Storage is a subject that crops up in many aspects of our daily lives. We consider storage capacity when shopping for computers and cell phones, while closet space is often a factor when selecting a new home. But there is one specific topic involving storage that isn’t discussed very often; car storage. For those of you that are looking for car storage solutions to the following questions you’ve landed in the right place:
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Why Shipping Containers For Car Storage?
Used shipping containers provide an economical alternative to having a permanent garage on your property. Shipping containers are built to be corrosive resistant and can protect your vehicle against extreme climate conditions. Containers often have standard, user-friendly locking systems and can be moved if needed. In terms of space their physical footprint is relatively small compared to a free-standing garage. This can be an important feature for buyersdiv with limited property space. Shipping containers can also be personally outfitted to the buyer’s needs. Lighting fixtures, increased security devices or insulation can be added
How Is Your Shipping Container Certified?
A shipping container should have certain qualities to ensure the contents will be well-protected. Prospective buyers or renters need to look for a car storage container that has an International Organisation of Standardisation seal of approval. This means the container has been built to withstand the elements and is considered cargo worthy. Consumers may want to use a storage container that is IICL5 certified. This notation signifies that a container has a higher level of wind and water resistance than a container with only a cargo worthy designation.
If the Container Fits….
Storage containers come in both standard and high-cube configuration. The standard container has an interior height of 260 cm while a high cube measures 290 cm. The standard comes in lengths of 20, 40 and 48 foot. The 20 foot standard container holds 33 cubic metres of cargo and the 40 foot has the capacity to hold 68 cubic metres of cargo. For those needing a higher container, the 40 foot high-cube has 76 cubic metres of storage capacity.
What About Shipping Your Car?
Shipping your car in a container can be very safe if the proper procedures are followed:
- The vehicle should only have a minimal amount of petrol in the tank;
- No hazardous material should be in the car;
- Secure the car with lumber placed behind each tire and nail it to the floor of the container;
- Nylon straps need to attach the car to the walls and floor of the container.
A 20 foot container will hold 1 vehicle while 2 cars will fit into a 40 foot container. Three small cars may fit into a 40 foot high-cube container.
Don’t Just Drop it Anywhere
Consideration must be given as to where the container will be placed. The area must be level and firm. Placing the container on a concrete or asphalt surface is optimal and many companies have policies against transporting containers off-road. A container can be transported on a flat-bed truck if the consumer has equipment to unload. If this is not possible, the delivery will be made by a tilt-bed truck. If a tilt-bed used, the customer must inform the company of which end they need the doors of the container to face. Other than Car Storage – What other uses have you found for used shipping containers? Let us know in the comments
