Metal containers come in a variety of shapes and elements. Tin, steel and aluminum make up the most frequently used items. Business owners can choose from anything from tin canisters to aluminum bottles or paint cans to steel drums or storage units. Metal containers offer a more secure and protective, and, in some respects, appealing way of storing and shipping items.

Nearly every industry employs the use of a metal container in some fashion. As you consider using metal containers for your business, keep the following options in mind:

1. A metal container is useful for product packaging and shipping in the food industry.

2. An industrial metal container, such as a steel drum, is necessary for storing large quantities of chemicals.

3. Consider the use of a steel container as an on-site storage unit.

Action Steps
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Package products in metal containers

Metal tins are a popular means of packaging products such as gourmet foods and wines. Aluminum bottles are great for products such as lotions, body sprays or air fresheners. If your business provides CDs or DVDs to clients, such as a photography business, consider packaging these items in tin CD cases for an extra appealing presentation. You can also use these tins as metal shipping containers, securing them in a box for added product protection.

I recommend: SKS has small metal storage containers available for your product packaging needs. Purchase tin storage containers in festive holiday colors or with custom printing from Holiday Tins & Containers.

Use metal storage containers for paint and other liquids

Businesses such as paint manufacturers can use metal paint cans for their product. Additionally, if you own an industrial business, you are likely to have large quantities of chemicals and liquids that you will need to store, such as oil and other lubricants for your machinery. Use a steel drum to store these hazardous items safely.

I recommend: Package Supply & Equipment offers a number of metal containers, such as paint cans and metal drums. Purchase a variety of steel drums from Lab Safety Supply (LSS).

Store large and bulk items outdoors with a steel storage container

If you're outgrowing your business location but don't want to move, consider adding a large metal storage container to the premises for old files, bulk supplies or unused office furniture. Unlike an offsite storage unit that requires traveling to and from the location when you need something contained within, these metal storage facilities can be just a few steps away from your office door. In addition to convenience, if you later decide to move to a new location, your metal storage container goes with you. They may be a substantial initial investment but can work out to be cheaper in the long run.

I recommend: Purchase a metal storage facility, or even expand your workspace with units that have doors and windows, from Pac-Van. Obtain a 10-foot, 20-foot or 40-foot metal storage container from Mobile Mini.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A steel container for storage purposes may not have climate control available. Either purchase a unit with this feature or avoid storing items within that may suffer damage in extreme temperatures, such as electronics. Another example includes some plastic items that may melt or become deformed in the summer months, since the metal of the storage unit can conduct excess heat.

Business primarily uses metal storage containers to keep equipment and supplies temporarily on a construction or business site and to store excess inventory while on a job. This type of steel container may be 10 to 50 feet long with double doors, frequently at both ends.

These metal cargo containers are usually designed for easy loading at the supply source and rapid delivery by ordinary semi-trailer. A steel storage container moves easily into a secure storage location or warehouses that are at dock height, often without removing it from the trailer.

These metal storage containers also can be repositioned on-site or transported with a container mover. These vehicles are specifically designed to load and move a metal container without assistance or any need to unload them.

A metal container may be used for special purposes. Here are three examples:

1. A high-security container. It is smaller with a more rugged construction and a better locking system.
2. Models that can serve as temporary offices. These have air conditioning and insulated walls.
3. Metal containers that are built for any number of uses and have furniture such as desks, file cabinets and tables already built-in.

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Buy a steel storage container for permanent use

If your business needs require you to purchase your own metal storage container, you may want to get quotes from a variety of suppliers.

I recommend: Compare prices between container suppliers at Buyer Zone. Specific suppliers such as On-Site Storage have many locations nationwide that offer sales as well as rentals.

Use an industrial metal container as a temporary building

Metal containers are commonly used as classrooms and modular offices. The modular design of these buildings allows for rapid occupation and greater productivity.

I recommend: Use a company such as Williams Scotsman which has extensive experience with modular buildings and has case studies available. The Mobile Storage Group also has a large selection of containers designed for office use.

Rent metal shipping containers for temporary storage

Storage trailers and on-site containers are usually cheaper than warehouses or permanent storage facilities and allow you to better manage transportation and warehousing costs.

I recommend: Rent both ground level containers and storage trailers at Advantage Container Corp. You can find portable storage containers at Pods in a variety of sizes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the dimensions of metal shipping containers, especially when they will be placed in an area with limited space. Be sure to distinguish between interior and exterior measurements because these can vary considerably. Additionally, the width and height of the door openings is frequently less than that of the container.
• •  Metal shipping containers are easily customized for use as a building. Common modifications include the installation of air conditioning, roll doors, lights and shelves. Additionally, containers can completely convert into hunting cabins, portable offices or refrigeration units.

While the most common products use for storage or packaging are cardboard or plastic, a considerably appealing alternative is metal containers. Consider items such as the classic round tin, often seen during the holidays in festive colors. Another option is to use steel storage containers for industrial work sites or as an onsite storage unit.

You can use these tins, like many other small metal storage containers, and apply your own business logo or graphic. It’s a great way to put your own style into a classic, with the prospect of giving your products a look that few dare to run with, creating something that will make your business stand out in the crowd. Take into consideration these metal containers basics to help you decide upon the product that’s right for you:

1. There are various metal components available, so it’s important to determine if you prefer a steel storage container or metal tin containers.

2. Metal storage containers come in various shapes and sizes to fit your specific need.

3. You can use them as metal shipping containers, a means of packaging products, or for added storage.

Action Steps
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Decide which metal storage container material you prefer

Most metal containers are made of tin, aluminum or steel. Tin is light and malleable in ordinary temperatures. It doesn't oxidize easily, meaning that it takes it a very long time to rust. A common use of tin is in holiday containers for cookies and treats. Aluminum, which is even more resistant to rusting, is inexpensive and lightweight and is often used for soda cans or sprays. Steel, which is a combination of iron, carbon and varying other metals, is very strong and durable. Businesses often use it to store liquids, such as in steel drums or barrels, or build structures.

I recommend: Due to tin's resistance to corrosive metals, metal container suppliers like Bago Cans offer tin containers for pesticides, adhesives, varnishes and other chemical products. Check out the benefits of using steel storage containers, such as strength and versatility, on the Steel Building Materials' website.

Use tin storage containers in a shape and with lids that fit your needs

Tin containers come in varying shapes and sizes and with different types of lids, depending on how you use them. Some are round, shallow or deep, with clear top lids, slip covers or screw tops. Others are rectangular with slide covers or hinged lids. Still others are square to hold CDs. Additionally, there are some that are tall and oblong with screw-on caps. You're bound to find one that is exactly what you need.

I recommend: Find screw top, slip cover and clear top covers at EBKContainers. If you’re looking for utility cans in various shapes and sizes, visit BestContainers.

Package, ship and store products with metal containers

Regardless of what type of metal, what shape and what type of lid you choose, metal containers have various uses. You can use them to package your products, such as gourmet foods, candies, CDs, handmade cards and the like. You can use them to provide extra protection for items that you ship to customers. Or you can use larger metal containers to store liquids, chemicals or even the extra clutter in your office.

I recommend: Use open- or closed-head steel drums from Global Equipment Company for storing or transporting materials that are hazardous. Sterling Enterprises offers containers for food, just like soup cans, or open top for items like baby formula.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are looking to use metal containers for product packaging and appeal, consider purchasing tins or other containers in bulk. Typically, you can get an overall discount the more containers you purchase at once.