Industry and products
mobile storage unit
A mobile storage unit is a storage box built to be moved, delivered and picked up by truck. NPSA describes mobile self-storage containers as units delivered to a customer's location, loaded there and moved on. NPSA says members offer mobile self-storage containers in lengths from 7 feet to 20 feet.
Why it matters
A mobile storage unit can sit in a driveway, a parking space or a jobsite. The company delivers it, the customer loads it, and the company returns to move it. Units differ in size, door style and build. A common mistake is to pick a size by guessing. A unit that is too small leads to a second rental. One that is too large may not fit the site or may need more delivery room. Customers should compare floor area, door width and weight limits, and ask the provider how the unit is delivered. Operators can help with a size chart and photos.
Definition source: npsa.org
Related terms
mobile self-storage
Mobile self-storage is a service where an empty storage unit is delivered to your location. You load it at your own pace, and the company picks it up and moves it to a new place for unloading or to storage. NPSA describes it as removing the hassles of traditional static self-storage facilities.
portable storage container
A portable storage container is a container made for rent or sale as movable storage. NPSA describes portable storage containers as ISO shipping containers retired from international shipping and offered on the domestic market. In practice the term also covers other portable units.
moving container
A moving container is a portable storage container used to move a household. PODS describes portable storage containers as large, secure, usually weather-resistant boxes that can be moved from place to place. The customer loads the container, and the company carries it to a storage center or a new home.
mobile storage
Mobile storage is storage that moves to the customer. The term is often used the same way as portable storage. NPSA's mobile self-storage page describes an empty mobile storage container delivered to your location, loaded at your own pace, then moved to a new place. Companies define the term differently.
loading time
Loading time is the period a customer has to fill a portable storage container once it is delivered. Providers set it in the rental agreement. Some include a set number of days, and some describe it as however long the customer needs. After it ends, pickup or extra daily fees may apply.
delivery access
Delivery access is the space and route a truck needs to reach the drop spot. It includes the road, driveway, gates, turning room and overhead clearance. XCaliber Container gives a guide of about 10 feet of width on each side of the container and 13 feet of overhead clearance.
For the industry
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