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Drive-thrus have been a mainstay for years, providing consumers fast access to food and other goods on the go. During these socially distanced times the concept is more valuable than ever, as restaurants continue to find efficient ways to serve customers safely. One way these businesses are implementing cost-efficient processes quickly? Shipping container drive-thrus! More restaurants than ever before are utilizing shipping containers for drive-thru specific expansions and additional space needed for their customers.  So how might you be able to utilize shipping container restaurants? Let’s take a look at just how beneficial this route can be for restaurateurs, as well as a few of our favorite, real-world examples that are sure to inspire you.  The Benefits of Using Shipping Containers as Restaurant Space As mentioned, more and more restaurants are using shipping containers for their real estate needs. But why? It all comes down to the various benefits shipping containers provide restaurants compared to other space alternatives, like using existing buildings or constructing new properties entirely. Shipping Container Restaurant Benefit #1) Readily Available For starters, shipping containers are readily available, in part because the U.S. imports more shipping containers than it exports. With so much supply, shipping containers can be purchased at an affordable price, whether you want a brand new container or a used one at a slightly cheaper rate. Shipping Container Restaurant Benefit #2) Affordable Speaking of affordable, shipping containers are pretty cost-effective. You can get a new or barely used container at a very reasonable price, and complete some modifications and interior decorating to personalize your space. That’s excellent news for would-be restaurant entrepreneurs who don’t otherwise have the capital for traditional real estate. Shipping Container Restaurant Benefit #3) Eco-Friendly More and more business owners are taking their environmental impact into account these days. Fortunately, shipping containers are eco-friendly and sustainable. You don’t waste or require new materials to build your restaurant from scratch. Plus, it takes less energy to move a shipping container to your restaurant location than it does to build a new building entirely. Shipping Container Restaurant Benefit #4) Customizable Lastly, shipping containers allow you to customize your restaurant look. They’re customizable by design, so you can ensure that your business stands out from the rest with a few modifications and some aesthetic tweaks. You can even buy open-sided containers for easy access or for shipping container drive-thru windows. Bottom line? Shipping container restaurants are the future! Of course, the possibilities don’t begin and end with makeshift restaurant space. Check out some other creative ways you can use and reuse shipping containers. 9 Shipping Container Drive-Thru Examples  So how have people already leveraged shipping containers to make excellent drive-thru expansions for their business? Let’s go over a few real-world examples we love.  Shipping Container Drive-Thru #1) Wendy’s Check out this shipping container drive-thru for the popular fast-food chain, Wendy’s. A few different shipping containers were used for both the primary restaurant space and for the drive-thru extension on the side. It’s a great example of how even bigger restaurant companies leveraging shipping containers for greater eco-friendliness and extra savings. Source: Reddit Shipping Container Drive-Thru #2) Taco Bell The fast-food Mexican restaurant chain, Taco Bell, has also joined in on the shipping container drive-thru craze. Just check out this sterling example of two shipping containers combined to provide a safe and convenient drive-thru solution for travelers on the nearby road. There’s also an outdoor seating area in case any of the restaurant’s customers might prefer a more traditional eating experience. Source: Eater Los Angeles Shipping Container Drive-Thru #3) Starbucks One of the most well-known coffee shops in the industry, Starbucks has been leveraging shipping container restaurants for some time. But only recently has the company doubled down on shipping container drive-thrus. This particular example is built with a graceful turn that allows customers to enjoy a classic Starbucks experience without any real difference between this store and the thousands of others. But there’s no doubt that this store was a lot cheaper to build, and Starbucks saved some materials by using shipping containers rather than new construction. Source: Today.com Shipping Container Drive-Thru #4) Kahwa Coffee Starbucks isn’t the only coffee shop to take advantage of the style and cost-efficiency that shipping containers bring to the restaurant industry. This coffee chain uses two shipping containers; one of them stacked on the other to create a kind of tunneled drive-thru experience for cars to pass through quickly and easily. It certainly adds to the coffee shop’s overall aesthetic, and it’s a design we’re seeing more and more often in the restaurant industry as more companies catch wind of the benefits provided by shipping container drive-thrus. Source: ilovetheburg.com Shipping Container Drive-Thru #5) Dutch Bros Coffee It seems like coffee companies can’t get enough of the eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness that shipping containers bring to the table. This local coffee shop uses a drive-thru shipping container designed to quickly and efficiently serve its customers. Note how the coffee shop has built a drive-thru window into the shipping container wall that can slide back and forth for both worker and customer convenience. Source: Quickserv Shipping Container Drive-Thru #6) Coffee Time Low-key, single-store coffee shops are perhaps the restaurants best positioned and most benefited by shipping container drive-thrus. Maybe that’s why so many small-chain coffee shops use shipping containers both for their main restaurant space and further drive-thru options. Check out Coffee Time’s drive-thru, which even includes a bonus sitting area near the driving space for paying customers! Source: Archilovers Shipping Container Drive-Thru #7) Degani Here’s another great example of a coffee shop that uses a single shipping container both for its primary restaurant space and for its drive-thru option. You can see how the designers were clever with how they placed their menus right on the side of the shipping container for the convenience of their customers. It’s a small, cost-efficient store that no doubt returns a great profit when you consider the money the owners have likely saved

We’ve all come across a variety of ways shipping containers are being used today. From homes and pools to towering apartment complexes, shipping containers are becoming increasingly versatile. But are shipping containers just as useful for storage? In a word, absolutely. Are Shipping Containers Good for Storage? Shipping containers can be fantastic storage solutions. Whether you need them for your residential property or for a commercial business, using containers can be a durable, cost-efficient way to store just about anything.  Ready to take the plunge and set up a shipping container for storage? Check out these 14 tips first to ensure you use them to the best of their (storage) abilities. Storage Tip #1) Figure Out How You’ll Deliver the Container Beforehand When you work with a certified shipping container supplier to purchase or rent a container, they’ll take care of the transportation and delivery details for you. Depending on where you want your new storage unit to be placed, a crane may be needed to position it in a tight spot or location where the necessary clearance isn’t available for the tilt bed truck. Storage Tip #2) If Needed, Get Permits Straightened Out In some locations you may need to secure one or more permits to place or build any structure that doesn’t have a permanent foundation. If you plan to use the shipping container for a barn or shed, a permit may be necessary. Check with your local clerk’s office for a quick answer. Storage Tip #3) Choose Between New or Used New shipping containers are pricier but have less exposure to the elements. Therefore, they make a much nicer appearance and will last longer than other containers you purchase. Are shipping containers good for storage if they’ve been used? Sure! Used containers may not look as nice but they are absolutely perfectly suited to storage if they are guaranteed Wind & Watertight. Consider which of the two types you want to buy and what your budget looks like. Storage Tip #4) Buy a Quality Container Regardless of whether you buy a used or new shipping container, just make sure it’s high-quality. Do some reviews of the vendor you plan to buy your shipping container from and make sure that they don’t provide subpar or corroded containers. The higher the quality of your shipping container provider, the more comfortable you can feel after making your purchase decision. To ensure you pay what you should for a quality container, check out some best practices for shopping on the container market and browse Rent-A-Container’s inventory of affordable shipping containers. Storage Tip #5) Set a Solid Foundation Early Any shipping container structure needs a foundation. A foundation will allow for ventilation and moisture drainage while preventing corrosion on the underside of your shipping container storage structure. Prepare the foundation before your container arrives by pouring concrete or using wood and metal beams in a lattice-like structure. Railroad ties and slab-on-grade are alternative options. Storage Tip #6) Choose the Right Container Size Naturally, container size affects whether or not it’s good value for money. Be sure to purchase the right container size for all your storage needs so that you don’t waste money or end up having to purchase another shipping container later down the road. Check out our High Cube Shipping Containers vs. Standard Shipping Containers comparison guide to determine what size may be the best fit for your storage needs. Storage Tip #7) Get Equipment for Loading/Unloading You might also consider purchasing some equipment specifically for loading and unloading your shipping container. Shipping containers are often used to store bulk items or heavy equipment, particularly if you plan to use the container as a barn or storage shed. Equipment like dollies, forklifts, ramps and other supplies can help you quickly load and unload the container when necessary. If you don’t have secondary doors around the middle of the container, this may be necessary if you want to reach back-of-the-container items without unloading everything in the front. Storage Tip #8) Invest in Anti-Corrosive Paint Your shipping container will last longer if you invest in anti-corrosive paint and apply it to both the interior and exterior. Even the strongest shipping containers may corrode over time, and this process can accelerate if you live in a wet climate. Anti-corrosive paint only takes a single application and could extend the lifespan of your shipping container for many years. Storage Tip #9) Prevent Container Rain Container rain occurs in humid climates when moisture condenses to your shipping container’s roof and eventually falls. This “rain” could potentially damage the container itself or the stuff you store inside it. You can prevent container rain by investing in dehumidifiers or other supplies designed to eliminate container rain conditions. Storage Tip #10) Smell Bad? Use Coffee Like any structure, many containers can start to smell bad after heavy use. Consider scattering some coffee beans throughout the interior of your shipping container to help take care of the worst of the smell. Just be sure that you have anti-rodent traps in place and that there aren’t any holes or places for rats and mice to get inside. They may be attracted to the coffee beans and make a nest in response. Storage Tip #11) Check Ventilation Systems or Install Them Yourselves It’s a good idea to make sure that your shipping container has any necessary ventilation systems. This is required if your climate has drastically different daytime and nighttime temperatures. In this case, condensation can build up and lead to container rain. Ventilation systems can include fixed vents installed periodically across your container or an HVAC system. Consider both options based on your budget and experience level before installing. If you’re lucky, your shipping container will come with fixed vents already.  Storage Tip #12) Don’t Forget Security The stuff you keep in your storage container is undoubtedly valuable. Invest in security measures for the container’s front doors to ensure thieves can’t get inside. Oftentimes, even a simple chain lock

We all want shipping containers. They’re versatile, durable, and they can be used for anything from housing and storage, to pools and restaurants. But no matter their intended use, one of the most common questions we all have relates to how much a shipping container should cost. We know, shopping for the right price on a shipping container can be as frustrating as the used car market. All you’re trying to do is understand what the market value of a container actually is and avoid the embarrassment of getting ripped off. And while we unfortunately can’t give you a straightforward answer on exact amounts, we can give you some insight into which factors contribute to the range of prices you’ll likely see. We’ll also throw in some best practices to help make sure you get the best price available to you on the container market (or at least don’t buy an overpriced container). Let’s get started. Factors That Influence Shipping Container Cost There are a lot of different factors that can influence how much it costs to purchase one or more shipping containers. Let’s break them down one by one. Factor #1) New (ish) or Used Conditions And Shipping Container Costs The biggest factor that will influence the price of a shipping container is whether it’s a one-trip container or has been used more heavily by previous owners or commercial shipping companies. Newer shipping containers, also known as one-trip containers will obviously cost more than a more heavily used container. And this will continue to be true depending on how used and in what condition a container is in when you buy it. For example, those that have been on many ocean voyages will likely be the most affordable initially. Ocean travel causes degradation to any shipping container due to the native salinity in the air and the cold, wet conditions that permeate any ocean vessel. The result is a little more rust and some bumps and bruises. And while used containers are usually cheaper, they likely won’t be able to offer the same shipping container lifespan. How you’ll be using the container and how long you anticipate needing it for will help you decide if you want the initial higher price of a one-trip container or if you’ll be happy with a more used “wind and water tight” container. For more on the varying conditions of shipping containers and what they mean, check out our guide to buying shipping containers. Whatever you choose, we recommend trying to avoid “as is” containers unless you are really on a tight budget or are incredibly handy at repairing and welding. These containers may be sold with any number of defects, such as rust, doors that don’t properly close, holes, and more.  Note: This is especially true for home construction – if you’re using your shipping containers to build a new structure, try to aim for quality over a cheap price. Factor #2) Where You Source From Will Impact the Cost of Shipping Containers Where you actually buy the container can also drive up the price significantly. Direct From Manufacturers Likely Not An Option For Container Buyers Most buyers won’t have access to this type of wholesale market. While it might be an affordable way to pick up brand new containers at wholesale prices, almost the entire inventory of shipping containers available to people and businesses have experienced one shipping related trip. Additionally, most containers are assembled in China and the price of having a shipping container delivered would be considerable at that distance. Container Dealers Offer the Sweet Spot Between Quality, Large Selections, and Cost Savings Often the most reliable sources for containers, these dealers have access to bulk numbers of containers and have curated an inventory list that includes different types, conditions, and sizes that you’ll need. Additionally, these container dealers make a living out of providing you a specific service. That means it’s in their best interest to find you deals, source containers nearest to you, and provide the highest overall customer service experience. If you find a shipping container dealer you enjoy working with, you’ll also benefit from the relationship you build with a great sales representative. Repeat customers and bulk ordering should get you the best deals and keep you in the loop with any upcoming sales or new accessories on the market. Individual Resellers and Inconsistent Pricing Individual resellers suffer from inconsistent pricing and costs. You might find someone trying to get a shipping container out of their yard at a super affordable cost. Or you’re just as likely to notice that they understand perfectly well what the cost of their container is and they’ll add a 25% to 35% markup on top of that to try and profit. In addition, monitoring quality and getting accurate information can be much more challenging in this type of space. It’s hard to comfortably and consistently recommend this type of shopping, but you’re welcome to examine this space. Factor #3) How Amenities and Extras Impact Container Costs Some shipping containers will come with extra amenities or features, which may make them more or less suitable to your storage or construction needs. These include things like utility integration ports or plugs, window cutouts, special doors, ramps, shelving, refrigeration and more. Avoid overbuying your next shipping container by examining what features or extras it comes with. If you are buying shipping containers to act as a basic shed or garage, you might not need windows, multiple doors, or even complete waterproofing. For more sensitive storage items you might need to consider insulation, humidity reduction, and perfectly sealed corners, roofing, and doors. Related Reading: Preventing Shipping Container Humidity Factor #4) Size and Cost Of course, the size of your shipping container will also play a role in its price. In general, ISO-certified shipping containers come in two sizes: 20’ and 40’. These are standardized sizes that can fit interchangeably with other containers of their archetypes, and so they are the most common

Tons of properties across America have ancillary storage sheds. For some of us, sheds are a space to get out of the house. For others, they’re an awesome vanity space to show off your tools, shop equipment, and sleek customizations that make for an enhanced working space. Or maybe, it’s simply the most practical way to store your lawn mowing equipment, rakes, shovels, and the kids’ bicycles.  And, due to the demand for sheds that are durable, made of materials that will last decades, are insulatable, and portable, we’ve seen a large influx of buyers turning to a better storage solution – the shipping container shed.    Benefits of Using A Shipping Container Shed Using a shipping container as a shed, whether a full container, multi-container shed, or part of one, can provide numerous benefits that you’ll immediately enjoy.   Benefit #1) Made of 14-Gauge Steel that Can Handle Inclement Weather Exposure  For starters, metal shipping containers are much more durable than wooden storage sheds. Metal shipping containers are typically made with 14-gauge steel, which is durable enough to last for decades, and even longer if you properly care for it.  The steel body and frame prevent water from soaking into the roof, wall materials, and columns. If you buy a high-quality container, this will also protect insulated walls and your stored items from being exposed to rain water or snow melt.   Benefit #2) Designed to Be Sealed and Lockable Remember, before a shipping container shed became a hot commodity item, these metal storage units were designed to securely handle storage on a freighter, out at sea. These lock boxes are designed to keep people and unwanted pests out of your space. This means you can lock them up in your backyard, on the farm, or on the construction site to keep out vandals and thieves. You’ll also prevent the entry of mice, rats, and other rodents. You can more safely and reliably store certain materials in shipping container sheds as a result.   Benefit #3) A Shipping Container Shed is Relocatable and Transportable These shipping container sheds can easily be transported from place to place depending on where you install them. Their lack of permanence makes them a great solution for companies that need to move sheds from job site to job site. If using a container shed on your own property, you can find a way to move it around your property relatively conveniently. And, should you need to move to your next shipping container dream home across the state, you can bring your shed with you.   Benefit #4) You can Accessorize A Shipping Container Shed Easily From ramps to shelving, to custom doors, the shipping container industry is made up of a brilliantly standardized system of sizes that make accessorizing easy. Companies and businesses all across the globe give you access to buy various kits, tools, and appliances for easy and effective installation.   Benefit #5) Easy to Add Shipping Containers For a Bigger Shed Since a standard 20’ shipping container is a standardized size across the glove, you can conveniently add and join shipping containers together to create larger sheds as you need to add more square footage. Stack or connect them horizontally as your property requires.   *Please note that this blog does not address the building codes that may be applicable in your location. Before deciding to build a structure with shipping containers, please consult an architect/engineer and ensure that local codes can be met under your plan. What Can You Use Shipping Container Sheds For? If you place a shipping container shed on your property, you can easily use it for: Storing gardening or other outdoor tools such as rakes, shovels, and pickaxes Storing vehicles and motorized equipment from cars and tractors to lawn mowers, motorcycles, and bikes. Using the shed as a “man cave” or “she shed” – these are fun getaway spots where you can customize the place to your liking without having to worry about the rest of your home’s décor or theme Doomsday stations – yes, we’ve even heard of people making these into doomsday prepper, secure hideaways Meanwhile, if you own a business or want to use a shipping container shed for company reasons, you can utilize it for: Storing your bulk products, retail inventory, or tools Storing construction vehicles like bobcats, gators, and forklifts It all depends on how you want to customize the shipping container shed and what steps you take to seal it against weather and rodents. Again, though, shipping container sheds are great choices instead of wooden sheds in part due to their durability and resistance against those kinds of issues.   Can Anyone Use a Shipping Container as a Shed? This leads us to the other big potential downside. Depending on where you live, you may not be able to install a shipping container on your property for any reason. You’ll have to look into the city or county building codes that are applicable to the property in question. Some states, like Texas and Washington, are a little more friendly on this point than others. They have relatively relaxed building codes relating to shipping containers, and so placing them on your property and building onto them or altering them is easier. *Do plenty of research before committing to a shipping container shed because of these factors. Examples of Shipping Container Sheds Here are just a few ways that folks have been creative when installing or utilizing shipping containers as storage sheds or for other vanity-shed purposes.   Relaxing Studio Pod Just check out this awesome build! The creator made this shed to carve out a space where he could think, relax, and use recycled materials to benefit the environment all at the same time. Source: Shipping Container Studio   Sea Container Garden Shed This garden enthusiast and small farmer made a convenient tools and materials shed for employees and volunteers. It’s neatly organized organized and spacious. Source: Gateway Containers  

When people say “shipping container” most folks know exactly what they’re talking about, steel, interchangeable, 20 or 40-foot cargo containers. But standard shipping containers also have a variety of lesser-known names, or names that are really only recognized by professionals in the industry. Let’s break down some of the most common but ill-understood names for shipping containers you might hear.  The Many Names of Shipping Containers Modern shipping containers as we know and use them today were first standardized into their modern appearance and dimensions in the 1950s. It was during this period that shipping containers got their first colloquial name as Conex Containers.   Recommended Reading: History of Shipping Containers   What Are Conex Boxes/Conex Containers? “Conex box” or “container” is easily the most common alternative name for standard shipping containers you’ll hear today. That’s because intermodal and standardized shipping containers were associated with a logistics model from the 1950s called Container Express. In a nutshell, this logistics model allowed more companies to take advantage of container standardization, shipping more goods across the world at cheaper prices than ever before by using the inherent advantages of the modern, shared shipping container unit. Container Express was eventually abbreviated to “ConEx” and then “Conex” as a catchall term for the standard, 20-foot or 40-foot steel shipping containers we still use today. Conex containers refer to any standardized shipping container that can be used intermodal-ly, meaning the container can transition from one type of transport to another without having to unload and reload its contents (i.e. it can go from a ship to a train to a truck).   Where Is This Name Used? Today, you’ll mostly find shipping containers called Conex boxes or something similar at professional shipping companies or storage facilities. That’s because those organizations are likely to know the actual history behind the containers and may still use those old-fashioned names. Similarly, you can find Conex containers referred to by container warehouses and purchasing centers.   ISO Containers The ISO acronym stands for “International Organization for Standardization”, which is the organization that handles shipping container dimension standardization, alongside the standardization of other aspects (such as material, accessories, and more). In fact, modern shipping containers must be ISO-certified to be legally used by most shipping container companies. A container that’s ISO-certified will work with most other standard shipping containers and can be passed around from company to company without much issue.   Where Is This Name Used? Like with Conex containers, shipping containers are usually only referred to as ISO containers by shipping companies, warehouses, and stores. However, ISO containers are much more used by laymen or regular folks looking to build their own shipping container homes or businesses compared to Conex boxes or containers.   Intermodal Containers Technically speaking, any intermodal container is a container that can transition between multiple methods of transportation without having to reload the contained cargo. All ISO-certified and Conex containers are intermodal by design, although you might occasionally find some other intermodal containers with different specifications or origins. The majority of intermodal containers, however, come in either 20 or 40-foot lengths so that they fit with other containers carried on cargo ships around the world.   Where Is This Name Used? As with the above two terms, intermodal containers are usually referred to by shipping companies, warehouses, and professionals in the industry. The descriptive quality of the name, however, means that intermodal containers can technically be used in a lot of different areas and contexts so long as they can be moved from transport to transport without issue.   Freight Containers Many shipping containers are called freight containers instead. This is just because they often carry freight: this word is often used as a catchall term for any large-scale or bulk goods or manufacturing materials.   Where Is This Name Used? In general, the term “freight container” is mostly used in relation to railroads and rail transportation due to the association of the word with trains. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and even industry professionals may sometimes refer to standard shipping containers as freight boxes or containers.   Sea or Ocean Container As the name suggests, sea or ocean containers are shipping containers primarily used for ocean shipping or transit. They’re often referred to as such if their typical cargo rotation locks them to sea transport – for example, they may technically be intermodal containers but never see the inside of a truck or train freight car. Sea and ocean containers aren’t designed with sea-focused insulation or anti-corrosion layering by default since most of them start off as standard shipping containers. However, some companies may eventually modify their sea containers to make them even more suited for long-term ocean transit for years to come by adding additional coatings, special paint, or modifying them for water damage.    Where Is This Name Used? You’ll most likely have your shipping containers referred to as sea or ocean containers at harbors or around shipping companies that mostly deal with ocean transport.   Recommended Reading: Lifespan of a Shipping Container   Sea Can Sea can is another common reference to a standard but ocean-focused shipping container. Many so-called “sea cans” are bolstered with many of the modifications mentioned above, such as anticorrosive paint, insulation on the interior to prevent container rain, and so on.   Where Is This Name Used? As with sea containers, sea can is really only used as a term by shipping companies that mostly deal with ocean-bound cargo containers.   Dry Van/Container Van Dry van and container van are two terms that are a little rarer than all the others. These refer to shipping containers that are mostly used for dry cargo, and more often than not are containers that already have many years of service. As such, “dry” or “container vans” are often older shipping containers that have been repurposed for land-only transport (for instance, maybe their steel has worn down over time, making them unsuitable for long-term

Shipping containers come in two major sizes – 20’ and 40’ – and a wide variety of colors. But beyond these slight differences, steel shipping containers are largely manufactured with the same materials and components as one another. Let’s break down the key shipping container materials and terminology you need to know if you are purchasing, building, or modifying a shipping container for your own purposes.  Recommended Reading: Buyer’s Guide To Shipping Containers   Steel Shipping Container Components Since shipping containers need to be made to specific standards that ensure container longevity as well as user and product safety, most of them have the same number and types of components.  Let’s break those down now. Component #1) Vents Most shipping containers feature vents which allow air flow in and out of the container and help with temperature regulation and moisture control. Vents can be made with the same type of Corten steel as the containers or from other metals. Some aftermarket vents can also be durable plastic. Component #2) Corner Castings and Posts Corner castings are reinforced shipping container corners that often have openings for twist locks. These corner castings and posts are designed to be strong enough to be rigged to cranes, even if they have a full shipment of goods inside. Component #3) Beams/Joists/Cross Members Cross members, which may also be called beams and joists, support shipping container floors by “crossing” from side to side. These cross members can lift the greater shipping container structure off the ground, which is also why many shipping container structures don’t need foundations. Cross members create extra space between the ground and the flooring to stop moisture from actually affecting the floor of the shipping container proper. Component #4) Cargo Doors, Headers, and Sills Most shipping containers will have maneuverable cargo doors split down the middle to form two separate steel doors. These are usually quite sturdy and secure and may contain one or more different locking or securing mechanisms. All shipping containers will also make use of a number of headers and sills. Headers are frames at the top of the shipping container while threshold sills border the other sides of a shipping container’s opening. Component #5) Forklift Slots/Pockets Any shipping containers designed to be moved from place to place will contain two forklift pockets or slots along the bottom edge of their shapes. These are in place to allow forklifts to pick up shipping containers and move them around – forklift tines are simply inserted into the pockets when ready. Note that not all used containers will have forklift pockets. Component #6) Flooring The vast majority of shipping containers will come with durable flooring made of one or more materials. Floorings are usually infused with insecticides and other protective coatings to ensure that they last for a long time and don’t suffer from insect or rodent damage.  Component #7) Security Seals Many shipping containers may have their security bolstered by security seals. These are often color-coded and numbered and can be combined with standard locking mechanisms to seal a shipping container until it reaches its destination. Security seals are useful since it’s easy to tell if a shipping container has been opened ahead of time; if the seal is broken, you have a problem. Component #8) Twist Locks Any shipping containers designed to be connected to others will feature twist locks. These can securely latch shipping containers either to counterpart containers or to other anchor points depending on your needs. These locks work by fitting into corner castings, then pivoting to a locked position through the use of a lever or another manual control. Recommended Reading: How to Join Shipping Containers Together Component #9) CSC Plate A CSC (which stands for The International Convention for Safe Containers) plate indicates that a shipping container meets certain design and construction standards. Such plates essentially mark a shipping container as safe to use. These plates are usually affixed to the interior or exterior of a container. What Type of Steel Are Shipping Containers Made Of? Shipping containers and the majority of their components are made of metal. But not just any metal is used for their crucial parts, walls and doors. Instead, most shipping containers are constructed from high-quality Corten steel. Corten Steel Also called “weathering steel”, Corten steel is forged by combining several steel alloys and doesn’t need to be painted to resist corrosive damage. This makes Corten steel a particularly good material for shipping containers and their surfaces, which are often exposed to corrosive elements or materials like saltwater. Corten steel is also valuable because it’s extremely easy material to use for welding and shaping. While it’s still good to paint shipping containers if possible, the nature of Corten steel means that any rust that does form shouldn’t penetrate lower than the initial layer of paint. Shipping container walls, frames, corner castings, and other major metal components will almost universally be made from Corten steel. Other Shipping Container Materials Certain components in a shipping container may also be made with additional materials. For instance, shipping container floors are often made with either bamboo or marine-grade plywood. Bamboo Flooring Bamboo flooring is the less common of the two options. However, you can still find it in many older shipping containers since bamboo is extremely durable and is resistant to mildew. Furthermore, many shipping container structures and restaurants appreciate bamboo flooring for its aesthetics. It’s easy to tell whether a shipping container’s floor is made of bamboo or another type of wood since bamboo floors have woven patterns. Marine-Grade Plywood Most modern shipping containers use marine-grade plywood, which has recently become much cheaper and more available for manufacturers. Most marine-grade panels are infused with insecticides to stop insects from chewing through the material over the course of a long voyage. Such plywood is also water-resistant to a limited degree, although some floorings will include additional water-resistant coatings to boost this effect. Marine-grade plywood is durable, flexible, and easy to install in new