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Advantages of Portable Shipping Containers for Retail Space

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Over the last few years, more and more brands and companies are turning to ship containers to create cost-effective space solutions in creative ways, such as retail pop up stores, swimming pools, glass-ceiling greenhouses, site offices and insulated storage units. The trend is rapidly sweeping across Canada.

Pop up retail stores are temporary spaces that need to be well designed to push a brand forward, yet not cost the earth. They must be easy to set up, pull down, transport and make your business appear trendy. Spacious, sturdy shipping containers allow that flexibility. 

Adidas incorporated pop up retail stores from repurposed shipping containers to launch their NMD shoe. The structures were built to create an urban feel while adhering to Adidas’s trademark creativity. The curated retail spaces provided interactive customer experiences, such as camera obscura portrait photos and much more. The retail stores were a huge hit that spiked up sales for the popular sports brand. 

How about recreating that for your brand with portable, repurposed shipping containers doubling up as retail space? A pop-up retail event offers unlimited location flexibility. They can be shipped worldwide. The container design allows you to create many experiential elements and still feel like a large-scale activation. It is easy to organize, offload and customize. It is easy to stock shelves in the shipping containers. The inventory travels with you on-the-go, cutting down much of your time in setting it up, packing, unpacking and leaving you with more time to spend on building your brand experience with customers. 

Shipping Containers vs Temporary Tents

Vendors at trade shows, festivals, food and retail outlets need to set up and dismantle makeshift kiosks as they move around from place to place. Commonly, tents are used for the purpose. Shipping containers are a step ahead of tents as they can be modified in a number of ways while offering a stronger, more durable, flexible roof over the head. 

  • The containers can be transported by truck, crane or forklift. 
  • They can be fitted with shelves to store all kinds of items from clothes to jewellery, food, and artifacts.
  • Since shipping containers are made of steel, they are more durable and weather-proof than tents.
  • They can be fitted with air-conditioning and heating systems to keep the space comfortable all through the year.
  • You can arrange furniture that can be moved outside to provide seating outside the structure or within.
  • When you are ready to move your wares elsewhere, it is easy to lock the cabinets to keep the items secure and move to the new location without worrying about renting storage space to keep away the wares safely or hiring overnight security.
  • You have the flexibility to create a variety of inviting layouts.

Storstac offers Canada’s largest inventory of modified shipping container retail and food serving pop up kiosks. Portable and secure, we offer a wide range of modified pop up shipping container kiosks for rent or sale that can be configured to any way that meets your needs. Contact us by sending us an email or give us a call.

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How Shipping Containers Changed the World

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Shipping containers are really nothing short of a revolution that has changed the way cargo transportation across oceans work around the world. They have improved cargo-carrying capacity, ensuring they are delivered more safely. Both perishable and non-perishable items can be safely exported from country to country without damage, whether they are bottles of seasonings or seasonal fruits and vegetables.

One of the prime reasons behind this lies in the durable components that make up the container. Made of strong steel, these gigantic boxes can carry heavy items around easily by huge cranes. In the process, they facilitated trade and globalization, changing daily lives with the easy availability of products from around the world at cost-effective prices.

History of Shipping Containers

Durable, resilient shipping containers started dominating trade after World War 2, mostly due to recommendations put forward by the International Organization for Standardization in the 1960s. A container full of wares from one part of the world could be easily shipped to the malls to the other end without any damage or inconvenience, as it passes through different countries en route.

Earlier, goods were loaded one by one onto a cargo ship in a labour intensive process that demanded packing, unpacking in the ports and easy theft or damage in the process. Called break-bulk shipping, the system was practiced right up to the second half of the 20th century until 1956. They were carried in gunny bags, tubs and wooden crates from land to ship and back to land this way.

A large labour force was employed for the process, without any guarantee of the goods arriving in the best conditions. Accidents were rampant, perishable foods were easily ruined and the process was high in value, often costing 20 times more than the item itself.

How the Shipping Container Transformed the World

The massive shipping containers transformed the trade and transportation of goods. It made the world a smaller place. Global supply met demands with transportation ease and the rare products could be enjoyed in countries that had never seen them before.

Costs reduced as transportation became less challenging and machines took over from people. In the end, consumers benefited the most as they gained access to exotic products from all over the world without paying exorbitantly, or travelling all the way.

The most interesting development was the recycling of shipping containers as they were put to numerous uses after they did their day. Portable containers entered the housing market, becoming fashionable workspaces for start-ups, bars, restaurants, and shops. From the clothes people wore the world over, to the food they ate, borders melted as goods became available everywhere.

Storstac, High-Quality Shipping Containers

With over 40 years of combined experience in the shipping industry, Storstac offers the best quality rental containers in Toronto at competitive prices to offer a worry-free cargo shipping experience. We exceed your expectations providing outstanding value and service. Contact us to find your perfect shipping container solutions.

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Best Tips to Know Before Building & Renting Your Container Home

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Sustainable design has become extremely popular in recent years. One of the best examples of this is the re-use of the shipping container. Shipping containers are durable, convenient in size and stackable to make multiple rooms. Every day, people have been purchasing them to start up a business, turn into their home or rent out to others.

However, this sustainable building design is still quite new and with any new project, there are challenges to overcome. That’s why Storstac Inc. has put together a list of tips to follow from shipping container homeowners and rental hosts.

Before you get started on your own design and get ready to rent it, check out the great advice below.

Be Aware of Rules and Regulations

Make sure to research your city or town’s regulations for building a shipping container home. Property Zoning is conducted by the city’s government and determines what type of buildings can be built in the zone. Building Permits must be applied for you to prove your aware of building codes and will follow them to be approved for building. It’s also important to be a good neighbour and maintain the property your container will be on.

See the Container Before Buying

It’s important to do the research to find the right container and just as important to see it in person. Some shipping container buyers made the mistake of relying on the company’s word that their purchase was in great shape, only to receive it in less than desirable conditions. Do your research online then visit the container itself before buying it. Make sure it has the exact materials and is the size that you want.

Consider Your Climate

Understand what your local climate is and build according to that. Spray-foam is the most popular insulation because it forms a barrier to resist air movement. It seals very well and transfers heat to keep the shipping container warm.

For warmer climates, choose a large roof that extends over the container. This will shade the windows and protect them from intense heat. Choosing the wrong type of insulation could lead to preventable issues. For example, colder winters require spray-foam insulation because of its sealant. Some container buyers who live in colder climates found that fibreglass insulation led to their home being damaged from condensation.

Plan The Layout

Consider the number of guests that you will allow to stay at the container rental. A 40 ft container rental allows for a large home. Its long length allows for maximum sunlight if placed in the right area to make the home airier. A 20 ft container is perfect for a couple’s getaway for a more cozy, romantic feel.

Storstac Inc. is committed to providing high-quality shipping containers for rent for you to choose from. Our eco-friendly products are durable, stackable and ready to be designed your way. Storstac’s team of professionals can even build your container off-site and deliver it to you with minimal site interruption.

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Different Lock Types to Secure Your Storage Container

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Strength and durability are just two of the many reasons why people purchase or rent shipping containers. No matter what you use it for, whether as a house, a shop, or to simply store your possessions, you’ll want to make sure your container is secured 24/7. If you aren’t sure which security measure is best for you, here are some of the more common ways to secure your shipping container.

Fencing

Blocking access to your shipping container with a fence will either slow down potential thieves or deter them entirely. However, that all depends on the material and structure of the fence. A climbable wooden fence won’t scare off intruders as much as a sturdy, metal fence that’s topped with barbed wire.

Padlocks

Looking to secure your portable storage container with a padlock? Then you’re in luck, as there are a variety of padlocks on the market built for different security measures. The conventional padlock is available in various materials with a basic key-and-lock configuration. Then there’s the more secure round-shackle padlock. If your shipping container features a roll-up door, then consider a high-quality shudder shackle padlock, as they’re typically resistant to tampering.

Electronic Locks

If you have a storage container with thicker doors or share the container with friends and family, getting an electronic lock might benefit you. They eliminate the need for providing several key sets, as several electronic locks can support various combination codes.

Lockbox

These particular lockboxes are designed to cover the lock of a portable storage container, making it difficult for intruders to cut or remove it. Usually made of steel, the box is designed to only one open side, making the use of bolt-cutters, angle grinders and other tools ineffective.

Guard Dogs

In many cases, the presence of an intimidating guard dog on its own will be enough to keep intruders away, or at least slow them down until someone nearby shows up. Not only can a guard dog physically attack potential thieves, but their barking will alert anyone in the vicinity.

Alarm System

Installing a difficult-to-spot alarm system, particularly one with a well-placed warning sign, will do well to deter potential thieves. Unless you’re storing something incredibly valuable that’s worth the risk, this security measure will cause thieves to turn the other way and look for an easier target.

Security Cameras

Whether you choose live-monitoring security cameras, which transmits image and or video content to a mobile device as it’s happening in real time, or record for later cameras, which don’t require an internet connection, you’ll be able to have visual evidence if an incident were to occur. However, because live monitoring requires an internet connection, any broken connections will render your security useless.

At Storstac, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality shipping containers. Located in Toronto, Ontario, we sell and rent both new and used shipping containers in a variety of sizes, purposes and configurations. Servicing the Greater Toronto Area, we’ll deliver your portable storage container to your home and pick it up upon request. With excellent customer service and affordable prices, be sure to visit our website and get a free quote.

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How Much Does It Cost To Transport Shipping Containers?

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Once you’ve purchased your shipping containers, it’s now time to figure out how much it’ll cost to get them to you. This will all depend on whether or not you purchased them locally or through international freight companies. To get an idea of how much you could potentially spend transporting your new or used shipping containers, this is the guide for you.

Local Delivery Costs

The standard price for locally shipping storage containers will depend on the company, but you can expect that a 40-foot container will cost at least twice as much as a 20-foot container. Starting at several hundred dollars for smaller containers, there may be a fee included for unloading the container once it’s arrived.

International Delivery Costs

New container purchases typically originate from Asia. To reduce the cost, instead of paying the full shipping fee, allow the container to be used for cargo transport and only pay half of the shipping cost. However, shipping overseas will still cost you thousands of dollars and can take several months to arrive.

Shipping Container Size

The size of your shipping container will severely affect the shipping cost. The cost for a 20-foot container will likely be double if you want to ship a 40-foot container. Got a 56-foot container? Then expect to pay even more due to the added length. 56-foot shipping containers will also require a special truck, as standard rollback trucks are too small.

Finding a Shipping Company

To grab an exact quote for transporting your shipping containers, you’ll need to talk to a specific freight company. To find the right company for your budget and needs, it’s best to start out with places you can both purchase a container and have it shipped from the same place. This makes the entire process easier, but if you plan to purchase and deliver through separate companies, it’s not impossible.

Moving the Container Yourself

If you’re able to transport your shipping container yourself, this will greatly reduce transportation costs. However, this isn’t a likely option for many people due to licensing issues. If you’re purchasing local shipping containers and have a commercial driver’s license, then you can save yourself hundreds of dollars by renting a rollback truck.

Paying for Delivery

This will depend on the type of shipping company you choose. If you’ve decided to use an international company, then it’s common for you to pay in full before the shipping process begins. For smaller, local freight companies, an order deposit will be made initially, while the remainder of your bill will be paid after you’ve received your delivery.

Estimated Arrival Time

Having a shipping container delivered from a local supplier will be much faster than shipping something through an international delivery service. It’ll take about one week for a local shipment to arrive while it could take several months through international shipping.

Should You Purchase Insurance?

Before purchasing insurance for your shipping container, determine whether or not your containers are worth the extra money. It would be a waste of money if you were shipping a single used container that was only 20-feet long. However, if you’re shipping several brand new, 40-foot long containers that cost several thousand dollars each, then insurance is definitely the way to go.

Whether you’re looking for shipping containers to rent or purchase, Storstac has you covered. Servicing customers throughout the Greater Toronto Area, we provide high-quality portable storage containers for all your needs. With excellent customer service and affordable prices, visit our website for a free quote.

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Which Climates Are Suitable For Shipping Container Homes?

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You may have heard of the concept of shipping container homes and were wondering what they mean and if they were really worth the hype. Shipping container homes are homes built out of shipping containers. You can build one by yourself by renting or buying good quality shipping containers from Storstac or find a builder who can build it for you. Shipping container homes are believed to be a lot less expensive compared to traditional homes. They can be constructed quite easily and quickly. There are several online videos that can help you with it. They look quite impressive and unique and can give quite an edgy and contemporary vibe to your home. And the icing on the cake? They are environmentally sustainable as you are essentially using a shipping container and turning it into something usable, helping to recycle.

Although the popularity of shipping container homes is rapidly growing and some of them do look stunning, there are many other factors that are crucial to consider when it comes to building a shipping container home. One of the most common questions that many people have regarding shipping container homes is which climates are suitable?

Hot climate

One of the best ways to keep your container home cool in the summer is to prevent heat and direct sunlight. Typically, it is best to have your container home in complete shade to minimize the impact of sunlight and heat to your indoors. To maintain cooler temperatures in your container home, you can also plant a few trees and bushes around your property so that a thick canopy of leaves can protect your home against direct sunlight and resulting heat. If you are using trees and bushes to block the sun, one thing to consider is the orientation of your home. For areas of your home that get maximum sunlight during peak sun hours (such as noon), need extra protection from the sun, plant your shading plants carefully so that they can protect you against the intense sunlight and heat.

Cold climate

If you are looking to build a container home in a colder climate, you will need to construct it in such a way that it blocks the outside cold air from getting inside. In the absence of proper insulation, it can be quite difficult to maintain warmer indoor temperatures for container homes. Typically, if container homes are not insulated well to preserve the heat generated by the indoor heating equipment, you may be potentially looking at huge energy expenditures. There are many options when it comes to maintaining warm indoor temperatures for container homes. Some of the most popular ones are spray-foam, panels and blanket insulation. Most container homeowners prefer to have spray foam insulation which provides a seamless vapour barrier while controlling condensation. Usually, though it is applied internally, you can also expect it to be sprayed on the external shell of the container. If you are looking for portable storage, shipping containers for rent, or shipping containers for sale, contact Storstac for good quality shipping containers at reasonable prices.