Frequently Asked Questions - General

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Condensation happens when water vapor in the warm air encounters a surface, such as the steel sides of a shipping container, cool enough to bring the vapour back to a liquid state. To combat this phenomenon we modify containers to include vents, whirly birds and insulation which help to control the internal temperature, allowing the container to breathe, preventing condensation from occurring. If practical, simply keeping the doors open helps considerably.

In situations where condensation in unavoidable, such as in tropical climates, some care must be taken to avoid oxidisation and eventually rust. Many shipping containers are coated with oxide resistant zinc paint, inside and out, which allows them to stay in good condition for years while withstanding the wear and tear of sea travel. If you are planning on using a container for the storage of dry goods you should consider implementing the above precautions or protecting your goods with some kind of waterproofing.

In terms of structural integrity, shipping containers are very secure.  Besides being pest and vermin proof shipping containers are also highly wind and weatherproof as they are designed to endure salty sea air, which is highly corrosive. As a result, you may have noticed that shipping container constructions are suitable to be set up close to water.

For personal security, there is provision for a padlock to be fitted to the door, however we recommend our customers to modify containersto include a steel Lock Box for added security if they need their container to be vandalproof. A Lock Box is designed to protect the container’s lock from being tampered with.

Typically, a 20 foot general purpose container weighs around 2 tonnes and a 40 foot around 4 tonnes. This weight is known as the tare weight of the container which is combined with the max payload weight (weight it can carry) to determine it's maximum gross weight.

Maximum gross weights will vary for each type of container but can generally be standardised into the following:

20ft - 52,910 lbs/24,000 kg

40ft - 67,200 lbs/30,480 kg

Check out our container sales section for more specific information on the container you are looking for.

Shipping Containers are built to a variety of ISO standards sizes - each with their own dimensions.  The 40ft General Purpose is the most common unit seen on cargo ships.  You can browse the different types of shipping containers we have on this site and click on 'view details' to find the specific measurements for the Container you are looking for.

Using the imperial system you can use this as a general guide:

  • Lengths: 10', 20',40',45', 48', 53'
  • Width: 8'0"
  • Height: 8'6" or 9'6"

You may also find our container dimensions page handy

What building codes are in place in WA for the use of containers?

The regulations for placing shipping containers vary across the state but you generally need to satisfy building codes to have a container for any length of time on your premises.

For residential use the building code generally requires you to 'hide' its appearance as a shipping container by having them painted or reclad, otherwise kept from public view.  Some councils specify the maximum number of containers allowed.  Port Headland, for example, only allows one container per residential property so it might be worth considering the : 2x10' container set to maximise modularity.  Commercial & industrial zones have a greater allowance depending on how they are stacked, their size and their position on the property.  These are some of the things you should keep in mend before you call your local council to find out the zone rules for your area.

Durability Shipping containers are built tough, they can flex, take a knock or two and withstand the wear and tear of road, rail and sea travel.

Portability – Our containers re made to satisfy international standards and are thus very modular.  They can be combined together to make a larger structure, stored and transported very easily.  When empty, containers can be stacked up to twelve high.

Availability – A regularly traded commodity, new and used containers are readily available on the market for purchase or lease across the globe.

Cost –Brand new containers seldom cost more than $8000 and you can pick one up second hand for as little as $1,500.  In comparison to conventional building methods, when used for accommodation, shipping containers are a much more cost effective solution.   When using containers for self storage the costs are almost half the price of conventional storage options.

We accept payment by EFT/cash/company cheque/credit card (Visa/Mastercard).

For shipping container purchases we require payment prior to delivery or release unless otherwise arranged.

For Hire containers payment for the first month’s rent along with transport to site and depot charges need to be paid prior to taking delivery of the container.

Little or no maintenance is required as shipping containers are very solid and durable but it is a good idea to ensure the doors are kept in good working order. Therefore we recommend the door hinges and locking rods are greased at regular intervals.

When left exposed to the elements for years, shipping containers

Request a Quote or ask a question

While we do advertise some of our approximate prices online, we recommend requesting a quote to ensure availability and that all considered costs are quoted accurately. Upon receiving your enquiry we will get back to you shortly by email or phone, alternatively please give us a call on 
(08) 9418 8001 or 0415 601 445.

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