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  ISO shipping container consists the beginning of our constructive activity. Thanks to dimension standards we can use a constructive element with similar characteristics worldwide, and benefit from its high movility nature -it was born to be transported and contain dry load through sea and land- by reutilization on habitational porpoises. Container forms thus the structure, exoskeleton we begin with when designing modifications that will allow it to become a high quality inhabitable space.
However: Are all of this steel boxes the same shape?. We can certainly assure that not all containers are equal one to each other. Standards on intermodal transportation are not obligatory. They simply make interactuation of agents involved in transportation easier, optimizing final price and delivery timing. There are many types of containers.
From ISO regulation caracteristics we can have external mesures usualy accurate, corner positioning -designed to bare the load- and few more. Each builder decides on best way to keep up with the standard regarded. We will find big variety on the way chasis is built or steel frame, the king of steel cover on walls, the way of building roof -a weak surface only designed to stand some rain-, etc.
The state of conservation of each container is another relevant issue when projecting and building with containers. From a brand new container -sometimes called one trip container- to another one that has been on service for 30 years we will find bug differences. On first instance we must regard the possible frame or rigid exterior box deformations. Impact on load and unload -mainly by standard crane system on docks- can result in big deformation. The state of doors -usually not square any more and thus not so easy opening-, the amount and depth of lateral crashes, holes on steel -usually from corrosion action-, etc. All of then are factors we will consider prior acquisition of one or many shipping containers. Main aspect consists to be in line with project philosophy and needs. If we are planning on global scale production we may be in high requirement standards but for a single house dwell project we may consider recycling old containers -the older the cheaper- and take advantage of the best conditions by making project sensible to the most deteriorated areas.
A diferent is the way we can access shipping containers. As all recycled or second use material, its price can be extremely variable. From 3000 or 4000 € -we can pay this amount in Spain for brand new one- to 300 or 600 € for a used container there is sensible difference. So there is between buying one, six or hundreds. Every case is unique and depends on many factors, always requiring local personalized study. Situation, transportation, installation place, etc. Key elements in order to develop any operation. As always a classic advice: Search, think and when proper conditions, act. Obtain a satisfactory deal on both parts. Rumours are that at least 6 million ISO containers will be dismissed this 2009 running year. Less transportation seems to be more accesibility to steel boxes worldwide. But maybe cheaper there and more expensive on building elements we usually import for the rest of our container home. Future will tell.
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