Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Containers for Your Warehouse

Running a smooth warehouse operation requires constant flexibility and creativity when it comes to inventory management solutions. One of the biggest problems warehouses face is how they can efficiently organize and store their products. Choosing the right industrial storage container is critical for your warehouse workflow. Not only can containers organize and store your inventory, but they can also prevent product damage, worker injury and lost productivity time. Read on to learn more about the options for industrial storage containers and how to choose the right type and size of container for your business.

Why Choosing the Right Container Is Important

When looking for the right industrial containers to store and ship your bulk items and other products, it’s important to choose the right containers from the start. This means you’ll have to consider different factors before purchasing your new industrial storage containers. We’ll cover more of that below, but first, let’s look at some of the reasons why selecting the right warehouse container is important.

Containers can help organize your warehouse in several ways. But knowing which container to choose is important because it can address many management challenges. Here are some reasons why having the right storage container is important:

• Use of space: One of the primary reasons you need to choose the right industrial container is so that you’re maximizing your warehouse storage space. This means containing the most amount of product within the least amount of space. Remember, this includes both horizontally and vertically. If you choose bins or containers that are too small, then you may need to purchase more containers. The correct product-to-container size ratio is important.
• Proper function: Choosing the right container requires you to understand what function you want your containers to serve. Make sure that whichever type of container you select supports whatever storage capacity you need. Not all warehouse containers serve the same purpose. Knowing the different applications of each type of industrial container will ensure you buy the right ones from the beginning. Otherwise, you may end up with containers that are useless for your warehouse storage needs.
• Loss prevention: You also need to choose the right containers for loss prevention reasons. Warehouse storage containers not only help you improve storage space and operations, but they cut back on product damage. This only works if you choose the right containers to house your products. For example, if you’re handling sterile products, then you need containers that meet certain guidelines.
• Durability: Being a successful warehouse manager means protecting your bottom line. One of the best ways to do this is by investing in the right industrial equipment that will contribute to your profit, not take away from it. You can save money in the long-run by choosing the most durable, high-quality industrial storage containers available. This prevents you from having to invest in new storage solutions because your warehouse storage containers wore out or broke after only limited use.
• Industry specifications: Different industries have unique needs when it comes to managing and storing their products. That’s why you need to work with experts who understand your unique business requirements and can offer a full storage solution. Cherry’s Material Handling works with countless different industries from automotive to food and beverage. We know how to best protect and organize your products, and we have the industrial storage containers to do the job.
• Proper sanitation: Older container materials, like wood and cardboard, are difficult to clean and can rot, leading to sanitary and durability concerns. Such containers that cannot be cleaned can potentially lead to spoiled cargo, the spread of disease and health concerns for your workers. Warehouse container cleanliness starts with the type of material you use — plastics and aluminum for example are often the best options.

Now that you have a better idea of the importance of choosing the right containers, we’ll look at each type of container that’s available. Different types of containers offer different functions, storage capabilities, capacities, materials and more. Considering what each type of industrial storage container has to offer can help you better understand your own storage needs.

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Types of Containers

Cherry’s Material Handling is proud to offer our customers a wide range of container types, materials, functions, sizes and features. We have conventional industrial containers as well as a helpful assortment of bins and boxes. We also have storage containers designed for the transportation link in the supply chain. These containers are designed to guard your products against the challenges that come with shipping.

We also recognize that different industries have different needs. That’s why we offer warehouse storage container solutions for virtually every business sector. From small bulk items to food, Cherry’s Industrial Equipment has the storage solutions for your type and size of product. This includes specialty containers, such as those for the agricultural industry, which require compliance with government regulations.

Cherry’s Industrial also offers customizable storage solutions. If you’re looking for specific ways to organize your warehouse with industrial containers, then perhaps a customized container solution is right for you. Our product engineers can produce any conceivable container style, size, function and specialization. Fully and semi-customized containers help you take control of your warehouse storage issues, improve efficiency and prevent product damage.

Here’s an overview of the broad types of storage containers available through Cherry’s Industrial Equipment’s Material Handling website:

1. Wire containers: Economical, clean and versatile industrial storage solutions
2. Collapsible containers: Durable, stackable containers that protect bulk items
3. Bins and Boxes: Multi-functional and convenient organizational containers
4. Metal containers: Strong, secure and low-maintenance transportation or warehouse storage containers

Each of these container types optimizes warehouse storage space in their own way. They each serve a particular function and have unique features and pros and cons. You’ll find varying storage capacities and sizes from these different industrial containers. Let’s cover each of these container types in detail, to make choosing the right industrial container easier.

1. Wire Containers

Wire containers may sound self-explanatory, but there’s more to these storage solutions than meets the eye. With unique collapsible and stackable functionality, wire containers contribute immensely to an organized, safe warehouse. Plus, wire containers are specifically designed to improve visibility to make order-picking easier. All of Cherry’s Industrial’s wire container solutions are available here.

Wire Container Functions:

Wire containers are durable storage units with a mesh pattern perfect for containing bulk items and batches. They work well for products such as soft goods and large plastic components. Here are some core functions of wire containers and what they can offer your warehouse:

• Visibility: Wire containers are great for improving visibility. If you want to make your products easy to see for order-picking, then the wire mesh pattern is ideal.
• Cleanliness: The open pattern of wire containers allows debris to fall through making it easier to keep your storage area clean and tidy.
• Accessibility: Wire containers allow for easy accessibility with front half-drop gate. This is a much better solution compared to alternatives like cardboard boxes or plastic bags.
• Space maximization: If you need to free up floor space, wire containers can help because of their vertical, stackable design.
• Affordability: For budget-conscious warehouses, wire containers are the ticket. Wire baskets and containers are the most economical storage solution, giving you an easy and affordable way to organize your products and maximize warehouse space.

Wire Container Material:

Wire mesh containers are manufactured using 2-gauge welded wire constructed into an even mesh pattern. Our wire containers are robotically welded at 60+ points meaning they’re extremely durable and long-lasting. Each container is finished with a powder coated gray finish after welding.

Wire Container Sizes:

Wire containers from Cherry’s Industrial come in four different sizes and volumes, each with their own load capacity. Here’s our range of bulk container sizes in the wire mesh option:

• Junior: Junior wire containers are a 20” x 32” x 22” in height with a 1,500-pound load capacity. They have a half-inch by half-inch mesh pattern, which is tight enough to contain small objects while still maintaining visibility. They’re capable of stacking four high.
• Medium: Medium wire containers measure 32” x 40” x 34” in height and have a 4,000-pound load capacity. With a four-unit stackable design, you can devise multi-container storage fixture that can hold up to 16,000 pounds of product, while taking up less than nine feet of floor space.
• Large: Large wire containers also have a 4,000-pound load capacity, but they’re sized at 40” x 48” x 36” in height. Large sized wire containers have a two-inch by two-inch mesh pattern.
• Extra-Large: Extra-large wire containers provide your warehouse with ample room. They’re sized at 40” x 48” x 42” in height and have a 4,000-pound load capacity. Extra-large wire containers are available in our standard two-in by two-inch mesh design or custom four-inch by four-inch mesh pattern.

Wire Containers Features:

There are several important features to consider when picking the right industrial container. Here are some of the added benefits of our wire container options:

• Half and full drop-down gates
• Stabilizing feet
• Stackable design (up to four containers high while fully loaded)
• Collapsible design (up to ten units high when collapsed)
• Custom color finishes available

Wire Container Accessories:

Wire containers from Cherry’s Industrial have several accessory options available to add functionality to your storage units. Here are some of the accessories available for your wire containers:

• Pallet runners
• Fork pockets
• Fork stirrups
• Casters
• Two-way and four-way dividers
• Hinged lids
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2. Collapsible Containers

Collapsible storage containers are an absolute staple in warehouse management. They’re the best way to get your inventory organization issues under control. Collapsible bulk containers help you sort through your inventory, free up space, improve workflow and prevent product loss. They’re also an important component in ensuring worker safety. For durable and versatile storage solutions, browse through Cherry’s Industrial’s supply of collapsible containers.

Collapsible Container Functions:

Collapsible containers from Cherry’s Industrial are excellent storage and freight container options for almost every industry. They’re durable and long-lasting and can continuously be reused or stored away when not in use. Here are a few of the different functions that collapsible plastic bulk containers offer:

• Reusable and returnable:
  One of the most appealing things about collapsible storage containers is their applications in freight and transportation. You can reliably ship products in collapsible containers and return them to warehouses from various distribution points. They make a great investment if you want to a container solution that’s reusable within your supply chain.
• Transportation:
  Collapsible containers also make for a great solution during transportation. That’s because collapsible plastic bulk containers from Cherry’s Industrial are stackable units that can maximize space in the freight truck. They also collapse down nicely so they can readily be sent back in large quantities to your main warehouse or distribution center, effectively maximizing space in the truck.
• Multi-purpose storage:
  Collapsible containers are considered multi-purpose. This means you can contain and ship multiple product types and bulk items without needing multiple container solutions.
• Durability:
  The strength and durability of collapsible containers make them an ideal solution for supply chain shipping solutions or basic warehouse storage. Investing in collapsible containers means you’re getting a long-lasting product that will also prevent loss. You can choose the type of construction you want to ensure you’re getting the right strength level.
• Cleaner workspaces: With collapsible containers, you can safely store potentially harmful materials like ceramics and glass. Also, unlike more traditional cardboard or wood containers, plastic collapsible containers can be cleaned easily without harming the container’s strength. Whereas a cardboard or wood-based container might start to rot, a plastic container doesn’t absorb liquids and offers a smooth surface to sanitize with ease.