Storage Container

Storage Containers require much more physical space than Personal Storage Boxes and store slightly fewer items, but unlock earlier and allow for storage automation and large buffers.

Automation
If you connect a belt to the input of a container, items can automatically be inserted into the container. If you connect a belt to the output, items can automatically be extracted from the container. Connect both sides to pass items through and buffer them if there is a backup down the line.

The type of belt determines the max speed of storage and extraction; containers themselves do not limit throughput.

Create big buffers by linking many containers together. If you chain containers in series with the same type of conveyor, the last container fills first, and the first container fills last. With a chain (especially a long one), you must often check multiple containers to gauge how many items are held in total - this can be tedious. Connect them in parallel with the right combination of splitters and mergers to fill them evenly.

Stacks and ladders
It is easy to build and stack containers on top of each other (select it in the build menu and point at an existing container).

Containers have ladders on the sides - you can climb up onto single containers and to the top of container stacks. Try building a tall stack to reach high places in the early game. (Containers unlock before stairs, stackable conveyor poles, and jump pads.)