One of the best things about cargo units is their versatility. You can use them for storage or convert them into a structure that can be used as anything from a construction site office to a pop-up café.
Units are available in three standard sizes – 10ft, 20ft and 40ft. This, along with the fact that they are all a standard cuboid shape and are structurally robust, makes them ideal for stacking.
Stacking
Stacking boxes is akin to any other modular systems that allow you to utilise space effectively. You can place them next to each other or on top of each other, with the stacking of nine units being the advised upper limit. That is, of course, assuming you buy good quality units.
Other Considerations when you are Stacking Shipping Containers
If you are planning to stack your containers, there are some factors in addition to the quality of them that you will need to consider before you purchase:
- A units weight is distributed on posts on its four corners. These posts, therefore, should come to slightly above the roof and slightly below the floor, in order for them to actually take the weight. If this isn’t the case you could end up with pressure in areas where the unit isn’t sufficiently strong, presenting unnecessary structural issues.
- You will also need to consider where you place each one. For example, if you are going to stack two 20ft’s onto one 40ft, you will need to consider that the weight from the smaller units will be concentrated on a weaker part of the large one if you put the small storage units on top. For this reason, it is important to put the two 20ft boxes on the bottom and the larger 40ft box on the top – with the weight still distributed on each corner. If you have designed your construction to have them stacked the other way around, you will need to fortify your bottom container.
- You will also need to lock the stack together to secure them in place. These locks are usually provided when you buy your unit and are vital for compliance with health and safety regulations and for ensuring the structural integrity.
- You will also need to think about how you are practically going to move and stack. Forklifts can be useful for moving the units around but you also need to consider the container’s height and how you are actually going to be able to get it on top of the others.
In summary, containers are a great option for people who are looking for a cost-effective and flexible way to efficiently store vast quantities of goods, and are available for hire and purchase from S Jones Containers. By stacking, businesses can magnify the amount of storage they can use (or offer to others) significantly without having to invest in additional land. It’s for this reason that shipping units are a common choice for self-storage companies.
