A new storage container can cost thousands of pounds. Even a quality used shipping container can result in a huge operating cost. In contrast to the high investment, a shipping container rental can cost as little as a few pounds per day. It therefore comes as no surprise that storage container rentals are acceptable to most businesses as a popular cost saving measure.

The rental cost depends on the size and the add-on features of the container you wish to hire. Vendors can provide discounts if you are going to keep the shipping container for a pre-determined length of time. As an added advantage, you may also be able to deduct the rental costs from your tax liabilities.

Shipping storage container rentals are among the most affordable options when a company needs containers mostly for a one-time usage, such as moving goods and property between two locations, or just for a few days, such as if you are required to store and transport some excess inventory.

A vendor can, once the rental terms are agreeable, deliver the container to a desired destination or your worksite for as long as you require it, and take it back when you are finished.

If you need a reliable solution to store and transport your critical equipment, machine parts, or perishable goods, then a storage container is probably the right option. Containers can store most valuable commodities safely.

Shipping containers hold goods stocks and keep them intact. No doubt containers are helpful for long-term usage, but what if you only require them for a rather brief period of time? In such a scenario, it makes sense to go for storage container rental at an affordable daily, weekly or monthly rate. Rather than shelling out a huge sum to buy a new unit, you can approach a premier supplier of containers for hire. Storage container hire has become popular, largely because of space and logistical constraints.

There are many suppliers around, but many of them are sole traders. They possess only limited resources to meet a customer’s exact storage requirements. What holds the key to a good deal in terms of quality and cost is to look for an established container specialist in the UK with experience of supplying the industrial as well as domestic markets.

You can get Refrigerated Containers, Insulated Containers , office containers, storage containers, self storage containers, open top containers and even special containers on a rental basis.

High costs can discourage small businesses from opting for a shipping container purchase. However, there is another viable option for potential container buyers in the form of affordable used containers.

With advice from an experienced container supplier, you can get used shipping containers from that are almost indistinguishable from new container models. There are companies that collect previously owned shipping containers; redo them and make them look new. This involves tasks like replacing slightly damaged parts, refitting accessories, repairing dents, and of course, applying a fresh coat of paint. In addition, they can customise used shipping containers for you by incorporating them with the extra features of the latest containers.

Quality testing of used containers is essential to check their durability. It is necessary to see whether the container can last the rigorous storage and transport tasks. They should withstand challenging weather conditions and also need to be tested for air tightness before being put up for sale to customers.
Ideally, look for a supplier that operates from its own facilities. The agency should hold a large container stock to facilitate the process of selection and assure the best quality.

Versatile shipping containers come in handy when you are required to store a wide variety of equipment or materials for transport or safekeeping. However, the cost of a new container can be huge and is usually unaffordable for a small-sized business. The cost can increase further depending on the container size and number of add-on features that a buyer is looking for. Thankfully, the internet has opened up easy access to container suppliers whom you can find and contact online.

In fact, the option of employing used shipping containers for the storage and transport of goods is perfect since you can get them to use at a fraction of the cost of the brand new containers. While you may not personally appreciate the idea of using old equipment, it makes a lot of business sense.

Making the correct choice of a supplier is critical. You should look for a highly experienced and professional container specialist in the UK to meet your needs. The shipping container supplier should have a good reputation in the industrial and domestic markets.

What is it that makes the photo competition from the Container Shipping Information Service unique and special? It is a great effort to map the huge positive impact that a ubiquitous container has on our lives.
One of the judges of the competition, Nick Souza, an established US based professional photographer, mentions:

“As a global industry, container shipping can produce some amazing visuals. I know this having photographed the maritime sector for close to 13 years. What is particularly special about this competition is that because of the widespread usage of containers, the perfect shot could be well just around the corner. It is likely to be the simplest of shots, but one capturing the positive impact, which a container can have, will win the competition.”

Hurry up because the closing date is not far away (Friday 30th September). Here is some more information on the terms and conditions of the container photo competition:

•    A photograph should contain a visual reference to either the shipping container or to the impact that it has on our lives.
•    The photograph must unconditionally be snapped by you and not duplicated from another source.

The last date for global photography competition from CSIS (Container Shipping Information Service) is approaching fast. The body has launched the photography competition to let people know about the huge positive impact that container shipping has on their lives.

The competition, aimed at amateur photographers, will run till the end of September. It will generate mass awareness of the usually unrecognised benefits of container shipping transport. To take part in the competition, you can take pictures of unusual, innovative ways of using shipping containers like community centres and housing, or simply snaps of the containers in transit onboard a lorry or ship.

The images should be mailed to photocomp@shipsandboxes.com. These will be considered by judges to select the ten best entries each week that will be hosted on the CSIS website.

The overall best entry will be selected by a panel of judges, comprising Nick Souza, the US based professional photographer.

Nick Souza stated: “This is a great opportunity for individuals with a liking for photography to try out their skills.”

The winner will get the latest Niko SLR digital camera, worth 450Euros. The two runners-up entries will also receive digital cameras.

Most businesses prefer to hire shipping containers for obvious practical constraints arising mainly out of space and logistical issues. Thankfully, there are a lot of suppliers to meet your need for shipping containers, steel containers, storage containers, used containers and containers for self storage.

What are the basic criterions to choose your supplier? First, it is reputation that counts. Check with existing clients for knowing about the supplier’s ability to provide high quality containers at a competitive rate. Dependable service to fulfil the client demands swiftly and economically is also important.

You may want to do some background checks to select the best supplier. Many suppliers are sole traders, so they possess limited resources to meet your exact needs. Look for a shipping container provider that operates from its independent facilities and holds a large and diverse stock of containers.

Apart from the quality and cost affordability of shipping container equipment, what also matters is a desired level of after-sales service and maintenance. Aspects like custom conversions (any size, type and quantity of shipping containers) and delivery to any suitable and accessible location should be considered.

Shipping containers are one of the most vital elements of logistics. They are available in a variety of different shapes, sizes and materials. Accordingly, they are capable of handling different storage functions.

To underline exactly how important they are here is an important fact: Approximately 90 per cent of all cargo that is shipped worldwide uses mainly containers stacked on ships followed by trains, aircraft, and those loaded into trucks. Every year millions of containers are shipped worldwide and the number is only increasing.

The firm responsible for acquiring containers for its consumers should have the ability and expertise to pinpoint the exact container models they need. The container company should also be able to deliver it as fast as possible in order to meet projected business deadlines.

With the increasing number of shipping containers manufacturers, it is important to look for the most experienced and container specialists reputed for supplies into the industrial as well as domestic markets. Choose a supplier that has a vast range of clientele - from blue-chip corporations to small local companies.  Understand your transport and storage needs before going for storage container hire or purchase.

If you are keen on saving costs on your shipping containers purchase, you could consider hiring used, ‘ready-to-go’ new or converted steel containers of all standard sizes as well as types. For instance, various sizes like 20ft, 30ft, 40ft and types like standard, insulated, refrigerated - for tasks including storage, shipping or conversion – are available.

The most important aspect of a shipping container service is that the supplier should be able to meet invariably all their customer needs including fast delivery to any accessible location.

You may want to use your container immediately, the moment it is delivered. This can be made possible with a comprehensive transport and delivery network, inclusive of the lift off and positioning of the container exactly where you want it.

An experienced supplier will advise you if there are any technical issues. This will include advice if you need non-standard sized containers, or require some other modifications to a container like fitting out offices, plant housings, storage cabins, refrigerated units, and more. The experts will guide you on how this can be best be achieved and will also carry out the necessary work to get the custom conversions for you.

Containers of precious goods like furniture, food items, paper, clothing and other key commodities give a valuable service. However, a council in the US has proposed container taxation. The containers that move to and from the Newark City area have come under the City Council’s scanner.

For the local council, the empty containers, which linger there for months at times, are potential cash cows. The council members argue that these containers take up prime real estate and hence must be taxed.

Two council members recently introduced legislation, which would authorise the council for imposing tax on empty shipping containers, remaining unmoved for more than 30 days. The bill is similar to a proposal, which Sharpe James, a former mayor and state senator, introduced in 2004.

Newark deputy mayor for economic development, Stefan Pryor, stated:

“If a parcel of land was to contain a structure instead of containers, it would have real estate taxes. If it had a surface parking lot, there would have been a parking tax. If containers are parked on a parcel, the city yields no revenue other than the land taxes.”

The city wants to tax empty containers that sit for more than 30 days. After 30 days, a container would get charged for each day it sits. The fee would be increased further with each passing month. The container industry is understandably upset with the proposal.