Business Guide to Metal Containers

Metal containers work well for shipping and storage needs. If you are a business owner who needs to invest in metal containers for any reason, you should understand the benefits and pitfalls of using these heavy-duty containers. Although metal containers may seem like a good option on the surface, the price to rent, buy and ship these containers may be outside of your budget. If price is not an issue, you should also consider the sustainability of these containers and the conditions they provide to stored goods. In the end, if none of the potential pitfalls that come along with metal containers is an issue, they will most likely be a good investment for your business needs.

Benefits

One of the major benefits of using metal containers to transport and store items is that they are reusable. According to a 2008 press release written by Thomas Cutter, individuals save approximately 30 to 50 percent on metal containers when they purchase them used, and used metal containers are just as useful as new ones. Aside from reusability, there are other benefits to using metal containers.

Durability

Metal containers are generally made of steel, which is one of the strongest elements on the planet. Automotive parts, metal pieces, industrial supplies, electronic devices, concrete blocks and countless other heavy items can be safely stored in these containers. If you are shipping heavy items, it is best to use metal bins because they can hold items that are impossible for plastic and cardboard containers to hold.

Install Electrical Outlets

If your metal container needs electricity, you can have electrical outlets installed. Most individuals install outlets when they need to regulate the temperature inside of a container or if the item being shipped or stored needs continuous power. This can be very beneficial to shippers, particularly if the item that requires electricity is being shipped to a location that is far away.

Longevity

Metal containers can last a long time. If you decide to purchase a metal storage container, you can expect to have your container for at least 20 years if the container was made using a durable metal. Containers that were made with thin metals can last up to 10 years.

Water Resistant

Most companies that ship items using sea transportation services use metal bins. Metal bins are water resistant, so you will never have to worry about water seeping into your container. It is especially important to use metal bins if you plan to ship electrical items because there is a high likelihood that your container will get wet during transport.

Pitfalls

Temperature issues

Metal tends to conduct heat better than other solid materials, and this means that metal containers may not be ideal if the items you need to store are sensitive to the temperature. If the surrounding environment is hot or if the container will be placed in direct sunlight, the inside of the container will become very hot. Plastic, food, and other items could be damaged under these conditions. Many metal storage containers are also susceptible to cold temperatures.

Metal weighs more

Storage containers made of metal are heavier than containers made of any other material. If you will need to move the container frequently, this could be a huge inconvenience. Even if you will only need to move it on occasion, you will need to have the right equipment to do so. Equipment without the proper weight capacity won’t work. If you don’t currently have access to tools that can carry this much weight, metal may not be the best option.

Cargo containers require a lot of space

Don’t forget to account for the large size of most metal storage containers. Figure out where you will place the container and measure the area ahead of time. If you are working with limited space, the addition of a storage container could drastically reduce the usable area of a room. Make sure you also consider whether the container will fit through your doors. You don’t want to order a storage container and realize later that you can’t bring it inside.

Shipping costs

Because metal storage containers are large and weigh a lot, they cost a lot of money to ship. If you are currently pricing metal containers, don’t forget to consider the extra cost of shipping. This will also be a factor if you intend to transport the container to different locations in the future.

Pricing

The pricing of metal containers varies depending on the size and type of storage container needed. For example, if a 12-foot container is rented from PODS, a person could expect to pay a delivery fee upfront and then a monthly rate. For this size, the fee is $126.00 for delivery and $139.00 for monthly rental. A 16-foot container is more expensive, costing $179.00 per month and $173.00 for delivery.

Options

Storage containers can be rented, purchased, or leased. They can be bought new or used. According to Container Exchanger, businesses that ship 100,000 product unit loads per year could reduce their solid waste by more than 1,000,000 pounds by using used storage containers.

Conclusion

Heavy-duty metal containers can provide a safe haven for your precious goods. The ability to customize these containers and add electrical outlets can override any potential pitfalls if the items stored need access to electricity. This also allows you to utilize a heating or cooling system to tackle temperature control issues. Ultimately, metal containers provide a durable and customizable place to store goods or contain them for shipping. If the price tag that comes along with this option is within your budget, you will find a number of suppliers more than happy to help customize your order and provide you with the quality metal containers you need.