Shipping Containers as Equipment Enclosures

The Perfect Fit:

Why Do CakeBoxx® Containers Make Ideal Equipment Enclosures?

When it comes to housing critical equipment like generators, compressors, and pumps, not all enclosures are created equal. For companies that require robust, portable, and modular equipment housing, the limitations of traditional containers are often very apparent.

Some manufacturers offer turnkey packages for their equipment, complete with integrated lighting, ventilation, and piping, all wrapped up in what might be called a “weatherproof enclosure.” While these packages are convenient, they can have significant constraints, especially when created using modified standard shipping containers.

At CakeBoxx Technologies, we believe in delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed industry standards, offering truly innovative containers that are engineered to meet all of the customer’s requirements without limitation.

Where Standard Containers Fall Short

Modifying existing shipping containers might seem like a cost-effective solution, but it’s far from ideal in many cases. Alterations like adding doors, openings, or reinforcement can void the container’s ISO and CSC certifications, making them unfit for standard intermodal shipping methods. Not to mention, these modifications often lead to structural weaknesses, requiring additional costly reinforcements. In the end, you’re left with a container that’s neither cost-effective nor fully compliant with industry standards.

Structural Compromise

One of the biggest drawbacks of modifying standard containers is the risk of structural compromise. Shipping containers are designed to be strong and durable, but when you start cutting into their walls to add doors or openings, you can weaken the overall structure. This can lead to significant issues with load-bearing capacity, potentially jeopardizing the safety of the equipment housed within.

Loss of Certification

Modifications to standard containers can also void their ISO and CSC certifications. These certifications are crucial for ensuring that containers can be safely and legally transported via standard shipping methods. Once a container loses its certification, it can no longer be used for intermodal transport, severely limiting its portability and increasing logistical costs.

Reinforcement Costs

To counteract the structural weaknesses introduced by modifications, companies often have to invest in additional reinforcements, which adds to the cost, the weight, and the complexity of the project.

In the end, the result is a container that is neither cost-effective nor fully compliant with industry standards. It’s a stopgap solution at best – one that leaves much to be desired.

CakeBoxx: Built from the Ground Up

At CakeBoxx Technologies, we take a different approach. Rather than attempting to retrofit existing containers, all of our containers and platforms are engineered from the ground up.

They are specifically designed to meet each of our customer’s unique needs and use cases. This allows us to create solutions that are not only robust and versatile but also fully compliant with all relevant industry standards.

Put a Lid On It: The Powerful Two-Piece Design

Our CakeBoxx® two-piece containers are built with a revolutionary design that offers unmatched flexibility and strength. The “deck” and “lid” form factor is more than clever engineering – the flexibility and resiliency offered by our ultra-strong deck and convenient “dropover” lid are a quantum leap for companies that need to house and transport critical equipment.

Strength Where It Matters

The strength of CakeBoxx two-piece containers is concentrated in the “deck” portion. Unlike standard containers, where the load is supported by the walls and roof, our containers use four strengthened corner posts to bear the weight of the container and its contents. This allows for greater size and load capacity options, as the container’s skin is not responsible for structural integrity. The deck can be accessed, handled, and transported independently where required.

Flexibility in Dimensions

One of the standout features of CakeBoxx containers is their ability to be built outside the envelope of “standard” container sizes without losing certification. Whether you need a 12ft, 16ft wide, or 17ft tall container, we can build it—all while maintaining full CSC certification with the ability to move on container ships and through standard intermodal transportation methods. This flexibility is particularly important for companies that need to transport oversized equipment or large assemblies that wouldn’t fit within a standard container’s dimensions.

Recessed Decks

CakeBoxx solutions can be built with either a flat or recessed deck.

While the flat, open deck style is ideal for side-loading cargo, recessed decks allow more vertical space, which can be a huge benefit for equipment enclosure use cases.

One of the most innovative features of the recessed deck is that it can become a wholly enclosed floor that acts like a leak-proof tub. This feature is not just a convenience; it’s a critical component that can vastly improve the utility and safety of the container.

The recessed deck in CakeBoxx containers offers a smart solution for maximizing space and utility by allowing piping, cabling, and other components to be installed within the floor, separated by a secondary floor above. This is particularly beneficial for complex equipment like compressors, gensets, and pumps, where efficient use of space is critical.

For equipment prone to leakage of hazardous chemicals, the recessed deck can also function as a containment sump, helping companies maintain environmentally safe standards such as ISO 14000. With recess depths to suit specific requirements, CakeBoxx containers can be tailored to meet the needs of any project, ensuring both space efficiency and environmental safety.

Specialized and Compliant: The CakeBoxx Advantage

One of the critical advantages of CakeBoxx containers is their ability to be tailored to meet even the most stringent industry requirements. From insulation packages to specialized openings and doors, our containers can be tailored to fit the exact needs of your project.

Insulation and Environmental Control

CakeBoxx containers can be equipped with a variety of insulation options, ranging from rockwool to advanced vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). These materials offer high R-values while maintaining a slim profile, ensuring that your container remains both energy-efficient and space-efficient.

For projects that require precise temperature control, our containers can include off-the-shelf integrated reefer technology, providing a climate-controlled environment for sensitive equipment.

Specialized Openings and Doors

Unlike standard containers, which often have fixed openings that can limit access, CakeBoxx containers can be built with special doors and/or openings – with or without our patented two-piece form factor. Whether you need rollup doors for easy access to equipment or framed openings for ventilation systems, we can design a solution that meets your needs. Our containers can also be equipped with louvers, inlet/outlet attenuators, and exhaust dampers, ensuring that your equipment operates efficiently and safely.

CSC Certification and Compliance

All CakeBoxx containers are built to meet or exceed required industry standards, including CSC certification. This is a key differentiator, as it allows our containers to be transported via standard shipping methods, even when they’re designed to be outside of standard dimensions. Our in-house certification inspectors ensure that every container meets both your specifications and all necessary regulatory requirements.

Acoustic Control

For projects that require noise reduction, CakeBoxx containers can be designed with acoustic insulation and inlet/outlet attenuators. These features are particularly important for equipment that generates significant noise, such as diesel gensets or hydrogen compressors. By controlling the acoustic environment, our containers help ensure that your operations remain compliant with local noise regulations, while also providing a more comfortable working environment.

Building for the Future:

Portable, Modular, and Scalable Solutions

The need for portable, modular, and scalable enclosures is growing across industries, from manufacturing to energy production. CakeBoxx Technologies is at the forefront of this trend, offering containers that not only meet current needs but also anticipate future challenges.

Supporting the Rental Market

In industries where equipment is often rented rather than purchased, portability and modularity are key. CakeBoxx containers are designed to be easily transported and quickly deployed, making them an ideal solution for the rental market. Whether you need a single container for a short-term project or a fleet of containers for a large-scale operation, CakeBoxx can provide a solution that is scalable, efficient, and cost-effective for your needs.

Modularity and 360-degree Access

Imagine trying to install or repair something inside a standard container. It’s like trying to assemble boxed furniture in a closet - frustrating and inefficient. But with CakeBoxx’s two-piece design, you get full, 360-degree access to your equipment and the cargo. For projects that require complex equipment assemblies, the modularity of CakeBoxx containers is a significant advantage. Our two-piece design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it possible to build and install equipment without being encumbered by the walls and roof of a standard container. This is particularly important for projects that require precision installation, such as pump assemblies, gensets, and compressors.

The CakeBoxx Difference

As industries evolve, so do the requirements for equipment enclosures. CakeBoxx containers are designed with the future in mind, offering the flexibility needed to adapt to changing needs. Whether your organization is expanding its operations, upgrading equipment, or entering a new market, CakeBoxx containers provide a future-proof solution that can grow with the business.

At CakeBoxx Technologies, we don’t just build containers—we build solutions. Our innovative approach to container design and construction ensures that our products meet the highest standards of quality, compliance, and performance. Whether you’re in need of a portable enclosure for a diesel genset, a modular solution for a hydrogen compressor, or a specialized platform for complex equipment, CakeBoxx has the expertise and technology to deliver.

Stop compromising with modified standard containers and discover how CakeBoxx containers can solve your toughest enclosure challenges.