Insulated shipping containers are a popular type of storage device employed to ship extreme temperature sensitive products like foods, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. They are put to use as part of a comprehensive cold chain to help maintain a perishable product’s freshness.

Some of their features that make them are ideal for storage of products sensitive to temperature extremes or condensation are:

•    An insulated shipping container might contain fabricated thermal blankets or liners; molded or expanded polystyrene foam similar to any cooler, to ensure optimum cooling.
•    These shipping containers are insulated with about 4″ of polyurethane foam.
•    They are lined internally mostly with stainless, and are dispatched in a clean, weatherproof condition.
•    The doors are lockable.
•    For increased security an optional steel lock protection box is fitted to the doors.

Insulated shipping containers effectively control and document the temperature of a precious product throughout its whole distribution cycle. These containers may be used with a coolant or refrigerant, such as water, ice, dry ice, gel packs (mostly formulated for certain temperature ranges), etc.

A temperature data logger is usually enclosed to monitor the precise temperature inside the insulated container for its entire shipment.

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.

The type of goods to be stored and transported plays a big role in the choice of a suitable shipping container. For instance, Refrigerated Containers are designed to store products, which require precise temperature control.

Made for the toughest shipping assignments, these sturdy containers have become very popular worldwide as a reliable temperature controlled storage solution. There are various critical elements that boost their performance. Some of them are as follows:

•    The electrical power supply to a refrigerated storage container needs to be reliable and well within the design ranges, at the supply panel.
•    The opening and shutting action of doors should be minimized. In fact, their doors are only to be opened for the purpose of loading.
•    A warm, moisture laden airflow will invade the container if the door is kept open. This might cause an increase in temperature inside the refrigerated container and will require frequent defrosting of the evaporator coil, which is undesirable. Once closed, the door must be fully closed.
•    Warm products loaded into the refrigerated container may cause a rise in temperature inside it and will require increased defrosting of the evaporator coil so try to ensure all products are cool before loading.

The use of self-storage facilities in the shipping industry has grown drastically over the past few years in the UK, as space becomes more of an issue and consumers want to store and transport more goods, and hence the demand for self-storage containers has also increased.

At these sites, which offer self-storage facilities, customers are allowed to house their precious goods in a safe and secured manner for as long as they want and the facilities are usually hired by the container-load. Convenience is an important aspect in utilising self-storage facilities. It should not be too far away so you or your business representative can get to your self storage container whenever you like. The terms that govern self-storage should be flexible. It is desirable that short and long term contracts are available at these sites.

Access should be available round the clock - 24 hours a day, and seven days a week – or at least, whenever you want by prior arrangement. It should be suitable for both large as well as small vehicles. The premises need to be hard standing and securely guarded with devices like CCTV. Enhanced security measures in form of the gate controlled by unique code access that allows you full flexibility is also desirable. Convenience and safety of operations are the two critical factors in the choice of self-storage facilities.  Be sure that the self storage container you use is secure and safe.

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 global container and shipping industry is taking rapid strides. Taking note of its growth and significance, a new, ambitious project has been initiated for BBC News that will track a standard shipping container all around the world.  The year-long project ‘Box’ will crisscross the world to tell the story of far-reaching international trade and globalisation in context of the role played by a shipping container in the same.

It is a unique project that plans to deliver informative content for TV, radio and online audiences. The idea is to tell the interesting stories related to the global economy.

The Editor of BBC business and economics centre, Jeremy Hillman, explains:

“We have painted and branded a special BBC container and bolted on a GPS transmitter so everybody can follow its progress all year round as it will crisscross the globe. It will hopefully reach the US, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia. When it does so, BBC correspondents will be there to report on who is producing (what) goods and who is consuming them.”

It is technically a very challenging project and the solid, sturdy shipping container is playing a major role in its success.

What makes a container a perfect tool for storage and transportation is its immense versatility. Made for withstanding rigorous shipping, Refrigerated Containers are very popular as a reliable temperature controlled storage and transport solution.

Commodities that are acutely temperature sensitive can be carried in a controlled environment thanks to refrigerated containers. These are so designed that they can safely hold products demanding precise temperature control. This becomes possible with a fully integral refrigeration machine capable of maintaining an internal temperature range between 25 and -25 degrees centigrade. They are lined internally mostly with stainless steel.

Following are some of the key factors that enhance the performance of a refrigerated container:

•    Proper air circulation is necessary - both inside and outside the container.
•    Floor is ‘T’ section to let air flow beneath stored product.
•    Apart from the interior floor air space, the ceiling air space also needs to be kepy clear to facilitate air flow and cooling throughout the container.
•    The area outside the refrigerated container must also make provision for adequate airflow through the condenser.

All these aspects need to be monitored closely to ensure the peak performance of a refrigerated container.