You’ll probably receive a discouraging answer if you were asked whether shipping containers were a sound business investment many years back. But ask it again today, and many will even push you to go for it.
Investing in shipping containers today is a wise decision because of the unprecedented popularity of these steel boxes. The rising growth of international trade and e-commerce led to a massive demand for shipping containers.
Did you know that about 80% of goods delivered worldwide are transported by sea in shipping containers? The staggering numbers show that in 2020 alone, 1.85 billion metric tons of cargo were shipped globally in shipping containers. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Before this post proceeds to discuss why it makes a good business investment, you need to know the various uses of this rigid steel structure.
As a result, whether you put a lot of money into purchasing them or hire shipping containers, you know what they can be used for.
The Many Uses for Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are useful business investments that present many uses besides them being mainly used to transport goods. They include:
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- Pop-Up Stores
Pop-up stores are among the new trends of on-the-fly shopping opportunities that allow brands to set up shop anywhere. They create a unique and engaging shopping experience for their customers.
A pop-up store is a very cost-effective and flexible solution since it’s easy to assemble and only takes little time and workforce to build as compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar shop. You can quickly join festivals and events when you have this.
- Offices
Companies wanting to display their commitment to the environment may settle for having their office in a shipping container. And aside from being very sustainable, it’s also a practical solution.
Many startups still trying to carve their path in the business world may want to try putting a little of their capital into a shipping container office setup instead of building or renting a lavish office space. It’s said that most users of shipping containers as offices need this as a temporary solution, like construction companies onsite who need an office for their engineers and staff.
- Restaurants And Cafes
Looking to provide a unique dining experience? Restaurants and coffee shops have utilized shipping containers as an innovative way to serve their patrons.
- Artist Studio
Any budding artist can exhibit their art creatively and with flair in a shipping container transformed into an art studio. If at all, it can even be more exciting and intriguing.
Why Shipping Containers Make A Good Business Investment
Now that you know what are the possible uses of shipping containers, you ought to know why they’re a worthwhile business investment. Continue reading below to find out more about shipping containers’ characteristics that make buying them worth it.
1. Versatility
Shipping containers’ versatility is legendary. Their flexibility and adaptability make them a practical option for many businesses and homeowners. You might be surprised how a simple rectangular steel box can transform into something beautiful.
There are thousands of amazing photos online showing shipping containers in various forms. They can be customized and outfitted in various ways. Shipping containers can be split into sections to become multi-unit dwellings and even be stacked to create multi-level structures.
2. Durability
The high-quality steel in shipping containers is highly durable. Shipping containers can withstand even the harshest environments, including extreme temperatures. They’re built to last for a very long time. In fact, the average lifespan of a shipping container is 25 years – ensuring you a solid return on investment.
The material used in shipping containers, Corten steel, requires minimal maintenance. It’s a high-strength and low-alloy material. As long as you maintain your shipping containers regularly by cleaning, repainting, and sealing gaps, you can even help extend their life span.
3. Cost-Effective
Compared to building new structures or modifying existing ones, a shipping container is more affordable and efficient. Shipping containers are readily available to be purchased or rented at a very low cost too. This is especially true if you opt for pre-owned containers.
Even better, you can repurpose and modify your existing container for different uses to adapt to the changing times at a reasonable expense. There’s no need to buy or build new structures for your needs.
4. Mobility
Relocating the operations of your business wherever it’s feasible can be done effortlessly with a shipping container. The containers are highly mobile and can be transported from one location to the next using trucks, trains, or ships.
5. Sustainability
For organizations who wish to make a positive change for the environment, using steel shipping containers gives them a positive image among eco-friendly consumers.
When shipping containers reach the end of their useful life, they can be recycled and turned into new steel products. On the other hand, when you repurpose shipping containers into homes or offices, you reduce the need for new structures.
Additionally, using shipping containers helps achieve sustainable supply chain objectives by transporting goods efficiently, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing carbon emissions.
Conclusion
Shipping containers are more than just steel boxes used for transporting goods. They have evolved into a material with a multitude of uses. This makes them an attractive investment option with endless possibilities.
Today, as the world gears toward more sustainable practices, it’s believed that the demand for shipping containers will continue to rise. If you’re considering diversifying your business’ portfolio and investing in hard assets, shipping containers will be one of the most viable options you can go for today.