HAYtainers—The No-Brainer Storage Solution

HAYtainers—The No-Brainer Storage Solution
by Marianne Smith (Relax Your Ass Ranch, Gallatin, TN)

After purchasing a new farm that didn’t have a barn, we were in need of an immediate hay storage solution. The first winter we used a single open bay in a three-bay shed located at the far edge of our property. We hung tarps over the entrance to block rain and wind. Still, the hay in front occasionally got wet, and we battled varmints that found the hay to be a great nesting ground. Since we had limited storage in this single bay, we had to purchase hay when we could find it, driving the price up later in the season and the quality of the hay down. That also meant multiple hay hauling and stacking days, which did not fit in with our new “make it simpler” chore tackling philosophy.

The second winter arrived and we were still recovering from our move and not in a position to build our new dream barn. A friend suggested using a cargo container for hay storage. This proved to be the perfect solution to our dilemma. Since purchasing a cargo container is still a significant investment (ours ran $2,000. plus $200. delivery charge for a 9’6” high and 40 foot long version available in our area), we did our homework on the pros and cons. Here’s what we found:

Pros:
• Nearly Airtight and Waterproof
• Wind resistant
• Varmint proof
• Inexpensive compared with other options
• Volume storage possible
• Low maintenance
• Storing hay away from horse barn will lower fire insurance rates
• Horses can’t accidentally get into hay
• Horses are healthier away from hay dust and possible fire hazard
• Easy to load and unload (no need to walk on pallets)
• Readily available in most areas
• Eliminates hay dust in barn or riding areas
• Fun to paint and personalize
• Can stand alone or be tied in to existing outbuildings
• Multiple other uses on the farm if needs change
• Can go with you to your next farm or be sold to a dealer who will pick up

Cons:
• Not easy to move once placed
• Somewhat difficult to open the door
• Ours had commercial graphics with peeling paint
• May not be permitted in some restricted zoning areas
• No built-in lighting in most containers
• Requires a level site

Shopping Tips:
• All containers have VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) information that will tell you the age of the container. Most used containers will be 10 to 14 years old. Prices go down as age goes up, but ask questions about the condition of the container. Most commercial companies will guarantee that they will not leak, but they may have some dents/patched areas.
• Be sure to get a “high cube” container. That puts the height at 9’6” –this gives you more headroom and stacking room. Standard height is 8’6”.
• Our high cube 40 foot container holds 400 plus square bales of hay and weighs 7500 pounds empty. Containers are available in 10-53 feet lengths, though the ten footers are rare.
• Ask what the container you are considering was used for. A few have climate control features and might make good tack rooms or farm offices, but you will pay for the additional features. Some are even adapting the cargo containers as cheap alternative living space for farm hands or deer hunting lodges by adding doors, windows, wiring, etc.
• Shop around. Ebay almost always has cargo containers listed, as do other online auction services. You can also Google and get free quotes online from several commercial cargo container sellers. Be sure to ask about shipping charges, as they are usually factored in separately.

Delivery Preparation Tips:
• Find a level site on your property that is accessible to an 18 wheeler delivery truck. Remove anything that is in the way and be ready before the delivery person arrives. They usually don’t want to wait and you only get one chance to place the container where you want it. Consider your neighbors and any required setbacks when you determine placement.
• After you have determined that the container was as promised and does not leak, you might want to find a local art student to prime it, paint it, and add your farm logo or a mural of your favorite horses. Often this can be arranged as part cash, part school credit. Priming is an important no-skip step, though, as many containers have been exposed to salt water due to ocean shipping. Don’t let this deter you, as they are usually also galvanized with zinc prior to being put into service to protect them from corrosion (Maersk.com).
• We created additional storage for our tractor by running our container parallel to our shed and adding metal roofing between the two structures.

More on Cost
According to buyerzone.com, you can save 30 to 50 percent by buying used cargo containers. Prices fluctuate according to supply and demand, but at this writing several used 40 foot high cube containers were available in the $2500 to $2700 range (plus delivery costs). New cubes begin at about $4000 and can be ordered in several paint colors. You can also rent or lease containers from some suppliers, and any needed maintenance is included.

Our Favorite Hay Container Advantage:
There are small vents near the tops of the containers in front and back, which allows for adequate air circulation for hay storage. We have stored hay on pallets in the containers, and directly on the floor, and have found no difference in the condition of the hay. Not having to use pallets is a big plus when you are pulling hay from the very end of the container—nothing to trip over or try to walk on. Most floors are plywood, though some are steel.

Alternative Uses for Containers
• Tack Room (may need to add climate control features or purchase with those)
• Farm Office (adding windows, doors, and electric)
• Inexpensive housing (modifications needed and can combine two or more containers---check your local zoning restrictions)
• Fall-out Shelter/Tornado Shelter (bury underground)
• Grain Storage
Wacky Fact:
Containers have recently been discovered by the home designing industry and have been incorporated as rooms and hallways in modern home plans. One fellow even cut the top off a cargo container, buried it in the ground, and used it for a swimming pool!

Sources for pricing quotes:
Fleetco Leasing
Nashville, TN
615-259-0088
cbroadrick@fleetco.net
www.fleetco.net/trailersales.php

All State Container
Valley Stream, NY
New and Used Containers/Sales, Rentals, and Leasing
1-877-247-8800
info@allstatecontainer.com
http://www.allstatecontainer.com/

Crosswinds, Inc.
Joseph, UT
Free Quotes/Nationwide Delivery
1-435-527-4662
crosswinds@cisna.com
http://www.crosswindsstorage.com/