Electrical Storage Using Custom-built Shipping Containers
When CM Richey identified the need for additional electrical storage at a New Jersey–based grocery store, traditional on-site solutions quickly proved inadequate. Limited interior space and the need to house critical electrical equipment pushed the team to explore alternative, space-efficient options, ultimately leading them to shipping containers.
Project Summary
CM Richey partnered with Interport to create a rooftop electrical storage solution for their NJ-based grocery retail client. Using three joined 40-foot high-cube shipping containers,the custom-designed unit preserved valuable floor space, safely housed essential electrical equipment, and became a scalable prototype for future infrastructure projects.
The Electrical Storage Challenge
Initially, CM Richey sourced a single 40-foot shipping container from a neighboring company. The container was painted and outfitted with electrical components, but it soon became clear that one unit did not provide sufficient capacity for the retailer’s growing electrical needs.
The next challenge was finding a way to combine multiple containers into a single, functional space, a task that required specialized design and modification expertise.
“We were perplexed on how to join multiple trailers and through a Google search, we came upon the Interport website,” said Stephen Daresta, Vice President at CM Richey.
Why Shipping Containers Were the Ideal Solution
Shipping containers offered several advantages for electrical storage:
- Durable steel construction suitable for long-term infrastructure use
- Modular design allowing multiple units to be joined
- Compatibility with electrical, HVAC, and insulation upgrades
- Ability to install the structure on the rooftop, conserving interior retail space
After discovering Interport online, CM Richey scheduled a site visit to Interport’s facility.
“When we visited and toured the facility, we decided then and there to order three units on the spot,” Daresta explained. “The team at Interport really cared, they didn’t just sell us the units.”
Designing a Custom Electrical Storage Container
The final design joined three 40-foot high-cube shipping containers into a 24’ x 40’ open interior space purpose-built to store essential electrical equipment.
Chris Danback, Senior Vice President of Container Sales & Marketing at Interport, welcomed the collaboration:
“Our team loves working with customers from the initial design concepts through completion. We enjoy the entire container modification process.”
Joe Barone, Senior Director of Operations and Production, highlighted the in-house capabilities that made the project possible:
“Our modification team is skilled in carpentry, welding, HVAC, and electrical work. We bring that expertise and craftsmanship to every project to ensure all customer needs are met.”
Rooftop Installation & Deployment
Once completed, the custom electrical storage container was delivered to the NJ site and strategically installed on the roof of the grocery store. This approach allowed the retailer to meet electrical infrastructure requirements while maintaining maximum usable floor space inside the store.
The durability and weather-resistant nature of shipping containers made them well-suited for rooftop placement and long-term operation.
Results & Ongoing Partnership
The project successfully delivered a reliable, space-efficient electrical storage solution—and served as a prototype for future containerized infrastructure projects.
CM Richey reported that the entire process was seamless, from early discussions through final delivery.
“The support provided by Interport has been exceptional. They went beyond simply selling a unit, they’ve become our partners,” Daresta noted.
Building on this success, future container projects will incorporate both electrical and mechanical equipment, with CM Richey aiming to complete one to two similar container projects per year.
About Interport’s Shipping Container Solutions
Interport specializes in the sale and modification of shipping containers to meet the unique demands of virtually any business. From electrical storage and mobile offices to retail, agriculture, and industrial applications, Interport delivers custom container solutions equipped with insulation, electrical systems, HVAC, and more—ensuring optimal performance in any environment.
Get started with a custom quote or buy a shipping container now from Interport’s available inventory.