Unlike shipping containers, all of our steel utilized in our MODx™ is AMERICAN MADE STEEL.
Every region maintains its own rules and regulations with regard to manufacturing procedures and processes. According to the Internodal Steel Building Units Association (ISBU) “The first shipping containers were manufactured by Japan, Europe, then later Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Those countries accounted for about 90% of all shipping container production”. The ISBU acknowledges that “Now, whether you see a shipping container from China Shipping, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen, OOCL, Cronos, Hyundai, Hamburg, or any other shipping company, they are all still made in China”. ISBU highlights that not all Shipping Container Manufacturers provide sufficient Quality Control (QC) methods, especially in China. Even the largest Shipping Companies complain about QC issues in some China factories, in spite of their QC supervision. However, all containers always meet CSC standards before receiving the CSC-Plate and credentials.”
WARRANTY – STRUCTURAL
✓ MODx
10 Years Structural
✘ CONTAINERS
5 Years Main Structure
WARRANTY – PAINT
✓ MODx
30/20 Years – Paint/Substrate
✘ CONTAINERS
3 Years Paint
WARRANTY – BURN ROOM
✓ MODx
15-year Padgenite Interlock™
✘ CONTAINERS
1 Year
LIFESPAN / MAINTENANCE
✓ MODx
Galvanized structure adheres to ASTM A123 which exceeds the 50-year mark on the “time to first maintenance (TFM)” chart.
✘ CONTAINERS
Shipping containers are traditionally built for a 15-year lifespan. Some “One Trip” containers will advertise a 20 year lifespan.
SITE PREPARATION / INSTALLATION
✓ MODx
Structural concrete is recommended for tie-down. All tie-down connections are bolt-down connections. All modular components are bolt-together connections for flexibility and complete modularity.
✘ CONTAINERS
Structural concrete is recommended for tie-down. Permanent welding to plates set in concrete may be required. Containers are often field-welded together limiting the modularity of the system.
FLEXIBILITY
✓ MODx
MODx is a pre-engineered modular system utilizing modular floors, walls, doors, and window shutters. Walls are independent from the structural system and are not required for support of the floors. Complete open floor plans are able to be produced with reconfigurable interior spaces. Walls, doors, and window shutters all have the same modular footprint and are interchangeable utilizing a simple 4-bolt pattern.
✘ CONTAINERS
Container structures are limited to a cubic footprint. Doors and windows can be cut into walls, but are permanently located in those predetermined locations. Walls are required for structural support so complete open floor plans are not available without some structural demising walls. This limitation results in unrealistic floorplans with small rooms or wasted spaces.
NEW vs USED MATERIALS
✓ MODx
Pre-engineered modules are all new and purpose built materials.
✘ CONTAINERS
Most shipping containers originate outside the USA and are used to ship goods to the USA. They are then purchased, refurbished, and repurposed as training space. “One-Trip” containers are generally in better condition cosmetically, however they are built to a minimum standard versus containers that are meant for multiple trips.
ORIGIN
✓ MODx
Raw materials sourced in the USA and units are manufactured in the USA. Steel Origin Certificates are available upon request.
✘ CONTAINERS
Most containers are manufactured or originate in Asia. Because of this, they have carried goods or products to the final destination. The container could be contaminated either from the products themselves or from fumigation/treatment practices. You can learn more about the history of a specific container by utilizing a company such as Drewry Shipping Consultants or Containerization International.
FLOORS
✓ MODx
Structural fiberglass/steel composite surface with a galvanized underside and a non-skid epoxy sealer working surface.
✘ CONTAINERS
Floors are typically an Asian hardwood. NFPA 1402:10.2.1 states, “Wood and other combustible materials should be avoided.” Some vendors will top coat the floor with a non-skid coating.
BURN ROOM FLOORS
✓ MODx
Burn room floors are lined with insulating fire brick over the entire burn room surface.
✘ CONTAINERS
Burn room floors are commonly heat conducting steel tread plate.
PAINT
✓ MODx
Factory applied oven cured Kynar® polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin paint system over new steel substrate.
✘ CONTAINERS
Post-painted urethane paint over previously painted surface.
DOORS
✓ MODx
Doors are installed with a heavy gauge continuous stainless steel hinge. Doors can be reconfigured with wall or window modules utilizing the same 4-bolt pattern.
✘ CONTAINERS
Doors are welded in place and include three stainless steel butt hinges.
WINDOW SHUTTERS
✓ MODx
Window Shutters are installed with a heavy gauge continuous stainless steel hinge. Window Shutters can be reconfigured with wall or door modules utilizing the same 4-bolt pattern.
✘ CONTAINERS
Window shutters are welded in place and include two stainless steel hinges.
RAILING
✓ MODx
Railings are galvanized OSHA compliant structural 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 3/16″ posts with 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 11 gauge top rail.
✘ CONTAINERS
Railings are completely 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 11 gauge square tube.
ROOF
✓ MODx
Structural fiberglass/steel composite surface with a galvanized underside and non-skid epoxy sealer working surface rated for 50 lbs. per square foot per NFPA 1402:10.2.4. There is a smooth transition from exterior roof to interior floor surface.
✘ CONTAINERS
The permissible loading capacity of a container roof is to support a point load over 441 pounds in a two square foot area. The roof is not designed for a load rating per square foot. Roofs must be heavily reinforced to support the 50 lbs. per square foot per NFPA 1402:10.2.4. The roof to interior floor transition requires a step up from exterior roof to interior floor surface.
Reference List:
Intermodal Steel Building Units Association. (2020). ISBU Shipping Container Industry; Shipping
Container Manufacturing and Distribution. Retrieved from http://www.isbu-association.org/shipping-containers-industry.htm