Before you expect too much due to the convincing marketing promotions of movable cubicle suppliers, you have to know first the limitations of a movable cubicle. Here are 10 of them:
1. Breach is always possible
When a supplier claims that their movable cubicles are made from 100% corrugated steel, it means that their cubicles can stand wear due to harsh weather conditions, pressure, impact, and other harmful elements. It does not mean 100% protection from breaches by thieves. These cubicles are not oversized vaults but are simply extra-secure steel containers. They are still subject to breaches if thieves are well-equipped.
2. The insulation cannot provide full protection against extreme temperature
Insulated movable cubicles give extra protection against heat and cold. It means that the summer heat is reduced and the numbing coldness of winter is somehow neutralized enough to prevent the formation of icicles. Items that are sensitive to extreme heat or cold should still be stored with care. Steel will remain a good conductor of heat and cold regardless if insulation is laid out on the walls and ceiling.
3. Conversion to permanent structure always depends on existing town/neighborhood rules
Being able to convert a movable cubicle into a permanent structure, such as a trailer home or makeshift store, does not mean you can place it in your area. Not all homeowner associations allow this kind of structure in their areas, and not all towns or cities allow it to be used for commercial purposes. There are technical and legal limitations to how you can use it.
4. Transportation of live animals is usually prohibited.
Most states do not allow the transportation of live animals in movable cubicles because that is considered maltreatment of animals (due to lack of proper ventilation). There are also sanitary concerns; so unless the movable cubicle is well-sealed, the authorities may not allow this kind of shipment.
5. Transportation of chemicals is illegal in many cities.
If authorities are strict with animals, what more with the transportation of chemicals? Although tightly sealed, these cubicles are normally considered inappropriate for chemical transportation, especially if the chemical is considered toxic and abrasive. There are also radioactive elements that need proper insulation and sealing. Generally, most cities won’t allow the transportation of any toxic chemicals without proper permits.
6. Not all of them can be used for shipment.
Intermodal shipment containers made of 100% corrugated steel are used for shipping items overseas. However, other types of steel containers cannot really pass quality inspections because some materials are only meant for land installations and not long-distance travels. Aluminum cubicles are deemed too weak to take the pressure of multiple stacking, and so are cubicles that are not properly sealed.
7. Customization depends on the integrity of the container.
Not all cubicles can be customized because there are specifications and integrity levels (strength, durability, functionality) that cannot take any more alteration. For instance, cubicles with multiple patched can no longer be used for any chemical or moist-and temperature-sensitive items. Cubicles with weak walls due to wear are also not preferred for housing and trucking.
8. Portability relies on a totally different thing.
Movable cubicles are not portable by themselves. They need trucks to be used for transportation, and they normally need cranes or forklifts for moving. Unfortunately, customizing a truck to become a trailer van is even more expensive than the cubicle itself.
9. Materials wear off.
Steel is strong, but it does not last a lifetime, especially if the cubicle has already been used to ship different things from continent to continent. Imagine the wear it gets in the ocean as the shipment sways with the waves.
10. Usability depends on the availability of space.
Ultimately, your available space will determine whether you can really use movable cubicles or not. If you cannot find a wide-enough space, then you cannot use them.
Movable cubicles are made from 100% corrugated steel, it means that their cubicles can stand wear due to harsh weather conditions, pressure, impact, and other harmful elements.