Making the Most of Container Trailers

Ramp up container trailers for office use and extend their life with repairs

By Donna Gisolo Christenberry
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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

  • 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.

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Siemens

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State Farm

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U.S. Metal Buildings Corp.

Store and protect your transportation equipment with quality pre-fabricated buildings. U.S. Buildings provides easy to assemble construction that ensures strength and durability and strives to exceed expectations. Get a quote today.

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