10+ Best & Profitable Shipping Container Business Ideas [2023]

Are you looking to start a shipping container business in 2023? Check out our list of the 10+ best and most profitable ideas that you can start today! From storage containers to decoration services, these profitable business ideas are sure to have you off the ground and thriving in no time.
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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Hey there, future entrepreneur! Ever looked at a shipping container and thought, "Hmm, I could make a business out of that!"? No? Well, buckle up, because by the end of this article, you'll be seeing potential in every container you spot. Welcome to the future of business, where innovation meets practicality. As we step into 2023, the era of traditional brick-and-mortar businesses is slowly but surely giving way to more ingenious, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions. And guess what's leading the pack? You've got it - shipping container businesses!

Whether you're a seasoned businessperson looking for your next venture, or a newbie entrepreneur seeking a unique start, this article is your treasure map. We're about to explore over 10 of the best and most profitable shipping container business ideas for 2023. So get ready to embark on this exciting journey, and by the end, you’ll be brimming with inspiration to launch your own shipping container empire. Let's dive in!

Mobile Repair Shop

Starting a mobile repair shop is a great business idea for tech-savvy entrepreneurs who want to be their own boss and offer people an invaluable service. Mobile repair shops can provide a wide range of services, including repairs, parts replacement and device refurbshing. They can also provide useful advice and assistance when it comes to operating systems, operating features and software. Here are some of the benefits of starting a mobile repair shop:

  • Provide a valuable service to customers
  • Easily scale up your business as demand increases
  • Gain recognition in the local community
  • Grow with the ever-changing technology market
  • Low costs and high profits
image of a Mobile Repair Shop

Shipping Container Café

A Shipping Container Café is a business concept that involves the use of large shipping containers to create a unique café atmosphere. Shipping containers are becoming increasingly popular as a form of low-cost and durable architecture. They are easily transported and can be quickly and inexpensively adapted to any location, making them ideal for starting a café in busy urban or tourist areas. Here are some advantages of starting a Shipping Container Café:

  • Cheaper setup cost as compared to regular cafés
  • Flexibility to be able to move locations as necessary
  • Opportunity to create an Instagram-worthy space
  • Unique design that stands out amongst competitors
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Examples of successful businesses:

The shipping container business industry is an incredibly profitable and globalized industry. Below is a list of successful companies that are working within this industry.

  • Maersk
  • Seaco Global
  • MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
  • COSCO Shipping Corporation
  • Evergreen Line
  • Hapag-Lloyd Container Shipping
  • OOCL Global Container Shipping
  • APL Container Shipping
  • K Line Container Shipping
  • ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.

Shipping Container Garden Center

A Shipping container garden center is a retail business that specializes in selling garden supplies and plants. These conveniently-sized containers are made to be easily transportable, allowing customers to access their products wherever they need them. Container gardens can be installed almost anywhere, meaning they can reach a wide range of different people in different areas. This makes it a great business idea for those who want to take advantage of the ever-growing demand for ecological gardening options.

  • Cost-effective and convenient transportation
  • Accessible to customers anywhere
  • Wide range of product availability
  • Eco-friendly options
  • Potential for repeat customers with seasonal products

Shipping Container Gym

A Shipping container gym is an idea that involves transforming a shipping container into a fully equipped, mobile gym. It is becoming increasingly popular amongst those who wish to have a gym that can be used in any location and moved quickly. The main advantages of using a shipping container gym are its portability, affordability, and convenience.

  • Portability - Since it is housed in a shipping container, the gym can be moved around quickly and easily.
  • Affordability - Shipping containers are relatively affordable and require minimal modifications.
  • Convenience - This type of gym eliminates the need for renting or buying an expensive space for a gym.

Art Galleries And Studios

Art galleries and studios are a great business idea for those interested in promoting and selling art. Art galleries provide an ideal platform to showcase artwork from painters, sculptors, photographers and other artists while allowing them to gain exposure and sales. Studios provide artists with the opportunity to hone their craft and create their own works of art. Both provide a creative outlet for business owners, as well as potential sources of income.

  • Art galleries offer a platform to promote and sell artwork.
  • Studios give artists the opportunity to refine their craft and create works of art.
  • Business owners have an outlet for creativity.
  • Both offer potential sources of income.

Shipping Container Restaurant

A shipping container restaurant is a restaurant that utilizes repurposed shipping containers in place of a traditional brick and mortar location.

  • This type of restaurant is more affordable for the owner, with lower upfront and ongoing costs than building or renting an outdoor or indoor space.
  • Shipping containers are also a great choice for businesses that may be in need of a mobile and temporary space.
  • Shipping container restaurants also have the benefit of being eco-friendly, as they repurpose existing materials and provide an opportunity to reduce waste.
  • The unique visuals of a shipping container restaurant make it an eye-catching option for potential customers, giving it standout appeal.

Pop-up Retail Store

A Pop-up retail store is a short-term retail store that is typically located in a high-traffic area for a limited amount of time. These types of stores are generally used by companies who want to test out new products, create awareness, or capture additional sales during peak shopping seasons. Here are some reasons why a Pop-up retail store would make a good business idea:

  • It allows businesses to gauge customer interest in new products.
  • It can be used as an effective marketing tool to create awareness and drive traffic.
  • It can provide an additional source of revenue during peak shopping seasons.
  • It allows companies to reach target customers in high-traffic locations.

Shipping Container Homes

Shipping container homes are dwellings that are made out of repurposed shipping containers. These homes are becoming increasingly popular because they are relatively affordable, customizable, and come in various sizes. Shipping container homes could make a great business idea as they offer several advantages, including:

  • Cost savings - Shipping containers are inexpensive and can be easily customized to create a unique home.
  • Durability - Shipping containers are incredibly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
  • Flexibility - Shipping containers can be modified to fit any size and shape, making them perfect for those with limited space.
  • Sustainability - Shipping containers are made out of recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of their life cycle.

Expediters And Freight Forwarding Services

Expediters and freight forwarding services are businesses that provide services for companies to transport goods from one location to another. In doing so, they reduce the cost, time and complexity of managing a company's supply chain process. They make a good business idea as they offer these services to companies that do not have their own in-house transportation capabilities.

  • Expediters reduce the cost of transporting goods from one location to another.
  • They reduce the time it takes for goods to be transported from one point to another.
  • They simplify the complexity of managing the supply chain process.
  • Offer transportation capabilities to companies that don't have their own in-house service

Shipping Container Food Truck

A shipping container food truck is a food truck that is built inside a modified shipping container. It is an innovative and creative way to start your own mobile food business. The unique shape of the container makes it eye-catching and hard to miss, while also providing a distinct experience from traditional food trucks.

Benefits of a Shipping Container Food Truck:

  • Compact, low-cost and efficient design
  • Increased operating life of the equipment
  • Customizable interior for maximum storage and flexibility
  • Ability to place in various locations easily
  • Can serve as both a restaurant or take-out spot
  • Unique appeal and visibility among other food trucks or restaurants

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