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Shipping Containers Southern Indiana

Conex Boxes at Moon Trailer Leasing

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Moon Trailer Leasing offers quality Conex boxes for rent and sale. These versatile shipping containers can handle a wide array of transportation, shipping, and cargo needs in a globalized context. Here’s why you should consider renting or buying a Conex box with Moon. 

Versatility

The Conex box, also referred to as a shipping container or ocean freight container, is at the heart of modern industry all around the world. These steel containers are designed to be safe, secure, and reliable for all kinds of freight. In fact, they are so common that today there are an estimated 30 million or more of these containers in use around the world.

One key aspect of their versatility is the variety of sizes there are available. Here at Moon, we offer both 20 and 40 foot containers for rent and sale. Depending on the scale of shipping in your business, you may prefer one of these two sizes. 

Quality Steel That Meets Regulations

Moon’s Conex boxes are all ISO-approved. The ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, is an organization that issues standards around industrial practices. ISO guidelines around Conex boxes include safety and strength specifications to ensure you are getting a quality Conex box. This also ensures containers are weatherproof and tamperproof, keeping goods safe as they travel across the world to consumers. Our ISO-approved Conex boxes have the durability, strong steel components, and stackability you need to ensure your products are transported safely and efficiently. 

Features That Increase Efficiency

Those efficiency-focused features play a key role in your success in the industry. For example, Moon’s Conex boxes come with secured lock boxes to increase security (in most units). Our Conex boxes also have swinging doors on both the front and back of each unit, making loading and unloading easier. They are also accessible by forklift, meaning you can move units around quickly. All of these features work together to give you the flexibility you need to meet challenges in the day-to-day operations of your business. 

Conex Boxes for Every Situation

Here at Moon, we are proud to offer a wide selection of Conex boxes that vary in use and grade. Our units come in different colors, conditions, sizes, and grades. We price these units fairly depending on all of these factors. This means that we have something for everyone, depending on what you are looking for and what your budget is. From well-used to like new, and from high grade to lower grade, we offer this selection so that you always have options when you work with us. We will work with you to determine the best unit for your unique situation. 

If you are interested in learning more about purchasing used Conex boxes from Moon Trailer Leasing, please contact us today by phone at 502-776-2199 or by email. Locally-owned and operated, Moon Trailer Leasing has offices in Louisville, Kentucky and Lexington, Kentucky. Moon Trailer Leasing has sold new and used Conex boxes to customers throughout Kentucky and Southern, Indiana for over two decades.

Shipping Containers For Rent and For Sale at Moon Trailer Leasing

Decarbonization in the Shipping Industry

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There are some major changes underway in the shipping industry. Recently, several major organizations in the industry committed to decarbonization by 2030. Today on the blog we’ll look at the significance of this commitment. 

Support for $5 Billion Research Fund

Back on March 10, 2021, representatives from all over the industry came together to announce something big. They were supporting a proposed $5 billion fund to develop and support decarbonization in the industry. Eight governments backed this proposal and submitted it to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for review. This is significant for several reasons. 

For one, without coordinated international efforts like this, decarbonization is simply a pipe dream. It is an initiative that requires international cooperation. So, with eight countries (Nigeria, Switzerland, Singapore, Greece, Georgia, Liberia, Malta, and Japan) and several large organizations (BIMCO and IMCA to name two) backing the proposal, this signals true cross-national commitment. Additionally, the funding proposal itself is targeted with very particular goals to drive change. It would create a research and development board which would fund R&D efforts across the globe, including in developing countries. 

This is a key commitment, as currently there aren’t the necessary technologies to decarbonize the industry at scale. So, with this plan in place, the foundation is in place for accelerated change. 

Decarbonization: A UN Initiative

This proposal is actually in response to an initiative from the United Nations. Back in 2018, UN delegates associated with the IMO agreed to reduce total emissions by 50% (from levels in 2008) by 2050. The recent proposal is a sign of additional commitment to specific action steps to help meet this goal. By putting funding behind research and development for emerging technologies, the industry will be able to create a decarbonized future that can reduce environmental impact and also create sustainable practices.

Potential Solutions: Ammonia and More

Creating these low- and no-carbon solutions will be a challenge. However, there are already some ideas about how this might develop. One such solution is ammonia. Ammonia is a fuel source that doesn’t emit any carbon when it’s burned. Also, it can be made fairly simply with renewable electricity, air, and water, and it can be stored much more easily than other fuel sources like hydrogen. Plus, it boasts an extremely high energy density, making it an ideal fuel source. 

However, there aren’t currently any shipping vessels with the equipment to burn ammonia for fuel. Plus, nobody is creating ammonia in a climate-friendly way at scale currently. So, these are two areas to be on the lookout for over the next several years. It’s likely that some of the projects from the $5 billion research and development fund will focus on green ammonia production and creating ammonia-fueled ships. There are some other options innovators are considering as well. For example, hydrogen could be a potential fuel source going forward. Additionally, innovative fuel cells and wind-harnessing technologies are in the works. 

One thing is for certain: there’s a revolution in the shipping industry to move towards greener, more sustainable practices. This is an exciting and necessary step as we try to protect the environment while serving consumer and business needs across the globe. 

Moon Trailer Leasing offers mobile offices to companies and organizations across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. We have offices of all sizes for rent and sale. Call 502-776-2199 for a fast and free quote.

Container for Sale, Conex Boxes, Used and New Shipping Containers

Shipping Container Maintenance

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If you rent or own shipping containers, you know they are a valuable asset that enables your business to run smoothly. Maintaining shipping containers is essential- a small amount of prevention and monitoring can help you avoid costly issues. Here’s our guide to shipping container maintenance!

Look Out for Rust and Holes

Shipping containers go through a lot when they travel. They are exposed to different temperatures, weather conditions, and more. It’s only natural that they wear over time. Make sure you regularly assess your containers to keep an eye on their condition. Be on the lookout for signs of trouble like rust, holes, pests, and other kinds of deterioration. Shipping containers are made of steel and wood, and these issues can spell trouble.

If you do see any rust, you can use a rust remover to address it. If there are any holes that have worn through, you may be able to simply seal them with an industrial sealant. When a hole is big enough, though, you may need to weld over it with more steel to shore up the integrity of the container. Be on the lookout for pests as well- you may need to treat your containers for extermination. There are several international organizations providing guidelines here that can be helpful.

Cleaning is Key for Shipping Container Maintenance

Along with these issues, you should regularly check your containers for cleanliness. How strict you need to be with this really depends on what you store or ship in your containers. If you have containers hauling food, medical supplies, or other sensitive goods, you’ll need to be extra careful. Additionally, if you have been hauling any hazardous chemicals or materials, be very cautious and follow proper procedures to clean those containers.

In general, there are a few cleaning steps you can take. First, it’s always good to sweep out your containers whenever you have an opportunity between usages. You’ll get at a lot of the dirt, dust, and other debris that can build up. Plus, it’ll help you out with identifying any areas for repair (like we talked about already).

You can then use water to wash out the interiors of containers. You can either use a hose, a power washer, or some other method. Start with the roof first, and then work your way down. Washing containers with water will get at some of the gunk and grime that a simple sweep won’t account for. You can also look into some cleaning solvents that are safe to use with steel. Again, take into consideration what you have been hauling. Some hazardous materials can leave waste that will react with water or other chemicals, so you may need to pursue another cleaning method.

Drying and Other Final Steps

If you have used water and/or other chemicals to clean out your containers, make sure you let them dry out afterwards. This is a key way to prevent rust formation. Once dry, your containers are ready for further maintenance and repairs. You can repaint, weld, and further fit your containers as needed from here.

Moon Trailer Leasing offers mobile offices to companies and organizations across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. We have offices of all sizes for rent and sale. Call 502-776-2199 for a fast and free quote.

Metal Shipping Containers for Rent or for Sale

Shipping Containers: How They Are Made

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Everyone relies on shipping containers – they haul goods all around the world. Shipping containers are a reliable way to transport nearly anything. So how are they designed to handle all of this work?

There’s an array of steps involved, and quite a bit of manual labor. Here’s a look at how shipping containers are built. 

1. Make Wall Panels

First, huge steel sheets are methodically cut to 8×3 feet rectangles by machines. These rectangular sheets will form the wall panels of containers. The sheets are then sandblasted and primed to remove any contaminants. Next, they are corrugated, giving them the wave-like texture that makes them so distinctive. This both helps increase their strength and makes them easier to stack. Roof panels and floor braces are made separately. Wall panels are then welded together, and square tubing is welded to the tops of wall panels.

2. Assemble Floor Frame

Next, two long I-beams are laid parallel to each other and welded to a number shorter I-beams that go between them perpendicularly. This forms a box-like frame for the floor of the container. 

3. Make Shipping Container Doors and Corner Posts

Doors are up next. Corrugated steel is cut to the proper size and welded to steel tubing around its borders; this creates a door. Each container will get two doors. Corner posts are then welded to I-beams, making a door frame. The two doors are then welded to the frame. 

4. Assemble the Shipping Containers

With all of the pieces created, it’s then time to construct the container. First, a crane lifts the door and lowers it to the floor frame, where it is installed by welding. Then, a crane lifts and slots in the wall panels, which get welded to the door, floor frame, and back wall frame. Last, the roof panel is lifted to the top of the container and welded on to complete the container’s structure. 

5. Paint and Prime

With the structure completed, the next step is to start the finishing touches. Primer is sprayed all around and inside the shipping container to make the container hold paint better, and get a slim layer of extra protection. Then, workers spray paint over the primer once it has dried. Several layers of paint are added in this fashion.

6. Fit Flooring

Keep in mind that at this point, there’s still no floor, just a frame! So, the next step is to install plywood flooring. The flooring is varnished before installation to strengthen it and prevent insects or pests from occupying the wood. Next, six finished plywood panels are fit into each container. Finally, workers drill holes around the borders of the panes and then attach them to the floor frame with steel screws.  

7. Add Decals, Identification, Logos

Any company logos or decals can be added to the sides of containers at this point. Workers apply adhesive stickers with the required designs or text. Additionally, containers are given unique identification codes, which are labelled on the outside of the container. 

8. Door finishing, Testing and Waterproofing the Shipping Containers

Workers next install locking mechanisms on container doors. They also waterproof the doors by installing seals around door edges. Next, the bottom of the container is sprayed with waterproofing sealant. 

After this, workers perform a test to ensure containers are waterproof. Containers are sprayed with water and then rigorously inspected on the interior for any signs of leaks. 

Check out this video to see all of the steps in action!

Moon Trailer Leasing offers shipping containers to companies and organizations across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. We have containers both for rent and sale. Call 502-776-2199 today for a fast and free quote.

Importing and Exporting To and From the United States with Moon Shipping Containers

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shipping containers coming into US ports

Millions of shipping containers enter and leave U.S. ports every year. The modular design of many shipping containers makes the vessels ideal for transport by sea, rail and truck.

Are you thinking about buying a shipping container to import or export goods to the United States? Every year millions of shipping containers enter U.S. ports. The modular design of  standard shipping containers is ideal for transport by ship with easy transition to rail or truck upon arrival in the U.S.

If you do not have experience with importing or exporting cargo, there are many rules and regulations to learn. Follow along for more information about shipping cargo in a container to the United States.

  1. Prepare To Declare Your Goods – When you ship a container of goods into the United States, you must declare the items that you are shipping to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is required to make sure that you are complying with U.S. regulations.
  2. Obtain The Required Permits And/Or Licensure – Depending on what you are shipping, you often are required to have a permit or license. Several U.S. agencies require licensure for imported goods, depending on the items that you are importing. Certain regions of the U.S. also require a special license from local government offices or states.
  3. Learn About Import Quotas – Depending on what you are shipping, certain commodities have import quotas that restrict the volume allowed to enter the U.S. in an established period of time.
  4. Contact Your Port Of Entry – Before you ship cargo to the United States, you may want to reach out of the U.S. port of entry where your items will first arrive. There are over 300 U.S. ports of entry (and this includes sea, air and land). Speaking with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) import specialist can be very useful if you have any questions or concerns. Keep in mind that ports of entry also conduct inspections related to agriculture in order to protect against diseases that might damage crops, animals, and the environment more broadly.
  5. Have Answers To Common Questions – When you contact the port of entry, it’s beneficial to have information available for common questions you might be asked including the following:
    • Location where the items are from or made
    • Composition of merchandise
    • Planned use for the goods being imported
    • Pricing/value so in order to calculate shipment value
  6. Consider Working With A Licensed Customs Broker – While not a requirement, many people new to international shipping work with licensed customs brokers to help navigate the process. Customs brokers are licensed by the CBP but they are not employees of this agency. There are over 10,000 licensed customs brokers currently operating in the U.S.
  7. Make Sure To Have The Necessary Documentation – The CBP requires specific information. Before trying to import goods into the U.S. you will need to have an IRS business registration number or an importer number. If you are importing goods as an individual and you are not a business, you might be able to provide your social security number. You can request an importer number when your customs paperwork is submitted. Typically this form is needed at the port of entry.

There is a lot of important information to know regarding international cargo shipping to the United States. For answers to many more detailed questions, it is advisable to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. For additional information about purchasing a shipping container suitable for international shipment, contact Moon Trailer Leasing today. Call 502-776-2199 for details about our selection of new and used shipping containers.