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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.

Container Shipping, Cargo Containers, Moon Trailer Leaing

Mobile Offices: RVs, Campers, and more

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Mobile offices are not a new concept. But in the past several years, more and more people have been taking the idea in new directions. Here’s a look at some trends in mobile offices.

Campers and RVs with Mobile Offices

For years, people have been figuring out ways to work out of mobile setups. For example, with some research and hard work, campers and RVs can be converted into work-friendly spaces. One important consideration in these setups is desk space. A non-modified RV or camper is unlikely to have desk space that is key for working. As such, a lot of the modifications you need to make for this setup are related to the work space itself. This can mean installing side table,
converting an existing space, or even just using foldable or movable desks or tables.

You need the proper infrastructure in place to work from these spaces too. Internet is one key need for a lot of people working remotely. There are a few creative ways people who work from RVs and campers make sure they have internet access. For one, there is often free internet at RV parks where you can stay for a period of time. While this is great and accessible, it’s also not secure most of the time. For security, you can always beef up your devices with VPNs to bolster security and privacy while on public WiFi. Another potential solution is to invest in a mobile WiFi hotspot, giving you your own source for internet access. Many phone and internet service providers offer options for mobile hotspots.

Beyond internet, there are some more basic needs you have to address for truly mobile workspaces. Water, electricity, and plumbing are all necessary particularly when mobile offices are also where you live. Technology like solar panels are a pivotal way many people power their RVs and campers. When paired with large batteries that hold charges for your various needs, you’d be surprised at how much energy you can generate for yourself.

Coronavirus Pandemic

All of these ideas have likely been accelerated recently by the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has caused some huge changes to how many people work. Remote work has been at least a part-time solution for lots of businesses, and a long-term reality for some people. According to Gallup polling data from October 2020, 33% of people in the United States were working remotely all the time, with an additional 25% working remotely some of the time. Back in April 2020, the numbers were even higher, with 51% working remotely all the time and 18% some of the time. Though there has been a downtrend in the percent of people working remotely, the numbers are still very high. Over half of workers in the United States are working remotely at least some of the time. As a result, more and more people have entertained the idea of changing up where they are working. Whether short or longer-term, they have found value in working somewhere other than home.

Of course, many of the aspects of these new mobile offices are reflective of mobile office trailers that have existed for a while. Mobile office trailers are a great solution for many businesses. Check out our blog post on mobile offices to learn more about what they can offer!

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.

Used and New Shipping Containers

How Railcars are Designed to Haul Shipping Containers

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Rail freight transport is a huge industry. Railways help businesses haul cargo of all types, from cars to raw materials and steel frames. There are several types of rail car, each designed for a particular purpose. Some of these specifically haul containers. Let’s take a look at some of the main railcars for containers.

Overview of Rail Transport

For context, here’s a quick summary of rail freight transport. Any use of railroads for commercial cargo purposes (not transportation) is rail freight transport. Locomotives haul a series of linked freight cars along railway infrastructure as part of the supply chain. They may move goods partially or fully between shippers and destinations. There are numerous freight car types for different goods and materials. Some of these are specifically focused on containers, like Moon’s storage containers. Containerization has become an integral part of rail freight transport, just like with all other aspects of the global supply chain today. Below, we will review two of the most common car types used for containers.

Conventional Intermodal Railcars

One of the common railcar types used for shipping containers is the conventional intermodal railcar. These are articulated (meaning they share wheels between cars) flat railcars that are great for trailers and containers. They haul shipping containers that can’t stack, usually due to route height restrictions. The articulated feature helps these railcars reduce slack between cars. Slack action is basically how much movement one car has before its motion affects an adjoined car. By reducing slack, the ride quality is better and makes for a less bumpy trip for fragile cargo. Sizing on these railcars can vary, from around 50 feet to over 80 feet in length.

Double Stack Intermodal Railcars: Maximum Efficiency for Containers

Double stack intermodal railcars are similar to conventional intermodal railcars in a few ways. They are also articulated to help improve ride quality for fragile cargo, and are flat. However, these railcars have the ability to haul stacked shipping containers. They can carry a second shipping container on top of the first. This maximizes efficiency and allows for a greater amount of cargo transportation. They also utilize wells often times. Wells reduce the height of stacked containers and lower the center of gravity. This both avoids problems with height restrictions along routes and creates more stability. Wells also improve security for containers. The walls created by the well surround the bottom container and make it impossible to open the container door while it is on the railcar.

There is a high degree of size customization on these railcars, due to their specialization for shipping container transportation. As such, sizes vary from 40 feet to 50 feet and more for containers of all sizes, from 20 foot to 40 and 50 foot containers and larger.

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.

Cargo Shipping Containers for Sale

Shipping Containers: A Brief History

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Shipping containers. They’re a ubiquitous part of our global economy. Most global consumer goods you own have a good chance of having been in a container at some point. Today’s supply chain, built around the shipping container, allows for an efficient distribution of goods worldwide. It hasn’t always been this way, though. In fact, the shipping container as we know it is only around 64 years old. Let’s take a look at the history of the shipping container.

1956: Malcolm McLean and the First Shipping Containers

1956 is an important year for the modern shipping container. This is when Malcolm McLean, owner of a large trucking company, launched the first voyage of a modern container. For decades, McLean had seen the inefficiency of transporting goods in non-standardized wooden crates during the operation of his company. He eventually purchased Pan Atlantic Tanker Company, a company with significant shipping assets, and experimented with ideas for standard shipping box designs. He eventually settled on the idea of a one-sized metal box. This design was sturdy, could be stacked, was easily transferred to trucks and trains for ground shipping, and was secure. In 1956, the ship Ideal X launched, becoming the first container ship to be used with modern containers.

Over the next several years, McLean worked to refine the shipping container design. Containers became fitted to interlock when stacking. He also implemented cranes at dock sites to speed up loading efficiency and safety. These innovations and others helped drive the popular use of container ships as viable methods of shipping.

1968: Modern Container Ships

1968 marks another important point in time for shipping containers. This is the year that the ISO imposed international standards for container dimensions and requirements. With this step, modern containers as we know them became widespread. This standard is relatively similar to standards for today, and is a key reason for mass shipping as we know it. With international standards in place, companies could maximize efficiency in the supply chain. As a result, the cargo shipping industry boomed through the 1970s and 1980s. This boom impacted other transportation modes in the chain too- trucks, trains and planes that carried goods after shipping by sea were transformed to maximize efficiency as well. With standards across multiple modes of transport, containers truly became the key to global shipping that they are today. By the end of the 20th century, shipping containers accounted for around 90% of all cargo globally.

Today and What’s Next

The start of the 21st century has seen continued technological innovations. Today, remote tracking systems are a core aspect of international shipping. Refrigerated shipping has become crucial for distributing fruit and vegetables around the globe, keeping goods cold for weeks at a time. Looking to the future, there are innovative ideas to utilize crewless container ships, blockchain technology, and further automatization to continue improving the industry.

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.

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.

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3 Ways You Can Re-purpose A Shipping Container In Kentucky

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A cargo shipping container can be used for a variety of purposes besides transportation. Here are a few ways re-purposed cargo containers are used around the world and in Kentucky.

3 Ways You Can Re-purpose Shipping Containers In Kentucky

Living Spaces

People have been making residences out of shipping containers for years. Homes, apartments, and dorms are all creations that you can build or purchase from companies that convert containers. These residences aren’t just mobile and compact. They can have as many features as you want, including full plumbing, bathrooms, air conditioning, heat, rooftops, porches, and more.

Here in Kentucky, there have been many notable shipping container home projects in the past several years. In 2014, Habitat for Humanity started work on one of the first shipping container homes in Kentucky near Elizabethtown.

Plus, back in 2016, there were plans to build a series of container homes in the Schnitzelburg neighborhood in Louisville (the plans were later scrapped, though). You can even stay in a shipping container cabin in Slade near the Red River Gorge through Airbnb.

Restaurants and Office Spaces

In addition, restaurant and other business owners have re-purposed shipping containers for use. Worldwide, there are pop-up shops in London, England and a container city in Cholula, Mexico, just to name two instances.

In Louisville, a few examples have also sprung up recently. Copper & Kings, a brandy distillery in the Butchertown neighborhood, has used several shipping containers for a boutique and visitor’s center. Plus, Royal’s Chicken’s location in Nulu has shipping containers outside for seating.

Most recently, the initial building for a project called Opportunity Corner in Russell has begun to take form in Louisville. The project will provide office spaces to help grow a self-sustaining space for entrepreneurs and other community members. This project follows in a tradition of using mobile offices as workplaces. Construction professionals have long used storage container offices on-site. They provide the advantage of mobility, sturdiness, and flexible work and storage space.

Shipping Container Farming

Lastly, farmers have used shipping containers to produce food. There are a growing number of companies that make shipping containers for agricultural work. Farmers can grow everything from herbs to leafy greens for industries like nutrition and fragrance.

These container farms offer a few key benefits for farmers. They are readily available, compact, cheap up front, and easy to transport. Many farmers are excited about container farms and see them as a way to produce fresh and local food more readily. However, there are some challenges as well. For one, the environment within the containers can be hard to control. In addition, a container that is too small for the number of farm workers may be difficult to move around in. Plus, overhead can become expensive after the initial container build.

It can certainly take a lot of work and money to make a shipping container a living space or business location. But with the right investment, they have the potential to be a sustainable solution. One thing is for sure: interest in re-purposing these containers has increased over the past few years and shows no sign of stopping.

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

New Cargo Shipping Containers For Sale in Lexington, Kentucky

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Are you looking for new cargo shipping containers for sale in Lexington, Kentucky? Moon Trailer Leasing offers one of the largest selections of used and new cargo shipping containers for sale in Lexington, Kentucky and throughout the region. Our company has been purchasing new cargo shipping containers and refurbishing used ones for nearly three decades.

Cargo shipping containers are used to transport more than 90% of the world’s non-bulk container. In fact, in 2012 20.5 million intermodal containers shipped goods in across the world. Shipping containers are built to strict standards. Typically cargo containers are available in two lengths — 20 feet or 40 feet — and two heights — 8 feet 6 inches and 9 feet 6 inches.

Cargo shipping containers typically function just like cardboard boxes or pallets do. They are designed to allow for cargo to be bundled into a larger unit that can easily be transported from Point A to Point B. Shipping containers are easy to handle, move, and stack which allows them to be tightly packed. 

About Shipping Containers For Sale in Lexington, Kentucky

Shipping containers are ideal for those in an industrial line of work since they can be used for shipping cargo. They are also excellent as a short or long-term storage solution. The new cargo shipping containers for sale in Lexington, Kentucky, are available in 20 ft. and 40 ft. lengths. Each shipping container available through Moon Trailer Leasing has a variety of features including:

  • Swing Doors on One End or Both Ends of the Containers
  • Secure Lock Boxes are Standard on Most of the Units
  • Clean, Dry, and Secure Being Built to ISO Standards
  • Accessible via Forklift 

Buying a Cargo Shipping Container from Moon Trailer Leasing

Every cargo shipping container for sale by Moon Trailer Leasing in Lexington, Kentucky is available for pre-sale inspection. Our containers come in a variety of sizes, conditions and colors. While Moon Trailer Leasing has a large selection of new cargo shipping containers, the company also specializes in used containers for sale. Some of the used shipping containers for sale have minor dents and rust due to the handling and shipping process while others are “like new” after making one trip from the factory to our storage yard in Lexington. All of our shipping containers for sale are storage worth, wind and water tight, and priced accordingly depending on their status. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the cargo shipping containers for sale in Lexington, Kentucky, contact Moon Trailer Leasing today. Our Lexington office is located at 1180 Manchester Street. We are right behind Bluegrass Mulch, near the Wise Bird Cider Co. and Pepper Rickhouse. Contact Moon Trailer Leasing in Lexington, Kentucky, today by calling 859-299-2614.