A History Of Innovation In The Steel Container/Shelter Space

For two decades, Universal Storage Containers has been the leader in portable storage containers not only in the U.S. but overseas, as well. As the originator of folding container technology, the design that spawned the portable storage container industry, USC has won the prestigious ISS "Best Storage Container" award the past 14 straight years!

It only made sense to leverage this engineering expertise and manufacturing know-how to create a new brand of instant steel shelters under the USC umbrella. That brand is UPLIFT™ Instant Steel Shelters, incombustible, powder-coated steel structures that assemble or disassemble in just 30 minutes, providing durable and rapid shelter solutions for everything from emergency response to military to immigration to homeless communities.

We make shelters in a variety of sizes: single-occupancy units and family shelters, and specialty units such as community centers and kitchens, and more.

Key Milestones

Over two decades of innovation and practical design have shaped our journey. See how we grew from foldable steel storage containers into a global force for rapid housing solutions.

  • USC is Founded

    Universal Storage Containers (“USC”) launches with a vision to create foldable steel storage containers that blend innovation, durability, and ease of use.

  • Award-Winning Recognition

    USC wins the ISS International “Best in Business” Award for 14 years in a row—a testament to our commitment to excellence in design, engineering, and customer satisfaction.

  • The Birth of UPLIFT™ Instant Steel Shelters

    Leveraging USC’s manufacturing expertise and passion for rapid-deployment solutions, we introduce UPLIFT™ Instant Steel Shelters. Built from incombustible, powder-coated steel, each unit folds up or down in 30 minutes or less, meeting urgent housing needs on a global scale.

  • Leading the Way in Foldable Steel Shelters

    From single-occupancy units to family shelters, community centers, kitchens, and more, UPLIFT™ offers a variety of sizes and types to serve communities facing housing crises. We’re proud to be a division of USC, continuing our legacy of engineering innovation while staying focused on one goal: bringing dignity and hope wherever it’s needed most.

If You Can Think It, We Can Make It

We continue to break new ground in foldable steel structures, offering specialized configurations for a myriad of uses. If you can think it, we can make it! We'll keep evolving, refining our designs, and tackling tomorrow’s housing challenges—one shelter at a time.