Shipping containers are the global go-to for the storage and transportation of goods. The adoption of containerization in the mid-20th century drastically increased the speed of international trade and reduced the cost. Now, shipping containers are an industry all their own, with a variety of standard shipping container sizes and uses, as well as more uncommon configurations.
In the past two decades, the durable, weathertight, and stackable nature of shipping containers led to a new industry: modified shipping containers.
You might be familiar with modified container mobile offices for construction or industrial applications, but that merely scratches the surface of the potential of modified shipping containers. Other examples include mobile testing facilities in healthcare, housing for temporary workers or displaced individuals, dry storage facilities, restrooms, and even pick-up stations for online retail orders.
Before you begin planning a modified container project, you should get to know your options. We’ve developed a guide of shipping container terms, types, and sizes to help you get started.
Like many industries, the container industry has developed its own lingo over the years. Rather than Google the unfamiliar terms, review the interchangeable names for “shipping container” below:
Exterior: 9’ 9.75” (L) x 8' (W) x 8.6" (H)
Interior: 9’ 3” (L) x 7' 8" (W) x 7' 10" (H)
Square footage: Approx. 75 sq ft
Cubic footage: Approx. 560 cu ft
Common modifications:
Exterior: 20' (L) x 8' (W) x 8.6" (H)
Interior: 19' 4" (L) x 7' 6" (W) x 7' 9" (H)
Square footage: Approx. 150 sq ft
Cubic footage: Approx. 1200 cu ft
Common modifications:
Exterior: 40' (L) x 8' (W) x 8.6" (H)
Interior: 39' 5" (L) x 7' 8" (W) x 7' 9" (H)
Square footage: Approx. 300 sq ft
Cubic footage: Approx. 2400 cu ft
Common modifications:
High cube shipping containers have the same dimensions as the standard containers listed above, but the height is increased by a foot to 9’ 6”. These are often used to increase shipping storage space and improve air circulation. The extra height makes high cube containers ideal living spaces and frequently used workspaces.
Marketplace availability of these container sizes varies. For instance, at the time of this article’s publication, 40-foot high cube containers are more readily available to purchase for Falcon’s inventory than the standard 40-foot containers.
Consider the different types of shipping containers before starting a modified container project. The list below describes the most common ones that Falcon uses, as well as less common container classifications.
A deep dive into the dimensions and uses of different shipping containers might be overwhelming, especially if you have a modified container project in mind and don’t know where to start.
Learn the basics of shipping containers on our website by reading our blog and browsing our resource library. You’ll soon discover the potential of modified shipping containers, like workplaces, bathrooms, equipment enclosures, living spaces, and multi-container structures. View Falcon’s wide variety of modifiable floor plans to see what’s possible.
Here at Falcon, we have experience working with all container types and sizes for many industry applications. We can guide you in the right direction. Reach out to our team at 512-131-1010 or email us at Sales@FalconStructures.com.