I would say that they are not significantly impacting our business in a negative way. For the towns with regulations pertaining to mobile storage containers, we take a proactive approach. For any areas MI-BOX services with restrictions, we always contact them directly. This ensures that our operations managers understand and can abide by any imposed regulations. It also lets the officials know that MI-BOX can be contacted directly with any questions. Developing good working relationships with towns and villages makes doing business much easier for both parties and our customers. Typically, the restrictions are reasonable and relate to how long a container can be left on site. Comparatively, the number of towns with these restrictions is small as compared to the overall areas we service.
—Michael C. Born • MI-BOX Mobile Storage

As a national provider of storage and moving services, at Door to Door Storage we have seen an increase in local sensitivity to container placement and length of stay at a customer’s residence. In many cases, this has provided Door to Door with a competitive advantage since our containers work especially well in high density or urban neighborhoods. This concern, however, has manifested itself in many cities where there are reviews underway or where permit fees have been enacted to regulate placement. To minimize permits, restrictions, or other conditions, all mobile container providers should adhere to local guidelines and/or use good business judgment while servicing customers. If regulation does happen, the local authorities will need assistance to enact technology solutions that provide information to both the mobile provider and the customer. Being involved will increase the chance there will be a good solution for customers, companies, and local officials.
—Jim Wusterbarth • Door to Door Storage

Future innovations for portable storage containers will depend on where engineering technology and market demands intersect. The important ingredient is value; if the innovations are too expensive, then the market will not react. Portable containers are basically generic storage boxes and can only be a differentiator if they are aesthetically pleasing and provide cost savings through ease of handling. Innovations will most likely occur through the combination of modified delivery equipment and containers designed to interface efficiently with this equipment. Advancement in materials engineering will play a role in the next generation of containers.
—E. George Johnson • Universal Storage Containers