From storing food to transporting pharmaceuticals, insulated shipping containers can keep your products cool and safe.

Common Uses For Metal Insulated Shipping Containers

Finding the right insulated shipping container for your business needs is notoriously tricky. Whether you are new to shipping or you’re a long-term logistics pro, navigating industry shipping regulations can be a headache.

With so many options, how can you possibly know if what shipping container is right for you?

At TUFF Shipping Containers, we know that investing in a shipping container is a big decision for your business. We’re committed to helping you find the perfect container for your products.

That’s why we’ve compiled all the basics about insulated shipping containers to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn what you need to know to buy a shipping container with confidence.

Common Uses For Insulated Shipping Containers

Many industries have strict regulations on maintaining goods at specific temperatures. This is where an insulated shipping container can come in handy.

If your product reaches its destination spoiled or damaged, you’ll likely have unhappy customers. That’s why you need temperature-controlled shipping for foods and beverages, medicines, and chemicals. While some of these products may require a refrigerated shipping container, others require less precise temperature control, making insulation an affordable option.

When you’re shipping long distances, temperature changes can damage products like furniture, paper, building materials, or electronics. Using an insulated shipping container helps avoid damage from mold or condensation.

Maintaining the integrity of your products can be challenging over a lengthy shipping cycle. Our climate-controlled storage options can give you peace of mind no matter where you send your goods.

Features Available in Metal Insulated Storage Containers

At TUFF Shipping Containers, we offer insulated shipping containers in many sizes to meet your needs. Our shipping containers also come with an array of base features and add-ons.

Our top features include:

• 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft size options, perfect for intermodal freight transportation
• Extended height options
• Sturdy steel construction
• Airtight and watertight design
• Secure, locking closures
• Door options, such as wide side doors and tunnel varieties
• Ventilation to prevent condensation build-up
• Many types of interior insulation
• Fully insulated on all sides
• Partitions and ramps available

Secure closures and our steel design keep your product safe against damage or theft. No matter where you send your storage containers, you can rest assured that your investment is protected.

Airtight and watertight construction keeps your goods away from the elements. Interior insulation ensures that the internal temperature remains consistent with minimal fluctuations. Our containers also have ventilation to keep your products at their best.

No matter what your storage needs, we have the right solution to get your goods on the road.

Types of Insulation for Metal Shipping Containers

Different shipping needs require different types of insulation. We are happy to customize your container with the best insulation option and appropriate R-value for your products.

Our insulation material options are Styrofoam panels, fiberglass, or spray foam.

Solid polystyrene foam panels, or Styrofoam panels, are cost-effective and maximizes available space. These panels are added to the inside walls of your container for a speedy installation. While one-inch panels are most common and provide an insulation R-value of 4, we offer a variety of thickness and density options.

For more temperature-sensitive products, fiberglass insulation with an R-value of 13 may be a good fit. Fiberglass prevents radiant heat transfer, making it ideal for items that may spoil. However, fiberglass requires framing to install, and there will be a gap between the corrugated container sides and the fiberglass insulation, which will require a secondary layer of protection against moisture.

Spray foam is a customizable insulation option and protective barrier ideal for a wide variety of needs. Closed-cell spray foam can be layered on your shipping container’s walls to reach the necessary R-value. Due to the highly involved installation process, this option may not be cost-effective for all industries.

Buying vs Renting Insulated Shipping Containers

Depending on how often you will use your metal storage container, you may want to buy a shipping container instead of renting.

If you intend to use your steel shipping container many times a year for three years or more, buying is cost-effective and highly recommended. Your shipping container generates the highest ROI if it is constantly moving rather than accruing storage fees. If you don’t need to ship often, avoiding storage fees may make renting a more economically sound option for your business.

While renting used containers may seem more cost-effective in the short term, using an older shipping container may lead to unexpected damages to your product. When you purchase a new shipping container, we offer a 10-year limited warranty to cover any loss. Our leak-free guarantee ensures that your products safe in any shipping conditions.

Buying a new container may also save you money on your freight insurance policy. Check with your insurance provider to see what benefits may be available to you.

You can find cheap steel shipping containers, and you can buy them new or used. A used option is great if you’re on a budget, and you can still get a good quality container.

Buying is also a good option if you plan on using the shipping containers for your store. If you rent and have to give the containers back, you’ll need to shut down your store to move everything.

Do I Need a Permit to Put an Insulated Storage Container on Site?

Many municipalities require a temporary use permit to store a metal storage container on your private property. However, the shorter the amount of time you intend to keep the container on your property, the fewer permit approvals are necessary.

You may be subject to more permit requirements if you will be storing your storage unit on public property or in a high-traffic area. In these cases, it may benefit you to work with a permit expeditor to ensure you have the correct permits.

Be sure to check with your local zoning board and permitting office at least 30 days before storing your steel storage container on site.

Find the Perfect Metal Freight Container for Your Business

With so many options, it may be tough to choose the right shipping container on your own. We’re happy to help! We’re confident that we can get you the right insulated shipping container for your freight needs.

Not ready to shop online yourself? Not a problem. Call us today for a free consultation to help you find the best container option for you!

Now that you know some of the advantages of metal shipping containers, you’re ready to take the first step towards buying or renting your own.