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Shipping container for an underground bunker, every Prepper’s fantasy.
If you haven’t thought about buying a shipping container and burying it in your backyard you probably haven’t been prepping for very long. Think about how convenient it would be to have your own personal bunker, outfitted with enough supplies to sustain your family for weeks or more in the event of some major catastrophe. Shipping containers make great platforms to build your bunker around because they are readily available for purchase, very sturdy and resilient to the elements. When properly outfitted they can sustain life quite easily and provide a great save haven for families in distress. You might be looking for basic information regarding the types of shipping containers, how much they cost, where to source them and additional bunker building tips. Hopefully this post will be able to shed some light on all of those topics and steer you in the right direction so that someday soon you’ll be able to raise a canteen cup to toast the success of your new shipping container bunker.
The first thing you need to understand is that there are two basic types of containers, ocean going and domestic. Typically ocean going containers are made of a very high quality steel and come in 20′ and 40′ lengths. Domestic containers are used only within the continental US and are constructed utilizing steel or aluminum, they typically come in lengths of 45′ to 53′. Used containers are graded on based on various factors, and can range in price from $1,000 to $5,000. Some of the factors which influence the price of storage containers include (but are not limited to) condition, size, options, delivery and quantity. Companies that sell containers often have explanations listed on their website which help to clarify things.
Condition. A used shipping container that needs to be fixed or refurbished can go for as low as $1200 for a new 20′ Shipping Container, while a container that is considered ”like new” will usually go for around $3000 for a new 20′ shipping container.
Size. The larger ones like the, 40ft and 48 ft extra wide units often cost the most and are usually 20-30% more pricey than a standard 8×20 ft unit.
Options. When purchasing a used container that has been modified with additional options such as refrigeration, vents, door locking systems, or you need any other features installed, then you can expect to pay a premium.
Delivery. Shipping companies range of delivery is usually around 200 miles distance, but for larger orders the company may travel further. Delivery fees can be priced into the purchase so it’s always a good idea to ask all these questions before you pull the trigger buying a container. As you can imagine the further you are from a port location, the container will cost more money. Transportation is expensive.
Quantity. Making larger orders lowers your over costs significantly. if you are buying a bunch of used shipping containers, often storage container company suppliers will offer bulk discount rates so the cost per unit will be less.
So you’ve got the basics nailed down with respect to used shipping containers, the next step is figuring out where to purchase one in your local area. You could simply google used shipping containers for sale, or check out these websites for starters;
In addition to selling used containers many companies also offer custom services such as retrofitting flooring, venting, additional doors, skylights, interior walls, shelving, lighting and much more. My advice would be to shop around and once you settle on a container, figure out how to get it underground near your homestead before worrying about nice to have amenities.
I’ve saved the best part for last, an actual video of someone who bought a shipping container and recorded the entire process of getting it into the ground (step by step). Total cost for the project was $12,500 but you’ll be able to see in the video that the guy saved a bunch of money by doing much of the project himself. I hope this post was able to outline some basic information related to shipping containers, and I wish you the best of luck in pursuing your underground bunker strategy!
This article appears courtesy of Prepper-Resources.com, one of the premier prepper/survival blogs online today. Whether you are a new or experienced prepper feel free to visit and check out all of the other valuable information posted there.
2012-12-01 07:56:09
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By no means am I claiming that this can’t be done, because I know it can. However, please be careful when burying shipping containers. Shipping containers are made of very high quality cor-ten steel, and are designed to haul in excess of 50,000 lbs and to be stacked up to 9 high. However, when you cut holes, or introduce pressure on the sides and top, this brings those number WAY down. Be smart, consult an engineer or architect or even just someone who has done this correctly before. There are a multitude of forums and posts that outline the pros and cons of burying shipping containers. Do your research before you invest your time, money, and your life. I work for a company that sells containers, and have seen the outcome of some of our clients projects, some are spectacular, and some…. Not so much.
I would be happy to answer any questions, if possible, message me at this account, or reply requesting an email or link.
Shipping containers are weather and water resistant, not proof. They often have wooden components. They have a heavy duty structural frame, suitable for stacking, where the adjacent units transfer their weight via the frames. The sides and tops are not designed for loading.
Do not expect them to hold tremendous amounts of earth. Do not expect them the remain watertight if buried in ground subject to saturation. Do not expect a particularly long lifespan for steel under those conditions.
Look, the crappy bunker you have is better then the one that only exists in dreams, but a container is not a family heirloom that your kids will probably inherit. For all the work and money it will take, after a couple years in the ground, will it still be viable after a major thunderstorm?