by Marc Barenberg | Apr 21, 2021 | cold storage containers
Portables360 is a supporting supplier in helping to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. One of our clients, Quest Diagnostics, is a leader in medical diagnostics and testing and among the nations’ largest COVID testing laboratories.
We offered these key healthcare providers turn-key cold storage spaces to maintain their temperature-sensitive products. As this mission-critical client can confirm, we responded quickly and efficiently from initial contact to delivery and installation.
Portables360 offers the ideal solution for consistent and dependable on-site cold storage. Our equipment features safe, secure, and temperature-controlled spaces.
These units meet all the requirements of temperature control of -30˚F for storing their testing supplies.
After receiving our equipment, Quest Diagnostics performed a comprehensive 48-hour “temperature mapping” test and confirmed these units deliver temperature consistency and accurately. The containers’ temperature remained stable throughout the test. The testing validated our equipment’s capabilities and reassured our customer’s lab technicians and scientists.
Following a surge in the demand for COVID-19 testing, Portables360 delivered a second unit within 48 hours of Quest Diagnostics’ request. Additionally, we were appointed to deliver equipment to their other sites nationwide, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts, Kansas, Indiana, and Texas.
“Portables360 supported Quest Diagnostics throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with the emergency installation and operation of four -20˚C freezer trailers to provide required expansion of specimen storage space within one week of demand. [Portables360’s] technical oversight of transport, delivery, installation and power connections enabled a smooth setup and storage transition at four different lab locations. These external units were maintained and serviced to sustain continuous operations without interruption.”
– Corporate Real Estate and Facilities at Quest Diagnostics
Our quick response and delivery time met Quest Diagnostics’ time-sensitive requests. We provided efficient and secure cold storage solutions at a fraction of the cost and time that it would take to construct fixed structures.
Benefits of COVID-19 Supplies Storage Containers
In addition to the need for a controlled temperature setting, the containers have vapor tight LED lighting. Our vapor tight lighting exceeds the necessary 500-700 lumens expected in science laboratories.
Quest Diagnostics installed a fully insulated and secure man door to provide their technicians with easy access. This installation retains temperature and security features.
Given the sensitive cargo Quest Diagnostics stores, they opted for Portables360 remote monitoring. The monitoring offers them real-time temperature and mechanical reporting directly to their phone via SMS and email.
Our high-quality portable containers offer a cost-effective and timely storage for healthcare companies to meet their temperature, lighting, security, and monitoring requirements.
If you’re looking for an effective storage solution to keep medical supplies, PPE, and/or lab samples safe, contact us today.
by Marc Barenberg | Apr 16, 2021 | cold storage containers
Pet owners prefer high-quality food and treats that benefit their pet’s health and wellness. It’s no surprise that there has been a steadily rising demand for fresh pet foods in the past few years.
When pet food manufacturers supply pet food products with fresh ingredients and fewer additives, they often need to be kept refrigerated to keep fresh. Refrigeration is needed not only to maintain the freshness of perishable products, but also to eradicate mildew, mold, bacteria, or parasites that grow on food.
This was the case for one of the nation’s leading distributors of wholesale pet products, who needed an effective and reliable solution to keep their pet food fresh. Working with Portables 360, the distributors were provided with state-of-the-art temperature-controlled containers that fit their budget and needs.
The Problem with Using Trailers for Refrigerating Fresh Pet Food
Previously, the pet food distributor’s locations in New Jersey and New York were renting 53’ refrigerated trailers. They were experiencing the following problems with the trailers:
- The trailers were taking up space on the loading dock, causing operational hurdles when loading/unloading
- Trailers do not have the same insulation as a container – making them highly inefficient for long term cold storage
- They were using diesel, which results in costly delivery, concerns about emissions, and a loud generator
- The refrigeration machine in trailers have a smaller compressor, rendering it less powerful than a container
Overall, this costly rental situation was not ideal for consistently keeping large amounts of pet food stock at the proper temperature.
The Solution: Refrigerated Storage Containers
Portables 360 offers practical cold storage solutions with no permitting necessary. Our cold storage containers were delivered to the distributor’s sites and were the perfect solution for the following reasons:
Does Not Interfere with Loading/Unloading Space
Containers can operate inside the building and are fully electric – freeing up the dock space for ongoing and additional distribution.
Efficient Cold Air Delivery
Container refrigeration is far more efficient than cold air delivery because the air is supplied through the “T-Floor” (see photo). The trailer delivers cold air through ductwork on the ceiling and forces air downward. The supply/cold air circulates more effectively, thereby operating more efficiently.
Cold Air Insulation
Trailers do not have the same thick insulations as containers. Containers have about 3” insulation on the sides, floor, and ceiling. This allows the unit to hold temperature longer with less use of the compressor.
Storage units are far more powerful than trailers – they can drop and hold temperature at -30°. If a trailer is insulated poorly, the cooling unit’s run time can skyrocket. Trailers lose up to 25% of insulating capability within the first year from outgassing effects alone, reducing the ability to maintain thermal integrity and also resulting in higher refrigeration fuel costs.
Reduced Noise
Portables 360 units have a decibel rating that’s much lower than a diesel-operated trailer. Sound (on the outside of the unit) typically is generated by a condenser fan and compressor. Most of our units are equipped with scroll-type compressors, which are not only energy-efficient but a bit quieter than the traditional reciprocating compressor. Additionally, since our fleet is the youngest in the industry, our condenser fans operate much quieter.
Real-Time Monitoring
The distributors opted for real-time monitoring – remote monitoring and control of our refrigeration equipment supplied. The simple text and email alerts offer reassurance that they will be alerted within minutes if something isn’t right (temperature rise or fall, mechanical alarm, power turned off, etc). This gives them some comfort that any issue can be remedied before the product is impacted.
Portables 360 cold storage containers offer a quiet and cost-effective alternative to diesel units. Fresh pet food and other perishables can be safely stored in our reliable and convenient storage containers.
If your business needs on-site cold storage for food or other supplies, contact Portables 360 to learn more about our refrigerated and cold storage solutions.
by Christina | Mar 29, 2021 | portable shipping containers, shipping containers
The solution to a food desert is a hydroponic farm. There is a lot of talk about food deserts and the inability to get fresh, affordable foods into some areas of the country. Inner cities are often considered a food desert area. Because of the lack of larger grocery stores in cities, fresh foods are not as available. Having access to healthier foods improves the overall health of a community.
One of the ways that food deserts can be combated is by creating shipping container farms. Shipping containers easily convert into hydroponic growing areas that can be used year-round.
Shipping Container Hydroponic Farms
Using shipping containers to create a hydroponic farm is environmentally beneficial. To start, you are repurposing a container instead of allowing it to sit empty or enter a landfill. When you set up a hydroponic system, you are no longer stripping the soil of nutrients or overburdening the soil. Since these containers create a controlled environment setting, you will not need to use any type of pesticides to protect your crops.
Additional benefits of creating shipping container farms include:
- Portability. You can place a shipping container anywhere there is a flat piece of ground. This includes empty lots in a city setting.
- You can move these containers at any time it is necessary and use them immediately in the new location.
- Climate controlled. The containers are climate controlled. This allows for year-round growing and higher yields with each crop.
- Harvesting is easier and does not require large equipment to complete.
- Helps conserve water due to being an enclosed system.
- Can grow fruit, vegetables, or even farm fish in these containers. This creates a fresh food source for any area.
- A 20-foot shipping container can yield the same crops as 1 acre of land.
Everything used in the containers is environmentally friendly, including using LED lights and insulation to help regulate power usage.
Portables 360 Builds Containers That Are Used For Hydroponic Farms
When you are thinking about creating a hydroponic farm, Portables 360 will help convert any sized shipping container into your growing center. We install lighting, shelving, and water systems. Call us for whatever else you need to start your farming container.
Several companies have already begun to use shipping containers to grow crops in city settings. The success they are experiencing is amazing. It is very encouraging! Soon, the term food desert will be something of the past.
by Christina | Mar 23, 2021 | cold storage containers, Storage Container FAQs
Proper chemical storage is vital. Chemicals are used in different applications each day. Things you may not even think of as a chemical, such as cans of paint, must be stored properly. Storing chemicals properly prevents accidents. In addition, the product will be safe. If a chemical is a stable compound, the plastic bottle that it is in must be kept in a temperature-controlled setting. In this way, the bottle does not deteriorate and crack. Correct chemical storage also prevents spills.
Improper storage of chemicals leads to dangerous situations. When stored improperly, chemicals become unstable and lead to explosions. Noxious fumes leak. There are many serious issues for people as well as the environment. The only solution is to have proper temperature-controlled chemical storage in place.
The Solution For Chemical Storage
Portables 360 has the solution for your chemical storage needs. We provide converted shipping containers. We convert a shipping container into the perfect temperature-controlled storage for your chemicals. Many benefits exist when using a converted shipping container for your cold storage.
- Our cold storage units maintain a temperature of -30F to +70F. These units are very popular with the food industry. They meet all the temperature control requirements to store food safely.
- A single walk-in door is located at the end of the trailer. This keeps the temperature steady.
- The flooring in the container is aluminum T-flooring. This allows for efficient air delivery and easy to clean. Additionally, the metal helps keep the interior cold.
- Have the container designed to sit flat on the ground or at dock level.
- Containers are equipped with a 50′ power cord. They require three phase 208v or 440v to power up.
- If you move your business, you can take the storage container with you. Storage containers are easily transported using a semi-truck.
Portables 360 will deliver your container once it has been prepared and customized to your needs.
Do you need to safely store chemicals for a short time? In addition to selling customized shipping containers, Portables 360 offers short and long-term rental options on refrigerated containers.
Finding the right storage solutions for your chemicals is necessary for safety and protecting the products from loss. Portables 360 can customize your shipping container to accommodate any cold storage needs.
by Christina | Mar 16, 2021 | shipping containers, Storage Container FAQs
Following are 7 storage container uses as well as why Portables 360 has your solution for storage! At some point, every business discovers that they need storage space. Their business is expanding. They need to increase inventory and need space to store equipment when it is not in use. Whatever the reason, businesses always need a storage area.
So what is the solution? Do you move your business to a new location? Construct a new building or add on to your location? Pay to have offsite storage space? Portables 360 recommends converting a portable shipping container into your new storage space.
Shipping containers provide the following benefits:
- 320 square feet of secured storage space
- Easy to customize for your needs
- Quick solution for storage space – no long waits for construction
- Very affordable
Storage container use has increased significantly in the last few years. More people are seeking ways to repurpose storage containers. Portables 360 outlines seven creative storage container uses that may help your company.
Popular Uses for Storage Containers
1. Mobile Repair Shop
Equipment breaks. This is a fact for any construction company. Create a mobile repair and welding shop for your construction sites. Added benefit: it’s portable! Easily have on-site repairs. Your storage container will have 220v power capabilities and a generator hook-up.
2. Landscape Company Storage and Office Space
One of our most popular storage container uses is for landscaping companies. Partition your storage container to create a place to store equipment. In addition, have a nice office space.
3. Compartmentalized Storage
Make up to four compartments in a 20-foot storage container. Each of these compartments has its own access door. This allows businesses to distinguish what is stored in the container as well as who has access.
4. Dry Goods Storage – Climate Controlled
Canned goods and dry goods should be stored at a temperature between 50 and 70 degrees. This temperature setting helps extend the shelf life of your products. You can have your container customized for temperature control and special shelving installed for the ultimate storage area.
5. Climate Controlled Garage Area
Another popular storage container use is creating a climate-controlled garage area for specialty vehicles. Many racing teams find that these containers are perfect for storing and working on their vehicles.
6. Business Records Storage
Several businesses are required to keep records on-site instead of sending them to storage. Create a spacious and organized area for keeping your records on-site without having to take up valuable space in your office. In addition, save money!
7. School Sports Equipment
Schools often find that they have limited space when it comes to storing sports equipment. Storing equipment off-season or storing other necessary items in a storage container is a cost-effective way to free up space in the school buildings while retaining quick access.
If you need additional storage space, Portables 360 has the solution. Contact one of our knowledgeable staff members to discover how we can customize a shipping container for your needs.
by Christina | Mar 3, 2021 | portable shipping containers, shipping containers
Side doors make for easy access to shipping containers. When you decide on custom features to have installed in your shipping container, one of the most popular features to consider are side doors. Shipping containers have a single entrance door at the end of the container that is perfect for moving large equipment or boxes in and out of, but a side door will make it much easier for foot traffic to enter and leave the container.
Side Doors Are Available In A Variety of Styles
Having a side entrance to your shipping container is an added convenience for you and your business. Keep the large cargo doors secured at all times. Only open them when you need to move large equipment or boxes. This helps enhance security. Then, you and your employees access the interior via the side door which easily opens and closes for security.
Choose from the following styles of shipping container side doors based on your company needs:
Single Door – This is perfect for entering and exiting the container when just one or two people are using the container at a time.
Double Door – If you have a lot of foot traffic in and out of the container, such as an office setting, you may want to place double doors on the side to use as an entrance and exit. This helps improve flow and prevent accidents from happening.
Doors with Windows. This preference is a great option for natural lighting. Use of a window helps anyone working inside have visual contact with who is entering the container.
Roll Up Doors. These doors have practical use on the side of a container when you move a lot of smaller equipment and boxes in and out of the container and don’t want the hindrance of opening and closing a regular sized door.
Shipping Container Side Doors Improve Workflow and Reduce Stress
It may not seem like a “big deal” at first, the thought of entering and exiting the container through the original cargo doors. But it does not take long to discover that it can get stressful and tiring continually opening and closing these heavy doors every time you need access to the container. This is especially true if you are only going in for one or two small things.
The cargo doors were originally designed to be heavy to remain secure while traveling long distances by ship and train. While this is very beneficial to people who use repurposed shipping containers, it also can become a burden. This is why Portables 360 encourages all of its clients to consider a type of side door for their custom shipping container if people will be entering and exiting the unit throughout the day.
by Christina | Feb 16, 2021 | Storage Container FAQs
When you look at any construction site, you see job trailers sitting around the perimeter. These trailers are mainly used as office space for the construction crews working at the site. They are also used as a lunch area or restroom area for the workers.
Some companies rent these trailers at the job site because of convenience. Others rent them because their own trailer has not been able to withstand the stress of moving from job site to job site. Still other companies find that they have to make significant repairs to their office space or replace the office trailer frequently. This is due to the wear and tear that comes with moving these fragile units.
Custom Storage Guide
The following guide outlines different options for storage. This details your best options for custom storage at your business.
Mobile Homes Converted To Office Space
Many construction companies use a mobile home converted to office space as their construction site office. These units are chosen because they are portable. Additionally, they contain features like electrical and plumbing hook-ups. They also have easy access doors, windows, and air conditioning units.
Storage trailers are meant to withstand fluctuating temperatures. They are designed to be portable. While trailers have been designed to be moved, they are better staying in one place. Each time a trailer is moved, it loses some of its structural integrity. Many construction companies have to replace these trailers frequently. They cannot withstand the rigors of moving from site to site too often.
Custom Storage Containers as Construction Offices
Converting shipping containers into construction office space is becoming increasingly popular. Custom storage containers offer construction companies many benefits over using a standard house trailer. Some of the benefits that these trailers provide include:
- Total customization to fit the needs of your company
- Durability
- Weather-resistant
- Expanded life
- Easy to move
You can customize a shipping container in any way. You can add electricity and plumbing, special doors, heat and air conditioning. Also, trailers are able to be sectioned into different offices. You can use a 20 or 40-foot trailer so that you always have enough room to conduct business at the site.
Shipping containers are designed to withstand all types of weather conditions. Their steel construction provides more stability when moving the unit. Since the offices were originally a shipping container, it is easy to move them via a truck. It is often less expensive than moving a house trailer.
In conclusion, modified shipping containers have a much longer life span than a house trailer converted to an office. You can expect to use this trailer for at least 20 years before any upgrades are necessary for use.
For answers to your questions on how a modified shipping container will be your next construction site office, contact Portables 360. Discover everything we have to offer.
by Christina | Feb 2, 2021 | cold storage containers, portable shipping containers, shipping containers
Finding a portable cold storage solution for your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Consider the following 3 easy steps to make your decision to make the process simple and straightforward.
- What does your business requirements for cold storage?
- Understand all your options.
- Schedule a consultation with the manufacturer.
What does your business require in a portable cold storage solution?
Cold Storage or Standard Storage Solution
First, it’s essential to comprehend what a portable cold storage container or standard storage container implies. Like a prefab office building, these containers provide easy, affordable, and mobile business or home storage solutions. Refrigerated containers, also known as reefers, supply customers with alternative and cost-conscious options for consistent temperature-controlled spaces. If your business doesn’t require cold storage, for instance, there are standard containers available. Do your needs specify custom options like lighting, shelving, a rollup door, or electrical outlets?
Size Requirements
Size is another consideration for your business needs. How big do you require your container to be? What’s the size of space allotted for your container? Portables 360 has 20′, 40′, and custom containers to literally fit your business needs.
Location
Figuring out your storage container’s location is vital. It assists with size requirements. More importantly, it helps you decide if your business requires a more customized container option. On-site designers and fabricators possess the ability to customize your reefer trailer or standard container professionally.
Consider Your Business’s Future Locations
Many business owners use cold storage solutions to ease transport. Therefore, relocating your storage container is a snap. Let Portables 360 know if you plan to relocate in the future. We will come up with the best cold storage solution for your needs.
Understand all your options.
Do you want to buy or rent? Is it best for your business to purchase new or used? Materials are another consideration. Does your business require a single large container with multiple units inside? This is similar to a prefab office building. You do not need to be a business owner to enjoy a portable storage container. Homeowners find they double as a great garage, tool shed, or hobby area! Versatility is key here!
Schedule a consultation with the manufacturer.
Speak with one of our Customer Care specialists to find out your options. Create your shipping container solution today. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team is committed to providing you fast service. We are located in Weston, Connecticut. Our service area is Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York.
by Christina | Jan 19, 2021 | portable shipping containers, shipping containers
This guide to storage containers will save you money! You benefit with a shipping container for storage. Consider a 40-foot container to store seasonal equipment. Forty feet! Do you need multiple customized units to store your grocery chain’s food products? Whatever the reason you need extra storage space, shipping containers are perfect! The following will help.
Guide to Custom Storage Containers
What Are You Storing?
While planning your custom storage containers, the first question is what will be stored? Next, will you need temperature control? Will you need lighting and shelving units? Will you need special doors or fixtures to accommodate your goods?
These questions are essential to creating the right type of storage unit for your business. Portables360 can convert your container with air conditioning and temperature control. Also, you can customize interiors or add ventilation to your units based on your requirements.
What Size Do You Need?
Portables360 carries several different sizes of shipping containers that easily convert for storage. Our most common containers are 20 or 40 feet long. When your business needs maximum interior space, we recommend the larger containers. When you need more space than a 40-foot container can provide, we create multi-unit storage units.
Modifications
Do you need special modifications for your container? For instance, side entrance, cargo doors, special cooling systems, and electric and plumbing systems are modifications easily added to your container.
We also place your container on a chassis to make it portable. In addition, adjustments make it high enough to use near your shipping docks or with larger trucks unloading to the container.
Shelving and Storage Organization
We help you design shelving and storage space within your container to get maximum space. Portables 360 has extensive experience in customizing shipping containers ensuring no space is wasted. Finally, we customize your shelving and storage space to accommodate any special sizes you require.
Flooring and Walls
The choices you make for the interior of your container is crucial to its functionality. Selecting the right type of insulation and wall coverings is vital. The right type of flooring helps you get the most use from your container.
Things you should consider include temperature control factors as well as how you clean the unit. If your storage goods require you to sweep the floor, regular wood flooring is perfect. However, if you need to hose out the unit frequently, metallic walls and epoxy covered flooring are your best choice.
Talk To An Expert
Get the most from custom storage containers. Have a unit customized to your needs. To begin, speak with a representative from Portables 360 to design the ultimate storage container space.
by Christina | Jan 12, 2021 | portable shipping containers, shipping containers
Business leaders hear about companies converting shipping containers into usable space. They see completed projects. However, are business leaders aware of how beneficial converted shipping containers are? Below we outline several advantages.
Advantages of Converted Shipping Containers
Companies that need extra space find converting shipping containers gives them the following benefits:
- Green Construction. Converting a used shipping container into a new usable space is called green construction. Your building helps reduce impact on the environment. It minimizes the need for new materials.
- Budget Friendly. Converted shipping containers are the most economical way to expand space for your company. Shipping containers have a life span of at least 25 years. Containers will last longer than a mobile trailer office or a temporary structure. Repurposed shipping containers are a quarter of the price you will pay for building a structure from scratch.
- Easy to Expand Current Space. If your business is already established in a preferred location, then moving will not be beneficial. Building a permanent structure to add space will not be financially feasible. Also, what do local building codes allow? Using a converted shipping container gives you extra space for your business in a solid structure. The expense is minimal.
- Different Sizes Available. Shipping containers come in 10, 20, and 40-foot sizes. Repurposing a container will meet your exact needs. When you need space for two different things, such as dry storage or cold storage, invest in two smaller trailers and have them positioned in one area.
- Portability. Shipping container structures are easily relocated. This is perfect for construction sites. Moving converted shipping containers is cost-effective and easy to complete. It is much easier than moving mobile home office structures. Plus, the sturdy structure protects the interiors during the move.
There are many additional reasons that converting a shipping container into a workable space for your company is beneficial. In addition to cost savings, portability, and size, shipping containers offer a secure area for your business. Your business is secure in a custom shipping container.
Shipping containers are airtight structures. They are easy to secure. In addition, they provide exceptional weather resistant properties. Your goods are protected from the weather as well as any unwanted guests.
Call us for more information on how repurposing a shipping container benefits your business.
