Shipping Containers Information

Shipping containers aid the transporting of items as they provide temporary storage for the goods. They are used for carrying various types of cargo in varying conditions, so they can be constructed out of one of several different materials.

The dimensions of a typical shipping container are usually between 10 and 40 feet long. They are typically eight feed wide and can be between 8 feet 6 inches and 9 feet six inches high.

When looking at hiring or purchasing a container it is important to consider their rating, tare mass or weight, and payload. The rating is the top weight allowed to be carried,including the weight of the unit itself. The mass or tare weight relates to the weight of the empty container, albeit under normal conditions. The payload is the weight the unit is allowed to carry, though this figure may be affected according to local laws, especially when being transported by road.

Rating, tare weights and payloads appear on stickers attached to the shipping container. Stickers with identification codes, showing details of the owner and its specific number, must also appear both on the inside and inside of the unit. This information is essential when tracing, and monitoring the movement of the cargo and the container.

There are basically two classifications of container, and these are relevant to the type of cargo being carried. The most common type is dry cargo or general purpose. These units are very strongly constructed and are also waterproofed. There may also be a door built into a side wall to give access to the container. The second grouping is for special cargoes, such as storage tanks for the transportation of liquids such as chemicals, or thermal containers for fruit, vegetables, meat, and other perishables.

The variety of unit you use will depend on the type of cargo you wish to transport. It is essential that you use only containers that are fit for the type of job required. While most shipping companies will be able to advise you accordingly, it is good practice to enquire about which kind of containers they have available. Knowledge about the different types and classifications of shipping containers will help you in making your decision.

To have this information to hand will assist you in choosing the correct type of shipping container in which to send your cargo. This will ensure your customers receive the product in an acceptable condition.
By Craig Ellyard

Are Timeshares the Best Way to Vacation?

Condos and cabins are great places to spend a vacation if you can afford it. Though the vacation may be a great time, what people do not notice are the fees that the wealthy must pay in order to maintain the cabins and condos during the times when they are not using them. This makes practical vacations much more attractive. However, businesses try to give the middle class a taste of what it could be like to vacation like the wealthy through timeshare plans. Though time sharing seems like a great idea numerically, it is not a very practical way to spend your vacation.

First of all, a time share is a piece of real estate owned by a single owner or a company. This piece of real estate is split up into fifty-two weeks out of the year, where other people can purchase a week to stay at the property. To make the offer much more attractive, these properties are near exotic vacation areas, such as Hawaii, or winter recreation types of areas. People that sign up for time shares pay for a week, or however long they want to stay, of time plus all of the maintenance fees for that time. The property fills up with time share participants across the fifty-two weeks.

For example, you might sign up to stay at a time share in the Poconos for the first week of June for the next five years. The seaside condo is yours for that week and you can invite whoever you want to vacation with. However, how do you know you will want to stay in the Poconos at the same time for the next five years? Time share contracts work off of their long-term investment schematics. People will pay for five to fifteen years of time plus maintenance fees. This can add up in the long-run, especially if you do not really use the time share.

While the contracts are attractive, people who do not read them fully do not notice what type of yearly maintenance fees they are paying. It is normal to maintain a property. We maintain our vehicles and our properties because it keeps them safe and clean for us to use. Time share contracts often sneak in extra fees and payments within the maintenance portion of their contracts. Since time shares are so expensive and inflexible in the long run, it is a much more practical method to vacation where you want to, staying at a hotel.
By Jerry L Work

Have We Become Corporate Zombies?

In the spirit of Halloween, I watched the zombie parody "Shawn of the Dead" this weekend. I've never seen it before and it is one of those cult movies that were on my bucket list (i.e., I need to watch it before I "kick the bucket"). I have to admit that I really enjoyed it. It is a tongue-in-cheek comedy based on the horror movie "Dawn of the Dead".

At the beginning of the movie, the main character - Shawn - doesn't immediately realize that zombies surround him because all of the people in his life generally act like zombies. His friends move through life without any real emotion as they sit in traffic, play video games and drink at the local pub. His colleagues at work essentially check in, move through their day, and then checkout.

As I watched the movie, I realized that like most comedies, what made it funny is how true it really is. We move through our days doing the same things we always do, without any real strategy or plan. We tend to develop patterns of behavior based on comfort-zones. How many of us get to work and immediately dive into email without prioritizing our day? Halfway through the day, we realize that all we have done is email. How many of us intend to set quarterly and annual goals, but then forget to create them? How many of us know that we are using antiquated processes and/or technologies, but avoid adopting the more efficient options because we are adverse to change? We have become corporate zombies, moving through our day without creative thinking.

I recently attended a large industry conference where the keynote speaker was a very well known, leading-edge marketing expert. I was excited to attend because I am a fan, and his topic "How to use Twitter in Business" was something that I am always interested in learning more about. Ten minutes into the presentation, I realized that he was losing the audience. Twenty minutes into the session, I realized that he had lost the room completely. There were probably only 25 people in a room of 500 that were still paying attention. During the networking break, everyone was commenting on what a waste of time Twitter was and how they had blown a great conference by inviting this "so-called expert" to present on the topic.

What went wrong? Simple - the topic didn't align with the audience. The average age of the audience was 50 years old. The room was filled with CEOs, CFOs, COOs, investors, board members and retired executives. The presenter was setup to fail. This group was set in their ways and was not willing to open their minds to social media. Their pre-conceived notion that Twitter and social media were a waste of time was simply reinforced by this presentation. The group of 25 or so marketing people who had already adopted social media were the only ones who appreciated the content of the presentation. The room was dominated with corporate zombies who were not open to new ideas. Don't get me wrong. I know a great many of the attendees personally and have tremendous respect for their accomplishments. My point is that they are losing touch with the market direction and the latest business tools. This is a predictable cycle that continues to repeat itself.

There is a very real generation gap between the group of people who understand social media and those that don't. I remember when desktop computers made their way into the offices. The older executives argued that they were a waste of time. The younger executives argued that they wouldn't accept a position with the company unless they were given a PC. I remember when companies were having discussions about whether they needed websites. The older executives argued it was a waste of time. The younger executives argued the company would be out of business in a few years without one. I see parallels today with social media. Older executives can't understand why a company would need a blog or have a Twitter presence. The younger executives argue that every company will have one in a few years.
By Kevin Liebl

The Right Office Chair Casters Can Make All the Difference

When shopping for a new office chair there are three things to consider, style, color and mobility. While style and color are relatively easy choices, the mobility option get a bit tougher. The right office chair casters can make or break a chair sale.

You can sit in a chair and it is comfortable, it can also match your desk or office decor, but what do you do if it will not move away from your desk easily when you need to get up? Keep scooting it in and out and wear a rut in your carpet? Or put a plastic carpet protector down so the chair just slides around as you shift around while working.

Finding a chair with all three desires at once is a rare thing. You usually have to sacrifice one of the three to get close to what you want. The office chair caster does not need to be one of them.

Find a chair that is comfortable and matches the office. If the casters are not perfect, that is fine. There are many suppliers out there furnishing quality office chair casters at a reasonable price. These are ready to be installed on the new chair to make it exactly what you want.

When looking for casters for your new chair, be sure to consider the type of flooring you have when making your selection. Hardwood floors will take a caster with a little more grip to it than the standard ones that glide on carpet. If you have both surfaces in your office, choose a caster that will work well on them equally.

Keeping not only your chair in good working order, but your floor looking great is the main concern here. Choosing the right office chair caster is a good start. If there are any other pieces of furniture that uses casters, replacing them at the same time may be a prudent move.
By Ty Macphearson

Recycle Your Old Office Chair Casters

Some chairs are comfortable and the wheels grind when they move, others move like a magic carpet, but are like sitting on a bed of nails. Seems like the two situations rarely meet naturally to create either the perfect office chair or some torture device designed in the middles ages for the Inquisition. As older chairs are replaced by newer models and before the old ones are thrown away, take and recycle those office chair casters and possibly create your perfect chair on your own.

Productions lines move faster and it appears that some of the quality has gone out of newer products and office chairs are no exception. This applies especially to the casters. The older model chairs had solidly built wheels that were meant to last.

By saving and recycling the old office chair caster, you may find that you actually get more life from the new chair. If the wheels are not wearing out as fast, people will tend to use it longer. There is nothing worse than a squeaky chair in a quiet office.

This rule not only concerns office chairs, but all office furniture with casters on them. Each solidly built set can easily be used to replace a newer, yet inferior set for longer life. The mail carts will make less noise coming down the hall and the video conference cart will not take two people to move because one caster will not work properly.

Saving the old office chair casters and making sure everyone knows you have done this, will help all employees get the chair they want, without all the forms and purchase orders needed for a new one. All the pieces are there, just take some time to move the parts around and an extra chair or two will have been saved. This type of chair recycling benefits everyone.

This is one way to save a little money and get more use form your existing office furniture. Recycling is an integral part in our daily lives at home. There is no reason our workplace cannot benefit from this also.
By Ty Macphearson

Industry Associations Have Their Advantages

Owning a business is really tough. Even in good times there can be disputes with employees, new laws that leave you scrambling to comply, or increased competition that threatens to take the market share you've tried so hard to grab. So where do you turn when you need that little extra something to help you not only stay in business, but thrive? If there's one out there, you can join your industry's professional association! The benefits can be many and varied. For example, you might get free rent to own legal advice or get discounts on supplies because you're backed by the buying power of the association. Each association will be different, so check to see what sort of benefits you'll get in your area.

Another thing you might need help with is figuring out how to set your business up properly. Maybe you don't realize how to best take advantage of your tax situation or you're wondering about what ordinances you need to be following to make sure you're not opening yourself up for potential litigation. Your association may be able to help. For instance, they might be able to help you navigate and understand rent to own state laws or regulations that affect the import of goods that you are going to warehouse and sell. Many of the members in your association likely either have the same question you have or know the answer to your question. Use this resource, as it may be one of the most valuable you have!

Whether you're looking for a local artist's guild or rent to own state associations, you should probably get a feel for what the group has to offer before you jump in with both feet. See if you can attend some meetings or speak with a current member to understand better what you get when you join. You should get a feel for if the culture is one you'll like, and you can ask lots of questions about what the association is all about. Check to see if there are dues-and how much they are. An association may be exactly what you're looking for, but if it costs two grand to join, perhaps your money could be spent better elsewhere. No matter what you do, you owe it to yourself and your business to look into it!
By Alice Lane

Growth in Luxury Holidays in Cornwall

Holidays are a time for fun. This is why we look forward to them. Holidays provide us with the opportunity to recharge ourselves. With long hours in the day with nothing else to do but indulge in your favourite person (you!), holidays are a marvellous tonic for your psyche! There are many places in the world that provide opportunities for the right holiday experience. One of these is Cornwall.

Cornwall - A Beautiful Holiday Spot
There is much to love about Cornwall. Located in south-western England, Cornwall is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Atlantic Ocean and English Channel are found in close proximity to the city. Because of this and other factors, the town boasts a climate that is mild and moist - a delight for visitors coming from harsher temperatures. With its position on the coastline, it is no surprise that the town of Cornwall is famous for its beaches. It offers more than 300 beaches to choose from. Much of the inland is lush green with vegetation, lending a vista that is so beautiful, it leaves visiting tourists breathless.

Tourists enjoy their visits to Cornwall. With over a long history of over 600 years, Cornwall provides many inland features for visiting tourists. You can choose to visit ancient old structures or dive into the ruins of many old tin mines.

Visiting Cornwall Today
In the past, tourists visiting Cornwall where content with hotel and accommodation services that provided the basic services. But a recent demand for more, as well as the increase in tourist traffic has resulted in a rise in standards in Cornwall Market. Much of the old standards of Cornwall accommodation have been replaced with luxurious substitutes. For instance, visitors sometimes complained about homes that had toilets located outside the home. Today, luxury cottages are equipped with modern toilets for each room. The cottages have effective climate control features and ready access to modern needs like the internet.

Today it is possible to visit Cornwall and enjoy the benefits of luxurious accommodation.

You can, for instance choose to lodge in a luxurious holiday villa. The growth in luxurious holidays in Cornwall has seen new villas and cottages springing up along the coast. These accommodation options are found with 3 to 4 bedrooms. Exquisitely furnished and well equipped, these new accommodations ensure that you will be able to enjoy the richness of sights and sounds of Cornwall during the day, and experience outstanding attention when you get back to your rooms.

What sights and sounds you might wonder? Well, for many tourists, they are provided with the chance to indulge in their love of walking or cycling. The rich golf courts have drawn the attention of lovers of the sport as has the many opportunities for shopping.

The beaches provide a wide range of opportunities as well. There is the chance to go sailing and surfing. And with more than 650 km of beach lines to investigate, you can also get the chance to build that extra large sand castle of yours.
By Barbara Harris

The Upside to Business Travel

Many people abhor traveling for business, while some only hate it when they are consistently on the road as a road warrior. They frequently miss home, having their own familiar place to stay, and home cooking. Still, there are a number of tips for the business traveler that can make the best of traveling for business.

Free Fun Travel
Traveling for business can also help increase traveling for pleasure. While flying, staying at hotels, and renting cars one can be collecting loyalty points for future use. This means that one can be traveling for fun with the rewards of their business travel. It is a liberating feeling to walk to an airline counter and cash in some points for a trip to anywhere in the world- Vegas for the weekend or take someone special to Paris.

Travel Perks
Being a frequent traveler with the loyalty programs will have you an established elite traveler in no time. Pay attention to the requirements and do what you can to get elite status as soon as you can. The perks are tremendous with free and sometimes unexpected upgrades. Preference in the check-in lines will make a huge difference when you are pressed for time or dog tired at the end of the day. Preference in check-in/check-out times will be a perk you will use often.

Be In The Now
Every major town will have its unique flavor and will have some tourist must sees. See them when you have down time. When you are constantly on the road it will seem enticing to stay in a hotel room and relax to some TV, but when you do this day after day, town after town no wonder burn-out settles in. Get out and explore, get to know the town, it will undoubtedly help your business in that town to know more about it. Try the specialty foods of the area, stay away from national chains. And if you do find that you travel the same cities consistently, then make it your town. Find some favorite places to eat and entertain yourself, then you can actually look forward to visiting again.

Being able to travel for business is a wonderful opportunity and should not be seen as a burden. Changing of the attitude may be as simple as looking to the pluses and not focusing on the negatives of frequent travel.
By Darryl Noble