There are many portable storage trailer types to choose from if your business needs extra storage and/or transport. The most common is the combination of container and trailer-the large box-style container loaded onto a flatbed. But a trailer container can also be much smaller and have its own built-in trailer for small vehicle transport.

Making the most of container trailers means getting every dollar's worth out of your purchase, not just the storage trailer pricing. You require equipment that will facilitate loading and unloading of containers, as well as repairs to extend their life. You can also use portable trailers for offices, classrooms or lockers. Read on for information to:

1. Make loading and unloading a snap with ramps of various capacities.

2. Use a container trailer for portable office space.

3. Get a good deal on repairs to storage trailers with no-frills fixes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ensure quick loading of each container and trailer with the proper ramps

Regarding containers, trailer transportation of products to or from your business requires ramps for loading and unloading. You'll want the ramp to handle the weight capacity of the products; otherwise your vehicle will sit idle, losing you money while you're waiting for the product to be unloaded. If the docks are busy, you may need to load or unload in the yard, rather than the docks.

I recommend: Bluff Manufacturing provides ideas on using yard ramps when there is a height differential between the dock and the truck, or when you need a ramp with portability. Dambach Ramps can provide ramps for steel containers with a 15,000-pound capacity.

Convert container trailers into cheap and mobile office space

The right trailer can receive modifications if you need more office space quickly and inexpensively. Such modifications can include windows, doors, interior walls and vents. This works very well with contractors and other businesses that are on the go and need mobile offices. Other possibilities are classrooms or portable medical buildings.

I recommend: Sea Box can modify their trailers into offices or shelters, adding things like doors, vents, side walls and more. Find out how you can customize your own mobile office trailer with Rose Office Systems. ABC Trailer Sales and Rental offers their own office trailers or office partitions to convert your trailer into an office.

Watch your bottom line with repairs to used storage trailers

If your budget is limitless on a storage trailer, buy new. If not, seek a repair service that won't break your budget. Patch the roof with self-sealing pop rivets or re-skin a damaged door instead of replacing it. Keep your storage trailer in shape and in your inventory for more than a decade.

I recommend: C&C Trailer Service gives hints on repairs for storage trailers, rather than costly replacements. View some pictures on how even badly damaged trailers can look like new again at T&S Trailer Repair.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take gasoline consumption into account with a trailer container. If you're towing it with a standard vehicle, remember that you'll get less mileage while doing so.

They may not exude beauty or glamour at first glance, but when it comes to container trailers, it's what's on the inside that counts.

These rolling rectangular units serve a variety of business purposes. Container trailers can help you properly transport any variety of inanimate or even living goods, or they can be outfitted and ventilated to serve as your very own on-site office.

To get the best deal on a container trailer:

1. Choose a container trailer based on your individual needs.
2. Decide whether renting or buying is more cost-effective.
3. Determine whether you need a new container trailer, or whether a used storage trailer suits your needs.
4. Decide how you'll tow and store your containers trailer.

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Consider what the trailer needs to hold

The container trailer you need when you're hauling bricks and the one that serves as a satellite office vary greatly in size, construction and load capacity. If you think about your specific needs, you can find the best container trailer for you.

I recommend: Review a variety of container trailers, checking out makes and models that meet your needs at Rock and Dirt, then locate the companies that make them at the site's Company Locator. Also take a few minutes to browse through Allstate Container's frequently asked questions before buying a containers trailer.

Go new, used or rented

Whether you buy new, find a deal on used storage trailers or simply rent is determined largely by how long you'll need the container trailers and what you need them for. Examine storage trailer pricing and rental fees before you make your decision.

I recommend: Browse through some container trailer listings at TruckertoTrucker.com to find a high-quality used container trailer, then read through their handy financing tips. Or, consider renting a trailer from KCV Trailer Rentals.

Determine what's going to pull your container trailer

Whether you're hauling cargo with your own pick-up truck, or you have a heavy-duty hauling semi, you'll need to make sure it can handle the load you're towing.

I recommend: Look into a sturdy trailer hitch if you're towing the trailer container with a personal vehicle, or simply have your container trailer delivered, if you get a trailer container from Allstate Container.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask about accessories for your container trailer, such as shelving, locks, windows and different sized fork lift pockets.
• •  If portability is the most important quality in your container trailer, look into highly portable storage trailer options. The container and trailer in these units are smaller, but you can invest in multiple containers and ensure you have the portability you need.

Becoming a container trailer driver is a good career path to take. However, this career does require a CDL (Commercial Drivers License). Fortunately, there are many truck driving schools in the US that provide container trailers education and training that will allow you to earn your CDL and help usher you into a lucrative career as a trailer container driver.

Part of your container trailer education and training will include knowledge that will help you choose good container haulage trailers for sale, what to look for in used container chassis trailers, reasonable storage trailer pricing and more. One side benefit of becoming a container trailer driver is the opportunity to travel the US and make money at the same time. This article will help get you started.

1. Find an accredited CDL school for training to become a container trailer driver.

2. Get your CDL to drive container trailers.

3. Find container trailers and trucks.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start your container trailers education and training by finding a school

The first part of your container trailers education is finding a reputable and accredited truck driving school where you can earn your CDL. Driving a truck with containers trailer is far too challenging a job to be done without the proper training.

I recommend: The Truck Driving School has complied a very helpful and informative guide that lists all of the truck driving schools in the US, as well as questions to ask before choosing a school and school accreditation information. One school the Truck Driving School recommends is SAGE Truck Driving Schools that has locations nation-wide.

Complete the training to acquire the CDL to drive a trailer for container

In order to acquire a CDL, you will need to be trained to be a driver container and trailer at a recognized program. Once you have found a school, then you will learn everything required to drive a trailer for container from the inspection of the vehicle and the coupling of the truck and container, braking, backing the container trailer, parking it and everything in between. Even how to react in an emergency is included in the training.

I recommend: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lists important information about what is required in order to get a CDL as well as other information. For an exact listing of the skills and knowledge required to pass the CDL, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, read sections 383.111 and 383.13 of the Commercial Driver's License Standards; Requirements and Penalties.

Learn the basics of a containers trailer

If you decide to go out on your own, you will need to get your own container trailer, even if all you can afford are used storage trailers. Once you have a container trailer, it's important to know how to load it properly. Distributing the weight properly means less wear and tear on each tire. The container trailer and truck itself must conform the state regulations, as far as over-all weight before and after it is loaded.

I recommend: The Truckload Academy from the Truckload Carriers Association providers drivers with a variety of important training opportunities. Commercial Carrier University has useful information about all aspects of container trailers--including the best way to load them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do not be afraid to ask questions. Being a good driver of container trailers requires training and skills that take time to learn. If you have any questions as you're going through the process, it's better to have them answered before you get on the road and find yourself in a tough situation, or stuck in a program that's a CDL Mill or worse.

Whether you need to transport a single load of products via container or need to update your current container trailer fleet, it is important to become familiar with the terminology associated with container trailers.

Container trailers are available in a wide range of sizes and styles to meet almost any container transport need. Before you purchase a new trailer or send your shipments off, learn the following terms: container chassis, drop deck, sidelifter, gooseneck, tri-axle and roll-off.

Action Steps
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Container chassis

A container chassis is the framework of the actual container trailer. Chassis are available in a wide range of lengths and strength levels. Most are made of steel and come with various optional features.

I recommend: Learn all about a wide range of different chassis available from Chassis King at its website.

Drop deck

A drop deck trailer is one in which the bed of the trailer 'drops' below the connection between the trailer and the truck. Drop deck trailers help keep the container closer to the road, providing greater stability for heavy loads.

I recommend: Read an in-depth description of a drop deck trailer at Reinke. The site provides helpful photographs and tips about choosing and using drop deck trailers.

Sidelifter

A sidelifter is a container trailer that is capable of loading and unloading its own containers from the side with a hydraulic crane or cylinder system.

I recommend: Learn more about sidelifters with a helpful description provided by STEELBRO. The site also provides important information about the rules that govern sidelifters in different regions around the world.

Gooseneck

Gooseneck trailers get their name from the appearance of the trailer's connector, which looks like a goose's neck.

I recommend: Domatex provides an excellent description of its gooseneck trailer's features along with downloadable spec sheet.

Tri-axle

Tri-axle describes a container trailer with three axles. Three axles is common for trailers, but container trailers are available in several axle configurations.

I recommend: Visit Truckworld Rental to see photographs of tri-axle trailers and read the specs that are available with each.

Roll-off

Roll-off trailers use a built in hydraulic system to lift one end of the trailer for easy unloading and loading. Roll-off trailers work best for medium loads over shorter distances.

I recommend: Nedland can provide you with all of the information you will need regarding roll-off trailers. The site also provides helpful photographs and an informative demonstration video.