Shipping Container Building Construction Basics

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We get a lot of inquiries about shipping container buildings, so we'll cover some basic (and important) information about how these buildings are constructed.  First, we get a lot of calls and e-mails suggesting we go to this web site or that web site because they have "plans" available.  The plans that we've found on the web have little or no information about how to structurally support the fanciful designs, or any of the construction details (connections, roofing materials, wall cross sections).  Building a shipping container building is not as easy as drawing a picture of what you think would be a nice structure, there is a significant amount of architecture and engineering involved.

About Containers
Shipping containers come in a number of different sizes, most common is the 8'x8'x40' unit.  There are 8'x9 1/2' x 48' units coming on the market, which are much more suitable for buildings because the height will let you hide duct work, electric, and plumbing above the ceiling. 

There are a number of companies that sell used shipping containers.  The shipping lines get rid of the containers once the period of depreciation is over no matter what condition they are in.  Generally from what I've seen the condition of the shipping containers are pretty good.  The cost is in the $2,000 to $2,500 range per container here in Atlanta, GA.  It may vary depending on where you are.

Unfortunately, there is no "standard" shipping container design.  There is an ISO standard for their load carrying capacity, and that has resulted in most containers being pretty much the same regardless of manufacturer.  The containers are generally made from steel corner posts, steel side rails top and bottom, and corrugated steel sides.  The floor is steel sheeting with hat sections stamped in it, covered with sheets of plywood. The plywood is treated for insects, and smells pretty nasty.  In any building, you will want to remove the plywood.

The containers do have a standard design at the connection points so that it is possible to tie them down on cargo ships, trains, and trucks in a uniform manner.  The loads are all carried through these points, which makes construction much easier.

 

Read more about container chassis on www.shipping-container-housing.com