| Custom containers include not only containers of | | | | With solar power, it can even move around with |
| non-standard dimensions but also containers rebuilt into | | | | continuous power supply. |
| houses, shops, garbage bins, and so on. By containers, | | | | Instead of living quarters, the design can be adapted |
| we mean those large 20'x8'x8' and larger boxes used | | | | for creating mobile shops, eating-places, or other kinds |
| to transport everything from heavy machinery to | | | | of accommodation. More than one level can be built by |
| thousands cartons of trinkets (in each box). | | | | stacking containers over one another, or by going for |
| These containers are used extensively in international | | | | smaller levels. |
| trade as they can be packed and custom sealed at | | | | Flat Racks |
| the factory and then transported by truck, railcar and | | | | The container walls and roof can be stripped out (and |
| ship (or aircraft) to distant locations without being | | | | recycled) leaving the four corner reinforcements intact |
| opened till they reach their destinations. The | | | | on the floor plate. With a little modification, these can |
| standardized dimensions and specialized handling | | | | then be converted into flat racks suitable for different |
| equipment make it easy to transfer the containers | | | | uses. For example, fit them with wheels and they can |
| from trucks to railcars to ships and in the reverse | | | | be moved along tracks. Cargo can be fitted inside |
| direction. With containers, the efficiency of transport | | | | easily, and lifting and loading are also made easier. |
| logistics improves dramatically. | | | | Several numbers of these racks can be stacked while |
| While transporting containers filled with merchandise is | | | | transporting empty, saving space and cost. |
| an economic proposition, transporting empty containers | | | | Garbage Containers |
| is not. Containers that come in are re-used to ship | | | | Another custom container is the garbage container. |
| merchandise out from their original destinations. Where | | | | The empty containers lying around wasting space can |
| this is not possible because of unbalanced trade, | | | | be converted into excellent garbage containers that |
| empty containers tend to accumulate at high import | | | | can be transported in container trucks, and handled |
| destinations. | | | | with standard container handling equipment. Garbage |
| These empty containers cause problems, and hence | | | | can be packed tightly inside, and removed by opening |
| the urgency to convert them into other uses. Let us | | | | one end that constitutes the door. |
| look at some of these rebuilt custom containers. | | | | Open Top Containers |
| Container Houses | | | | Loading certain kinds of cargo, such as heavy |
| A 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet high container | | | | machinery, is easier into open top containers. With the |
| can accommodate a 9'x6' living room, an adequate | | | | top open, such items can be lifted by crane and placed |
| bed that folds into the wall when not needed, several | | | | into the container. This is much easier than trying to |
| chairs that also can be folded into the wall, a counter, | | | | load them the conventional way. |
| small kitchen unit and toilet. It would be cramped of | | | | Custom Containers |
| course, but can provide living quarters at worksites. A | | | | The above examples will give an idea of the versatile |
| 45'x8'x9.5' container is another standard size. It can | | | | applications possible with standard containers. Then |
| accommodate more spacious rooms and facilities. | | | | there are tank containers for liquid cargo, refrigerated |
| The containers can be fitted up inside to protect from | | | | containers, ventilated containers for organic produce, |
| outside heat and create pleasing interiors, and doors | | | | smaller containers for air cargo and so on to fit |
| and windows can be cut to suit the overall design. | | | | numerous custom container requirements. |