Shipping Container vs. Trailer: Which Is Best for Your Jobsite?
When your jobsite is constantly moving, room for extra equipment, workshops, and office spaces is indispensable. However, you don’t want just any space. You need certain benefits, including a large enough space, mobility between job sites, and a cost-effective solution. Two of your best options are shipping containers and trailers. If you’re curious about shipping containers vs. trailers and want to know which is best for your jobsite, we’ll help you understand the advantages of each and help you find the ideal option for your specific needs.
Shipping Container and Trailer Utilization
How Are Shipping Containers Used on Jobsites?
Shipping containers are a phenomenal mobile option that’s perfect for on-site storage in most industries, wherever your jobsite is. Here are some of the best uses for shipping containers on your jobsite:
- Keeping tools, equipment, and job materials protected from the weather and theft
- Creating temporary offices and jobsite amenities like break areas
- Fast, portable, and durable job site setups
- Customized workspaces away from the elements
- Affordable, long-term equipment storage with floor-level entry
Related Content: 4 Ways to Utilize Shipping Containers On Your Construction Site
How Are Trailers Used on Jobsites?
Trailers are a great storage option when you need more frequent on-site movement and don’t need as much safety and weather protection.
On job sites, trailers are used for:
- Day-to-day mobility on jobsites
- Shorter lifespans and jobsite usage
- Dock-height access for loading and unloading with forklifts
- High-volume storage needs in multiple locations
- Temporary storage that moves frequently
The Advantages of Shipping Containers vs. Trailers
Both shipping containers and trailers have their own advantages and disadvantages on jobsites. Here are the benefits of each:
Jobsite Shipping Container Benefits
Shipping containers are great for extra strength and longer-term storage on job sites. They are mobile, can be stacked on top of one another, and can be moved to different locations as needed. While they aren’t able to move as quickly as a trailer on wheels, the strength and foundation more than make up for it.
Some of the other advantages of shipping containers include:
- Extreme durability and greater security
- Long lifespan with minimal maintenance
- OSHA-compliant, accessible ground level
- Ideal for heavy equipment storage
- Great for structural customization and modular stacking
Jobsite Trailer Benefits
Trailers already come with wheels, making them perfect for fast and easy mobility on job sites. However, the tradeoff is that their lifespan isn’t as long, their weight limits top out much sooner, and they are highly dependent on the make and model. Overall, though, trailers offer extreme mobility for jobsites that are always on the go.
Some of the other advantages of trailers on job sites include:
- Wheeled mobility for quick and easy relocation
- Lower upfront rental prices
- Wider, shorter design with the ability for interior modifications
- Interior mimics a typical interior setting and aesthetics
Comparing Shipping Containers and Trailers
When comparing shipping containers and trailers for your jobsite, there are a few differences that help you determine which option is best for your industry needs. While Conex containers and trailers offer a relatively similar purpose, this comparison chart will help you break down the specific offerings of each.
Shipping Containers vs. Trailers: Which is Best for Your Jobsite?
| Shipping Container | Trailer | |
| Material | Heavy-duty Corten steel | Lightweight aluminum, metal, and wood |
| Strength & Durability | Superior strength and durability that hold up to extreme weather | Moderate strength and durability; not as great for harsh weather |
| Lifespan | 25+ years – minimal care and maintenance is necessary | 10-15 years – more maintenance is required for upkeep |
| Security | Excellent – Thick steel walls are ultra durable and safe against potential theft | Basic – Lighter construction; more susceptible to forced entry and possible theft |
| Accessibility | Ground level – Sits on the ground, no stairs or steps needed (OSHA compliant) | Elevated – Needs stairs or an entry ramp for accessibility |
| Customization | High – Easy to modify and all components (walls, windows, doors, HVAC, etc.) | Moderate – Layouts are relatively fixed with limited structural modification abilities |
| Mobility | Moderate – Uses a crane or tilt-bed truck to place | High – Easily towable with a truck and great for frequent relocation |
| GVWR Weight Limit | Up to 67,200 lbs | 3,000 - 10,000 lbs |
| Initial Cost | $1,000 - $5,000 + modifications | $3,000 - $10,000 + modifications |
| Long-Term Cost | Low – minimal maintenance and high durability | High – repairs as needed, chassis/wheel maintenance, etc. |
Are Shipping Containers or Trailers Better for Your Jobsite?
When comparing 20’ or 40’ shipping containers versus trailers, deciding which is best for your jobsite ultimately comes down to your specific job site and needs.
For a storage space that gets set up quickly and remains there for the entirety of your project, a shipping container is a phenomenal option. With extreme durability and strength, it prevents theft and holds up well in inclement weather. Plus, it’s easier to customize since the foundation naturally provides so much strength and stability.
For short-term storage or the ability to move your storage space constantly, a trailer might be your best option for your jobsite. However, the constant movement of the trailer also means more regular maintenance. Throughout your ownership, you’ll have to replace tires and other components of the trailer as they wear.
Invest in a Shipping Container for Your Jobsite
If you decide that a shipping container is exactly what your jobsite needs, our team at Super Cubes can help you find the best option. With a variety of sizes and options available, intermodal containers offer the extreme strength and durability you need for a variety of use cases, regardless of your industry.
Ready to invest in a shipping container for your jobsite?
Super Cubes is a family-owned business located in Minneapolis, MN, that provides containers anywhere in the continental US. We offer personalized service for individuals and businesses, providing high-quality containers at competitive prices. With nationwide facilities, we can modify and deliver containers close to you. Contact our experienced team for your next container project.