We know that you are making a substantial outlay on a chemical store. So we thought we would try and guide you through the differences between a New or Used shipping container converted into a chemical store.

Second hand containers (used)

The second hand containers sold by Chemical Storage 4 Farmers are generally 10-15 years old, and are watertight and structurally sound.

A second hand container will have been used for shipping all around the world by sea and road. During its life, it will have been lifted on and off trucks and ships, whilst full or empty. Odours can appear, depending on what the cargo is and how often the doors are opened and closed. So they will have seen a good shipping life! After about 10-15 years or so (time varies depending on the shipping line’s sale policy), these used containers will be perfect for static storage.

Used shipping containers are often dented, scratched and have non-transferable stains.

Chemical Storage 4 Farmers then take a used container and convert it into a Chemical store or pesticide store for the farming community. A shipping container is a perfect lockable and secure unit. As part of the specification, we replace or overlay the wooden floor with steel bunded flooring. The flooring is either steel checkerplate bunded or a steel raised mesh floor.

The exterior of each used container is repainted dark green (to blend in with the surroundings) and the interior is repainted a very light grey (to enable the best interior lighting as possible). Please note that when we repaint a shipping container, the dents of the container can be accentuated. Please see below for an example of a repainted used container.

Used chemical storage container

Second hand or used repainted steel chemical storage container

We always supply a watertight and structurally sound second hand shipping container. These containers will last around 10-15 years as a site store.

New containers

All shipping containers are built in China and our shipping lines use them once to ship them to the UK. The shipping duration is around 3 months, door to door. We refer to these as ‘Once used’ or ‘One trip’ containers.

Again these containers are handled by dockers and transport companies and are lifted on and off trucks and ships. The handling can generate one or two minor dents and the odd scuffs and scratches.

Once we receive these new containers into the UK, we can then convert them into chemical stores. For more information, please see our specification page.

Locking system

A lock box is fitted, which is a shrouded area to house a padlock, not accessible with a set of bolt croppers. You will still require a padlock to ensure the unit is locked.

Maintenance tips

We recommend that you carry out the following maintenance jobs, so you can ensure you get the maximum use out of your chemical store.

  1. Before receiving your chemical store, please ensure the area where you intend to place it is level and solid. The shipping container must be sitting level; if it isn’t you will find it difficult to open and close the doors. For more information, see our ‘How to level a container’ page.
  2. Once situated, ensure the door hinges and locking bar handles are free and eased to ensure ease of opening.
  3. Do not use a pallet truck inside a chemical storage container fitted with a mesh floor, as often the truck will get stuck and can over time damage the floor.
  4. Please do not drive a fork lift truck inside any chemical storage container, as the floors are not able to carry the weight.
  5. When loading, please do not put your goods right up against the ceiling or side panels, as this can often stop the airflow.

About Jane Billing
Jane Billing has over 30 years’ experience in shipping container supply. During that time Jane has gained a very broad knowledge of the whole shipping container industry. From construction and shipping to adaption and conversions, if you have a question about any aspect of the shipping container industry Jane will likely have the answer for you. After many years working for some of the biggest names in the shipping container industry Jane set up her own company, Billie Box Ltd, in 2012. Since launching, Billie Box Ltd has sold well over 1500 new and used containers.