While dry shipping containers are used for the transport of food goods and materials that do not require a temperature controlled environment, there are several commodities whose preservation depends on it. Namely, fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, chemicals, batteries, tobacco, medical supplies, etc..

Therefore, the shipping industry employs the use of refrigerated containers or “reefers” as they are commonly known. These containers afford the customer the ability to store and or ship goods at temperatures above or below freezing based on their individual perishable characteristics.

Refrigerated containers are available in 20’, 40’,48’ & 53’ lengths. 20’ and 40’ units

Are commonly used for overseas transport while the 48’ and 53’ units are primarily moved by rail or over the road to destination.

Refrigerated containers are also used for domestic applications such as restaurants, seafood companies, meat packing plants and growers of fruits and vegetables.

All units operate on 440 volt, 3 phase electric and are set and tested using a computerized processor. They can be converted to 220 volt using a generator (Gen set) which is a separate piece of equipment that is connected to the refrigeration unit. Two of the most notable manufacturers of the refrigeration units are Thermo King and Carrier.

These containers are also desirable as “non working reefers”. Simply stated, they are insulated containers with no refrigeration unit attached. They can be used in this form for dry storage and in some cases are preferred over standard storage containers because even under extreme outside temperatures, the units remain naturally cool due to the fact that they are insulated.

All units have a stainless steel interior with a raised channel floor which allows for ease of cleaning.

Similar to the standard dry shipping container, they can be transported on a flat bed truck, intermodal chassis or Landdoll (tilt bed truck).

The initial decision begins prior to picking out the container itself. Your first step In the process is to contact your local municipality and find out what the zoning of the particular area will allow. The three possible answers you will get might be:

1)   No restrictions

2)   Allowable with issuance of a permit

3)   Not permitted

In most commercially zoned areas, having a container on the premises is no problem. If you are renting commercial space in a strip mall, you will want to contact the property manager for approval.

So now you’ve been given the okay to proceed. What size do you need? That is going to depend on the amount of room you have onsite and also on the requirements of the truck used to make the delivery. This means the amount of straight pull away distance (measured in feet) the driver needs to drop the container and pull completely out from under it. The minimum requirements are 80 feet for a 20’ truck and 130 feet for a 40’ truck. Additionally, any access gates should be no less than 10’ wide and preferably 12’ wide.

Once the space requirements are established, the size of the container you choose is going to be governed by the amount of items you are intending to store. Always plan for future storage space. Remember… the longer we live, the more “stuff” we tend to accumulate so you may only need a 20’ unit now but a 40’ unit allows for “things to come”.

Lastly, the 40’  high cube container is ideal for applications where you intend on stacking items ( boxes in particular). Though an additional foot in height doesn’t seem like much, it can prove to be very useful. Here at A Aamerican Container, our highly trained sales staff can greatly assist you in making the best choice for your individual needs.

In the early 1980’s, a new market for containers had begun to take shape. It was a movement toward the domestic use of this type of equipment which became known as the storage container. They became immediately popular within the construction industry. Contractors who once had to store their tools and materials at remote storage locations and travel back and forth daily could now reap the benefits of having what they needed stored securely onsite. This ultimately increased their production and eliminated unnecessary time away from the jobsite. It didn’t take long for this onsite storage idea to catch on. The demand grew toward the retail industry for seasonal storage and also sparked an interest in the average homeowners for their personal storage needs.

Storage containers also afforded new opportunities for revenue to the welding and fabricating industries. There was a growing idea on the horizon….the custom modified storage container. Windows, entry doors, roll up doors, air conditioning units, the possibilities were endless. This idea gave rise to a multitude of uses ranging from portable jobsite offices, fire training towers, confined space entry units, portable power stations, and the list went on… straight into the 21st century and full throttle into the economic and green construction market. In our present day as we have become more and more energy and cost conscious, containers are being heavily utilized to achieve our goals as a concerned nation in this ever growing, ever delicate environment.

Compared to other materials, (wood, brick, etc.) steel transfers heat efficiently which requires the need for steel containers with proper ventilation systems. Depending on the type of cargo or commodity, mobile, on-site containers can be customized to meet the specific ventilation requirements for commodities, machinery parts and equipment, paper records, personal belongings, collectibles, antiques, and much more.

In addition, environmental factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate ventilated container. When you’re storing temperature and weather sensitive items that can degrade in quality over time, it is essential that a thorough, in-depth ventilation analysis be performed. For example, will the container be placed in an area of high heat, humidity, or rainfall? Is it within close proximity to the ocean (salt)? Is there a pest or insect issue that needs to be to be considered for prevention and control? The end result should be a properly equipped ventilated container with the same ventilation capabilities as a site built house or building.

As a leader in the industry, A AAmerican Container & Trailer Leasing Inc has the experience and expertise for all your ventilated container applications. A AAmerican Container & Trailers Leasing Inc has created and customized hundreds of containers with optimum vent placement and air circulation properties. Horizontal air flow, vertical air flow, floor venting, exhaust vents from the roof and mounting flanges for electrical exhaust fans are some of the ventilation considerations and modifications that we’ve performed.

12 Inch Square Venting

Depending on air flow requirements, we can install 12 inch by 12 inch vents at any position on the container. For enhanced cooling and humidity control, we offer 10 foot venting strips that are placed on opposite ends of each side of our 20 foot containers as well as 24 inch by 24 inch door vents. As you can see, a properly ventilated on-site, mobile storage container has many elements to consider but the cost savings can be dramatic.

Whatever your specific air flow and ventilation needs may be, A AAmerican Container & Trailer Leasing Inc has the ventilation container solution for you. From concept to completion, we do it all. The value, safety and preservation of your storage contents deserve the very best. Call A AAmerican Container & Trailer Leasing, Inc today.

You’ll be glad you did!

Portable on-site storage containers can be modified to fit every need, purpose and budget. When a permanent structure or building is not required or warranted, portable storage containers are the low cost temporary office solution. For storage of materials, equipment, and or assets of any nature, our storage containers are the short-term, long-term, temporary solution.   Whether it’s basic storage needs or an office space environment, portable containers are the perfect storage and office space answer.

External modifications such as Security Doors & Windows, Roll Up Doors & Vents can be included for basic, secure storage units that offer maximum security protection against vandalism and break-ins. Steel storage containers offer the ultimate in storage versatility: cargo and material shipping, furniture, valuables & personal belongings, construction and farm & livestock equipment, machinery & tools, etc.

Internal Modifications with shelving, electrical, paneling, drafting, floor coverings, etc can be created for an office/living space customized to your business requirements. The office space can be modified for multiple offices within the container structure or designed as an open space. Modified Portable on-site storage containers have a multitude of applications: Field Hiring Office, Security Guardhouse, Construction Trailer, Concession Stand, Remote Work Sites, etc. Our containers feature the Atlas “No Drill” Shelving Systems, External Custom Lock Box Systems for the ultimate in security and optional Sherman Williams Industrial Coating Paint applications.

Portable on-site storage containers come in 4 different grades (Cargo, A,B, and C) 20 & 40 foot lengths (single / double door) 8 feet in width, and 8 or 9 (high cube) feet in interior  heights and are wind and water tight. Portable on-site storage containers should be ISO compliant with wind load requirements determined for local regulatory agencies.

At A American Container, Inc, we offer secure, on-site storage containers that can be modified for all your unique storage and business needs. Temporary on-site storage containers do provide an endless array of modification possibilities and choosing the right container/office can be complex and challenging.    Let the experienced staff at A-American Container, Trailer Leasing Inc, determine, develop and modify the portable storage container solution that’s right for you.  From basic transport and storage, to “temporary” contemporary office space design, A-American Container, Trailer leasing has it all and does it all for you.

A AAmerican Container, Inc. is your “one stop’ secure on-site container storage solution and offers short and long term rental rates to accommodate all requests. We have 20 foot and 40 foot multiple grade containers to fit every need and budget, and can modify and accessorize all storage containers to meet a wide variety of specifications.

At A AAmerican, we possess the knowledge and expertise to answer those questions and deliver the “Smart Solution.”

Our news blog will address the subject of onsite storage container usage and applications in greater depth and detail in the coming weeks. We will provide storage container information on everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask. Our blog wants and encourages active participation. A AAmerican Container, Inc is dedicated to keeping you informed about all the storage container choices and options available.

Stay tuned!  We welcome and appreciate your comments.