Buy Shipping Container. July 21, 2023 – Posted in: Uncategorized
Buy Shipping Container. Buying Shipping Containers in Minneapolis, MN: A Complete Guide
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Buy Shipping Container. Shipping containers have become a popular choice for various purposes, from storage units to creative architectural projects. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the local economy and infrastructure make it an ideal hub for container shipping and related businesses. Whether you’re looking to buy shipping containers for personal or commercial use, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Buy Shipping Container.
Shipping Container Options in Minneapolis
New and Used Containers
When it comes to buying shipping containers in Minneapolis, you have the option to choose between new and used containers. New containers are unused and typically in pristine condition. They are an excellent choice if you require a container for long-term use or if you have specific quality requirements. On the other hand, used containers are a more cost-effective option. Despite some wear and tear, they are still structurally sound and suitable for a wide range of applications. Depending on your budget and needs, you can find both new and used containers for sale in Minneapolis. Buy Shipping Container.
Container Sizes and Dimensions
Shipping containers come in various sizes, with the most common options being 20 ft and 40 ft containers. A standard 20 ft container is 8’6″ in height and 8′ wide, while a standard 40 ft container shares the same dimensions. If you require extra vertical space, high cube containers are also available. These containers have a height of 9’6″ and are popular for their increased storage capacity. Additionally, there are specialized containers like collapsible 10 ft containers and 53 ft containers, which cater to specific storage or transportation needs.
To help you visualize the different container sizes, refer to the following table:
| Container Size | Height | Width |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | 8’6″ | 8′ |
| 40 ft | 8’6″ | 8′ |
| High Cube 40 ft | 9’6″ | 8′ |
| 10 ft Collapsible | N/A | N/A |
| 53 ft | 9’6″ | 8’6″ |
Please note that the availability of specific container sizes may vary depending on the supplier.
Popular Uses of Shipping Containers in Minneapolis
Cargo Food Authority: A Unique Dining Experience
One exciting example of shipping container utilization in Minneapolis is the Cargo Food Authority. Located at Minneapolis’ Target Center, this shipping container food complex offers a unique dining experience. Restaurateur Brian Ingram has transformed a former restaurant space into a vibrant food-truck-like concept, where casual food is served out of repurposed cargo containers. Decorated with graffiti from local artists, the food stands inside Cargo Food Authority offer a variety of menu choices, including tacos, wings, pizza, and pan-Asian cuisine. The space also features a bar menu of cocktails on tap, supplied by local distilleries and breweries. With its innovative concept and lively atmosphere, the Cargo Food Authority has become a popular destination for food enthusiasts and entertainment seekers in Minneapolis.
Shipping Container Homes and Apartments
Minneapolis is also home to innovative architectural projects that repurpose shipping containers into homes and apartments. Minnesota architect Geoffrey Warner is known for his pioneering work in this field. His “weeHouse” was one of the first shipping container housing prototypes in the Minneapolis area. Warner’s most recent project, the LightHouse, is a 400-square-foot home/cabin or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that incorporates Passive House windows and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for energy efficiency. These container homes offer a unique blend of sustainability, affordability, and modern design.
In addition to Warner’s projects, other architects and developers in Minneapolis have embraced the idea of using shipping containers for housing. Alchemy Architects, for example, converted an empty sea container into a mobile hotel called the LightHotel. Although container homes and apartments face some regulatory challenges, their popularity continues to grow as an alternative housing solution in Minneapolis.
Shipping Container Logistics in Minneapolis
Highway and Rail Transportation Routes
Minneapolis boasts an extensive network of transportation routes, making it a strategic location for container shipping. The city is intersected by several interstate highways, including I-35, I-35E, I-35W, I-90, and I-94, which facilitate the movement of containers by road. These highways connect Minneapolis to other major cities in the region, allowing for efficient transportation of goods.
Rail transportation also plays a significant role in container logistics in Minneapolis. The primary freight carriers operating in the city include Class I Railroads like BNSF Railway Company (BNSF), Canadian National (CN), Canadian Pacific, and Union Pacific Railroad (UP). Additionally, Class II Railroads such as RCPE (Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern) and Class III Railroads like WC (Wisconsin Central Ltd.), DME (Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern RR), NPR (Northern Plains Railroad), and SOO (Soo Line) contribute to the rail transportation of shipping containers.
The Port of Minneapolis: A Midwest Commerce Center
Situated at the convergence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, the Port of Minneapolis serves as an important center for commerce and the distribution of goods in the Midwest region. The port’s location, 17 nautical miles upriver from St. Paul, makes it a vital hub for both water and land transportation. Several major companies, including Target, XCel Energy, PepsiAmericas, US Bancorp, Ameriprise Financial, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, have their headquarters within the Port of Minneapolis. Moreover, international companies like Coloplast, ING Group, and RBC have their U.S. offices in the port area.
The manufacturing industry in the Port of Minneapolis produces a wide range of products, including metal products, computer equipment and electronics, plastics, precision instruments, medical devices, auto parts, and agricultural products. Other secondary industries in the port area include high-tech, graphic arts, publishing, insurance, milling, and food processing. To support the shipping of bulk commodities such as grain and coal, the port operates a Bulk-Loading Dock with a large volume capacity of 150 rail cars. The port’s connectivity to the CP Rail System ensures efficient transportation of goods to various destinations.
Top Export Businesses in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is home to several prominent companies that heavily rely on shipping containers for their export activities. Some of the largest companies in the city include Polaris Industries, Hormel Foods, Xcel Energy, Ameriprise Financial, Ecolab, Land O’Lakes, Supervalu, Target, UnitedHealth Group, Cargill, Best Buy, 3M, and Coustic-Glo International Ceiling Maintenance. These companies, spanning diverse industries such as manufacturing, food processing, and retail, contribute significantly to the local economy and rely on shipping containers for efficient export of their products.
According to trade department figures, Minnesota exported a total of $7.1 billion in agricultural products in 2016, making it the 4th largest agricultural exporting state in the U.S. The top export commodities from Minnesota include soybeans, corn, feeds, pork, and soybean meal. In addition to agriculture, other notable Minnesota exports transported in shipping containers include medical needles and catheters, lenses, prisms, mirrors, iron ores and concentrates, medical/dental/veterinarian instruments, aircraft and their parts, filtering/purifying machine parts, flat sheet plates, sheets, foil, tape, modems and reception/transmission devices, and miscellaneous artificial body parts.
Container Storage and Self-Storage in Minneapolis
Shipping containers are not only used for transportation and architectural purposes, but they are also popular for personal and business storage in Minneapolis. Whether you need temporary storage during a remodeling project or a secure space to store inventory, shipping containers provide a practical solution. Many individuals and businesses in Minneapolis opt to buy or rent shipping containers for self-storage purposes.
Conex Depot, a reputable shipping container seller in Minneapolis, offers a wide range of storage container options. They have various sizes and grades of shipping containers for sale, both new and used, catering to different storage needs. Whether you require a container for short-term or long-term storage, Conex Depot’s knowledgeable sales team can assist you in finding the right container. From securing construction materials to storing furniture, their storage solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of customers in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minneapolis, MN, offers a thriving market for buying shipping containers. Whether you’re interested in architectural projects, storage solutions, or participating in the local container-related businesses, there are ample opportunities to explore. As you embark on your journey to purchase shipping containers in Minneapolis, consider the various options available, including new and used containers of different sizes. Familiarize yourself with the local logistics infrastructure, such as highway and rail transportation routes, as well as the significance of the Port of Minneapolis. Furthermore, be aware of the top export businesses that heavily rely on shipping containers for their operations. Finally, if you’re in need of storage solutions, explore the options provided by reputable sellers like Conex Depot. With this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision and tap into the exciting world of shipping containers in Minneapolis, MN.