Consider buying a 20-foot container for storage, shipping needs or even extra office space. Cargo containers have many more uses than just typical shipping. There are many sales and rental companies, and even container manufacturers, which rent and sell 20-foot storage containers for storage only. They offer many options to make the container as useful to you as possible from security to plumbing.

Make an informed decision when purchasing or leasing a container, and review your add-on options. Find options that will help you save money by creating a storage space for many types of materials including office supplies, cold food storage, construction equipment or retail merchandise. Using 20-foot container units for storage or shipping can be made easier if you:

1. Find a type of container that meets your needs.

2. Consider additional options when it comes to using a 20-feet container.

3. Get your location ready for a 20-foot container.

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Choose a 20-foot shipping container with size and purpose in mind

Most containers are made of either aluminum or steel, and depending on the purpose for which you intend to use it, they can be retrofitted with insulation, refrigeration, shelving, extra fire protection and security measures. Storage containers can even be converted into temporary or additional office space by adding windows, electrical and even plumbing.

I recommend: Compare your container options at Buyer Zone where you can get price quotes from many container sellers at one time. Another supplier where you can find a 20-foot container for sale is Aztec Container. Compare your options of roll-up, walk-in, concession and office type containers. Use the container guide at Construction Guide to find the best type of cargo, shipping or storage options.

Look for additional options with your container to enhance your 20-foot containers

While adding options to your unit can increase your 20-foot container price, sometimes those options are well worth the cost. If adding shelving can make your storage unit more organized, it can often times save you time stocking or searching the container. Other options like refrigeration units, security systems or extra doors are available and could be necessary.

I recommend: Maloy Mobile Storage offers options and add-ons to all its containers. Purchase containers with extra fire suppression, special decking, plumbing, ventilation and much more. Use the storage container tool at Prefab Comparison to find the perfect 20-foot container with any extras to meet your needs.

Prepare the storage area before buying a 20-foot container unit

While the container is called a 20-foot container, it takes a lot more than 20 feet to keep a storage container on site. If you are considering either purchasing or renting a 20-foot unit for storage or extra office space, you'll need ample room to house it. A level and firm surface of either dirt, black top or cement is needed to ensure container stability.

I recommend: Midwest Storage Containers is a 20-feet container manufacturer. They estimate you will need at least 80 feet of straight clearance to fit a 20-foot storage unit. McKinney Container Rental and Sales sells containers, and has a good information section dealing with space needed and how to prepare your storage site. Get advice from the Container Alliance if you need additional storage site information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be careful if you plan to use storage containers for long periods of time. Certain cities view storage containers as 'dumpsters' and may require a special permit or official approval for long-term use. If you plan to keep 20-foot containers on your premises for several months or longer, check with your local government to avoid violating any zoning laws

Most industries use a 20 foot shipping container to move their products from port to port via ship or across country via truck or rail. Today, approximately 90% of the cargo moved utilizes containers stacked on ships; often they use 20 foot containers or other sizes measured in increments of 20 feet. Annually, there are over 200 million containers shipped.

However, shipping is not the only use for a 20 feet container. There are many ways you can use them to gain more space for your small business. Keep the following in mind as you face the demands of a rapidly growing business:

1. A 20 foot container is still the best way to ship your products or receive products, especially to or from overseas.

2. Storage containers can alleviate the growing pains of a successful business by creating extra dry storage space or even being custom built to provide more office space.

3. There are many sources to find a 20 foot container for sale, which means better prices for you.

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Find 20 foot shipping containers made for shipping that you can also customize

Even if you are only using your container for shipping, you may want certain features to ensure proper delivery of your goods. Find a manufacturer who can create a shipping container that will meet the needs of your small business.

I recommend: EC Plaza Network, Inc. will match you with a manufacturer such as Shanghai Shangjin P&P Products Co. Ltd. to get the container you need. Work with NATIONWIDE CONTAINERS' design/engineering team to build a container to match your needs such as roll-up doors, skylights or side-personnel doors.

Use a 20 feet container manufacturer to custom design your unit

In addition to shipping and dry storage, there are manufacturers who specialize in custom building containers for refrigeration and mobile offices. Choose a company who can provide features such as windows and walk-through doors or who is willing to work with you to find exactly what you need.

I recommend: The RCS Group has been serving the InterModal industry in North and Central America and the Caribbean since 1981. Join their email list for updates on special pricing and container availability. Maloy Mobile Storage Inc. can customize your 20 foot storage container from plumbing and windows to electrical.

Look for the best deals on a 20 foot container

Buy a used 20 foot container or buy wholesale to save even more money. You may not get all the bells and whistles of a custom-made unit, but you should still be able to ship in them.

I recommend: Storage Containers 4 You offers used storage containers at wholesale prices. Join an auction website like Trade Me Ltd to bid on 20 foot containers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Surprisingly, some companies are using 20 foot storage containers in home building. These companies use old storage containers to put together homes for students, underprivileged and even some bigger models with three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths.
• •  Consider renting your 20 foot storage container if you will only use it temporarily.

The 20-foot container is a standard in many industries. Though its popularity on the high seas is waning, it is still in use in many places. Those who use the 20-foot shipping container regularly are those involved in any aspect of sea shipping, whether they are dock hands, loaders, or managers.

The best way to get specialized training in using the 20-foot shipping containers is to get training in overall cargo shipping. Cargo shipping courses and resources will get individuals closer to being able to correctly use 20 foot industrial containers. Readers online can find:

1. School programs for general cargo shipping that cover the use of tools like 20-foot containers.

2. Specialized training for hazardous materials and other kinds of "custom shipping."

3. Online resource pages about the 20-feet container that give the reader a look at how 20-foot storage containers are used.

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Find scholastic courses covering 20-foot container use and other aspects of shipping

Courses that cover domestic or international cargo shipping will cover the 20-foot container for sale on the market for use in shipping. They may even tell you exactly what is the best sized container in use today and explain why the sizes tend to change -- as well as talking about aspects of 20-foot container use, like the shared shipping agreements that are so common among small businesses seeking to export goods.

I recommend: Courses in international cargo training from Airport International will help students find their way around a 20-foot container. Get outfitted with more general cargo training options at Education Portal.

Look for other courses or training in specialized shipping using a 20-foot container

Other online sites point readers toward learning about some special cargo shipping needs, where the 20-foot container may be used differently, or not at all. Cargo with special contents needs to be treated differently: it's all part of overall air and sea shipping training options for a life-long career.

I recommend: Programs from IATA teach about shipping perishable cargo. Get resources to learn about shipping Hazmat from Mastery Tech online.

Get a look at the 20-foot container from online info pages

Some basic info pages online will get readers a glance at a new or used 20-foot container and info on how they are used and what are the most common uses. This can be helpful for anyone just starting to put together a rudimentary knowledge of the shipping trade.

I recommend: Find details on the 20 foot container at the Container Housing Guide. Find out more including visuals at Cockeyed.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For any kind of 20 foot container education and training, find out the things you need to know about how you would use the 20 foot container for any shipping operations you currently take part in. Or, brainstorm in your training about different ways this versatile storage container could be used.

The 20 foot container has many uses as both a shipping or storage container. The container itself can hold dry goods, heavy machinery, perishable items and much more. Most 20-foot cargo containers are either shipped by sea, on trucks or by rail cross country.

The 20 foot container applications and uses also include storage units for business that need additional storage room. While the use of 20 foot containers varies widely, there are three main types of containers that can be utilized, including:

1. Dry (closed) 20 foot container.

2. Open-top 20 foot containers.

3. Refrigerated containers for perishable items.

Action Steps
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Use dry 20 foot shipping container for storage and transportation

The most common of the shipping containers comes in a variety of sizes and is considered a dry use shipping container. The 20 foot container is used to transport everything from retail items to industrial equipment. The new or used 20 foot container also makes a great storage addition for office, retail or industrial items that may be spewing out of your current building capacity.

I recommend: Find a 20 foot container for sale to use as a storage unit, or find out more about using dry containers at Hard Rock Containers. Look for additional information at GlobalSecurity.org.

Find 20 foot storage containers with open tops

Using 20 foot shipping containers with open tops doesn't work for every product or application, but there are situations where open top containers make the ideal means of transporting items. Many crops are shipped in covered open top containers that can be easily loaded. Other items like coal or landscaping materials also ship more easily in open top containers.

I recommend: Find out more about the open top 20 feet container at Interport. The Chassis King, manufacturer of containers, also provides information about application and uses of the 20 foot container.

Find uses for refrigerated 20 foot industrial containers

Twenty-foot containers also come in refrigeration units, called refers. A 20 foot refer is a perfect solution for food distribution. Perishable items can be shipped securely and at controlled temperatures to assure their quality when they arrive at their destination.

I recommend: Review the uses and availability of containers at RefrigeratedContainers.com. Hecksher also offers many types of refrigerated 20 foot containers for different uses.