How To

How Do You Install a Job Site Storage Container?

Have you ever shown up at a job site only to find all the copper has been stripped from your makeshift security shed? If you have, you’re not alone. The FBI has called copper theft a threat to critical U.S. infrastructure. Theft is a serious risk on construction sites. The high value of construction equipment, tools and supplies makes them a prime target for thieves. And the difficulty of properly securing items on an open construction site only adds to the problem. This is where installing a job site storage container can make a world of difference.

The cost of not being secure

It’s hard to calculate an exact cost for these types of thefts—from equipment to time lost—but the estimated annual value of items stolen from construction job sites is between $300 million and $1 billion according to video monitoring company Stealth Monitoring. Around 25 percent of stolen equipment is never recovered. That’s a huge loss to your project in both time and resources.

This is a costly problem, but it has a simple solution. On-site storage containers provide you with a secure and organized place to store equipment and materials. They provide peace of mind at your job site.

You may already be using temporary fencing, and that’s a great first line of defense to boost site security. But it is just one measure. Storage containers provide a weather-proof, durable, and mobile storage solution for your construction site. They can be locked, and they are difficult to break into.

Often, just having a locked metal container is all that’s needed to deter a thief looking for an easy snatch-and-grab job. Stash your copper, tools, and smaller pieces of equipment in a storage containers, securely lock it at the end of the day, and you add a layer of protection to your job site.

Types of construction storage containers

When choosing the right storage container, you have three basic options to choose from. These include:

• Standard storage containers – Storage containers that can be opened on both sides. They provide weatherproof storage for construction equipment and supplies. You can also install technology like video cameras or WiFi hotspots inside if you are using a computer system on the job site. You can rent sizes from small 10-foot containers up to large 40-foot containers.
• Office containers – Office containers are small mobile offices inside a storage container. They’ve had doors and windows cut into them, they offer no-frills workspace, and they can be air conditioned.
• Office storage combination containers – These containers combine office units with storage for one-size-fits-all solution.

Prepare your job site for delivery

Before your construction storage container is delivered, make sure the site is properly prepared to receive it. You will need a flat, fairly level area that is larger than the width and length of the container. There has to be enough room to safely access the storage unit without interfering with the construction itself. And there must be enough room for the doors to swing all the way open on either side.

Keep in mind, the delivery truck will need access to the site. Make sure the delivery driver will have clear access to the site to deliver your storage container. You may need to coordinate with them on the best route to the job site. Are you working in a remote area—or a heavily populated urban area? We specialize in working with you to make sure you and the delivery driver have all the information needed for a smooth delivery.

Consider container blocks

An additional consideration is whether to place the container on blocks. If your job site is not flat, blocks can help keep the storage unit level. Also, if the job site is wet or you expect wet weather while you’re working, blocks can help prevent water seepage and moisture problems.

Though the containers are weatherproof, if they sit on wet ground for too long the dampness can sweat through the flooring and into the container. This causes damage to everything inside. We can help you figure out your options to help prevent this from happening.

Finally, if you place a container on blocks it helps stop animals from digging underneath and nesting below the container. Keep in mind that placing the container on blocks will increase the height of the step into the container. Make sure to have the right sized step and use good quality blocks—make sure they aren’t cracked or misshapen—so they don’t break or rot and send your container crashing to the ground.

Additional site security

Your storage container in and of itself is a great security measure, but you can also add additional security to deter theft on your construction site. Some additions to consider include:

• High-security lockboxes
• Heavy-duty padlocks
• Temporary fence rentals to add fencing around the container
• Alarm system
• Video cameras
• Crossbar locks

No matter which security measures you choose, a mobile storage container will help keep your equipment, materials and overall job site secure. And your tools and materials will be much more likely to be there when you return each morning.

ZTERS bundles services like storage containers, temporary fencing, portable toilets and office trailers to make your site management simple. One call. One invoice. Give us a call to get a free quote on storage containers or a full bundle of job site services.