Storage bins have come a long way since the 1830s, when they were primarily used to store coal. They were known as “loose boxes” and were made of wood. In the 1900s, storage containers were made of iron and of a closed-top design to allow for better transport between road, rail, and sea. It wasn’t until the 1950s that it was realized that unloading goods from trucks would be much more efficient if they could unload a container and then remove the goods. This allowed the truck to be unloaded and on its way to pick up another load of goods in a fraction of the time it would have taken. In the 60 years since then, the storage container has changed over time.
For the first 20 years of containerization, there were no industry standards. This caused some incompatibility issues between the cargo container and the mode of transport. Between 1968 and 1970, industry standards were created to alleviate any incompatibility issues.
Today’s shipping container can store anything from televisions to cars to perishable goods. The climate inside the shipping container can be manipulated to ensure that the products inside are safe from the elements. If you only need ventilation, the intake vents will allow airflow into the container and the exhaust vents will reduce excessive heat and humidity. Storage containers are weather resistant and, in some cases, resistant to rust.
Storage container companies are very innovative in container design and safety. Tri-cam locking systems are the best in cargo container security. The system includes three solid steel interior bars, concealed toggle, padlock pocket, concealed 6-pin triggers, and hardened steel construction making it virtually puncture and pry resistant. Doors can be located at one end or both ends of the container. Side doors can also be installed.
The standard shipping container width is 8 feet. Lengths range from 5 feet to 45 feet and everywhere in between. Optional partitions can be installed to segment the container in half, thirds or quarters. Side doors are installed with each partition, making each segment independent of each other. Pull-out shelves and ramps can be used to easily handle and organize products. The extra wide storage bins measure approximately 10.5 feet wide, making them perfect for stacking pallets side by side.
It’s hard to imagine the advances that will be made to the container in the coming years. Advances will depend on the innovative ways consumers choose to use the storage container in the future.