Plastic shipping containers are best solutions for portable storage or even as secure portable office spaces. There are a lot of nationwide suppliers who offer the sale, rent, or lease of 40-foot containers.
Plastic shipping containers are closed head containers that are blow molded with improved performance characteristics of high molecular weight high density polyethylene. It can withstand the rigors of distribution and permits a wide range of filling temperatures. Some plastic shipping containers are in a form of either cases or drums. Most plastic drums are corrosion resistant and compatible with a broad range of products from hazardous chemicals to foods.
Plastic shipping containers may have several benefits over those metal ones. For one, aesthetically, plastic shipping containers look more presentable than the metal ones. Also, most plastic shipping containers are corrosion free and rust free, unlike the metal shipping containers that may stain whatever it is that you are planning to store in or ship. However, there might be some pitfalls, too. Endurance of plastic shipping containers will always be outperformed by metal shipping containers. The strenght of material in metals is always higher than that in plastics.
Thus, before deciding on getting one, you will have to consider the different features and needs that may come in when choosing a plastic shipping container.
Many suppliers modify shipping containers to include custom paint, sliding doors, electrical outlets, heat or air conditioning units and many more options. You have to thoroughly inspect these features and make sure that these are functioning well. Otherwise, these might cause damage to container and to the contents that you intend to store. Look for corrosion or rust on the door seals and windows of the shipping container. Check for major dents. Ensure that there are no foul odors inside of the container that may contaminate whatever you will store. Make sure the doors open and close properly. Go inside of the container and look for cracks that expose daylight. Also ensure that any rust is surface-based. Otherwise, you might just end up damaging the items that you plan to store or ship.
You will have to prepare the delivery area. It has to be, at a minimum, twice the length of the container plus 10 feet in a straight line. For example, if you are expecting a 20-foot container, you will need at least 50 feet of space. The delivery area should be a level area for the container. If the area is not level, the doors on the shipping container may not function well. To make the container level, some wooden blocks may be used under the container. Also, proper drainage has to be ensured for the area, or else the container may sink.
There are also local laws and ordinances governing the use of these containers. You will have to take this into careful consideration in order not to end up with violations. Before you buy, contact your local city or county office in order to determine if there are any ordinances against shipping containers in your area.