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Shipping containers provide plenty of solutions to your storage and space obstacles – they can be homes, schools, or restaurants, as well as simply fulfilling their original purpose as some of the best long-term storage solutions in the world. But sometimes we forget that their appeal and durability relies somewhat on how well you prepare the site where you’ll be keeping them. Shipping containers are made out of heavy materials, and they can store a huge amount – and failing to account for that in the process of preparing a storage site will definitely have effects on how durable your containers actually turn out to be. As a result, properly preparing a site for your shipping containers is a vital part of receiving and using your containers for as long as possible. To that end, let’s discuss how you can choose an ideal shipping container site and what types of foundations you should consider for long-term shipping container storage or use. The Importance of Shipping Container Site Preparation In a nutshell, you need to prepare a site for your shipping container before it arrives to protect both the container itself and the surrounding land. This is absolutely necessary no matter what kind of shipping container you are purchasing. Even standard shipping containers – whether they’re 20’ or 40’ in length – are usually too heavy to rest on unprepared, soft ground without some negative side effects. For instance, most ground – even normally-dry desert soil types – eventually gets wet. That wet soil will stick to the bottom of a shipping container and over time will cause the exterior to degrade and become weaker. This has a staggering effect on the amount of use you’ll end up getting out of your containers. It can shorten their lifespan by several years. Besides that, failing to pack a container’s foundation materials tightly enough can result in your shipping container sinking into your yard or the ground around it outright. Beyond the fact that this damages the container and the land it’s on, it also inhibits your ability to access the inside of the container. Shipping containers that will be used as permanent fixtures (say, as part of a home) will be sitting in place for a long time, experiencing frequent movement and weight redistribution. If the shipping container site preparation isn’t done properly beforehand, the shipping container may unevenly sink and lean. Or the bottom of your container may steadily decompose if there isn’t any space underneath the container to let moisture evaporate. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to accommodate the delivery and installment of your shipping containers.  Prioritizing Site Access and Location The first thing to scope out is whether there’s easy access for the truck bringing the shipping container and for anyone looking to access the goods or doors of the container itself.  This involves: Checking the surrounding area to ensure that it is clear of debris and potential obstacles This includes removing or avoiding any overhead obstructions such as phone lines, power cables, or tree branches that will potentially interfere with the container, truck and the driver’s ability to efficiently make the delivery.  Additionally, make sure there’s enough room for the truck to maneuver any shipping container around if you want the doors to face a certain way. In order to allow a truck to back up in order to deliver a shipping container, you should definitely provide at least 15 feet of clearance space at the truck’s front and sides. If you want more information on specific space needs based on the truck and container size, check out our guide to buying shipping containers. Inspecting the site area to see if it’s compact Depending on the stability of the ground already, you may or may not need a concrete foundation (more on those later). It helps to know your soil types (clay, sand, loam, and mixtures), and how the area responds to moisture in the ground. Surveying the area for proper sloping In addition to knowing how compact an area is, be sure to avoid low areas where the ground can become saturated or pool with water. Properly graded sites help direct moisture away from the foundation of your containers. Considering Accessibility to the Container and Proximity to Important Structures and Utilities If you’re planning on using multiple containers to create a shipping container home or a building that you’ll use frequently, consider important utility tie-ins. This includes electrical, gas, cabling and plumbing requirements. You’ll want to make sure you’ve also taken care of any permits required in order to install electric and plumbing in your container. If you’ll need frequent, daily or weekly access to the container, consider where it is placed in relation to other important buildings. This will help make sure you’re not making unnecessarily long trips, and that your containers fit into the flow and logistics of your property. Having space for growth If it’s possible and space allows, try choosing a location that will allow you to add more shipping containers easily. A lot of users of containers regret setting up and preparing their sites in a small area, only to realize that they wish they could house more containers. Keep your focus on the long term demands of your storage or housing needs. How Do You Prepare Ground for a Shipping Container? Now that you’ve made sure you have a good location for your shipping container, it’s time to actually prepare the ground to support your container. There are various ways to do this, which we will go through. But at the very least, it’s extremely important to have an even, level site to put your container on– or, perhaps, a crushed stone pad. An even installation site will go a long way in keeping your container in good shape and your belongings safe. Here  are some other ways to prepare your location for a shipping container: Leveling and compacting Whether you’re going to pour a more formal, cement foundation,

You strain as you push the doors shut. They’re heavy. But that’s good. Since you’ve moved your materials and equipment to this location, you haven’t lost a single piece to thieves. Hauling materials and equipment every morning and evening is getting to you, though. It seems a high price to pay for security. But what else can you do? Your coworkers in construction are telling you good things about using construction storage containers. But you’re not convinced just yet. Leaving high value equipment and materials at a job site is taking a risk. High risk. Because even if the chances of your property getting stolen or damaged were low, the effects would still be huge. You’ve experienced it yourself, and you don’t want to again. That’s perfectly understandable, but your coworkers do have a point. So, get a cup of coffee, sit back, and read on. You’ll learn all about what containers for construction sites can do for you, including all the reasons that you want to buy or rent one and how they affect your bottom line.   Already Know What You Want? Click to check out the Rent-A-Container Store!   Reason 1: One size fits all Commercial storage containers are extremely versatile and flexible despite the limited number of sizes that they come in. You can use shipping containers (which is what they are), to store almost everything imaginable. Jobsite materials, building supplies, construction tools, equipment and machinery. You name it, you can store it. The only restriction is that it has to fit inside and through the doors. But that’s no different from any other storage facility. And though the number of container sizes is limited, you can find small ones, large ones, extra high ones, and ones with more doors than just the pair on the end. Reason 2: Made for rest and work The versatility and flexibility of containers extends their use far beyond putting your tools and equipment to rest at night. You can also use these construction storage boxes perfectly well for working. Of course, you’ll then want specialty containers, built with windows and doors for humans, fit to be used as offices. With these office shipping containers you have an instant on-site office; no more scribbling notes using the back of a colleague.   Reason 3: Construction storage solutions not just for construction sites Storage containers are not limited to construction sites. They can be used anywhere by anyone who needs to store something. Permanently or temporarily. They’re even used as hunting cabins and by doomsday preppers.   Reason 4: Containers are the world’s greatest backpackers Shipping containers were originally used as standardized boxes to make loading and unloading of ships easier and more efficient. Storage containers often sit in one place, but they are portable. Although mobile is probably a better word, as you wouldn’t want to try carrying one.   Reason 5: The sky’s the limit Because of their nautical heritage, storage containers are meant to be stackable. Faced with limited footage on the ground, going up is always an option with containers. Reason 6: Custom fit and fitted You can add and remove storage containers to meet your needs. And you can fit them with shelves, storage cabinets, tool racks, and everything else you can think of to keep them (and yourself) organized.   Reason 7: The more the merrier Construction storage containers allow you to keep a lot around. And that allows you to purchase materials in bulk, so you can enjoy the advantages: wholesale prices and deeper discounts, cutting down delivery and freight costs, and consistency of materials.   Reason 8: Everyone likes derailing the bad guys Up until 2015, equipment theft was the biggest risk construction companies faced. It still is a huge issue, coming in at 400 million annual cost in most reports. Putting your materials, tools, and equipment inside a lockable, steel container allows you to have them on-site and give the bad guys a headache   Reason 9: Singing and dancing in the rain Rain, frost, hail, storm, they can do a lot of damage. Storing your materials and equipment on-site, inside a storage container protects them from that.   Reason 10: You want to have the last laugh Have the last laugh when you won’t have to replace anything and work doesn’t get delayed waiting for the replacements of things that didn’t get stolen or damaged.   Reason 11: Everybody loves a short commute Using construction storage containers to store your equipment and materials safely on-site, will save you having to get them in the morning and return them at night. That means more time available for work and lower fuel costs.   Reason 12: Have a crush on not being crushed Not hauling heavy equipment to and from a job site every day, means a lot less lifting of heavy equipment on and off trucks. That means less risk of injury to your people and of all the consequences injuries bring.   Reason 13: Save your memory for sweet memories Having everything you need on site, means you no longer face the risk of forgetting to bring something you need. That’ll save you the time and fuel of going back to get them.   Reason 14: Rest and relaxation on your terms On-site storage containers mean that you can ensure having enough of everything for the next day’s work and everyone can keep working. So you can take breaks on your terms instead of when you’re forced to wait for deliveries. That’ll save you the cost of work delays as well as penalties for missed deadlines.   Reason 15: Commit to not committing Portable storage containers for rent free you from having to make the investment up front to buy your own. That allows you to rent only what you need when you need it and avoid the risk of having them sit idle.     Get yourself some peace of mind and breathe easier There you have it. 15

Every construction site manager is always looking for ways to enhance their site’s efficiency, safety, and organization. While there are many ways you can improve your workforce or equipment quality, one particular improvement to consider is using jobsite storage containers. Indeed, jobsite shipping containers can provide tons of benefits to your construction site just by acting as secure, organized places to keep your equipment and tools. Let’s break down the 5 major ways that your construction site might become more profitable and efficient thanks to jobsite shipping containers. Make Your Jobsite Safer Firstly, shipping containers on your jobsite can help improve safety across the board. There’s no denying that many jobsites can be hazardous to employees and those just passing through (after all, there’s a reason why hardhats are a requirement!). However, by using storage containers you are able keep any potentially dangerous equipment or tools locked away in an organized space without leaving them as hazards for others. This, in turn, allows you to keep your jobsite well-organized and on-schedule, while providing access to any tools or material you might need, without losing them or having to wait for them to arrive. Plus, jobsite storage containers can easily be relocated from site to site. This means moving your tools and equipment from one contract or job to another is a lot easier and safer, eliminating the need to move any heavy equipment or tools piece by piece. Avoid Permanent Storage Solutions – Keep Flexibility! There’s a lot to be said about the benefits of maintaining flexibility with your operation. For instance, you may need to switch projects rapidly when a contract goes under or when you need to leap on a new job opportunity. Either way, you may need the ability to quickly move your equipment and tools from site to site without placing undue strain on your employees. The solution? Jobsite storage containers. These storage containers can easily be moved by truck or train across the country when needed. With several companies that can do the logistics for you, you’ll have ample options when the time comes to move, and won’t be tied down to a specific date or time. Need your equipment at a new jobsite ASAP? Loading everything into a jobsite storage container will make it a lot easier to get your equipment where it needs to be on time, rather than moving all of your tools individually or in the back of a pickup truck. Make Budgeting for Your Jobsite Easier But those aren’t the only two ways to enhance your construction jobsite with storage containers. Storage containers placed right on the jobsite can also make budgeting for future jobs much easier. Purchasing or renting portable, jobsite storage containers is quick and easy due to their clear and consistent pricing. You can even browse different companies that offer different sizes and prices for shipping containers online, and take your pick based on what you need and what your budget looks like. This makes it easy to factor in the cost of moving your equipment from place to place when calculating the overall budget. No need to worry about unnecessary expenses or sudden price upticks – what you see is what you get. All in all, moving your equipment from place to place or storing it with jobsite storage containers is much easier to predict budget-wise than an alternative approach. Protect Your Tools and Equipment from Thieves – Save Money! Of course, the best equipment and tool storage containers will come with a variety of safety features, such as locks or latch systems. Depending on what exactly the container in question has, you could end up storing your equipment in a very secure space that’s practically impregnable to thieves. This could also end up saving you a lot of money on your contract. Each year, millions of dollars are lost at jobsites because thieves steal equipment, or certain pieces “go missing” when workers are laid off. By keeping your equipment in sealed jobsite storage containers, you can keep track of everything you pay for, and won’t have to purchase new equipment for the next job just because someone came by and stole your best pieces. This can be even more valuable if you purchase new equipment that is brand new and looks pristine. It’s best to keep that stuff locked up and secure before you start breaking it in – otherwise, you might lose your investment to someone with sticky fingers. Defend Your Equipment from the Weather Similarly, jobsite storage containers can protect your equipment and valuable tools from inclement weather and all of the corrosive effects that come with it. For instance, rain often wrecks havoc on machinery or tools, particularly their metal surfaces. It’s all too easy for rust to accrue over time, even if you try to protect your equipment using tarps and other temporary shelters. Storage containers on your contracted jobsite can go a long way toward protecting your equipment over the long-term, as well as provide better protection in general since they’re airtight and won’t let rain or snow inside. Plus, they’re great storage solutions if your jobsite is infested with pests like rats or certain types of bugs. The right storage containers can effectively keep these things off and away from your equipment, allowing you to use everything longer and preventing you from having to pay more money to repair or replace it. Improve Your Workflow With Jobsite Shipping Containers  All in all, jobsite storage containers really are the way to go when it comes to storing and organizing your equipment and tools. They’re the best way to enhance the efficiency of your construction site, secure its valuables, and help to make sure you don’t run into unnecessary and unanticipated expenses or costs due to broken equipment and thieves. Ready to get started? Check out storage containers available to rent or purchase in your area right now on ModuGo’s website. Once you place your order, ensure your prepared for

If you’re looking for a temporary workspace, there are lots of options out there. What’s right for your needs? We’re all familiar with the layout of a traditional office space– several floors of cubicles in which everyone works together throughout the day. But in recent years, there’s been a growing shift in what workspaces look like. Many businesses, large and small, find that they don’t actually need a large office complex– their time and resources may be better spent on smaller, cheaper offices that can be relocated and reorganized as necessary as their needs change. As far as smaller, more modular office spaces go, there are plenty of options available out there. Among these are office trailers and ground-level offices, but which one will work best for you largely depends on your specific needs. So what are all the differences and similarities between office trailers and ground-level offices? Where is each most useful? And how can Rent-A-Container help get you started on pulling together your small office space? Here, we’ll go through the pros and cons of each office type and point you toward the right path for your business. Ground-Level Offices, Office Trailers, and Modular Offices– What’s the Same and What’s Different? As we’ve mentioned, there are several options out there for temporary office space solutions or even just for small workspaces– ground-level offices and office trailers are just a couple of them. But what are the differences between these office types, and where do ground-level containers really shine? Most modular offices require some construction once they reach their destination. Although it takes significantly less labor and money to build them on a given site, you will need to put some real thought into the layout of your space, how big you need your modular office to be, and what utilities will need to be installed. Since these offices often take some work to install, they’re difficult– although not impossible– to move. Office trailers are attached to a truck from the very beginning– a trailer that has been modified to serve as an office is hitched to a truck, and that’s about all there is to it. This makes office trailers extremely mobile– all you have to do to move them is to secure all your belongings inside and drive to a new location. Ground-level offices, in contrast to other modular offices, are usually installed outdoors– they’re very popular on construction sites. They are not suspended off of the ground, have no steps leading up to them, and are also not on wheels the way office trailers are. The materials used to make these offices also differ. The construction materials for modular offices vary greatly, but office trailers are frequently made out of aluminum. Ground-level offices are flexible, too, but it’s extremely common to find them made out of modified shipping containers– which are, in turn, constructed from corrugated steel, an extremely strong metal that withstands bending and breaking more than many other materials. What are the Pros and Cons of Different Types of Offices? If you’re just starting the hunt for your temporary or small office space, it may be difficult to tell what drawbacks and perks come with each type of office. What are the pros and cons of different types of office solutions? Modular Offices Modular offices come in many, many different arrangements and styles– they can be small and implanted into a bigger building, stand multiple stories tall, or be freestanding. In this sense, they are versatile workspaces. However, it does take more work to install them, depending on your needs, where you need them to be located, and how big you need them to be. For example, building a small complex of modular offices is going to be more involved than simply plopping a one-story ground-level office on your worksite outside. Office Trailers As the name suggests, office trailers are extremely mobile– they are permanently installed on a set of wheels, and all you need to do to move them is to drive to a new location. This sounds appealing to those whose businesses demand that they show up at several worksites in a short amount of time. But it’s not all perfect with these temporary offices. Since office trailers are permanently on a set of wheels, they are limited in what they can carry– too much equipment and too much weight can damage the chassis that supports the office. If your office needs to be able to house some heavy equipment as well as your work desk and papers, you might run into some problems with an office trailer. In a similar vein, wheels, axles, and chassis require maintenance– not only in relation to the amount of weight and pressure put on them, but also in response to the terrain that they travel over. Especially on construction sites, the terrain is not always smooth, and this can force you to bring your work to a halt in order to repair your office trailer. Your wheels can also sink into the ground if it’s too soft, which can damage the office as well as the wheels and axles– so these types of offices usually do best on solid, even concrete. Ground-Level Container Offices Ground-level offices, especially ground-level container offices, combine the best characteristics of other types of small offices. Requiring no wheels and usually no foundation, it’s pretty easy to install these– you may need a crane to set one on your worksite, but that’s about it. You won’t need to maintain any wheels, and you won’t have to worry about your office reaching its upper weight limit while on the ground. This makes ground-level container offices rather stable, like many traditional modular offices. But the pros don’t end there. Although it can’t be denied that ground-level offices aren’t as mobile as office trailers, which are ready to go at a moment’s notice, you still aren’t sacrificing your office space’s mobility overall. You may need a crane again, but it’s relatively easy to

When inspecting the rugged exterior of your average shipping container, you may never think those steel sides and heavy-duty doors could house a trendy space for drinks and entertainment. But imaginative shipping container bars have been on the rise in recent years as people aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly businesses with interesting atmospheres. So, yes — shipping container bars exist, and they are just one of the many creative container projects out there. Ready to learn more about shipping container bars? Here are 10 awesome reasons why bar owners and backyard mixologists alike are in love with container lounges. Are you thinking about your own shipping container bar? Rent-A-Container offers containers of all sizes with options to lease or buy. Give us a call today at 800-880-7061.  1. Shipping Container Pop Up Bars Can Go (Almost) Anywhere Whatever free space you can find, chances are, you can squeeze in a shipping container bar. Some of the hallmarks of shipping container projects are their small footprint and ability to fit neatly into virtually any space. They’re as at home outside for a festival as they are inside a convention hall for a tradeshow.  The various sizes and types of containers out there mean that it’s easy to develop custom bar designs to match almost any environment. Additionally, transportation and installation are a breeze compared to more permanent structures, making shipping containers the perfect solution for temporary bar space. A temporary shipping container bar can be set up in a short amount of time. And when the show is over and it’s time to head home, they break down as quickly as they pop up. 2. Your Storage Container Bar Is Environmentally Friendly Most of us are used to bars and restaurants being permanent structures, even though we all know that major construction projects take their toll on the environment. But according to Forbes, around 87% of consumers develop a more positive image of businesses that support environmental issues than of those that do not. Nurturing a sustainable brand image means more than gesturing; it means taking public action. So why not accomplish that goal and build an innovative and trendy bar space? With storage container bars, you can get the best of both worlds. Because most countries import more than they export, there’s a massive surplus of unused shipping containers. The environmental cost to recycle these containers is staggering.  Upcycling them into storage container bars mitigates these costs and others related to traditional construction for homes and buildings, allowing business owners to create enjoyable public spaces that give back to both the community and the environment. 3. You Can Move Your Shipping Container Lounge Once you’ve got your shipping container lounge up and running, upkeeping it is similar to taking care of a traditional brick and mortar space. You’ll need access to utilities, a cleaning schedule and, most importantly, refreshing beverages. But what happens when you need to pack up shop and move? Another huge benefit to utilizing shipping containers for bar space is that they are much easier to transport and set up again than other businesses. For businesses that are set up in permanent buildings, moving locations means entirely changing their layout and organization. For shipping container bars, though, picking up and moving doesn’t have to significantly change the appearance and atmosphere of your business. Delivery, installation and operation are all part of the process of owning a shipping container bar, and your atmosphere can stay the same anywhere you go. Containers can travel virtually anywhere and break down out of sight when they aren’t in use. Manufacturers design containers to be easy to transport. Consequently, container bars are easy to load onto a tilt-bed or flatbed truck for delivery to a new location.   4. Shipping Container Bars Are an Affordable Way to Start a Business Shipping container bars are popping up all over the world. While their portability and customizable interior are attractive benefits, cost is yet another area where these creative projects outshine their traditional counterparts. While turnkey bar options can get pricey, costs pale in comparison to traditional bar openings that can run anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 in startup costs alone. For the most cost-effective solution, you can buy a container outright and outfit it yourself. In this case, Rent-A-Container has all the solutions you need for affordable containers. Buying a shipping container can be intimidating, but with our help, you can open your container bar without breaking the bank.    5. You Can Have the Best Backyard Parties on the Block Sometimes, you have to treat yourself — and what better way to do that than by setting up a lively shipping container bar on your own property? A backyard container bar can be the perfect gift to you, your family, and your neighbors. Let’s face it: we all want a little attention. Be the talk of the block with a creative container bar in your backyard. You’ll want to check with your HOA and municipal government first, but installing a container bar in your yard is a fairly painless process compared to most home renovation projects. Before you know it, you’ll be slinging margaritas and turning heads with your swanky backyard shipping container lounge.   6. Your Storage Container Bar Is Sturdy Shipping containers are meant to go through heavy use. Cranes toss them around like Legos, they scrape and knock against each other constantly during transit, they’re frequently found stacked like sardines, and they brave hazardous open-sea environments for most of their lifespans. Is it any surprise that shipping container manufacturers build them to last? Harsh conditions require rugged construction. Good shipping container manufacturers make a point of sourcing materials that are up for the task for container construction. Corten steel makes up the majority of a container’s components and parts. And this isn’t some ordinary steel. Corten steel, known as weathering steel, can stand up to decades of environmental abuse and corrosion.   7. Define Your Brand

Do you have a project coming up that requires a shipping container but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! Shipping containers are used by many throughout the world who need to ship something- (or in some cases build something) that is able to withstand both storage and handling. They are built with strength in mind, the iconic corrugated wall panels (which are those traditional wall or roof metal panels that utilize a repeating u-shaped wave, (aka corrugation) pattern in its design, it’s the wall texture you picture immediately when someone says “shipping container” to you), cargo doors, and cross members are all made of corten steel which is the most special type of steel as it is made to face the highest of weather conditions and wear and tear.  Now mainly you’ll see a lot of shipping containers in one of two places, one being on a container ship or a boxship, or two, in a yard somewhere where they are all waiting to be used. But nowadays creatives have taken the traditional shipping container and have turned them into buildings like restaurants, office spaces, emergency hospitals, stores, and even houses. That’s right, with the housing market getting more and more expensive every year some people have taken a new “DIY” approach to their dream home by building it through shipping containers like this Container Home (that’s actually available to rent) in the forest of Kalama, Washington: So it’s safe to say there are a lot of different uses for shipping containers that aren’t just for transporting or holding precious goods. But when it comes to managing shipping container sizes there’s a lot of questions you might have and we’re here to answer them! We’ve got the ins and outs of all your shipping container questions along with a few extra inquiries you might have if you have a specific project or need for a shipping container in your life. In this article you’ll find out along with all the shipping container sizes you can get and its cost: What are the standard sizes for shipping containers? How much do shipping containers cost? How much does a 20 foot container weigh? Are shipping containers waterproof? How much can you fit in a 40 foot shipping container? How much can you fit in a 20 foot shipping container? What is the difference between a 40 foot and 20 foot container? How do you move a shipping container? What are all the different shipping container sizes you can get? (and shipping container dimensions) Commonly you’ll find that most shipping containers come in standard sizes of:  20 ft. (20 ft. long, 8 ft. wide, and 8 ft. 6 in. high) 40 ft. (which is twice the size of the 20 at Rent-A-Container without twice the cost) 10 ft. (8 ft. wide, 10 ft. long, and 8 ft. 6 in. high)   These Standard Shipping Containers are available at these exact sizes via Rent-A-Container. Each standard shipping container size will normally always be around 8 feet wide as that’s most common with all shipping containers.  However, there are also different variations of these sizes that you can find when you’re looking into these 20 foot and 40 foot options. For instance, you can find your standard sizes of course, the 10, 20, and 40 foot, but there’s also: a 20 foot Double Door option a 20 foot High Cube container a 40 foot Double Door option a 40 foot High Cube container And a whopping 45 foot High Cube container Those are a few of the variations you’ll find if you’re looking for a more specific container to fit your needs. And if you’re looking for an even bigger container, (53 ft and above), and/or a different size which are usually used on farms for storage or to build an establishment like a restaurant, those can be found through specialty listings and orders.    How much do shipping containers cost? Both 20 foot and 40 foot shipping containers being the most common sizes you’ll find that you can get a lot more details on these containers more often than not.  But the real question is how much do these shipping containers cost? Well, that’s a bit of a complicated answer. We can’t give you a direct number for the cost of a shipping container as shipping container prices vary extensively. Why? Well, they are commodities subject to wide supply changes as international trade rises and falls. Meaning depending on where you go and when you go looking for a shipping container the cost can vary due to a number of factors. And let’s not forget about other fees! Make sure to include delivery fees, taxes and other expenses included in the total cost. All of that can change an estimated number greatly. Tip: Having additions and modifications to standard shipping containers like the High Cube and Double Doors will definitely add to your costs so make sure to factor that in when you’re looking into your budget/shipping container needs. Always buy or lease from a reputable seller with a track-record of providing containers nationwide, like Rent-A-Container. How much does a 20 foot container weigh? Now that you know about the strength and corten steel it takes to make a shipping container, you might be interested in how much these weigh. Just from the sounds of it, it seems like it’ll be heavy, and you’d be right! According to the Bison Jacks website, you’ll commonly you’ll find that an empty 20 foot shipping container will weigh “between 1.8-2.2 metric tonnes (about 3,970 – 4,850 lb)” and an empty 40 foot shipping container will be “3.8 – 4.2 tonne (8,340 – 9,260 lb).”  So you’ll find that 20 foot containers will weigh just under 5,000 pounds, while 40 foot containers will weigh just under 10,000 pounds empty. Are shipping containers waterproof? We mentioned before when we were talking about Rent-A-Container shipping container costs that it said each container is “Wind & Watertight”