Shipping Containers for Farming Storage in Bangor
Businesses across the UK, including those in the agricultural and horticultural sectors, require robust, adaptable, and secure storage solutions. Acorn Containers provides a comprehensive range of shipping containers, offering practical and efficient options for various business needs. Our expertise lies in delivering high-quality containers suitable for everything from general storage to specialised agricultural applications, ensuring businesses in Bangor and beyond access the reliable infrastructure they need.
Shipping containers represent a versatile asset for modern farming and related industries. They provide inherent structural integrity, offering a secure environment for valuable equipment, feed, fertiliser, and harvested produce. Their standardised dimensions facilitate easy transport and placement, allowing farmers to deploy storage exactly where it is needed on site. This adaptability makes them an ideal choice for businesses requiring flexible storage that can evolve with their operations.
Standard Shipping Container Options for Farming
Acorn Containers offers various standard container sizes, providing flexible solutions for diverse storage requirements on farms. The most common types are the 20ft and 40ft containers, known for their durability and capacity.
- 20ft Shipping Containers: These containers offer approximately 1,172 cubic feet of internal volume. Their compact size makes them suitable for smaller farms or for storing frequently accessed items, tools, and smaller machinery. They fit comfortably in tighter spaces and require less ground preparation than their larger counterparts. Their manageable size also makes them easier to relocate around a farm as needs change.
- 40ft Shipping Containers: Doubling the length of 20ft containers, these offer approximately 2,385 cubic feet of storage. Ideal for larger farms or businesses storing bulkier items like tractors, trailers, large quantities of feed, or seasonal equipment. They provide significant storage capacity within a single unit, reducing the need for multiple smaller structures.
Both 20ft and 40ft standard containers feature robust steel construction, heavy-duty doors with secure locking mechanisms, and weatherproof seals, ensuring contents remain protected from the elements and theft. Their corrugated steel walls provide excellent resistance to impact and environmental factors.
Specialised Containers for Agricultural Needs
Beyond standard dry van containers, Acorn Containers supplies specialised units catering to specific agricultural requirements, offering enhanced functionality and control.
Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)
Refrigerated containers, or reefers, maintain precise temperature control. This is crucial for storing perishable goods, such as harvested fruits, vegetables, flowers, or even temperature-sensitive seeds and chemicals. Reefers feature insulated walls and an integrated refrigeration unit capable of maintaining temperatures typically between -25°C and +25°C. This capability extends the shelf life of produce, reduces spoilage, and allows farmers to store goods on-site before transport, maintaining quality from field to market.
Open Top Containers
Open top containers lack a solid roof, instead using a removable tarp or soft cover. This design proves invaluable for transporting or storing oversized or bulky items that cannot be easily loaded through standard doors. Agricultural applications include storing large machinery components, awkwardly shaped irrigation equipment, or bulk materials like hay bales or grain, which can be loaded from above using cranes or forklifts. Securing items within an open top container uses lashing rings located along the top side rails.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers feature only ends and a base frame, with no sides or roof. This design facilitates the transport and storage of exceptionally wide, heavy, or oversized cargo. While primarily used for transport, on a farm, a flat rack can serve as a robust, elevated base for equipment or as a platform for temporary storage of heavy items requiring easy side or top access. They offer maximum flexibility for irregularly shaped loads.
Benefits of Using Shipping Containers for Farming
Implementing shipping containers offers numerous operational and economic advantages for agricultural businesses.
Security and Protection
Shipping containers provide a high level of security. Their steel construction resists forced entry, and with appropriate locking mechanisms, they offer a secure environment for valuable farm equipment, tools, chemicals, and produce, deterring theft and vandalism.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Designed to withstand harsh marine environments, shipping containers are inherently durable and weatherproof. They protect contents from rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures, ensuring stored items remain in good condition regardless of external conditions. This is particularly important for farms exposed to varying weather.
Cost-Effectiveness
Purchasing or hiring a shipping container often presents a more cost-effective storage solution compared to constructing traditional buildings or sheds. The modular nature allows businesses to acquire only the space they immediately need, with the option to add more units as operations expand. Containers available for sale or hire in Bangor provide this flexibility.
Flexibility and Mobility
Containers offer unparalleled flexibility. They can be easily moved using appropriate lifting equipment or HIAB delivery, allowing farmers to reconfigure their site layout or relocate storage as needed. This mobility is a significant advantage over permanent structures.
Speed of Deployment
Unlike traditional construction, deploying a shipping container is rapid. Once delivered, the container is immediately ready for use, providing instant storage capacity without lengthy building processes or disruptive site work.
Versatility in Application
While primarily used for storage, containers can be readily modified for various uses, including workshops, offices, livestock shelters, or even specialised grow rooms for controlled environment agriculture. This adaptability extends their utility beyond simple storage.
Container Applications Beyond Storage on the Farm
Shipping containers offer creative solutions for various operational needs on a farm, demonstrating their versatility:
- Farm Offices/Workshops: Modified containers create secure, weatherproof spaces for administration, planning, or equipment repair, located conveniently on-site.
- Livestock Shelters: With appropriate modifications for ventilation and access, containers can provide robust, portable shelter for livestock.
- Seasonal Storage: Easily deployed and removed, containers are perfect for storing seasonal equipment or produce, freeing up space during off-peak times.
- Security Hubs: Containers can serve as secure points for monitoring farm premises or storing security equipment.
Acorn Containers understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector. We assist farming businesses in Bangor and across the UK in selecting and acquiring the most suitable containers for their specific requirements, whether for basic storage or more complex applications. We also support other sectors needing robust storage, such as construction sites, sports clubs, educational centres, and self-storage businesses.
Choosing the Right Container Partner in Bangor
Selecting a reliable container supplier ensures you receive a high-quality product and expert support. Acorn Containers offers extensive experience supplying containers to various industries, including agriculture.
We provide:
- A wide selection of container types and sizes.
- Containers available for sale and hire, offering financial flexibility.
- Expert advice on choosing the best container for your specific needs.
- Efficient delivery services in Bangor and surrounding areas.
- Containers meeting rigorous quality standards.
Our commitment extends to supporting businesses looking for durable and practical solutions, from local councils requiring secure storage to the NHS needing reliable space for equipment.
Shipping containers offer a practical, secure, and cost-effective solution for the diverse storage and operational needs of the agricultural sector. Acorn Containers provides the expertise and range of containers to help farmers and agricultural businesses enhance their efficiency, protect their assets, and adapt to changing demands. Whether requiring standard storage or a specialised unit like a reefer or open top, we provide reliable container solutions tailored to your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Containers for Farming
Are shipping containers suitable for storing grain or feed?
Yes, standard shipping containers can store bagged grain or feed, provided the contents are properly protected from moisture. For bulk storage, modifications or specific internal liners might be necessary to prevent contamination and ensure adequate ventilation.
Can I install shelving units inside a shipping container for farm storage?
Absolutely. You can easily install shelving units inside shipping containers. This maximises vertical storage space and helps organise tools, chemicals, and smaller equipment. You can attach shelving directly to the steel walls or use freestanding units.
How do I prevent condensation inside a shipping container used for storage?
Condensation can be an issue in steel containers due to temperature fluctuations. Solutions include installing ventilation (such as passive vents or powered fans), using desiccant packets, applying anti-condensation paint to the ceiling, or insulating the container walls and roof.
Are shipping containers permitted on agricultural land?
Generally, placing shipping containers on agricultural land for storage related to the farming business falls under permitted development rights in the UK. However, regulations can vary depending on location and specific site designations. It’s always advisable to check with your local planning authority in Bangor if you have concerns or plan significant modifications or long-term placement.
How are shipping containers delivered to a farm?
Shipping containers are typically delivered to farms using a HIAB vehicle (lorry with a crane). This allows the driver to lift the container off the lorry and place it directly onto the ground in your desired location, provided there is sufficient access and firm ground.