3 Uses for Shipping Containers in the Pacific Northwest

The use of shipping containers has long been around since the 1950s, courtesy of trucker and American entrepreneur Malcom McLean, when he had the striking idea of designing trailers that can be easily lifted and placed on a ship. He was years deep in the transportation and trucking business—but after realizing that there was a need for an easier way to ship goods, he went on to secure a loan to jumpstart his container ship business.

Alas, the ‘Ideal X,‘ the first container ship, set its sail from Port Newark, New Jersey, to Houston.

Since then, these containers have changed the ways in the global trade and shipping industry, eliminating the extra space and shortening the loading and unloading time by more or less three weeks. 

McLean was even likened to Robert Fulton, the father of the steam engine, for creating a contribution so revolutionary that it significantly changed and improved how goods were transported worldwide, may it be via sea, rail, or road.

It was then in 1968 that McLean’s invention became the standard with the approval of the International Standards Organisation—with measurements of 20 ft long, 8 ft high, and 8 ft wide by default. With this ingenious innovation, ships were then redesigned to accommodate these dimensions.

‘Ideal X’ was able to carry 58 shipping containers. At present time, our ships are able to accommodate more or less 20,000 TEU shipping containers.

Given that the industry has been staying strong for seven decades now, people have become a lot more creative with how they put these shipping containers to use—especially in the Pacific Northwest area.

What is special about the Pacific Northwest?

One simple answer as to why shipping containers are such a big deal in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is because it’s exclusively referred to as the “gateway to Asia” due to its convenient location—making it one of the world’s strongest economic regions. 

It’s the third largest port for the country’s agriculture exports, which are shipped via containers—and it moves over 5.5 million metric tons of products such as apples, soybeans, corn, potatoes, and meat, among many other things. This is also where the import of raw materials from Asian countries such as Japan and China is being facilitated. 

In 2018 alone, PNW was able to generate over $135 billion for the trade of services and goods from Asia and other global regions (think Canada, European Union, Mexico, and the United Kingdom) and sprouted approximately 1.5 million jobs.

That being said, you can just imagine the booming number of shipping containers in this area. And over the years, people have come up with more innovative ways to make use of these boxes more than their main purpose of being a transport genie.

3 Ways to Use for Shipping Containers in the PNW Aside from Transport

1. For Storage 

Given the spacious nature of shipping containers, it comes as no surprise that it’s been repurposed into portable storage containers for businesses and individuals—serving as an extra space for their equipment, inventory, or personal belongings. The durability and security they offer make them ideal for storing valuable items, shielding them from the often unpredictable Pacific Northwest weather.

2. For Construction and Housing 

The trend of using shipping containers for construction and housing is booming in the PNW, thanks to the region’s focus on sustainability and innovation. These robust steel boxes have become the building blocks for everything from trendy homes to modular office spaces. Architects and builders have embraced containers for their structural integrity and ability to be easily modified and stacked. The result? Affordable, stylish, and environmentally conscious living spaces that perfectly fit the PNW’s green ethos.

3. For Retail and Hospitality 

The versatility of shipping containers has even stretched into the retail and hospitality sectors. Businesses are increasingly turning to these containers for their cost-effectiveness and quick setup, especially in high-traffic areas like Vancouver or Portland. These businesses capitalize on the industrial chic aesthetic while keeping overhead costs low, allowing them to operate in otherwise unconventional locations. 

Why Choose Dry Box for your Shipping Container Needs in the Pacific Northwest

When selecting a shipping container provider in the Pacific Northwest, you can never go wrong with Dry Box—a clear choice for quality, durability, and excellent service. Serving a broad range of locations, including key cities like Chehalis, Denver, Portland, Salt Lake City, Tacoma, and Yakima, we are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of both businesses and individuals. 

Our containers are designed to withstand the region’s often unpredictable weather, ensuring your belongings remain safe and secure no matter the conditions.

Whether you need a container for extra storage, a mobile office, or a unique construction project, we offer a wide variety of sizes and custom modifications to suit your needs. And, with a commitment to fast, reliable delivery and exceptional customer service, Dry Box is the ideal partner for all your shipping container needs across these regions.

Conclusion

As the Pacific Northwest continues to be a hub of innovation and sustainable living, shipping containers have become more than just vessels for transporting goods—they’ve evolved into vital components of the region’s architectural and commercial landscape. 

Whether repurposed for secure storage, transformed into modern homes, or adapted for trendy retail spaces, these versatile containers are redefining how we think about construction and design. 

In a region that values creativity, practicality, and environmental consciousness, it’s no wonder that shipping containers have found a second life in the PNW, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas can lead to the most revolutionary changes.

Unlock New Possibilities with Dry Box

At Dry Box, we specialize in providing high-quality shipping containers that can be repurposed for a variety of innovative uses across the Pacific Northwest. 

That’s why we offer a variety of container sizes across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana and Idaho, available for both purchase and rental. Our containers are built to withstand the elements, ensuring your belongings are protected no matter the season.

Looking to start your next project? Reach out to Dry Box today to explore our extensive selection of shipping containers and discover how they can be tailored to suit your needs. With Dry Box, your ideas can take shape, wherever you are in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.