| Before you go buying containers, you have to decide | | | | container weighing over 2000kg. Hence container |
| what you want them for. Are you planning to ship | | | | trucks fitted with cranes typically transport them. |
| goods in the containers? If so, you need CSC - | | | | These trucks can load and unload the heavy |
| Convention for Safe Containers - certification | | | | container and transport them safely. |
| testifying that the container is still suitable for safe | | | | The containers should be placed on level ground as |
| handling and transportation in a commercial | | | | otherwise you might find it difficult to open the |
| inter-modal transport environment. What this means | | | | heavy doors. A good idea is to erect four level |
| is that the container should still be sturdy enough to | | | | corner concrete blocks to place the four corners of |
| withstand the rigors of being moved about from | | | | the container. |
| trucks to railcars to ships and back to railcars and | | | | The location where you want to put the container |
| trucks till it reaches its destination. | | | | should have adequate area to handle the container |
| Containers are made of high tensile steel with a | | | | and the large truck, with no overhanging obstacles up |
| reinforced rigid framework, and designed to survive | | | | to a height of about 25 feet. An obstacle free space |
| in the extreme conditions of an ocean voyage. Walls | | | | of 60'x20'x25' is a minimum at the proposed location. |
| are corrugated steel sheets and interiors are made of | | | | Buy or Rent? |
| treated timber. There would be double doors at one | | | | You can rent or buy the containers. Decide on the |
| end of the standard container, retained securely by | | | | best option considering your requirements. If you |
| four locking bars that extend to the full height of the | | | | rent, you can indicate that you would like a purchase |
| container. | | | | option to be exercised later if needed. |
| Buying Containers for Storage | | | | Other Issues |
| If you are buying containers for storing your goods, | | | | Containers can be painted the color you want. They |
| CSC certification is not needed. However, you have | | | | are very sturdy and require little maintenance. While |
| to ensure that the containers are still vandal proof | | | | storing goods, it is better not to stack damp |
| and jemmy proof. Padlocks can be used for additional | | | | affected goods against the walls, as closed areas like |
| security to secure the lockable handles fitted to the | | | | container insides are prone to condensation. |
| four locking bars. | | | | Containers can be modified and converted to suit |
| Depending on your storage requirements, you might | | | | different uses. For example, you can convert them |
| need additional fittings like shelves. You might also | | | | into offices, canteens, shops and so on. The mobile |
| desire to have light fittings inside. It is best to have | | | | offices and canteens are ideal for work sites. |
| these done by the container sellers, who are familiar | | | | Container sellers would have the experience and |
| with container specifics. | | | | facilities to customize the containers in these and |
| Transporting and Locating Containers | | | | other ways. Discuss your requirements with them |
| Containers are heavy, with a standard 20 feet | | | | when buying containers. |