containers in the first place? Well, the floor in shipping containers is made of plywood. Between each shipment the inside of a container is flushed out to clean it. Despite a thorough drying process, some moisture will always remain.

Additionally, moisture will enter the shipping container from items placed within it. Rarely are items completely dry themselves. It also tracks in on shoes of those walking in and out, and from their very breath.

Eliminating condensation problems in transport containers

For some transport needs, a small amount of potential condensation is not a problem, and so you can confidently choose a standard shipping container. However, if you’re looking for transport containers for items such as unsealed food, or for a conversion project, you will need to use insulated shipping containers to prevent condensation problems.

One option is to attempt insulating the container yourself. However, it is very difficult to do a thorough and uniform job. For this reason, the most cost-effective and hassle-free way of solving the condensation problem is by using a specialised container which has been insulated.

How are transport containers insulated?

Insulated shipping containers are standard containers which are lined with an additional internal layer. This is fitted over a timber frame, but it is fully sealed, ensuring the interior can stay condensation free.

When to use an insulated container?

Your primary consideration should be what you are using the container for. You will also need to consider where the container will be used or stored.

You will need to consider whether your items are delicate and the external temperature will fluctuate. For example, documents don’t contain moisture, but if they are stored in a container in fluctuating temperatures then they will be damaged by condensation.

An insulated container offers another layer of protection against condensation, but it will not fully eliminate the problem that fluctuating temperatures causes. If this is a consideration for you, you will need to choose a highly specialised container with temperature control.

Typically, insulated shipping containers are suitable for a range of dry and storage food as well as goods transportation. They are usually sufficient for transporting or storing fabrics, retail stock and furniture. They can also be suitable for conversion projects such as home offices.

Items such as chemicals and refrigerated goods will likely not be suitable for a standard insulated container.

Choosing the right transport container for your needs?

With so many different options, it can be difficult to know which of a range of transport containers is most suited to your needs. Rather than focusing on size in the first instance, we recommend you get in touch with us on 01252 715 406. We can advise which of our transport containers will be the most cost-effective but most suitable option. We can help you choose the best insulated shipping containers for your needs.

When we think of shipping containers, we tend to think of the standard 20ft and 40ft beasts craned on and off ships. These standard containers are ideal for a large range of uses, not least shipping, but sometimes we need greater flexibility. At ConRail we have diverse use small containers in a variety of sizes suitable for a number of different purposes.

ConRail Small Containers

At ConRail we have the following small shipping containers:

10’ Steel Shipping/Storage Container:

External length:     2.99m/10ft

Size:             10ft x 8ft

External width:    2.44m/8ft

Internal height:     2.28m/7ft 6in

8’ Steel Shipping/Storage Container:

External length:     2.42m/7ft 11in

Size:             8ft x 7ft 3in

External width:    2.2m/7ft 3in

Internal height:     2.28m/6ft 7in

6’ Steel Shipping/Storage Container:

External length:     1.98m/6ft

Size:             6ft x 6ft

External width:    1.95m

Internal height:     1.73m

All of these small shipping containers are constructed using marine-grade steel with 28mm marine-grade plywood floors, making them weather, rot and vermin proof. In addition, small containers come with ventilation to eliminate condensation.

As you’d expect from ConRail shipping containers, they have locking bars and a tamper-proof lock box as well as forklift pockets.

Looking at the specifications of these smaller shipping containers, it’s easy to see why our customers are using them for a huge range of purposes, other than shipping.

Here are our favourite ideas for how to use small shipping containers:

• Tools and machinery secure storage:

Labour based businesses from construction and road work to more, all face difficulties keeping tools and machinery secure on site. It is uneconomical and impractical to move tools and machinery away from site each day. However, your tools and machinery are valuable assets of the business.

Small shipping containers are ideal for onsite tool and machinery storage. They can be moved on to the site using a forklift truck. Each day tools can be secured within.

• Exhibition space:

We are seeing growing popularity in using small shipping containers for exhibition space. Many clients find that typical exhibition venues fail to offer a way of ensuring privacy and an intimate space on the exhibition floor.

A small shipping container can effectively be used to create an office away from the office, providing ample space for exhibition use. They are particularly ideal for outside exhibitions and events where you’re also battling the elements.

• Pop-up bars, cafes, restaurants and ticket booths:

With the growth in popularity of pop-up seasonal entertainment, small shipping containers are a robust and affordable option. With minimal set up as they can travel in entirety, they are ideal when a ‘venue’ is needed on a temporary basis but requires a sturdier approach than tents, gazebos or marquees.

We’ve seen small containers used for a huge range of pop-up functions, and they can be transformed in to diverse and unique spaces.

• Removal needs:

For both corporate and domestic markets, small shipping containers are ideal for removals. They can be filled with economical use of space and used as temporary storage if there is a break in the move.

• Site offices and home offices:

We’re used to our 20ft containers being used as offices, but we’re seeing a large number of customers opting for a smaller container instead. These are easier to heat and fit out, and are more suitable where only one or two workstations are needed.

As offices, smaller containers can be positioned in a wide range of spaces, with the help of a crane or forklift as necessary.

• Sports clubs and school storage:

With space at a premium, small storage containers allow you to extend your space by securely storing sports equipment, clothing, furniture and equipment. Small shipping containers are both waterproof and ventilated, making them a safe space to store items between uses, when you don’t have the internal space.

• Retail storage:

Similarly, with pressures and expenses on warehousing, we are seeing a greater use of small shipping containers used for onsite retail storage. Inventory is stored onsite, close to the point of sale, without taking up valuable shop floor space.

• Mobile education:

A growing and exciting trend is the use of shipping containers for ‘mobile classrooms’. These classrooms can move from school to school offering unique learning experiences. Educational bodies have used them for hands-on science laboratories, computer hubs and more.

• Tiny homes:

Perhaps one of our favourite uses of small shipping containers is their transformation in to tiny homes. Being weatherproof they are an excellent starting point for creating a cost-effective living space. Whether as a guest lodge in the garden, or a temporary home onsite whilst you complete a build, they are proving to be popular.

• Workshops:

If you’re looking for a workshop which is more secure than a shed, and doesn’t clutter up your garage, then a small shipping container could be the solution. Leave projects part-way and secure them overnight.

Buying a small shipping container

Due to their popularity for purposes other than shipping, many container businesses are putting a hefty price tag on their smaller containers. At ConRail, we’re sticking to our fair and competitive pricing.

10’ containers are just £1650, 8’ just £1500 and 6’ just £1100. VAT and delivery costs are added at the point of order. We want you to envisage the need for your small shipping container and then be able to choose the exact size you need.

Find out more about small shipping containers from ConRail by calling us on 01252 715 406.

Shipping containers are all about functionality. That’s why at ConRail UK we have specialised in providing high tech storage and shipping containers. These containers take the problem of storage and shipping and meet the need of protecting the contents. Therefore, we’ve focused on storage containers with climate control functions. Such containers keep the contents at the optimum temperature and humidity, according to need.

However, a specialised function isn’t simply down to the technology in the shipping container alone. Functionality is also determined by the design of the container and its size. In fact, in some instances, increased size and height is of paramount importance and indeed the primary requirement.

This is why we have introduced the 40ft high cube containers alongside our other specialised storage and shipping containers as part of our product offering. This specialised container meets some unique needs which we are sure our customers will appreciate.

Understanding your requirements and needs enables you to choose the right container. This is important if the container is being used for shipping and you need your goods or items to arrive in the same condition they left. It’s also important if the container is being used for storage or a converted purpose. With a good understanding of your needs you can choose the right container.

40ft High Cube Containers – The Stats and Facts

Unlike our climate controlled containers, the 40ft high cube containers do not focus on controlling the internal temperatures and humidity, other than through being completely wind and waterproof. Instead, their specialism is their sheer size. We sell them new, and more affordably than any other supplier.

Focusing on their dimensions, these containers are extremely versatile. They can be used for both storage and shipping in a wide variety of ways. They are tough and durable, constructed using high-quality steel. As such they are designed to withstand the most harsh weather conditions and will last over 20 years. The seals on the doors are industry-leading, preventing any water ingress. The internal floor uses marine-grade 27mm thick plywood, making it strong and sturdy for use.

The dimensions of the 40ft high cube container are:

• External length    40ft (12.19m)
• External width        8ft (2.44m)
• External Height    9ft 6” (2.93m)
• Internal Length    39ft 4” (12m)
• Internal Width        7ft 8” (2.38m)
• Internal Height    8ft 10” (2.47m)
• Floor Space        305ft² (28.33m²)

As with all of our shipping and storage containers you have multiple options as to whether you wish to purchase the new 40ft high cube containers or rent or lease them.

The Uses of 40ft High Cube Containers

Compared to a standard shipping container, which has a height of 8ft 6”, the 40ft High Cube containers are a foot taller at 9ft 6”. This enables some unique uses, such as:

• Conversion projects: Shipping and storage container conversion projects are often limited by the height, making their use limited. The additional headroom makes the space inside the container far more suitable for an internal room. This is particularly important to bear in mind as with conversion projects you will be reducing the internal headroom and cubic space due to ceiling, wall and floor cladding. We’ve seen the 40ft high cube container used as offices, workshops, tiny homes, exhibition displays, and even shops. They can be used for a huge range of purposes.
• Secure storage: 40ft high cube containers are ideal for secure storage, particularly of valuable equipment or machinery. The container is immensely robust, designed to withstand harsh shipping conditions. The steel construction therefore makes a storage container considerably more secure than other alternatives such as wooden sheds. All of our new high cube containers are fitted with a lock box which can be used with a high security padlock.
• Over height equipment: Many professionals, particularly in the construction industry, value shipping containers for storage because of the security factors above. However, they are also often restricted with storage of over height equipment and machinery which simply doesn’t fit in a standard container, leaving these items exposed or requiring different storage methods. Plant equipment such as mini diggers can securely be stored in a 40ft high cube solving the problem.
• More space: Additionally, the 40ft high cube containers give you something which is in short supply: extra space. In fact, we’ve calculated that a 40ft high cube container gives you an additional 300 cubic feet of storage space. Therefore, for a smaller footprint, you gain more room to use as you wish. When space is in short supply, it makes sense to go ‘up’. This applies whether using the high cube for storage, conversion or indeed shipping.
• Large scale shipping: Similarly, when used as a shipping container, the 40ft high cube stack perfectly but still gains you height. You can simply ‘fit more in’. There is less wasted space and more usable valuable space.

Although our bespoke shipping containers or reefers are specially tailored to your needs, we have some great examples of giving them a second life in a creative and functional way. Our containers are mainly used in the research and development sector or for transporting or storing goods, but have a look at these amazing examples of alternative uses and get inspired.

1. Public buildings

Designed by Dutch architects as a temporary solution, the bus station, consisting of shipping containers serves as a modern and cleverly constructed building. The bus station consists of three horizontally installed containers, serving as space for storage and electronics and a fourth container, standing upright providing customer toilets. This unconventional building is a great example of exciting and cost-effective architecture that involves less time in the building process whilst being very economically friendly.

Source: https://architectenweb.nl/nieuws/artikel.aspx?ID=32445

If there’s a shortage of space, money and time for building projects, containers come in handy for building up schools in developing countries. The temperature control unit ensures a pleasant temperature inside the containers to enable the students to learn in a comfortable environment.

Source: https://www.ujuh.co.za/shipping-container-turned-to-solar-powered-internet-school/

2. Houses

The simple straight shape of shipping containers makes them the perfect basis for a small recycled home, which is modern and energy-efficient at the same time. Due to the normed size of shipping containers or Reefers they can also create a larger house or a complex of individual flats by stacking the containers. Our integrated temperature control and air circulation units provide additional living comfort and make our Reefers the ideal place for a cosy home.

Opposite the O2 Arena in London on the other side of the river you can find the Container City, stacked up containers accommodating more than 60 people. Especially in big cities, like London, where accommodation shortage is a serious problem, solutions like this living complex are a great idea to face this issue, whilst at the same time being a modern design project.

Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/9243318/Container-living-a-home-for-under-50000.html

People striving for more space and prestige should have a look at the work from architect James Whitaker, who plans and constructs breath-taking houses with basic shipping container making them look like a piece of art.

Source: https://www.dezeen.com/2017/09/26/splayed-shipping-containers-joshua-tree-residence-james-whitaker/

3. DIY

If you fancy doing a DIY project at home using a shipping container or Reefer, we have some amazing ideas for you.

Getting closer towards summer, you should think about a cooling off possibility. Shipping containers are a great basis for creating a unique and fun swimming pool. You can make your own basic pool by removing one of the long side walls from the container or create a more luxurious version by adding special features.

Source: https://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-houses-made-from-shipping-containers/

A very practical and innovative use of Reefers is the creation of an indoor garden. The possibility to create the ideal growing conditions for vegetables and fruit and to be able to use this function at any time of the day, in any season and without any weather conditions interfering, this solution is a great idea for home gardeners.

Source: http://www.containerprofessionalsinc.com/20-foot-shipping-container-grow-food/

The quality of goods transported in climate controlled containers very much depends on the temperature and the humidity inside the container. The main aim is to ensure the quality of the goods and to deliver the goods in the same condition as they have been loaded into the container.

There are various reasons for the emergence of high levels of humidity inside containers. The cargo itself produces moisture, which then mixes with the moisture in the fresh air that is used for ventilating the interior. Most fruit and vegetables need a humid environment whereas other products like onions, ginger or sweet potatoes should be transported and stored in a dry climate to prevent any development of germs, mould and fungi. Inedible products, like pharmaceuticals, electronic equipment or camera films should also be stored in a dry environment in a climate controlled container.

Controlling the atmosphere inside the container is of high importance for fresh goods to ensure their quality up to their display in the shop. If the air inside the container is too dry you will risk fruit or vegetables to dehydrate which will cause a change in colour and consistency as well as a loss of weight. A combination of certain temperature and humidity levels can also hasten the ripening process of fresh products, which makes it easier for supermarkets and shops to supply their customers with fresh and ripe food.

Apart from the food industry, the research and development sector also benefits from climate controlled containers with humidity control functions. When testing their products the atmosphere can be adjusted very accurately to a certain temperature and humidity level. The refrigeration unit of the container can replicate the dry and hot climate of the Sahara desert of up to 47 degrees Celsius with a humidity level of 13-15%. On the other hand, products tested for a tropical climate market have to be able to deal with humidity levels up to 88% and high temperatures up to 34 degrees Celsius. All of these climate situations can be imitated in our climate controlled containers and have helped our customers to successfully develop and test their products.

In general, climate controlled containers have two main functions – they provide storage and they can function as facilities for special projects. Our containers are capable to keep any consistent temperature between -60 and +80 degrees Celsius. The specially isolated walls ensure an optimal use of the temperature and lock out dampness, which makes them very useful to store and process items in that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity.

Facilities

• (Luxury) Cars

Not only are climate controlled containers very useful for storing sensitive goods, they can also function as test rooms for vehicles. The containers can be set to a certain temperature between -60 and up to +80 degrees Celsius and at a relative humidity of choice and then maintain the given parameters very accurately. With this method vehicle manufacturers have the possibility to test their vehicles when exposed to extreme temperatures thus saving the vast expense of outsourcing or transportation to locations in the world where the required climate occurs naturally.  Our climate controlled containers have already been used very successfully to generate helpful data for clients of the automobile industry.

• Chemical labs

High quality climate controlled containers maintain their internal atmosphere by keeping a consistent temperature as well as ensuring a regulated airflow. These characteristics are especially useful for chemical labs, which are often dependent on stable environments. Keeping a constant temperature and humidity inside the container lab can also help to ensure the quality of perishable chemicals and prevents the spreading of bacteria.

• Agriculture (ripening process slowed or enhanced/seed growth/harvest overflow)

Climate controlled containers provide many advantages for the agricultural sector. Due to the exact temperature control the containers are very useful to slowing or speeding up the ripening process of foods, which ensures that our food is ready to eat when we buy it in the supermarkets. Our containers are also an excellent storage for harvest overflows, as they protect them from all kinds of weather conditions and allow farmers to keep their products fresh (again by slowing down the ripening process) before they can be delivered to local food stores and supermarkets. Even before harvesting the crops, containers can be very helpful for the agricultural sector by functioning as grow rooms for seeds. The constant temperature level and the controlled humidity support a faster growth whilst at the same time ensuring the quality of the seeds and that 24/7.

Storage

• Antique furniture/books/fabrics

Humidity and temperature fluctuation are the enemies of all antiques. Aged materials like wood, fabrics or paper are very vulnerable to moisture and then start to warp or grow mouldy. Old leather furniture is especially sensitive to extreme temperatures and can easily get very dry and begin to crack. With our climate controlled containers we can provide you the best storing environment to ensure the longevity of your valuable antiques by keeping the moisture level constant and controlling the temperature.

• Electronics/(car) batteries

This should be about the most recent interest in our climate controlled container is the research and development of vehicle power packs or batteries…….

All kinds of electronics should be kept in a safe environment when they’re not used regularly. Major temperature shifts can damage the screens of televisions or computers and are very harmful for all the internal components of a technical device. Batteries are especially vulnerable to high temperatures and can lose their power, start leaking or rupture. Another problem of inappropriate storage of electronics is the destruction by moisture. Even minor humidity can add up inside the device and can lead to similar effects that a direct water spill would have. The internal parts of an electronic device can rust and the wiring can easily break. Experts recommend storing electronics and batteries in a dry place at normal temperature to ensure their quality.

• Documents

Important documents of all sorts should be kept safe and dry to ensure their quality. A climate controlled container is obviously not what you’re looking for when storing your personal documents, but it can be very beneficial for companies that need a safe storage possibility for a great amount of important and confidential files and documents. The regulated humidity inside the container prevents the documents from fading, discolouring and dissolving and can conserve them for a long time.

• Musical instruments

All musical instruments are very delicate and should be stored in a cool and dry environment. Wooden instruments, like guitars or pianos, react very strongly to fluctuation of temperature and moisture. Their strings can snap and the body might get cracks or fall apart as the adhesives become inactive when exposed to extreme temperatures. Other musical instruments made of wood can dry out and shrink or expand, if the humidity level is not ideal. Using one of our climate controlled containers as storage will ensure the quality of your musical instruments and ensure that their lifespan is cut short.

• Special collections

If you’re a lover of special collections, you should consider getting one of our climate controlled containers to use as storage for your treasures. Items, like stamps or comics, are very vulnerable to humidity and could start curling or sticking if not stored in the right environment. Pieces made of metal, like coins or cutlery, can easily oxidise when the moisture and temperature levels are not appropriate. And costly wine collections should also be kept in a controlled environment as they might age faster or get a metallic taste if they are not stored properly.

• Artwork

Paintings and drawings are best kept in dark places with very little exposure to humidity and temperature swings – so never store them in your attic or the basement. You want to prevent the paintings from stretching or tightening, because this will lead to the paint flaking off and cracking. A very humid environment would also cause mould and should therefore never exceed 55%. Our climate controlled containers not only control the humidity and temperature inside but also protect the artwork from UV exposure. The temperature in your storage container should never be higher than 21 degrees Celsius, because too much heat would make the paint soft and peel off.