When it comes to storage and transportation, you might be surprised to learn that shipping containers and moving containers are completely different categories. While these containers may boast similar properties, they serve completely different functions. When it comes to design, construction and overall purpose, not all containers are the same. We look at the key differences between moving containers and shipping containers.
Purpose is the Primary Difference
The primary difference between a moving container and a shipping container is purpose. They are designed and constructed for different reasons. Here’s a quick breakdown for each container and its general purpose.
Shipping Containers
A shipping container is a heavy-duty steel box that is specifically engineered for long-haul freight transport. This means that they are mainly used for transporting goods by way of sea, rail or truck. As a result, these containers must live up to strict international standards when it comes to durability, weather resistance and even security. This is because of the harsh environmental conditions that they can and often are subjected to. A properly built shipping container should be able to last over the course of many years, which is a clear testament to their design and function.
Moving Containers
While moving containers are made to be portable and available for shipping, they are more specifically designed for household or business relocations and storage needs. For general consumers, these are more commonly seen around town unless you live near a port or frequently see trains. While they are also built to endure the elements and any security needs or concerns, these containers are more often used for storing and/or moving possessions across town or state. In other words, a moving container is a commercial version of its industrial-purposed cousin.
Construction: Portable Storage vs Shipping Container
As a result of their distinct purposes, there is a difference when it comes to how these containers are designed and then built. Let’s have a closer look at what’s involved for each.
Shipping Container
Because of the need for longevity in more corrosive environments, shipping containers are made from heavy, corrosion-resistant, low-alloy steel. The use of this weathering steel means that shipping containers are able to endure stacking, crane-maneuvering and extended exposure to elements such as saltwater and extreme weather conditions. Generally speaking, these containers feature weather-tight doors with multiple locking mechanisms. They also come with steel floors or what is often referred to as “marine-grade” plywood.
Moving Container
Moving containers are typically constructed using lightweight materials such as steel, aluminum and, in some cases, reinforced plastics. This is because moving containers are designed to be lighter and more portable. Moving containers can include convenient features that aren’t necessary for the industrial shipping containers. For example, SAM Store and Move’s moving containers offer smooth interiors to more effectively protect personal belongings while they are being stored or transported. Moving containers are also built to survive extreme weather and environmental elements. However, they are not generally considered to be as durable as an industrial shipping container.
Size and Shape: Moving Containers vs Shipping Containers
Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are generally much larger than their commercial counterparts. Imagine those large industrial cargo ships that transport cars and other industrial wares from port to port. Those shipping containers generally come in 20- or 40-foot lengths, 8 feet wide and around 8 to 9 feet high. As a result, their capacity is considerably larger than that of a moving container. Their uniform sizing and construction also allow for easy stacking and solid efficiency when it comes to the loading and unloading of ships, trains and large trucks.
Moving Containers
A moving container is not as large. By its purpose alone, it simply doesn’t need to be. Portable containers commonly range between 7 to 16 feet in length. Dimensions can vary when it comes to manufacturers and providers. The idea here is that these containers are designed to accommodate the contents of a small to moderately sized home. While shipping containers can allow up to 2,400 cubic feet of space (give or take), a moving container is typically designed to provide anywhere between 400 to 1,200 cubic feet of storage. Though more modestly sized, these portable units are still considered to be remarkably durable and reliable.
Security and Protection: The Play-by-Play for Portable Storage and Shipping Containers
Shipping Containers
Though there is no real loser in this category since the security goals of the comparison are largely irrelevant, shipping containers do offer the security advantage for brute-force entry. These industrial containers are built with security as a top priority. The heavy locking mechanisms make break-ins almost impossible. You might be impressed to note that these containers are routinely inspected and certified for safety, security and integrity.
Moving Containers
Moving containers also come with a suite of built-in security features. This is a must because these units are purposely protecting your most precious possessions. This is especially true since their placement in residential areas make them slightly more susceptible to tampering. However, as these containers are made of lighter materials they may not be as secure as shipping containers. As a result, providers often supplement those built-in safety features with additional security features or insurance options.
If you’re looking into the distinctions of these categories, you’re likely not considering shipping global freight. Therefore, a moving container is the winner for your needs.
Here at Store and Move we value your belongings as much as you do. That’s why we provide our satisfied clients with only the most trusted and durable moving containers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We service door-to-door. This means that we deliver our moving containers directly to your door for packing and then to your new destination. If you’re looking for long-term storage we can also keep your container safe in our 24-hour secure warehouse.
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