Choosing Between Shipping Containers and Office Trailers for Business Needs

When setting up a temporary or semi-permanent office space, businesses often waver between shipping container offices and office trailers. Both options offer unique benefits and can be adapted to a variety of business needs, but choosing the right one depends on specific factors such as durability, setup requirements, and aesthetic appeal.

Understanding Shipping Containers and Office Trailers

Shipping Containers: Sturdy and secure shipping containers are known for their robust construction. Made primarily of steel, they are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide excellent security. These containers offer ground-level access and can be equipped with modern fixtures and fittings to create a professional workspace.

Office Trailers: Flexible and customizable office trailers are built off-site for swift completion and minimal site disruption. They can be customized with any paint color, furnishings, ramps, awnings and more. Office trailers often come in various sizes, offering more flexibility for layout and design, and are commonly used at construction sites, schools, or special events where temporary offices or classrooms are needed.

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Option

1. Durability and Security

   • Shipping Containers: Offer superior durability and security. Their steel construction helps prevent break-ins and withstands severe weather, making them suitable for long-term use in almost any environment.

   • Office Trailers: Designed with flexibility in mind, office trailers provide a dependable security level and are built to perform well under normal weather conditions. They are made with durable materials designed to last for decades. Yet they are resilient and built strong enough to be torn down, reinstalled or relocated if needed. Regular maintenance such as a protective coating to siding and roofing contribute to a long-lasting structure.

2. Setup and Flexibility

   • Shipping Containers: Shipping containers are ready for immediate use with no setup. They come in various options for different uses such as storage, office, office and storage combos, insulated, refrigerated, open-sided, or even containers with restrooms.

   • Office Trailers: Requires minimal site preparation. They are highly customizable and ideal for a wide range of temporary commercial uses — from administrative or security offices, to a storage space or rec rooms for employees.

3. Aesthetics and Customization

   • Shipping Containers: Can be customized to fit unique requirements by adding accessories such as furniture, shelving brackets, pipe racks, plan tables, dry erase boards, external lighting, and more.

   • Office Trailers: Can be extensively customized, both internally and externally, to enhance aesthetics and reflect company branding. Offers more flexibility in floorplans and sizes. More options are available with custom builds.

4. Cost

   • Shipping Containers: Shipping container offices generally offer a more affordable alternative due to minimal setup and maintenance costs.

   • Office Trailers: Office trailers offer an affordable initial investment, which is ideal for short-term projects or temporary needs. They provide a flexible and cost-efficient solution, allowing businesses to manage expenses effectively during the usage period.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Business

The decision between using a shipping container or an office trailer largely depends on your business needs. If you require a more permanent or temporary solution that can be customized with features to match your brand, an office trailer might be the best choice. Conversely, if you need a flexible, cost-effective solution for temporary use with no setup or installation, an office trailer would be more suitable.

Your choice between shipping containers and office trailers should depend on your needs in terms of size requirements, site conditions, and the level of customization desired. Both options are efficient, cost-effective, and can be tailored to serve various workspace needs. 

Explore Your Options with Us

If you are considering either a shipping container or an office trailer for your next office space, contact us today. We offer a range of customizable solutions to meet your specific needs and help you make the best decision for your business.