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You’re loading a standard shipping container for the first or second time ever and after several hours of loading your heavy furniture and goods, you realize that you’ve made a mistake. You’ve poorly organized your container. You need to be able to access some of the pieces in the back more regularly than you initially anticipated, and you haven’t left yourself the room between your things to maneuver your stored items, easily. OR… You have a small trailer full of tools and boxes that you want to store temporarily. You decide it would be most convenient to leave everything on the trailer as it will fit inside the shipping container, no problem. However, upon attempting to back it in and after a couple of bumps and dings, you decide you might be better served just to simply unload everything from the trailer. Does any of this sound familiar?  If so, it’s time to start exploring some door layouts that help people like us more easily organize and access our goods without all the hassle of extreme organization and logistics.  Today, we’re talking about the significance of the double door containers and whether or not they might be the best choice for your next project. What is a Double Door Shipping Container?     You guessed it, it’s a shipping container with two pairs of doors – one set on each short end of your container. The result is a long hallway that allows you to walk in one entrance of the container, through the center, and out the other side.  Because of this functionality, you might occasionally hear double door shipping containers referred to as “tunnel-tainers”.   Do They Come in Standard Sizes? Yes. 2-door shipping containers come in the ISO-regulated dimensions of 20ft and 40ft lengths, with standard heights of 8’6″ or 9’6″ (High cube dimensions). They’re made with the exact same materials as regular shipping containers, and can be modified or protected from the elements in the same ways we’ve discussed in other overviews on this blog.   Double Door vs Single Door Containers – Why Use 2-Door Containers, Anyway? Double door shipping containers’ versatility makes them a popular alternative to the traditional standard door versions. The most obvious benefit is that double door shipping containers allow you to load and unload cargo from either end of the container.  A standard door container, in contrast, leaves some items potentially stuck in the back of the container without close proximity access. This can result in the need for regularly adjusting and moving your stored materials, and in the worst case scenario, completely emptying a container to get sufficient access and removal of large items in the back.   The Advantages of Double Entry Containers: Let’s expand on the usefulness of these containers by first considering our two scenarios in the intro of this post.      Advantage #1: Better Access and Easier Organization In the first scenario, we mistakenly loaded our shipping container without fully understanding which pieces of furniture we would need to access more regularly than others. Our poor organization and use of a standard door layout have made for a less than ideal experience.  If we had purchased a double door container, we would have a second access point on the backside of the unit. This convenience means that we’re always within 10ft to 20ft of the goods we need depending on the length of our container. Additionally, it allows for an organization plan that has us putting storage items that we need less often, in the center of the container. And hopefully, if space allows and we won’t be transporting the container, we can leave a small walkway to navigate the container’s contents more quickly.   Advantage #2: The Drive-Thru “Tunnel-tainer” In the second scenario from the intro, we are missing the convenience of pulling the trailer straight through the container.  While you might be able to back your trailers, boats, and small pop-up campers in with your driving skills, there is no doubt that being able to drive in forward is much easier. That means it’s often quicker to execute and you risk less damage to the trailer, your vehicle, and the storage container itself.   Advantage #3: More Access for Tools and Machinery To Load Heavy Cargo A double door container can be quite advantageous if you are loading irregularly shaped cargo that is difficult to move around. Awkward, heavy items often require the use of machinery or human-enhancing tools as well as the ability to approach it from multiple angles. If you’ll benefit from loading your pieces of cargo with tractors, pallet jacks, or hand trucks (dollies), a double door container will help make sure you can easily access both sides of the container with your tools.   Advantage #4: Easier Conversion Believe it or not, if your goal is to convert your container and you want to modify both ends of it, it might be more cost effective to buy a double door shipping container.  Removing the doors on one end is often less invasive and easier for the do-it-yourself builder or carpenter than buying a standard door container and attempting to remove the back wall and fit it for your future custom doors or wall feature. This leads into our next advantage.   Advantage #5: The Tunnel As Design And Bridge Feature As shipping containers continually grow in popularity in construction projects, home building, bridge uses, and public walkways, some people have found that putting several double door containers together can give your project a creative, unique appearance. Simply remove the doors, connect your containers, and seal them together to create long hallways for offices, schools, and so much more. Not only do they make the design of spaces look contemporary, but they give walkways and pedestrian overpasses the extra benefit of keeping people out of the rain and cold.   Advantages Cost Money So Make Sure You Budget For Them Double door shipping containers tend to cost more

You bought your brand new, shiny shipping container from Rent-A-Container. It was the perfect experience. The container came promptly. It was delivered in the exact spot you scoped out and prepared utilizing our container site preparation overview.  Then, as you start loading it full of storage materials and valuable cargo, you realize that your location could have been better. No, it needs to be better. Now what? Can you move your container? How do you move your storage container? Today, we’re going to address how to move your container a short distance on your own property and how to move your container to another piece of property altogether.   What Does It Take to Move a Shipping Container? How exactly does one go about moving the shipping container? Can you drag a shipping container from place to place, or do you need to use heavy machinery? Turns out, there are a few ways you can move these versatile containers depending on your budget, expertise, or specific needs.    Know the Weight of Your Shipping Container(s) Before deciding on any method, consider the weight of a given shipping container. Standard 20-foot shipping containers usually weigh over 5,000 pounds. Meanwhile, 40-foot shipping containers can often weigh over 8,200 pounds. Because of these heavy weights, shipping containers are often transported using semi-trucks or on flatbed trailers pulled by powerful passenger trucks.   Heavy Machinery For Short Moves or To Load Your Trailer Generally speaking, you have two major choices for heavy machinery that will move your storage container – a forklift or a crane. Forklifts to Move a Shipping Container     Some models of forklifts can lift a shipping container by itself, but not your standard, small forklift. Many smaller forklifts are neither strong enough to lift a shipping container outright, nor are they wide enough to prevent buckling or damage to the shipping container.  Since using a forklift means putting all the weight or pressure of the shipping container on its center, you can easily cause an accident if you use the wrong kind of forklift. If you do decide to use a forklift, make sure it is outfitted to lift at least 15,000 pounds. This ensures that the forklift’s arms are wide enough and strong enough to lift your shipping container without incurring or accruing damage. Cranes Work But They’ll Require Special Licensing to Operate     A crane can also save you time since it’s usually easier to place your shipping container on your truck’s trailer or flatbed using it. But cranes do require special licenses or operators – unless you use one of these for your job, you’ll likely need to hire someone to do the crane lifting for you, even if you drive the shipping container from place to place. Consider both options carefully before choosing.   Property-to-property Transport With Large Vehicles and Trailers You can always move the shipping container yourself using one of the two above methods if you have a CDL, Chauffeur’s License or any other appropriate drivers license for the vehicle and trailer types you’ll be utilizing. You need one of these licenses to safely operate heavy machinery and the large vehicles required to move the shipping container any significant distance. If you do have a CDL, but you don’t have any of the equipment you need, you can always rent a rollback truck and do the moving yourself. This may be cheaper over the long-term compared to hiring someone to move the shipping container for you (more on that below).   Understand Department of Transportation Regulations In Your State What if you don’t have a CDL? You might still be able to move your shipping container depending on the Department of Transportation and other state-based regulations.. The DOT has limits on the gross weight you can move when towing a trailer. Since shipping containers are quite heavy, make sure that moving a container without a CDL doesn’t break any local regulations.   Calculating Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) The number you need to calculate is the GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is a single number that describes how much weight a truck can carry including its native weight. A GVWR-rated truck with a limit of 10,000 pounds, for instance, can only carry a trailer with a total weight of less than or equal to 10,000 pounds. But you have to subtract the weight of the truck itself, plus any additional passengers or cargo. Since most states only require a CDL if you want to transport over 26,000 pounds, you may be able to move a single shipping container at a time for a DIY construction or storage project. But remember to keep the weight of the trailer in mind! A typical 40-foot, double axle trailer will weigh almost 9000 pounds by itself. You can easily go over the limit if you aren’t careful.   Can You Hire Shipping Container Moving Services? Yes, though different companies will offer different services.  You can hire shipping container moving services for DIY construction projects, or even hire a shipping container company to deliver a container to a new location if it’s in an easy-to-access spot. If you use a company that is offering strictly transportation services from one place to another utilizing a truck, you’ll need to make sure that they’ll also be handling the loading and unloading of the shipping container. Some will only offer shipping container transportation, leaving you to figure out how to mount the shipping container onto the truck. In general, most people will find it easier to hire a shipping container moving service. This is because it can take up to several hours or an entire day to get a shipping container mounted on a moving truck and on the road.   What Does It Cost to Move a Shipping Container? Your total costs will vary based on whether you move the shipping container yourself or hire a company to do so for you. If you decide to

Shipping container homes and commercial structures such as restaurants and coffee shops are becoming popular all across the world. And while many newcomers to the shipping container construction movement believe that their almost modular frames are too confining for architects and designers, we’re here to show you some examples of just how unique and creative a shipping container interior can be. Bottom line, you can do anything with a shipping container. Let’s take a look at some of the top interior designs you won’t believe until you see! The Shipping Container Coffee House If you want an example of a relaxing and rustic atmosphere, check out this open-air container coffee shop. It’s a small space, with only enough room on the inside for the barista and POS, but the interior is expertly crafted to allow doors to be drawn on any side. It’s both cozy and airy at the same time. Source: DesignBoom Photographer: lllooimage Seriously, A Cargo Container Medical ICU COVID-19 has rocked the economy from top to bottom. But shipping containers are, once again, showing their versatility. These units’ interiors have been redesigned to become portable ICUs for treating coronavirus patients. Their portability means they can go anywhere that’s necessary for the doctors on the front lines. Source: DesignBoom Photographer: Max Tomasinelli Shipping Container Hotel: Lodging With A View Some entrepreneurs are using shipping containers to jumpstart new businesses. This particular shipping container design is used for a variety of hotel rooms on the former California Vineyard. The spacious interiors and high ceilings almost make you forget that the structures used to be used for shipping goods! Source: DesignBoom Photographer: Paul Vu Big Windows For A Spacious Feel Many of the best shipping container homes make use of the containers’ ability to be modified with a ton of windows. This home lets in tons of natural light and doesn’t take up tons of space in the neighborhood. Nonetheless, it’s both stylish and comfortable and allows one or two people to live a relaxed, carbon-low lifestyle. Source: Curbed and Alternative Living Spaces Shipping Container Home: Wood Siding and Beautiful Greenery This shipping container home features a notable exterior and interior. The interior makes use of wood-colored walls and wide windows that showcase the stunning terraces and staircases that connect between different structures. It’s a perfect getaway spot for a vacation or a summer home. Source: Curbed and DesignBoom  Photographer: river and rain The Guest House Sometimes shipping containers are best used as guesthouses instead of primary abodes. In this case, the wide windows attached to this shipping container illuminate a spacious living area and a long hallway that leads into a small kitchenette and sleeping area. With plenty of sunshine and lots of green surroundings, it offers a natural-focused aesthetic that few other homes can emulate. Source: homedit Architect: poteet architects Multi-Story Shipping Container Dream Home Most shipping container homes are assumed to be small and cramped. This collection of several shipping containers proves that assumption wrong. Built by welding multiple containers on top of one another, this multi-story structure is a wide-open home with several levels, balconies, different rooms, and even certain windows that can be opened to allow in a fresh breeze. An attached patio completes the structure. Source: homedit Architect: Adam Kalkin Colorful, Open, Yet Simple Container Home Design Sometimes simplicity is the way to go. This complex of multiple shipping containers is used to demonstrate art and gives students a place to let their imagination run wild. By combining multiple shipping containers into a single complex, semi-open hallways and various rooms run into each other, affording an ironically flowing aesthetic despite all the walls. Source: homedit Shipping Container Home With A Spiral Staircase Here we have another multi-story shipping container structure. This home is designed to offer all the functionality, open-space, and creature comforts of a modern home, but it’s made from several shipping containers welded together. Of particular note is the spiral staircase in the corner, which allows easy ascending to the second level. Source: HomeDSGN Architect: Patrick Partouche Sliding Doors in Your Container Home For Luxury Entryways This shipping container home takes advantage of the natural flexibility of shipping containers and uses a sliding glass door to allow occupants to enjoy the patio just outside or let a nice breeze into the main home’s space. Smartly chosen decorations (many of which are made from secondhand materials) emphasize the authentic and unique aesthetic of the place – there’s nowhere else quite like it. Source: Archello Architect: Infiniski + James & Mau Industrial Container House For The Minimalist Some folks like the minimalist style, like the occupants of this complex shipping container home. Check out this kitchen, which has all the bells and whistles you would expect, but a rather ruthless and industrial style that harkens back to the origins of the shipping containers themselves. A snugly installed stove and oven round out the space, and wide windows allow plenty of visibility to the surrounding mountains and Mojave Desert, plus the plants just outside. Source: Inhabitat Photographer: Jack Parsons Architect: EcoTech Great Design For A Single Shipping Container Wide Kitchen This kitchen is made out of a single shipping container but, through smart interior design, still fits all of the modern amenities you could want in a family’s cooking space. The drawers are rather plain, but open up much farther than you would expect to provide tons of storage space and enough room to keep ingredients and tools to make a meal worthy of anyone. Source: homedit Start Using Shipping Containers in Your Construction For The Ultimate Curb Appeal All of these shipping container interior designs showcase the creativity and originality of occupants and business owners. More than that, they prove that shipping containers can be used for any structure you can imagine – there’s no limit to the versatility and functionality of these flexible storage solutions! If you’d like to start sourcing shipping containers for your next building, home, restaurant, or office building,

Yeah, they are a type of quote on quote, “shipping container,” even though they don’t necessarily look it. And you most likely won’t be building your house with one of these. These specialized containers have open sides that allow for the easy loading and unloading of cargo. From their dimensions to their primary uses, let’s take a look at whether or not a flat rack container just might be an unsung hero for your next project. What Are Flat Rack Containers? A flat rack container is a type of shipping container that has a higher than average loading capacity. That’s because it’s based on an open-wall and open-top design (see image above) where it has: A steel frame, normally in the shape of a rectangle like a traditional shipping container A pair of end walls at either shorter end – these can be fixed or or are collapsible depending on the container model Open space on the long sides and top Primary Function of a Flat Rack Container  As you can imagine, flat rack containers are perfect for shipping and storing bulkier than average cargo that would be difficult to load into a traditional, four-wall shipping container. This might include buses, boats, other shipping containers, heavy machinery, pipes or logs among other things. Does a Flat Rack Container Have Sides at All? It does, just not for the longest sides of the rectangular shape. In order to prevent cargo from moving around while in transit, lashing rings can be installed in the side rails or corners of the flat rack container. These allow shipping experts to secure loads using chains and large straps. Most Common Flat Rack Container Dimensions Like their closed counterparts, flat rack shipping containers commonly come in 20’ and 40’ lengths.  The dimensions for a 20’ flat rack container average out to: A payload capacity of 31,000 kg or 68,580 pounds 32.7 m³ or 1154.3 ft.³ of capacity About 5.6 m or 19.4 ft in length A 40’ flat rack container has dimensions that average out to: 47,300 kg or 104,278 lbs in payload capacity Cubic capacity of 62.2 m³ or 2195.7 ft.³ An internal length of 11.7 m or 38.3 ft Considerations when Using a Flat Rack Container? The design of flat rack containers makes them quite useful, but it also presents some challenges when it comes to moving these containers and the cargo they hold. Strap Your Cargo Down to the Container Because they don’t have a top or sides, the cargo within is much more exposed to the elements and potential thievery or damage. You should focus on belting down or otherwise securing the cargo to the container such that it would be difficult to steal and won’t be tipped off the container from wind or poor road conditions during transport. Additionally, this will prevent any of the cargo from moving and damaging other cargo or injuring nearby people.  Cover Up Your Cargo Sensitive cargo on a flat rack should also be protected from the weather via tarps or other protective barriers that can easily be removed for unloading. Waterproof covers are particularly good, especially when flat racks are in transit. Varying Flat Rack Container Models Allow for Versatility As we mentioned above, different models allow your flat rack container to behave in specialized ways. The two endwalls of the container can come fixed or foldable (fixed-end vs. collapsible flat rack containers).  And certain models of flat rack containers may have forklift pockets. This allows you to move the flat rack conveniently to another location without having to unload the cargo and move the flat rack separately. Measure Twice, Transport Once When using a flat rack container to move large items, remember to pay attention to the height and width of your final cargo once loaded on a truck. You’ll want to be sure you’re within the legal recommendations in order to prevent fines and vehicle or overpass damages. Specialized Containers From Rent-A-Container Flat rack containers are primarily a shipping and transportation solution for large, awkwardly shaped cargo, aka material that is unable to fit in a standard shipping container or that would be too hard to load and unload with side walls. If you or your company are in need of a specialty shipping container solution, like a flat rack container, contact us, today. Shop Rent-A-Container!

  We get it. Steel shipping containers are no different than your other essential business assets and tools. And containers are a significant investment. Worth every penny? Yes. But due to their cost and their importance, we get this question all the time: “How long will my shipping container last me?” So whether they’re functioning as a storage solution or they’re about to become the internal structure of your next home building project, let’s talk about the average shipping container lifespan. *Note: The following numbers represent averages and each container’s lifespan will be different depending on their specific condition, usage, and environmental variables. What Shipping Container Lifespan Can You Expect? A standard steel shipping container will, if left to its own devices and not overly exposed to the elements, last well over 25 years. Some suppliers estimate that 25-30 years is a reasonable estimate if your container has been maintained and experienced minimal use in the shipping and transport industry.  The initial phase of use for used shipping containers that are now available for sale can be about 10-12 years in the shipping and transport industry. If you’ve purchased a significantly used container, you might expect to get another 10-20 years of usefulness from it depending on what condition you purchase it in.  *Always consult with the shipping container supplier to get their best estimates and recommendations before you make your purchase. The length of time a container has been used in trans-oceanic shipping can greatly affect the lifespan of a container due to the salt water and harsh conditions experienced in ocean environments (see more on this below). In contrast, shipping containers that have been used in shipping but experienced minimal ocean transport tend to be in better condition. If you want one of the longest-lasting containers for sale on the market, especially if you’re planning on constructing a modern home, you should look into what are called “one-trip” containers. These are containers that are exclusively sold for consumer use after only being loaded with cargo one time (more on these from our buying guide for shipping containers). Such containers can easily last for over 25 years if you take care of them properly and place them in a generally calm and temperate environment. Top 3 Things That Affect A Shipping Container’s Lifespan 1. Exposure to the elements, but especially moisture and seawater Shipping containers, at least the most popular ones on the market, are made from weathering steel, also sometimes called COR-TEN steel.  And while they are wind and water tight, they are still susceptible to rust.  That means climates that experience heavy rains, extreme moisture / humidity, and exposure to sea water will be more quickly impacted by rust. Salt water, in particular, eventually becomes quite corrosive even with the use of anti-corrosion coatings. If you’re familiar with living in the northern regions of the U.S in which winter road maintenance crews utilize salt to melt ice, your old car is an excellent example of what can happen with your shipping container. 2. The beating your container has taken in the past, aka prior damage The life of a shipping container is sometimes akin to that of an ex-NFL linebacker. Containers sometimes experience falls and tumbles, transport mishaps, and collisions with heavy machinery on construction sites. All of this damage – weakened walls and doors, holes in floors or ceilings, and chipped protective coverings – can shorten how long your container is expected to last. Most shipping container suppliers will inspect your container for you. It never hurts to request an inspection on your behalf to take stock of any possible damage the shipping container has experienced.  If you can’t be onsite, be sure you are working with a reputable company who prioritizes customer satisfaction before making a purchase. 3. Your shipping container was used in the international modal container industry This third point is simply for emphasis as it bears out what has largely been stated in this post already. That is, shipping containers that have been carted around the ocean to transport heavy goods for many years, usually at least a decade, have experienced all of the above conditions.  Shipping containers on ocean freighters will get sprayed with salty ocean water. They will experience high humidity and storms. And they’ll be exposed to direct sunlight and UV radiation. Additionally, these containers have been carted around, lifted up, set down, and stacked. They’ve been loaded, unloaded, transported by crane and truck, and then reloaded onto ship decks. If you’re worried about acquiring a container that looks pretty, be sure to purchase the newest container available to you. The largest pro to buying a heavily used container, however, is that it will be significantly cheaper than a newer, one-trip container. And they’re estimated to last another 10-15 years! So how are you going to extend the shipping container lifespan? Invest in insulators and dehumidifiers Insulators, as we mentioned in our previous blog post (insert link once this blog is live), help to protect your container and your storage items. This includes the use of blankets, BATT materials, and specialized foam boards and sprays to help control the temperature and moisture inside your container. In conjunction, try to utilize dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from inside your container. These are useful in preventing unwanted condensation from forming on the walls, your moisture-sensitive goods, and in preventing “container rain.” Cover it up Try and protect the outside of the container as best you can from UV exposure and moisture. For storage uses, most containers will come pre-coated or can be covered with special coatings to prevent corrosion and protect against the direct sunlight. In other cases, you could spray foam or apply foam boards to the outside of your container to keep the harmful sun, extreme temperatures, and moisture from the metal surface.  Some less effective, but other uses include the use of found materials such as hay bales or large tarps. For homes and offices, consider both

The quick answer is that your shipping container will hold 32.6 cubic meters or 1,172 cubic feet worth of material, but likely you will want to factor in room to maneuver stored materials. The key to using your 20 foot shipping container to its storage capacity potential is understanding how much it can actually fit inside of it. Perhaps you’re trying to load it with vehicles, construction equipment, furniture, or you’re using it as a multi-functional storage space.  Let’s take a look at some common ways to better understand what you can fit into one of these containers. Figure out the Internal Dimensions If you want to figure out how much can my 20-foot shipping container hold, you first need to determine the internal dimensions of the container. As we have mentioned before in other posts, this will vary by a few inches from container to container depending on which company manufactured it. But in general, a 20-foot shipping container’s internal dimensions will measure as follows:  In imperial or US customary units: 19’4”L x 7’9”W x 7’10”H In metric units: 5.898 m L x 2.352 m W x 2.393 m H Area: Square Feet and Meters So how much space does that really add up to? It translates to about 32.6 m³. Put in other terms, it translates to 146 ft.² or 13.86 m² of total space you can use on the floor. Volume: Give Yourself Some Wiggle Room While the above overall volume of 32.6 m³ or 1,172 cubic feet is a good rule of thumb, keep in mind that you won’t fill this full space unless you were to transport pallets or boxes that fit perfectly snug against one another. Even if you were to do this, the shipping container will need a little bit of wiggle room for vents, tools, mats, desiccant materials to prevent container rain (i.e. ambient water buildup over time), and room for you and any helpers to unload materials. Your stuff, too, will take up more space than you might imagine when you factor in bubble wrap, packing materials, and irregular shapes (like most furniture). It’s always best to plan to leave a little bit of space even if you try to pack the shipping container as tightly as you can. So, How Much Does a 20-Foot Shipping Container Hold? Now comes the real question: what does this translate to in terms of actual goods? As always, the answer is highly dependent on what you want to pack, but below we’ll give you some estimated ideas. As mentioned, you can transport 10 standard pallets in a 20-foot shipping container provided that you don’t stack the pallets. It’s not unreasonable to assume that you could transport the entire contents of a one or two-bedroom apartment in a single unit. The trick is that furniture and other common household items often have irregular sizes and may vary drastically. Roughly speaking, beds can be measured at: 1.7 m³ 0.85 m³ 1.25 m³ And so on Let’s be safe and assume that you have a 1.7 cubic meter bed. That means, you could fit roughly 19 beds. Bookcases often measure at 1.1 m³ or 1.4 m³. And the average TV is somewhere near 0.75 m³. That is 23 book cases and 43 televisions respectively. Still, the contents of a one or two-bedroom apartment are a good estimate. If you’re shipping for business, go with the 10-pallet rule and try to estimate your shipping needs using that baseline. How Many Cars Can A 20-Foot Shipping Container Hold? If you’re storing or packing your shipping container with a vehicle, know that you should be able to fit most standard cars in a single 20-foot container with a little bit of space left over. We wouldn’t recommend trying to squeeze two cars into a single 20-foot container. Aside from the space issues, the two cars might also be too heavy for the container’s structural integrity. Good Shipping Practices Can Maximize Your Space You can always maximize your space inside a 20-foot shipping container by practicing good moving or shipping rules.  Using easily understandable units such as boxes and pallets For example, always try to break down any goods or furniture you want to move before loading them into a shipping container. Placing things in boxes allows you to stack all those goods atop one another on standard or Euro pallets. And they allow you to more easily understand how much volume you have. Standard vs Euro Pallets Chances are that, if you use a shipping container of any size, you’ll probably place your goods, products, or moving stuff on pallets. However, there are two main types of pallets you can place in shipping containers – Standard or Euro. The standard palette has a size regulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which many shipping companies use to keep their palette sizes standardized for easy transitioning from container to truck and so on. Standard pallets are 1200 mm x 1000 mm while Euro pallets are 1200 mm x 800 mm. Practically, this means that you can hold 10 standard pallets or 12 Euro pallets in a 20-foot shipping container. Which one is better depends on your needs, although most people choose standard pallets by default. Note that these values are assuming you won’t be stacking the pallets. Have a plan before you load the container Always try to have a plan when you load the container to save time with the loading and unloading process.  Consider the door arrangement and placement There are plenty of great tips and tricks to loading your storage unit. We recommend either creating walking lanes (if the shipping container will be stationary) to access all of your packed items, or be sure to pack the things that you won’t need access to immediately in the back. If you have two sets of doors, one set on each end, then place the items that you won’t be needing urgently in the center of the container.