Archive for October, 2007
I hate to see these stories, but here’s another. According to the Associated Press, federal authorities have seized thousands of Ecstasy tablets from a San Gabriel Valley self-storage unit. The tablets are reportedly worth more than $2 million. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said the Friday raid was part of an investigation into several Ecstasy-smuggling rings in the area east of Los Angeles.The Associated Press reports the probe has resulted in 11 arrests in recent weeks, including a Chinese national suspected of heading the largest smuggling organization. Seven of the defendants face federal charges, while the other four are prosecuted by local authorities.
Here again we have a major drug operation using self-storage as its base. We have to ask ourselves - what can be done to stop the madness. From our ‘Self Storage Promotions’ perspective, too, we have to ask how do we handle this mini-crisis that will see continued reference to this case as it makes its way through trial.
The industry has come a long way in overcoming its ‘dirty little warehouse’ reputation. We are still fighting the drug den reputation in some circles. In times like these, it’s important to reassure your customers that you keep a close eye on activities. It may also be time to consult an attorney about doing inspections on suspicious units.
Moreover, the industry needs to rally together to overcome this problem, both with clear actions to prevent it and clear communication that tells the world about those actions. We can fight the good fight and perhaps reduce the number of these types of incidents, but if we don’t tell the world about our efforts then, well, they won’t know.
October 30th, 2007
During the past three years, more than one million recreational vehicles have been sold to retirees and road warriors who prefer to take their vacations via the highways and backroads. Combined with increasing restrictions by homeowners associations and municipalities to keep these large vehicles from parking on neighborhood streets and driveways, the demand for RV and boat storage has skyrocketed.
While developers of this specialty storage have taken advantage of this trend by building a wide range of facilities, there are strong indications that there is room for more. In research of a 25-facility trade area conducted last year by R. Christian Sonne, managing director of Cushman & Wakefield of Huntington Beach, Calif., the study indicated RV and boat storage in this market alone was underserved by nearly 2,000 units.
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October 30th, 2007
The National Portable Storage Association is holding its 5th Annual Conference and Exposition at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. from November 4-6, 2007.”We are looking forward to another exciting conference with record attendance and record exhibitor participation,” said John Finnessy, CMP, Executive Director the National Portable Storage Association, or NPSA, a nonprofit membership association dedicated to the advancement of the portable storage industry. “This is the industry’s premier event to promote learning, business opportunities, networking and camaraderie.”
The NPSA’s 5th Annual Conference and Exposition offers timely, relevant educational programs and facilitates the exchange of ideas between members, sponsors, exhibitors and guests. Educational sessions include general topics such as “Customer Service: How to Provide it and How to be the Best at It!,” “Public Relations: How to Promote Your Business,” and “Identity Theft: What to Do and How to Safeguard Against It,” as well as industry specific sessions such as “The State of the Industry,” “Working With Your Local Municipality” and “How to Establish and Maintain a Working Relationship with the Port System.”
Recreational activities are scheduled during the conference to encourage networking, including a golf tournament and area tours. Breakfasts, lunches, receptions and dinners are included in the low $595 registration thanks to sponsors including Container-it, One Way Lease, Textainer Equipment Management, Flex Box, GOLD Container Corporation, Williams Scotsman, Equipment Management Services, Landoll Corporation and TAL/Trader.
“We’re expecting more than 600 attendees and over 50 exhibitors at this year’s event,” said NPSA Operations Manager Joel Rathbone. “There’s nothing like the opportunity to learn, network and relax at the same time. Our Walt Disney World resort location and strategic educational opportunities offer attendees the best of all worlds at our 5th annual conference.”
October 25th, 2007
Refrigerated portable storage containers offer a safe, on-site option for businesses whose goods demand controlled climates. Portable storage containers can be equipped to keep goods at temperatures ranging from –20 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The NPSA has produced a new video on Google’s YouTube, called “Getting the Most Out of Your Refrigerated Container,” to offer tips for connecting and operating a refrigerated portable storage unit.”Portable storage units are adaptable in all sorts of weather, but it’s important to understand the dos and don’ts of keeping refrigerated containers operating properly,” said John Finnessy, CMP, Executive Director the National Portable Storage Association, or NPSA, a nonprofit membership association dedicated to the advancement of the portable storage industry. “That begins on delivery and continues through to loading and accessing the goods inside.”
The NPSA’s 2007 Chairman, Phil Herndon, takes viewers on a YouTube video tour that demonstrates how to use refrigerated portable storage containers – and how not to use them. It all begins with the delivery. “Before delivery, make sure you have the appropriate power wattage. You need at least 220 volts,” Herndon explained. “Always use a trained electrician to hook up this container to the power source.”
Click here to read the rest of this story.
October 17th, 2007
Nobody likes to be locked out. Unfortunately, portable storage containers are often loaded with one side heavier than the other. This can cause the container to shift out of alignment and make it difficult to open or close the doors. The National Portable Storage Association, or NPSA, is helping take the frustration out of container storage misalignments with an instructional video on YouTube, a viral video site Google runs, to clearly demonstrate how to open a stuck door using a brand new invention.”You may discover the portable storage container doors are misaligned after you load your contents into the container,” said Phil Herndon, 2007 Chairman of the NPSA, a nonprofit membership association dedicated to the advancement of the portable storage industry. “If you cannot close one side of the double door, or if one of the doors seems like it may be sprung, then you have an alignment problem.”
Click here to read the rest of this release on FastPitch.
October 9th, 2007
There’s some buzz brewing lately about investing in single self-storage units. If you’re not quite sure what to think about the concept, check out this article by Steve Gillman and get a quick education. I’m interested to learn what folks think about this… Please comment on the blog and let me know.
Click here to read the article about investing in self-storage units.
October 1st, 2007
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