Five Advantages of a Shipping Container Storage Facility

Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an existing one, utilising new or used shipping containers in a storage facility is a great option and investment into a well proven business model.

We examine five reasons why opening a shipping container storage facility makes business sense, when compared to a traditional storage business.

1. Fast Set Up Time – unlike a regular building construction, which requires significant planning, engineering and regulatory approvals; shipping containers can be delivered on site and are ready for immediate use!

2. Ease Of Expansion – when it comes time to expand your business you can do so easily and quickly, while still using the same footprint! That’s because shipping containers are designed to be stacked. You can double the size of you facility by simply adding a second level of storage containers. Accessing the second level is easy too, but use of a mobile staircase platform or scaffold.

3. Double Door Options – if you purchase new shipping containers for your storage facility we suggest ordering the double door variety. These containers have a set of doors at each end of the container that create a tunnel when opened. The advantage of these units os that a removable divider can be easily installed in the middle, making a 20ft container into two 10ft x 8ft storage spaces, thus making your facility adaptable to your customer’s demands.    

4. Durability – shipping containers are made from anti-corrosive Corten steel. They’re designed to last 20 years on the high seas when being exposed to extreme weather conditions while being regularly loaded and unloaded. When utilised in a storage facility situation shipping containers will last much longer.

5. Ease Of Relocation – in the event that you need to relocate your business, shipping containers can be easily picked up and transported to a new location.

How much land is needed? The footprint required would depend on how many shipping containers are purchased and the size. Generally we would recommend the use of 20ft storage containers, which have a footprint of 160 square feet. 50x20FT storage containers would require a minimum lot of 8,000 square feet or .18 Acres. Some additional land would be required for access between the rows.

What is the initial investment required to open a shipping container storage facility and what kind of ROI can you expect? Based on a facility with 50x20FT storage containers the initial investment would be around $250,000 land near to a major freeway plus around $150,000 for the containers. The rental income from fifty storage containers would be around $100 per month x 50 units = $5,000 per month.

Getting started: when deciding on a location you first need to know the demand for storage in your area. Call some local storage facilities and ask about pricing and availability. In areas of high demand the units are all full and there’s often waiting list. Zoning is another issue to consider. You will probably need a site in an industrial zone area. Check with your local county for regulations on opening a shipping container storage facility near you.

When it comes time to purchase your shipping containers, you should allow about 3-4 months for delivery of new containers if they’re being manufactured to your color and size requirements. Used containers are typically readily available for purchase and delivery within 1-2 weeks.

Need more information? Contact us today!