Basic Things about Shipping Containers for Sale that Start-up Import/Export Business Owners Should Know

1. May 21, 2018 Basic Things about Shipping Containers for Sale that Start-up Import/Export Business Owners Should Know Global trade began thousands of years ago but it’s only half a century ago when it became truly efficient, thanks to the invention of shipping containers. These are metal boxes specifically designed to store goods that are to be transported overseas or from coast to inland. In the past, goods were loaded on ships in nothing more than crates and baskets. Constant movement as the ship rocks often damage these goods, sometimes rendering them unusable as Page | 1

2. soon as they reach the dock. With today’s shipping containers, product damage has been minimized if not completely prevented. Some containers are even designed to produce a temperature controlled environment for particularly delicate products to last the long journey. If you’re planning to go global with your business, you need to invest in high-quality shipping containers. An emphasis on quality is crucial, as not all containers on the market may meet your standards. But before you go looking for boxes, it helps to do a little research first. Knowing what you’re looking for and where the best versions can be found can save you a great deal of time and money. Container Sizes Shipping containers come in different sizes to meet different cargo needs. Depending on your needs, you can choose between these two sets of sizes. Standard Sizes. Most shipping containers measure 20 feet (6.09 meters), 40 feet (12.18 meters), 45 feet (14.6 meters) and 53 feet (16.15 meters). Since your business is just starting up, it will be practical to choose a smaller size. The main benefit of choosing these standard sizes is that they can easily be loaded to ships, trains, and trailers because most loaders are designed to the same standard measures. It even makes them interchangeable between shipping companies. Customized. Of course, if you think the standard sizes don’t suit your needs, you can choose to customize. Doing so, however, doesn’t come cheap. You’ll have to use a customized trailer as well and you’ll to do all the hard work. Whereas, if your containers are of the standard sizes, the shipping company will most likely handle the delivery from port to port as well as from port to your property. Container Types Shipping containers also come in different structures, and for a number of good reasons. One is that some types of cargo require special handling or loading technique, which makes the regular one-side opening practically unhelpful, so other sides are made to open and close as well. Sometimes, the cargo is too tall to fit to the shipping container, so the top of the container Page | 2

3. is left open. If the cargo is too long, the opening needs to be on the longer side rather than on the shorter one. There are many other things about shipping containers for sale that you should know, especially if your products require special handling and storage. A trip to a trusted shipping container supplier in Houston, such as Equipment Management Services, is a good way to start. They can give you all the information you need to start your import/export business on solid ground. About Equipment Management Services When it comes to shipping containers, the best place to secure quality units for your business is Equipment Management Services. For decades, we’ve contributed to the local and international trade by providing high-quality shipping containers to businesses of all sorts. We operate one of the largest off-dock shipping container storage and maintenance facilities in Houston, Texas, so you can definitely find the right type and size for your shipping needs. Source: Essentials of Container Shipping, thebalancesmb.com Page | 3