Looking for a shipping container to support your business? The right container can transform how you manage space and resources. Whether you need extra storage, a mobile office or a pop-up shop, choosing the right container is key to optimising your operations.
In this guide, we’ll provide some practical tips to help you find the perfect container, plus the factors you’ll need to consider – like container size, type and potential modifications. Become fully equipped to make a decision that improves your business efficiency and effectiveness.
Choosing The Right Sized Container
Deciding on the right container size is crucial for maximising both its usability and cost-effectiveness.
For a small business, a 10-foot container might be the perfect solution for a compact pop-up shop or a tiny office. These containers are especially useful for start-ups with limited space requirements, they offer a cost-effective solution with sufficient room for basic operations.
Ultimately, a practical choice that helps keep the initial costs down.
However, businesses trying to scale up are likely better-suited to a 20-foot or 40-foot container set-up, which provides the extra room for more inventory or a larger office set-up. These sizes offer more flexibility and capacity, accommodating for ample space and good for a growing team.
Regardless of which size you go with, it’s a key decision that can greatly impact efficiency and cost. By carefully determining your space requirements and budget, you can choose a container size that supports your business’s current needs whilst still allowing room for future expansion.
An informed decision over the size builds a strong foundation for the container’s success.
Choosing Your Business’ Ideal Container Type
Different types of containers serve various business purposes, so choosing the right one is crucial. By making the right decision, you’re setting your business up to ensure your storage and handling needs are met effectively.
Learn about the different container types that ContainerCo provides for its customers, plus the range of functions they offer.
Open-Top Containers
These containers are similar to the standard, general-purpose containers but with one key difference – the roof is replaced with a stylish tarpaulin cover. This design creates additional vertical space, which makes it ideal for storing taller items or loose materials that may need to move around freely.
The tarpaulin not only shields the contents inside from the wind and rain, but it also makes loading and unloading more convenient. With the removable cover, cranes and other machinery can easily access the contents inside and handle the heavier items with care.
Loose materials like machinery, gravel and dirt can be loaded directly into the open top – making these containers a great option for industrial businesses.
Side-Opening Containers
Different to the standard, general-use containers – side-opening containers come with a side door in addition to the standard end doors.
Depending on your needs, the side door can span the entire length of the container or cover a smaller section. These bespoke containers offer several advantages – including the fact loading and unloading is made easier due to the increased access.
This feature makes it quicker and more efficient to handle items, especially larger or oddly-shaped items that may not naturally fit through the end doors. You might need to load or unload wooden pallets or long pieces of furniture, making these containers a great solution.
Side-opening containers also make great starting points for pop-up stalls, a little renovation can transform these designs into functional shops.
Refrigerated Containers
Commonly known as “reefer containers”, these units are built with a refrigeration system that maintains a constant internal temperature.
Available in various sizes, including the popular 20 and 40 foot options, reefer containers are ideal for storing temperature-sensitive items like food or plants. Whether you choose to buy or hire, they simplify the storage and transport of goods needing precise temperature control.
In New Zealand, refrigerated containers are particularly popular with the diverse range of natural and organic products requiring specific handling and storage conditions.
Whether it’s managing excess stock or transporting perishable foods, these containers might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Dangerous Goods Containers
When determining which unit you need, you might realise the types of contents you need to store are particularly sensitive or hazardous and require extra care.
Dangerous goods containers are specifically designed for hazardous materials and items prone to leakage. These containers are highly secure and durable, boasting reinforced steel and high spill capacity to ensure the contents’ safety.
They’re built to protect both the external environment and the contents inside, making them ideal for storing paints, oils, chemicals and flammable substances.
Evaluating The Container Quality and Condition
Assessing the condition and quality of a shipping container is vital to ensure it meets the business needs effectively. Evaluating the standards of both means you’ll make a choice that guarantees the container’s durability, reduces the maintenance costs and fits within your budget.
When choosing between new and used containers, new ones will obviously offer the benefit of being in pristine condition, free from wear and tear. This can be particularly advantageous for businesses needing reliable, long-term storage solutions.
Considering Container Modification For Your Business
Customisation is a key factor to consider when you’re deciding which container is right for your business, given the fact it allows you to tailor the container to meet your specific needs.
Containers aren’t necessarily the final product when they arrive, there’s always the opportunity to modify the container’s exterior and interior design to suit the style of business you’re running.
For example, retail businesses often modify their containers by adding windows, display areas or custom branding to attract customers. There might be shelving that’s added or a paint job that helps their shop stand out.
An office space renovated from a standard container will require electrical systems, insulation and possibly partitions to separate workspaces. There may even be a need to install a working bathroom, which will require plumbing work.
Other common modifications include adding additional doors, skylights or even HVAC systems – which improves both access and ventilation. While customisation options can add to the overall expense, they significantly enhance the container’s versatility and functionality.
When choosing which container you proceed with, it’s important to consider the different modifications that your space will require and whether the container you’re choosing is the best fit for the changes.
Choose The Right Shipping Container For Your Business With ContainerCo
Deciding on the right container for your business can feel like a daunting task, but understanding the key things to consider will help with making an informed choice.
It’s important to choose your container based on the key factors of container size, type, condition and its potential for modifications. Whether your container is needed for storage, shipping or a workspace – assessing these factors carefully will lead to more efficient operations and long-term cost savings.
At ContainerCo, we take pride in offering a wide range of 10, 20 and 40 foot containers for hire or purchase, along with all the necessary parts and accessories to maintain them.
With facilities in Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch, Wellington and the Waikato, we serve Kiwis nationwide with quality containers they can trust will last for years to come. If you’re looking for a reliable container to support your business endeavours, look no further than ContainerCo.