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What are containers made of?
ModalART intermodal freight and shipping containers are made of Corten
steel. This is a high-tensile, anti-corrosion steel that is strong,
durable, and capable of surviving extreme weather conditions on the
high seas.
Our units have marine ply floors which have been tested for a safe storage
load of 24 - 30 metric tons and air vents for air circulation.
Containers generally have double opening doors at one end with locking
bars and catches. ModalART also offers containers with double doors
on either end, plus a variety of other container configurations.
Container design, and types.
Dimensions and weights
HOW SECURE ARE SHIPPING
CONTAINERS?
ModalART containers are very secure and essentially vandal proof. For
added security you can have your unit installed with a locking case,
also known as lockbox. This added security helps prevent opening your
padlock with bolt cutters. In addition, ModalART offers standard and
heavy duty
shipping container door locks.
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What is the difference between aN ISO storage and a shipping container?
There is none. All shipping containers can be used as ground storage
containers.
ISO containers
conform to the International Organisation for Standardization
recommendations on dimensions, corner fittings, markings and ratings
amongst others.
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WHAT IS A
REFRIGERATED "REEFER' CONTAINER?
20' and 40'
portable electric reefers ship temperature sensitive commodities
like fruit, food, flowers, pharmaceuticals across the globe. Retired
chillers are a cost effective alternative for temperature controlled
storage.
See ModalART Reefer
Guide
We also offer
10' DNV
offshore rig containers for wind farms and the oil & gas industry!
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GUIDE TO CONDITIONS:
All used containers arriving at our depots are initially listed "As-Is".
*(Our shipping lines generally retire containers after they have been
in service for approx. 10 - 12 years.)
Upon inspection, the damaged and scrap units are removed from our inventory,
and the remaining units are graded and put
up for sale.
Importantly, they are sold first out of stack at our depots.
See images of typical
used containers.
Wind and Watertight ("WWT"):
Great for storing materials that need to stay dry and secure. Structurally
sound wind- and watertight containers with original markings still
applied and possible surface rust and minor dents.
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ModalART WWT QUALITY GUARANTEE:
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No Leaks - no holes in container
walls, roof, or floor
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Working Doors - open and close properly
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Door seals are undamaged
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Wooden floor boards are
intact
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Functioning lock rods
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Clean and empty
Images of typical units:
20',
40',
40'HC,
45'HC
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Cargo Worthy ("CW"): Grade required to ship overseas,
and certifiable for export:
Structurally sound wind- and water-tight containers, cargo-worthy for
shipping, often in cosmetically better condition than WWT units.
Premium ("IICL"): The Institute of International Container Lessors
has the strictest and highest standards for used container repairs that
are off hired.
IICL-6 Inspection Criteria.
Factory Refurbished ("FR"): Cargo-worthy containers that
have been painted (interior and exterior) and have all new seals and
gaskets.
"New / One Trip": Factory new, one trip
from the Asian manufacturer
to the USA with one cargo load. May have minor dings and dents from
shipping.
Also see
CTIA Definitions.
See
General Grading Criteria for Reefer Containers
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CONTAINER INSPECTION
SERVICES
THREE-TIER QUALITY INSPECTION ONLY BY MODALART!
Containers are sold off the top
of equipment stacks at our depots. To ensure that our units fully
meet your expectations, only ModalART offers:
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Inspection by Container Depot:
By default, all shipping containers are inspected and graded
by our depots.
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Inspection by Driver:
ModalART's drivers are required to inspect all containers
before they are loaded onto the trucks for pickup at the depots.
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Inspection by
Certified Marine Surveyor (optional):
Know exactly in advance what your are buying. ModalART will
have your unit inspected by a certified marine surveyor for a
menial fee. We will examine your reserved unit, take pictures
and write a report. Please give the surveyor one or two days to
complete the report before scheduling pickup with your trucking
company.
See examples of inspection reports.
See example for a Reefer
Pre-trip Inspection (PTI)
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CAN
YOU PICK UP A LOADED CONTAINER FROM MY PROPERTY?
You wish to purchase a container from ModalART, load it with
items on your property, and then have it picked up and shipped to
another destination, e.g. a container port for export overseas.
This is not a problem if you have (or rent) a crane or forklift to
load the container onto a chassis or trailer at your premises.
Otherwise, shipping containers
are far too heavy to be loaded with cargo and then be dragged onto a
tilt bed/Landoll tractor trailer for further transport. (Landoll
owner/operators decline such move requests outright.)
However, we have specialized dual axle steel deck tilt bed trailers in New Jersey with a 20,000
lb winch that can be used for picking up loaded containers.
Given the weight
limits of the winch, we would be able to pick up a 40' loaded
container with up to 10,000 lbs of cargo inside.
Tandem axel Peterbilt & dual axil Landoll with 20,000 lb
winch
We can also pick up
and deliver containers holding more than 10,000 lbs of cargo, but
would need to send out a heavy duty tow truck or forklift to load
and unload the unit.
ModalART currently
offers these services from Maine to Maryland.
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DO I NEED
PERMISSION TO KEEP A SHIPPING CONTAINER?
Since shipping containers are non-permanent structures, you
generally
don’t need to obtain a permission to keep them on your premises. However,
you might get complaints from neighbors if you store your container
in a residential area, near a road junction, or where sight lines may
be affected. To avoid this, you might want to apply to the local municipality
to approve a short term use of a container. In any event, we recommend
you check with your local authorities prior to delivery.
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CAN
YOU CUSTOM PAINT AND/OR MODIFY MY CONTAINER FOR ME?
Used cargo containers come in a variety of colors. If you find those
unsuitable for your needs, our workshops in NYC, CT, CA and MD can provide
custom exterior painting in your corporate and/or
preferred color.
We can also add 6' roll-up or personnel doors, windows, lock boxes,
louver and turbine vents to you container. ModalART can manufacture
to any of your specifications! Just submit your drawings and designs
for a free quote.
See some of our projects.
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WOULD YOU
BUY MY CONTAINER BACK AT A LATER DATE?
Yes, we will be happy to buy back units, of course, subject to their
age, condition, and their market value at the time of offer. Please
email us your asking prices with clear photos of the container
including roof, all exterior and interior walls, ceiling, doors and
floor.
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HOW MUCH DOES
IT COST TO DELIVER MY CONTAINER?
Transportation costs will obviously vary depending on the distance your
container needs to travel from our depot to your destination. While
we do not transport containers ourselves, you can get a free quote
on delivery here
www.ModalART.com/form.htm. Trucking companies, brokers, and
carriers will independently email you a quote.
Hint:
Two 20’ containers can be transported on one truck, thus substantially
reducing transportation costs per unit.
Individual
QuickBuild Containers can be easily
transported on
pickup trucks and/or
boat trailers.
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WHAT IS a SCAC Code?
A Standard Carrier Alpha Code is a unique two to four letter code that
identifies and verifies those transportation companies that have proper
insurance to enter the terminal.
If you wish to pick up your container yourself, or use a trucking company,
please ensure that you/they are set up in our terminal system with a
SCAC code.
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CAN I INSPECT
THE CONTAINERS BEFORE I PURCHASE?
Our
shipping container depots are busy industrial operations that are not
equipped or manned to receive visits
from the general public. Also, due to insurance and security
concerns, you unfortunately cannot visit our container depots.
Virtual Visit and Professional Container Inspections:
Depots
evaluate incoming shipping containers and determine their quality
grade (WWT, CW, IICL, or new) before we offer them for sale. These
determinations are purely technical, and do not take aesthetics into
regard. Ergo, an unappealing unit can be graded as CW (Cargo Worthy), whereas an
optically pleasing WWT (Wind and Watertight) container might not meet the structural
criteria of CW.
Know exactly what you will buy!
ModalART offers container inspections by
certified marine surveyors for a menial fee.
Our expert team will evaluate available containers in the required
grade, select a unit at the depot (usually the best available in
your category), write up a detailed inspection report, and share
photos of the examined unit with you. You will know exactly what you
will be buying without the time, money, and effort of visiting a
depot.
See examples of inspection reports.
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HOW DOES The buying process
WORK?
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Register as a new customer with ModalART
and
then place your order.
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After you have agreed to purchase, ModalART will email you an invoice.
We will have confirmed availability of your containers at the quoted
price and at the depot nearest to you, and will have reserved
your units.
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You pay the invoice, and ModalART receives the funds.
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After ModalART has received your funds, you and/or the depot/terminal
will be sent a release reference. If ModalART is not shipping for
you, you will need to provide this documentation to your trucking
company. After giving the depot/terminal 24 hour notice, your truck
can pick up your container(s).
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CAN YOU SHARE
REFERENCES OR CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS?
Yes! It is crucial to
us that your are 100% satisfied with our products and services ! We
strive to provide your with top quality shipping containers at the
most competitive prices across the USA. Our goal is to make each and
very customer experience and excellent and memorable one.
See
customer's testimonials. We truly
appreciate all customers that
share their
feedback with us! Thank you very much!
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CAN YOU HELP
US FINANCE OUR CONTAINER PURCHASE?
Our Finance
Partner is
Regions Bank / Ascentium Capital.
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Loans to businesses
start from as low as $10.000.
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Financing
covers goods, shipping, and even sales tax.
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Purchased
goods serve as collateral - no additional collateral required.
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Financing term
is usually 36-72 months.
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Zero down
payment.
Our dedicated loan
officer, Raul Harnasch
CLFP, Vice President - Sales, will
be happy to answer your questions.
O: 281.883.5016 M: 509.750.7436,
RaulHarnasch@AscentiumCapital.com,
AscentiumCapital.com
Fill out
Credit Application
Note that ModalART
is providing you with the above information for your convenience
only, and any financing agreement will be directly between you and
the lender.
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HOW DO I
TAKE DELIVERY OF MY SHIPPING CONTAINERS?
Our container prices
are ex depot and do not include delivery. You can pick up the containers
yourself, or arrange for delivery with your, or one of our trucking partners
for an additional charge.
We do not mark
up transport to keep your final container cost as low as possible!
Get a
free
quote on delivery. You will receive our current container price
list instantly. Our delivery
providers will subsequently send you an email with their quote on
delivery. Please get in touch with them for final shipping arrangements.
Delivery can usually
be arranged within 24-48 hours and in some cases, same day delivery
is possible. Keep in mind that estimated delivery times and dates can
be adversely affected by weather, traffic, scheduling, availability
and mechanical failure, and are therefore not guaranteed.
Delivery Methods:
If you have the ability to offload the container at your premises
using a forklift, loader, or crane, we can arrange for delivery
of your container with a flatbed trailer.
If you would like the carrier to unload your container, we will
arrange for delivery
by
tilt-bed
truck.
Their decks are hydraulically tipped allowing the container to gently
slide off the bed and onto the ground.
The following is important for a smooth delivery:
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Clearance:
The truck will need ample room to back in and unload.
Please keep in mind that the large trucks are 75 feet long. Although
they are only 8'6" wide, at least 12' of width is advisable. In
case of very tight spaces, you can rent a forklift to move your
container on site.
You will need about 80’ of straight clearance when taking delivery
of a 20’ container and 100’ straight clearance for a 40’ container.
Overhead
clearance needs to be at least 14' - 20' for the loaded truck. When
the trailer is tilted, the highest point would be about 28' high.
Please take note when depositing your container indoors.
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Obstacles:
Be aware of any trees, overhanging branches, fences, low hanging
power lines or other obstacles that that would impede access to
your property and placement of the container. These obstacles need
to be cleared before delivery. Some situations can be remedied if
you get delivery by a crane truck.
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Soft, unstable
surfaces/ground:
Please keep in mind that
Landoll trucks weigh approx. 40.000 lbs.
and can easily get stuck in soggy ground.
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Site preparation
You will need a relatively level, smooth, and firm site to place
the container, such as
cement, pavement, asphalt or gravel. On
soft, unstable surfaces each corner casting should either be placed
on a concrete footing, railroad ties, asphalt, or a level bed of
gravel to distribute the weight evenly. This will ensure that container
doors will operate smoothly
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Positioning
Shipping containers only have doors at one end. To have them facing
in the desired direction once offloaded on your property, provide
instructions on how the container is to be first loaded onto the
delivery vehicle. Indicate “doors facing to truck cabin” or “doors
facing to truck rear /
tail lights”
based on your site, how you are going to load the container, and
how the driver will need to access the site so when it is offloaded
the doors will face in the desired direction.
Please Note: Requirements for picking up containers at a
marine terminal vs. inland container depot:
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Driver must
have a valid
TWIC and SeaLink® Card.
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Truck must
have a valid RFID tag and be registered properly in
PortTruckPass -
www.porttruckpass.com.
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Trucking
company should be registered with the Uniform Intermodal
Interchange Agreement (UIIA).
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Trucking
company should have valid insurance and credit with the
Steamship Line (SSL).
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DO I NEED TO Neutralize/de-identify containers
after MY purchase?
When you become an owner of a container,
you will be responsible for removing all steamship line decals and ownership
markings from the box. This is called "de-identification" or "neutralization."
It can be as easy as painting them over. The removal of decals and markings
is legally required in the purchase documents.
This is legally required because it confirms
that the container is no longer part of the shipping line/leasing company
fleet. This avoids any future confusion about ownership of units.
Those that do not neutralize their units
will be considered in a breach of contract, and their units will be
repossessed.
Container Neutralization
Requirements
ModalART can provide de-identification
and neutralizes services for a nominal fee.
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WHAT ARE THE Requirements for international
shipping?
Containers must have a
valid safety approval plate or
CSC Plate
(Container Safety Convention) that confirms that the unit is
safe for handling. The plate is valid for five years from the date
the ISO container was manufactured.
Units without a valid CSC plate will be rejected for
loading at the terminal.
CSC validity
can be maintained by
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PES
(Periodic Examination Scheme)
inspection update which is valid for a
maximum of 30 months,
or
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ACEP (Approved Continuous Examination
Program),
if the
container is inspected continuously.
Search
Global ACEP Database.
If you wish to ship your container
overseas, it must be inspected and certified by a Certified Marine Surveyor to ensure that
the unit is structurally sound.
ModalART can provide inspection services
prior to unit pick-up at a terminal
or depot facility for a nominal fee.
Container
Inspection Services
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What remedies are available if I receive
a container with major damages?
If you receive a new, one trip
unit that is damaged, immediately document all damages (pictures and
repair estimate) and send this to ModalART within 48 hrs of receipt
of container. We will then inform the steamship line that brought the unit
in. Subsequently, a surveyor will then be sent to your location to inspect
the container. ModalART will then negotiate an acceptable amount for
discount after the claim is settled with the steamship line.
If you receive a used container with major
damages, also contact ModalART immediately with photos and a written
estimate of damages
within 48 hrs of receipt of container.
ModalART will work with you to resolve any issues concerning excessive
damages that were unknown to ModalART and the customer at the time of
sale.
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Common Container acronyms
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ASIS
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Not inspected before sale. |
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CW |
Cargo Worthy:
This container safely and structural strength standard is required to ship the container
overseas. |
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DV / DC |
Dry Van /
Dry Container. "Dry Van" container transporting dry vs.
liquid goods. |
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DD
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Double Door
Container: Doors at each end, also called “tunnel containers”
or double end door container. |
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DM |
Damaged units. |
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DNV |
Det Norske Veritas or
DNV 2.7-1 are certification
standards for offshore' containers. The
IMO (International Maritime
Organization) defines an offshore container as a "portable
unit, specially designed for repeated use in the transport
of goods or equipment to, from or between fixed and/or
floating offshore installations and ships". Offshore
Containers are considerably stronger than ISO units and are
typically used on oil and gas platforms.
See
Guide to Container Certification |
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DUO |
Duo-Con Containers.
Two 10′ units welded together back to back and pre-configured
for separation into 10' units. |
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FR, SD
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Flat Rack
Container: Containers with no sides or top, may have end barriers
(front and back) that fold down, or are fitted with fixed corner
posts to secure cargo. |
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FSA
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Full Side
Access Container: Similar to an Open Side container, however,
fitted with doors along the entire length of the container to
provide full access on that side. |
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G/S |
"Genset".
Portable diesel or electric power generator that provides
electricity for refrigerated containers when being
transported on trucks or rail wagons. |
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GP
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General Purpose
Container: Used for most general purpose cargo. This is
the standard container size, no bells and whistles (e.g. reefer).
It's 40' x 8' x 8'6" for an FEU and 20' x 8' x 8'6" for an TEU.
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HC / HQ |
"Hi-cube"
or "High-Cube" containers are 9’6” tall. |
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HH
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"Half-Height"
- containers are either 4' or 4'3" high |
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HR
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"High-Cube
Reefer" see
ModalART Reefer Guide |
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ICC/IBC |
In
2019, the International Code Council (ICC) ratified a change
to the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) that allows
ISO shipping containers to be used in commercial
construction. The change appears in Chapter 31, the chapter
on special construction, and is called Section 3115
Intermodal Shipping Containers. |
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IICL5 |
Identifies a „good“ condition,
better than WWT, and oftentimes CW.
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IN
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Insulated
Container: For cargo that requires moderate temperature control,
this is essentially a refrigerated container without the cooling
components. These are primarily used for domestic storage.
See ModalART
Reefer Guide |
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New/One Trip |
One trip from
the Asian manufacturer to the US with one cargo load. |
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ISO |
ISO CONTAINER CODES |
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OS |
Open Side
Container: Has additional doors on one side of the container
that grant full access to that side. Also called full-side
access container, side access container or side opening
container. |
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OT
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Open-Top Container:
Standard general purpose container with four walls and a floor
but no top, often covered with a tarp and called a “Ragtop.”
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SD
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Side Door
Container: One side of the container opens as well as the end.
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Reefer/Chiller |
Refrigerated,
or rather temperature controlled containers mostly capable
of keeping a cargo temperature range of at least –25 C to
+25 C. See
ModalART Reefer Guide |
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TC
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Tank Container:
For liquids. |
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WWT |
Wind and watertight (great
for storage). See above. |
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CONTAINER NEWS & USES
Here are some typical
container uses:
Branding
event pods, prefabricated houses, mobile offices, portable restaurants, retail
stores, apartment buildings, student's quarters, hotels, motels,
AirBnB guest
houses, portable shops, art galleries, swimming pools, emergency shelters, etc.
Now see some
innovative project examples
from ModalART.
For inspiration, also make sure to visit us at:
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