When it comes to warehousing space, should you choose shipping container storage or a temporary structure? Here’s why a clear span structure excels.
Shipping containers seem to be getting more and more popular, thanks to the world of tiny houses and minimalistic living. But several industries have been making use of these shipping container storage for many, many years.
But are they the best option?
Truth is, there is another option that many have already discovered — and others have yet to. Temporary warehouse tents offer a great storage solution, too, just like shipping containers. The only difference is that they offer storage that surpasses anything you’d ever get with shipping container storage.
1. Choosing Your Size
Shipping container storage doesn’t offer a wide range of sizes. In fact, most are either 20’ or 40’ in length, with 8’ width and 8’6” height. And because they are made with a durable steel, you are not going to easily change these dimensions – unless you want to take on a massive welding project.
Sure, they are big enough to store large equipment and such, but they don’t give you much opportunity to choose a size that works best for you. It’s sort of like you are stuck working with what you’ve got – and you will have to make it work for whatever it is you are storing.
Temporary structures are different. They can come as big or small as you need them in order to fully meet your storage needs. Efficiency for your business comes with having an organized storage. And you can really only take advantage of this when you have a large enough space. You can choose from a variety of clear span tent sizes – from 10,000 sq. ft up to over 100,000 sq. ft!
Choose your size of temporary structure, organize your machines, equipment, supplies, and so forth so that you always know what you’ve got and how/where to find it.
Perhaps one of the best features of a temporary structure is that if your needs change, you can adjust the sizing without hassle. This is quite different from a standard, unchanging shipping container.
2. Easy to Install Anywhere
If you have ever bought a shipping container, then you know they don’t just get dropped off at your doorstep so you can decide where to put it. These containers are bulky and heavy – and require the use of a crane to put in place. This means you will have to have the space for the crane to have access — and you will have to cover the cost, too.
Temporary structures come ready to install and can be up in no time with the help of our professional crew. They can be erected anywhere, from a grassy or dirt-ridden field to the asphalt in a vacant parking lot and everywhere in between.
3. Designed to Meet Your Specifications
Shipping container storage, as we have discussed, come in very limited sizes. And since most storage needs will vary from one to the next, it is a challenge to make it all fit right – for you – in the same space that thousands of others have tried to use, too.
If you have ever wanted to create a layout to organize your storage or perhaps have a door in one area and not the other, or even have windows – it is not going to happen with a storage container. As their name suggests, shipping containers are designed for shipping. They are ideal for shipping. They were not created as an ideal storage container.
However, temporary structures were. These durable buildings are able to be customized to meet your needs specifically. If you want to create a specific layout, if you want personal entry doors and not warehouse doors, or if you want windows and multiple warehouse doors, if you want it wide, etc. Whatever your needs are for the building, you can make it happen when you have the ability to design a structure to meet your specifications. Plus, with a wide open space underneath the roof, you have every inch of space to use as you see fit.
4. Climate Controlled
Have you ever spent much time in shipping container storage? If you have, then you know that the temperatures inside can be extreme — whether cold or hot, depending on the season. Their steel shell doesn’t offer much insulation at all. Whatever you are storing in it will have to be able to handle these temperatures without causing any damage.
Or, you could opt for a temporary structure with a roof that works to keep the heat out in the summer and in during the colder months. In addition, climate control is also an option. With the addition of an HVAC system, you will have heating, air conditioning, and ventilation throughout the structure so that you may keep your storage at the most optimal temperature.
5. Environmentally-Friendly
Being environmentally-friendly is important these days as we become more and more aware of the impact we have on the world around us. This could be the reason why so many more people are turning to shipping containers.
Don’t discount the environmentally-friendly factor of temporary structures. They are made with recycled fabric, are designed to last for years, natural light from overhead during daylight hours reduces the need for lighting and energy costs, and so on.
Clear span temporary tent structures are an environmentally-friendly storage solution.
6. Free and Clear of Harmful Toxins
Shipping containers are used for shipping all sorts of items, materials, and goods from one shore to the next. When you are one, you can never be 100% confident that it is going to be in good shape when you get it. What’s worse is that you will never know what was stored inside the container.
Many times, harmful and toxic chemicals, including insecticides and pesticides, are stored in these containers. They can be harmful for you to breathe in and for the future of the items stored within their walls.
This is something you never have to worry about when it comes to temporary structures. And, well, since health and safety are so important to us, opting for the storage solution that is less risky is, by far, the best choice.
When it comes to a showdown between clearspan temporary structures and shipping container storage, there is a clear winner — with increased safety, versatility, and installation, temporary structures take home the gold.
