Quick; what do classrooms, toilets, administrative offices, and snack bars all have in common? They can all be fashioned from used shipping containers and all can be portable buildings. In fact, shipping container design has come a long way, making nearly any office or living space a possibility. Container offices are yet another solution developed from a creative mind and a disused steel box.

Because used freight containers abound in many shipyards as surplus material, and because the cost of materials and labor used in creating a livable and workable space is only rising, wise investors and consumers are beginning to see the value of using this product. Add to these reasons the fact that shipping containers were created to be portable and to keep its contents secure from the elements and theft, and you have a perfect solution for portable businesses, learning, and other needs.

The Portable Container Office

Portable and / or temporary offices are an obvious necessity on jobs sites such as new construction, road crews, and disaster sites, however, public schools have used these handy and capable spaces to solve the problem of overcrowded classrooms, the government has used them for showers and facilities at training sites, and savvy entrepreneurs have used them as mobile snack bars and ticket outlets.

One reason these gems are becoming so popular is their durability. These containers were fashioned under standardized guidelines in order to be durable in all climates and all types of weather. They were made to take the stress of travel on both the seas and on land; some even for rail travel.

Another reason is their design possibilities. Because of the standardization in sizing, developers have been able to create phenomenal software that gives the user the ability to customize the container to their specific needs within the parameters of the box. This means that whether you need a portable bathroom facility for a concert venue, a bank of showers for a disaster site, mobile storage and office space for your craft business that sells at venues across the state or country, or a myriad of other needs, you can design your space adequately with the current technology yourself and save a bundle on design fees or pay for features that you don’t need in a predesigned space.

If you are a business owner, you already know that there are taxes, laws, zoning requirements, and building codes that must be met when securing and using any space for business purposes. The same applies to using portable office space so be sure to do your homework. They are however, no more or less restrictive than for a permanent office space. The important thing is to know what they are.

Having a portable space is a luxury for some, and a requirement for others. Some businesses use their portable storage and office spaces to handle “growth spurts”, while others need the portability to meet the needs of their employees and clients. Whatever your need is, a container office is likely a good solution for you.