Shipping containers have become a ubiquitous part of global trade and transportation. The iconic metal boxes come in different shapes and sizes, making them versatile and useful in many industries.
With their durability and portability, shipping containers can also be repurposed for other uses, from disaster relief shelters to above-ground swimming pools. In this article, we will explore the different sizes of shipping containers and their uses beyond the shipping industry.
Shipping Container Sizes
Shipping containers come in different sizes to accommodate various types of cargo. The standard sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet long, eight feet wide, and either 8.5 feet or 9.5 feet tall.
These dimensions, measured in feet, make it easy to transport goods across water and land on specialized cargo ships or trucks. Another container variant is the high-cube container, which is one foot taller than the standard container.
With a height of 9.5 or 10.5 feet, high-cube containers can hold more volume and taller cargo, making them ideal for industrial and construction uses. The additional height also allows for more storage space, with up to 12% more capacity than the standard container.
There are also smaller shipping containers, which are suitable for transporting smaller loads or for use on construction sites and remote locations. And for larger or specialized cargo, there are 45-foot container models, as well as high-cube variants that can accommodate taller and bulkier items.
For a more detailed specification chart, here are examples of exterior/interior dimensions, door size, floor area, and volume capacity of standard shipping containers:
20-Foot Container
– Exterior dimensions: 20′ x 8′ x 8.5′
– Interior dimensions: 19’3″ x 7’8″ x 7’10”
– Door opening width: 7’8″
– Door opening height: 7’5″
– Floor area: 140 sq. ft.
– Volume capacity: 1,170 cu. ft.
40-Foot Container
– Exterior dimensions: 40′ x 8′ x 8.5′
– Interior dimensions: 39’5″ x 7’8″ x 7’10”
– Door opening width: 7’8″
– Door opening height: 7’5″
– Floor area: 305 sq. ft.
– Volume capacity: 2,390 cu. ft.
High-Cube Container
– Exterior dimensions: 20′ x 8′ x 9.5′
– Interior dimensions: 19’3″ x 7’8″ x 8’10”
– Door opening width: 7’8″
– Door opening height: 8’5″
– Floor area: 149 sq. ft.
– Volume capacity: 1,320 cu. ft.
Uses for Shipping Containers
The primary use of shipping containers is for transporting cargo across bodies of water. Each year, millions of containers move goods around the world, from electronics and clothing to food and machinery.
However, when their useful life as shipping vessels comes to an end, shipping containers don’t have to be discarded. Instead, they can be repurposed for a variety of uses, some of which we’ll explore now.
Theatres and Restaurants: With their flat, wide surfaces and sturdy structure, shipping containers can be transformed into pop-up theatres or restaurants. These modular structures are easy to assemble and disassemble, making them perfect for temporary events or locations.
The use of shipping containers also adds an industrial vibe to the design. Disaster Shelters: In disaster-prone areas, shipping containers are being used as emergency shelter units.
These shelters can be transported quickly and easily, and their solid steel walls provide excellent protection against the elements and debris. Shipping containers also have the advantage of being stackable, which is ideal for densely populated areas or refugee camps.
Above-Ground Swimming Pools: Believe it or not, shipping containers have also been turned into above-ground swimming pools. They are relatively easy to install, durable, and cost-effective compared to traditional in-ground pools.
Garages and Workshops: Shipping containers can also be used as garages or workshops. They provide a secure, weather-resistant space for vehicles or tools.
Compared to traditional construction, using a shipping container is also more affordable and less time-consuming.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the different sizes of shipping containers and how they are used beyond the shipping industry. With their versatility and durability, shipping containers can be repurposed for various uses, from disaster relief shelters to above-ground swimming pools.
As we continue to find new ways to reuse these metal boxes, it is clear that shipping containers have become an innovative solution for many industries and situations. Shipping containers have revolutionized the transportation industry, allowing for the efficient movement of goods across the globe.
Thanks to their standard sizes, they can be easily loaded onto specialized cargo ships, trucks, and trains. These cargo ships can hold an astonishing number of containers, with some giants accommodating up to 24,000 containers.
The use of such large ships has allowed for more cost-effective transportation of goods, which has led to reduced prices for consumers. The high-cube container variant offers several advantages over the standard container.
With an extra foot in height, these containers provide additional overhead space, making them suitable for loads that require more volume and/or height clearance. Additionally, the taller height allows for better air circulation, which is crucial for shipments that require temperature control.
The benefits of using shipping containers don’t end with their primary use in transportation. Repurposing shipping containers has become increasingly popular in recent years as businesses and individuals seek eco-friendly, cost-effective, and unique building solutions.
Shipping containers are modular and easy to transport, making them particularly useful for temporary structures, such as pop-up stores and offices. Additionally, their solid steel walls make them very durable and long-lasting, while their mobility makes them ideal for use on remote locations or in disaster-prone areas.
One of the unique features of repurposed shipping containers is that they are eco-friendly. In most cases, repurposing a shipping container prevents it from ending up in a landfill.
Reusing these metal boxes reduces demand for new construction materials and reduces the carbon footprint associated with new construction. Shipping containers can also be reused repeatedly, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials.
Another advantage of repurposed shipping containers is their affordability. Using shipping containers for building purposes is much less expensive than traditional construction methods.
In some cases, you can save up to 50% on building costs by using shipping containers. This cost-effectiveness makes it possible for businesses and individuals to start small or expand their operations without breaking the bank.
One of the most significant advantages of repurposed shipping containers is their mobility. Shipping container buildings are modular and easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport.
This feature makes them useful in situations where permanent building structures are not practical, such as commercial construction sites or temporary event locations. Additionally, shipping container structures are stackable, which is ideal for densely populated areas or for building multi-story structures.
Shipping container buildings also offer a unique aesthetic that sets them apart from traditional buildings. The sturdy structure of shipping containers offers a modern and industrial look that is becoming increasingly popular among architects and designers.
Shipping containers also come in a variety of colors and finishes, making it easy to personalize your building structure. In summary, shipping containers have become a ubiquitous part of global trade, but their usefulness extends beyond their primary function.
High-cube containers provide additional overhead space and better air circulation, making them ideal for certain types of cargo. Repurposing shipping containers is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and unique.
The mobility, durability, and affordability of shipping container structures have made them increasingly popular in commercial and residential building projects. As we continue to find new and innovative ways to use shipping containers, it is clear that these metal boes have become more than just a means of transportation.
In summary, shipping containers have revolutionized global trade and transportation, offering a versatile and cost-effective solution for transporting goods. However, their usefulness does not stop there, as they can be repurposed for various uses, including pop-up stores, disaster relief shelters, and above-ground swimming pools.
The durability, mobility, and eco-friendliness of repurposed shipping containers make them a popular choice for building structures. Whether they are used for their primary purpose or repurposed, shipping containers offer unique benefits that make them an innovative solution for a range of industries and situations.
FAQs:
1. What are the standard sizes of shipping containers?
– The standard sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet long, eight feet wide, and either 8.5 feet or 9.5 feet tall. 2.
What is the capacity of shipping containers on cargo ships? – Giant cargo ships can accommodate up to 24,000 containers, while others hold between 10,000-21,000 containers.
3. What are the advantages of high-cube shipping containers?
– High-cube containers have an extra foot in height, allowing for more volume and better air circulation for temperature-controlled shipments. 4.
What are some unique features of repurposed shipping containers? – Repurposed shipping containers are durable, eco-friendly, and mobile, making them ideal for temporary and innovative building solutions.
5. What are some common uses for repurposed shipping containers?
– Repurposed shipping containers can be used for disaster relief shelters, pop-up stores, above-ground swimming pools, and even as residential or commercial buildings.