<PAGE>   1

                                                                    Exhibit 4.38


                             BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL       LOAN DATE       MATURITY        LOAN NO       CALL      COLLATERAL      ACCOUNT      OFFICER      INITIALS
---------       ---------       --------        -------       ----      ----------      -------      -------      --------
<S>             <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>       <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>
$140,084.20     09-03-1999      08-02-2001      11057256                                             121

                      References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the
                             applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
</TABLE>

BORROWER: PODS, Inc. f/k/a Pods Equity,   LENDER: First National Bank of Florida
          Inc. successor in interest to           1150 Cleveland Street
          Pods, LLC f/k/a Portables on            Clearwater, FL 33755
          Demand Storage, LLC successor,
          in interest by merger, to
          Rope Developments, a Florida
          general partnership
          12200 34th Street
          Clearwater, FL 33762
================================================================================

THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT between PODS, Inc. f/k/a Pods Equity, Inc.
successor in interest to Pods, LLC f/k/a Portables on Demand Storage, LLC
successor, in interest by merger, to Rope Developments, a Florida general
partnership ("Borrower") and First National Bank of Florida ("Lender") is made
and executed on the following terms and conditions. Borrower has received prior
commercial loans from Lender or has applied to Lender for a commercial loan or
loans and other financial accommodations, including those which may be described
on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement. All such loans and
financial accommodations, together with all future loans and financial
accommodations from Lender to Borrower, are referred to in this Agreement
individually as the "Loan" and collectively as the "Loans." Borrower understands
and agrees that: (a) in granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender is
relying upon Borrower's representations, warranties, and agreements, as set
forth in this Agreement; (b) the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by
Lender at all times shall be subject to Lender's sole judgment and discretion;
and (c) all such Loans shall be and shall remain subject to the following terms
and conditions of this Agreement.

TERM.  This Agreement shall be effective as of September 3, 1999, and shall
continue thereafter until all indebtedness of Borrower to Lender has been
performed in full and the parties terminate this Agreement in writing.

DEFINITIONS.  The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the
meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references
to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of
America.

         AGREEMENT.  The word "Agreement" means this Business Loan Agreement, as
         this Business Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to
         time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this
         Business Loan Agreement from time to time.

         BORROWER.  The word "Borrower" means PODS, Inc. f/k/a Pods Equity, Inc.
         successor in interest to Pods, LLC f/k/a Portables on Demand Storage,
         LLC successor, in interest by merger, to Rope Developments, a Florida
         general partnership. The word "Borrower" also includes, as applicable,
         all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower as provided below in the
         paragraph titled "Subsidiaries and Affiliates."

         CERCLA.  The word "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental
         Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.

         COLLATERAL.  The word "Collateral" means and includes without
         limitation all property and assets granted as collateral security for a
         Loan, whether real or personal property, whether granted directly or
         indirectly, whether granted now or in the future, and whether granted
         in the form of a security interest, mortgage, deed of trust,
         assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien,
         equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien or
         title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security
         device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether
         created by law, contract, or otherwise.

         ERISA.  The word "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security
         Act of 1974, as amended.

         EVENT OF DEFAULT.  The words "Event of Default" mean and include
         without limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the
         section titled "EVENTS OF DEFAULT."

         GRANTOR.  The word "Grantor" means and includes without limitation each
         and all of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any
         Collateral for the Indebtedness, including without limitation all
         Borrowers granting such a Security Interest.

         GUARANTOR.  The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation
         each and all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in
         connection with any Indebtedness.

         INDEBTEDNESS.  The word "Indebtedness" means and includes without
         limitation all Loans, together with all other obligations, debts and
         liabilities of Borrower to Lender, or any one or more of them, as well
         as all claims by Lender against Borrower, or any one or more of them;
         whether now or hereafter existing, voluntary or involuntary, due or not
         due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated; whether
         Borrower may be liable individually or jointly with others; whether
         Borrower may be obligated as a guarantor, surety, or otherwise; whether
         recovery upon such indebtedness may be or hereafter may become barred
         by any statute of limitations; and whether such Indebtedness may be or
         hereafter may become otherwise unenforceable.

         LENDER.  The word "Lender" means First National Bank of Florida, its
         successors and assigns.

         LOAN.  The word "Loan" or "Loans" means and includes without limitation
         any and all commercial loans and financial accommodations from Lender
         to Borrower, whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced,
         including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations
         described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to
         this Agreement from time to time.

         NOTE.  The word "Note" means and includes without limitation
         Borrower's promissory note or notes, if any, evidencing Borrower's
         Loan obligations in favor of Lender, as well as any substitute,
         replacement or refinancing note or notes therefor.

         PERMITTED LIENS.  The words "Permitted Liens" means: (a) liens and
         security interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender;
         (b) liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due
         or being contested in good faith; (c) liens of materialmen, mechanics,
         warehousemen, or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary
         course of business and securing obligations which are not yet
         delinquent; (d) purchase money liens or purchase money security
         interests upon or in any property acquired or held by Borrower in the
         ordinary course of business to secure indebtedness outstanding on the
         date of this Agreement or permitted to be incurred under the paragraph
         of this Agreement titled "Indebtedness and Liens"; (e) liens and
         security interests which, as of the date of this Agreement, have been
         disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing; and (f) those liens
         and security interests which in the aggregate constitute an immaterial
         and insignificant monetary amount with respect to the net value of
         Borrower's assets.

         RELATED DOCUMENTS.  The words "Related Documents" mean and include
         without limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan
         agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements,
         mortgages, deeds of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and
         documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection
         with the indebtedness.

         SECURITY AGREEMENT.  The words "Security Agreement" mean and include
         without limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
         understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract,
         or otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a
         Security Interest.
<PAGE>   2
09-03-1999                    BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT                    PAGE 2
                                    (CONTINUED)

===============================================================================

         SECURITY INTEREST.  The words "Security Interest" mean and include
         without limitation any type of collateral security, whether in the
         form of a lien, charge, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge,
         chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust,
         conditional sale, trust receipt, lien or title retention contract,
         lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other
         security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract
         or otherwise.

         SARA.  The word "SARA" means the Superfund Amendments and
         Reauthorization Act of 1986 as now or hereafter amended.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE.  Lender's obligation to make the initial
Loan Advance and each subsequent Loan Advance under this Agreement shall be
subject to the fulfillment to Lender's satisfaction of all the conditions set
forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents.

         LOAN DOCUMENTS.  Borrower shall provide to Lender in form satisfactory
         to Lender the following documents for the Loan: (a) the Note, (b)
         Security Agreements granting to Lender security interests in the
         Collateral, (c) Financing Statements perfecting Lender's Security
         Interests; (d) evidence of insurance as required below; and (e) any
         other documents required under this Agreement or by Lender or its
         counsel, including without limitation any guaranties described below.

         BORROWER'S AUTHORIZATION.  Borrower shall have provided in form and
         substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly
         authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and
         the Related Documents, and such other authorizations and other
         documents and instruments as Lender or its counsel, in their sole
         discretion, may require.

         PAYMENT OF FEES AND EXPENSES.  Borrower shall have paid to Lender all
         fees, charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as
         specified in this Agreement or any Related Document.

         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations and warranties
         set forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any
         document or certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are
         true and correct.

         NO EVENT OF DEFAULT.  There shall not exist at the time of any
         advance a condition which would constitute an Event of Default under
         this Agreement.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as
of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of Loan
proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan,
and at all times any Indebtedness exists:

         ORGANIZATION.  Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized,
         validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of
         Borrower's incorporation and is validly existing and in good standing
         in all states in which Borrower is doing business. Borrower has the
         full power and authority to own its properties and to transact the
         businesses in which it is presently engaged or presently proposes to
         engage. Borrower also is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and is
         in good standing in all states in which the failure to so qualify would
         have a material adverse effect on its businesses or financial
         condition.

         AUTHORIZATION.  The execution, delivery, and performance of this
         Agreement and all Related Documents by Borrower, to the extent to be
         executed, delivered or performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized
         by all necessary action by Borrower; do not require the consent or
         approval of any other person, regulatory authority or governmental
         body; and do no conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute
         a default under (a) any provision of its articles of incorporation or
         organization, or bylaws, or any agreement or other instrument binding
         upon Borrower or (b) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or
         order applicable to Borrower.

         FINANCIAL INFORMATION.  Each financial statement of Borrower supplied
         to Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition
         as of the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse
         change in Borrower's financial condition subsequent to the date of the
         most recent financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no
         material contingent obligations except as disclosed in such financial
         statements.

         LEGAL EFFECT.  This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or
         agreement required hereunder to be given by Borrower when delivered
         will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower
         enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

         PROPERTIES.  Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously
         disclosed in Borrower's financial statements or in writing to Lender
         and as accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes
         not presently due and payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all
         of Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and
         has not executed any security documents or financing statements
         relating to such properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in
         Borrower's legal name, and Borrower has not used, or filed a financing
         statement under, any other name for at least the last five (5) years.

         HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES.  The terms "hazardous waste," "hazardous
         substance," "disposal," "release," and "threatened release," as used in
         this Agreement, shall have the same meanings as set forth in the
         "CERCLA," "SARA," the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C.
         Section 1801, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42
         U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other applicable state or Federal
         laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing.
         Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing, Borrower
         represents and warrants that: (a) During the period of Borrower's
         ownership of the properties, there has been no use, generation,
         manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened
         release of any hazardous waste or substance by any person on, under,
         about or from any of the properties. (b) Borrower has no knowledge of,
         or reason to believe that there has been (i) any use, generation,
         manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release, or threatened
         release of any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from
         the properties by any prior owners or occupants of any of the
         properties, or (ii) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of
         any kind by any person relating to such matters. (c) Neither Borrower
         nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized user of any of
         the properties shall use, generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose
         of, or release any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or
         from any of the properties; and any such activity shall be conducted in
         compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
         regulations, and ordinances, including without limitation those laws,
         regulations and ordinances described above. Borrower authorizes Lender
         and its agents to enter upon the properties to make such inspections
         and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine compliance of the
         properties with this section of the Agreement. Any inspections or tests
         made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for Lender's purposes
         only and shall not be construed to create any responsibility or
         liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any other person. The
         representations and warranties contained herein are based on Borrower's
         due diligence in investigating the properties for hazardous waste and
         hazardous substances. Borrower hereby (a) releases and waives any
         future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event
         Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws,
         and (b) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and
         all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which
         Lender may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a
         breach of this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use,
         generation, manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened
         release of a hazardous waste or substance on the properties. The
         provisions of this section of the Agreement, including the obligation
         to indemnify, shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the
         termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall not be affected
         by Lender's acquisition of any interest in any of the properties,
         whether by foreclosure or otherwise.

         LITIGATION AND CLAIMS.  No litigation, claim, investigation,
         administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid
         taxes) against Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event
         has occurred which may materially adversely affect Borrower's financial
         condition or properties, other than litigation, claims, or other
         events, if any, that have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender
         in writing.

<PAGE>   3
09-03-1999                  BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT                       PAGE 3
                                  (CONTINUED)
================================================================================

         TAXES.  To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all tax returns and
         reports of Borrower that are or were required to be filed, have been
         filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have
         been paid in full, except those presently being or to be contested by
         Borrower in good faith in the ordinary course of business and for which
         adequate reserves have been provided.

         LIEN PRIORITY.  Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in
         writing, Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security
         Agreements, or permitted the filing or attachment of any Security
         Interests on or affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly
         securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or
         that may in any way be superior to Lender's Security Interests and
         rights in and to such Collateral.

         BINDING EFFECT.  This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements
         directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note
         and all of the Related Documents are binding upon Borrower as well as
         upon Borrower's successors, representatives and assigns, and are
         legally enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

         COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.  Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely
         for business or commercial related purposes.

         EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.  Each employee benefit plan as to which
         Borrower may have any liability complies in all material respects with
         all applicable requirements of law and regulations, and (i) no
         Reportable Event nor Prohibited Transaction (as defined in ERISA) has
         occurred with respect to any such plan, (ii) Borrower has not withdrawn
         from any such plan or initiated steps to do so, (iii) no steps have
         been taken to terminate any such plan, and (iv) there are no unfunded
         liabilities other than those previously disclosed to Lender in writing.

         LOCATION OF BORROWER'S OFFICES AND RECORDS.  Borrower's place of
         business, or Borrower's Chief executive office, if Borrower has more
         than one place of business, is located at 12200 34th Street,
         Clearwater, FL 33762. Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in
         writing this location is also the office or offices where Borrower
         keeps its records concerning the Collateral.

         INFORMATION.  All information heretofore or contemporaneously herewith
         furnished by Borrower to Lender for the purposes of or in connection
         with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all
         information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender
         will be, true and accurate in every material respect on the date as of
         which such information is dated or certified; and none of such
         information is or will be incomplete by omitting to state any material
         fact necessary to make such information not misleading.

         SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Borrower understands and
         agrees that Lender, without independent investigation, is relying upon
         the above representations and warranties in making the above referenced
         Loan to Borrower. Borrower further agrees that the foregoing
         representations and warranties shall be continuing in nature and shall
         remain in full force and effect until such time as Borrower's
         Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall be
         terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to
         occur.

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.  Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, while
this Agreement is in effect, Borrower will:

         LITIGATION.  Promptly inform Lender in writing of (a) all material
         adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (b) all existing
         and all threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative
         proceedings or similar actions affecting Borrower or any Guarantor
         which could materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or
         the financial condition of any Guarantor.

         FINANCIAL RECORDS.  Maintain its books and records in accordance with
         generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent
         basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and
         records at all reasonable times.

         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Furnish Lender with, as soon as available, but
         in no event later than sixty (60) days after the end of each fiscal
         year, Borrower's balance sheet and income statement for the year ended,
         compiled by a certified public accountant satisfactory to Lender, and,
         as soon as available, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after
         the end of each fiscal quarter, Borrower's balance sheet and profit and
         loss statement for the period ended, prepared and certified as correct
         to the best knowledge and belief by Borrower's chief financial officer
         or other officer or person acceptable to Lender. All financial reports
         required to be provided under this Agreement shall be prepared in
         accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a
         consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct.

         ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.  Furnish such additional information and
         statements, lists of assets and liabilities, agings of receivables and
         payables, inventory schedules, budgets, forecasts, tax returns, and
         other reports with respect to Borrower's financial condition and
         business operations as Lender may request from time to time.

         INSURANCE.  Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability
         insurance, and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect
         to Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages
         and with insurance companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower,
         upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the
         policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender,
         including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or
         diminished without at least ten (10) days' prior written notice to
         Lender. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement
         providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any
         way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any other person. In
         connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or
         is offered a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will provide
         Lender with such loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may
         require.

         INSURANCE REPORTS. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports
         on each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender
         may reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (a)
         the name of the insurer; (b) the risks insured; (c) the amount of the
         policy; (d) the properties insured; (e) the then current property
         values on the basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the
         manner of determining those values; and (f) the expiration date of the
         policy. In addition, upon request of Lender (however not more often
         than annually), Borrower will have an independent appraiser
         satisfactory to Lender determine, as applicable, the actual cash value
         or replacement cost of any Collateral. The cost of such appraisal shall
         be paid by Borrower.

         GUARANTIES.  Prior to disbursement of any Loan proceeds, furnish
         executed guaranties of the Loans in favor of Lender, executed by the
         guarantors named below, on Lender's forms, and in the amounts and under
         the conditions spelled out in those guaranties.

                 GUARANTORS                        AMOUNTS
                 ----------                        -------

                 Janice J. Warhurst                Unlimited
                 W. Roy Courtney                   Unlimited
                 Peter S. Warhurst                 Unlimited

         OTHER AGREEMENTS.  Comply with all terms and conditions of all other
         agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any
         other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in
         connection with any other such agreements.

         LOAN PROCEEDS.  Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business
         operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in
         writing.

         TAXES, CHARGES AND LIENS.  Pay and discharge when due all of its
         indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all
         assessments, taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every
         kind and nature, imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or
         profits, prior to the date on which penalties would attach, and all
         lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any
         of Borrower's properties, income, or profits. Provided however,
         Borrower will not be required to pay and discharge any such assessment,
         tax, charge, levy, lien or claim so long as (a) the legality of the
         same shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and
         (b) Borrower shall have established on its

<PAGE>   4

09-03-1999                    BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT                    PAGE 4
                                  (CONTINUED)
===============================================================================

         books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, tax,
         charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with generally accepted
         accounting practices. Borrower, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to
         Lender evidence of payment of the assessments, taxes, charges, levies,
         liens and claims and will authorize the appropriate governmental
         official to deliver to Lender at any time a written statement of any
         assessments, taxes, charges, levies, liens and claims against
         Borrower's properties, income, or profits.

         PERFORMANCE.  Perform and comply with all terms, conditions, and
         provisions set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents in
         a timely manner, and promptly notify Lender if Borrower learns of the
         occurrence of any event which constitutes an Event of Default under
         this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents.

         OPERATIONS.  Maintain executive and management personnel with
         substantially the same qualifications and experience as the present
         executive and management personnel; provide written notice to Lender of
         any change in executive and management personnel; conduct its business
         affairs in a reasonable and prudent manner and in compliance with all
         applicable federal, state and municipal laws, ordinances, rules and
         regulations respecting its properties, charters, businesses and
         operations, including without limitation, compliance with the Americans
         With Disabilities Act and with all minimum funding standards and other
         requirements of ERISA and other laws applicable to Borrower's employee
         benefit plans.

         INSPECTION.  Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable
         time to inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and
         Borrower's other properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books,
         accounts, and records and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's
         books, accounts, and records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter
         maintains any records (including without limitation computer generated
         records and computer software programs for the generation of such
         records) in the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon request of
         Lender, shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such
         records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of
         any records it may request, all at Borrower's expense.

         COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE.  Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide
         Lender at least annually and at the time of each disbursement of Loan
         proceeds with a certificate executed by Borrower's chief financial
         officer, or other officer or person acceptable to Lender, certifying
         that the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement are
         true and correct as of the date of the certificate and further
         certifying that, as of the date of the certificate, no Event of Default
         exists under this Agreement.

         ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REPORTS.  Borrower shall comply in all
         respects with all environmental protection federal, state and local
         laws, statutes, regulations and ordinances; not cause or permit to
         exist, as a result of an intentional or unintentional action or
         omission on its part or on the part of any third party, on property
         owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any environmental activity where
         damage may result to the environment, unless such environmental
         activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the conditions of a
         permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local governmental
         authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event within
         thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice, summons,
         lien, citation, directive, letter or other communication from any
         governmental agency or instrumentality concerning any intentional or
         unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in connection with
         any environmental activity whether or not there is damage to the
         environment and/or other natural resources.

         ADDITIONAL ASSURANCES.  Make, execute and deliver to Lender such
         promissory notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements,
         financing statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as
         Lender or its attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure
         the Loans and to perfect all Security Interests.

NEGATIVE COVENANTS.  Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this
Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent
of Lender:

         INDEBTEDNESS AND LIENS.  (a) Except for trade debt incurred in the
         normal course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by
         this Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed
         money, including capital leases, (b) except as allowed as a Permitted
         Lien, sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security
         interest in, or encumber any of Borrowers assets, or (c) sell with
         recourse any of Borrower's accounts, except to Lender.

         CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS.  (a) Engage in any business activities
         substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently
         engaged, (b) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or
         consolidate with any other entity, change ownership, change its name,
         dissolve or transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of
         business, (c) pay any dividends on Borrower's stock (other than
         dividends payable in its stock), provided, however that notwithstanding
         the foregoing, but only so long as no Event of Default has occurred and
         is continuing or would result from the payment of dividends, if
         Borrower is a "Subchapter S Corporation" (as defined in the Internal
         Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may pay cash dividends on
         its stock to its shareholders from time to time in amounts necessary to
         enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make estimated income
         tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal and state law
         which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a Subchapter S
         Corporation because of their ownership of shares of stock of Borrower,
         or (d) purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or alter
         or amend Borrower's capital structure.

         LOANS, ACQUISITIONS AND GUARANTIES. (a) Loan, invest in or advance
         money or assets, (b) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any
         other enterprise or entity, or (c) incur any obligation as surety or
         guarantor other than in the ordinary course of business.

CESSATION OF ADVANCES.  If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to
Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender
shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if:
(a) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement
or any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any
Guarantor has with Lender; (b) Borrower or any Guarantor becomes insolvent,
files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a
bankrupt; (c) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial
condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any
Collateral securing any Loan; (d) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise
attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any
other loan with Lender; or (e) Lender in good faith deems itself insecure, even
though no Event of Default shall have occurred.

RIGHT OF SETOFF.  Borrower grants to Lender a contractual security interest in,
and hereby assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers to Lender all
Borrower's right, title and interest in and to, Borrower's accounts with Lender
(whether checking, savings, or some other account), including without
limitation all accounts held jointly with someone else and all accounts
Borrower may open in the future, excluding however all IRA and Keogh accounts,
and all trust accounts for which the grant of a security interest would be
prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the Indebtedness against
any and all such accounts.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default
under this Agreement:

         DEFAULT ON INDEBTEDNESS.  Failure of Borrower to make any payment when
         due on the Loans.

         OTHER DEFAULTS.  Failure of Borrower or any Grantor to comply with or
         to perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition
         contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents, or
         failure of Borrower to comply with or to perform any other term,
         obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement
         between Lender and Borrower.

         DEFAULT IN FAVOR OF THIRD PARTIES.  Should Borrower or any Grantor
         default under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement,
         purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any
         other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's
         property or Borrower's or any Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or
         perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the
         Related Documents.
<PAGE>   5
09-03-1999                  BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT                       Page 5
                                  (Continued)
================================================================================

         FALSE STATEMENTS. Any warranty, representation or statement made or
         furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower or any Grantor under
         this Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any
         material respect at the time made or furnished, or becomes false or
         misleading at any time thereafter.

         DEFECTIVE COLLATERALIZATION. This Agreement or any of the Related
         Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of
         any Security Agreement to create a valid and perfected Security
         Interest) at any time and for any reason.

         INSOLVENCY. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a
         going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a
         receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the
         benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement
         of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against
         Borrower.

         CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or
         forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help,
         repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower, any
         creditor of any Grantor against any collateral securing the
         Indebtedness, or by any governmental agency. This includes a
         garnishment, attachment, or levy on or of any of Borrower's deposit
         accounts with Lender.

         EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with
         respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor
         dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or
         liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.

         CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent
         (25%) or more of the common stock of Borrower.

         ADVERSE CHANGE. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's
         financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or
         performance of the indebtedness is impaired.

         YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE FAILURE. Failure to meet the deadlines required in
         the Year 2000 Compliance Agreement to be Year 2000 Compliant or a
         reasonable likelihood that Borrower cannot be Year 2000 Compliant on or
         before December 31, 1999.

         INSECURITY. Lender, in good faith, deems itself insecure.

EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where
otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments
and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any
other agreement immediately will terminate and, at Lender's option, all
indebtedness immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any
kind to Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type
described in the "insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be
automatic and not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and
remedies provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or
otherwise. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights
and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or
concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit
of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to
perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's
right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Agreement:

         AMENDMENTS. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents,
         constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to
         the matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment
         to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed
         by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration
         or amendment.

         APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO LENDER AND
         ACCEPTED BY LENDER IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. IF THERE IS A LAWSUIT,
         BORROWER AGREES UPON LENDER'S REQUEST TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF
         THE COURTS OF PINELLAS COUNTY, THE STATE OF FLORIDA. LENDER AND
         BORROWER HEREBY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO ANY JURY TRIAL IN ANY ACTION,
         PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER LENDER OR BORROWER
         AGAINST THE OTHER. (INITIAL HERE ________) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE
         GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
         FLORIDA.

         CAPTION HEADINGS. Caption headings in this Agreement are for
         convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or
         define the provisions of this Agreement.

         CONSENT TO LOAN PARTICIPATION.  Borrower agrees and consents to
         Lender's sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more
         participation interests in the Loans to one or more purchasers, whether
         related or unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any
         limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers, or potential
         purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about Borrower
         or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and Borrower hereby
         waives any rights to privacy it may have with respect to such matters.
         Borrower additionally waives any and all notices of sale of
         participation interests, as well as all notices of any repurchase of
         such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the purchasers
         of any such participation interests will be considered as the absolute
         owners of such interests in the Loans and will have all the rights
         granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the
         sale of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all
         rights of offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against
         Lender or against any purchaser of such a participation interest and
         unconditionally agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce
         Borrower's obligation under the Loans irrespective of the failure or
         insolvency of any holder of any interest in the Loans. Borrower further
         agrees that the purchaser of any such participation interests may
         enforce its interests irrespective of any personal claims or defenses
         that Borrower may have against Lender.

         COSTS AND EXPENSES.  Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's
         expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees,
         incurred in connection with the preparation, execution, enforcement,
         modification and collection of this Agreement or in connection with the
         Loans made pursuant to this Agreement. Lender may pay someone else to
         help collect the Loans and to enforce this Agreement, and borrower will
         pay that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable
         law, Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses,
         whether or not there is a lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys' fees
         for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any
         automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated
         post-judgment collection services. Borrower also will pay any court
         costs, in addition to all other sums provide by law.

         NOTICES.  All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall
         be given in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile (unless otherwise
         required by law), and shall be effective when actually delivered or
         when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier or
         deposited in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid,
         addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the address
         shown above. Any party may change its address for notices under this
         Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties,
         specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's
         address. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if there is more
         than one Borrower, notice to any Borrower will constitute notice to all
         Borrowers. For notice purposes, Borrower will keep Lender informed at
         all times of Borrower's current address(es).

         SEVERABILITY.  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision
         of this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or
         circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or
         unenforceable as to any other persons or circumstances. If feasible,
         any such offending provision shall be deemed to be modified to be
         within the limits of enforceability or validity; however, if the
         offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken and all
         other provisions of this Agreement in all other respects shall remain
         valid and enforceable.

         SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES OF BORROWER.  To the extent the context of
         any provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including
         without limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word
         "Borrower" as used herein shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates
         of Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no
         circumstances shall this Agreement be construed to require Lender to
         make any Loan or other financial accommodation to any subsidiary or
         affiliate of Borrower.
<PAGE>   6
09-03-1999                     BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENTS                   Page 6
                                     (Continued)

================================================================================

         SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. All covenants and agreements contained by or on
         behalf of Borrower shall bind its successors and assigns and shall
         inure to the benefit of Lender, its successor and assigns. Borrower
         shall not, however, have the right to assign its rights under this
         Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of
         Lender.

         SURVIVAL. All warranties, representations, and covenants made by
         Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument
         delivered by Borrower to Lender under this Agreement shall be
         considered to have been relied upon by Lender and will survive the
         making of the Loan and delivery to Lender of the Related Documents,
         regardless of any investigation made by Lender or on Lender's behalf.

         TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence in the performance of
         this Agreement.

         WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
         Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender.
         No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right
         shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by
         Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or
         constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict
         compliance with that provision or any other provision of this
         Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between
         Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and any Grantor, shall
         constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any obligations of
         Borrower or of any Grantor as to any future transactions. Whenever the
         consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the granting of
         such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing
         consent in subsequent instances where such consent is required, and in
         all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole
         discretion of Lender.

BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN
AGREEMENT, AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED AS OF
SEPTEMBER 3, 1999.

BORROWER:

PODS, Inc. f/k/a Pods Equity, Inc. successor in interest to Pods, LLC f/k/a
Portables on Demand Storage, LLC successor, in interest by merger, to Rope
Developments, a Florida general partnership.

By: /S/ Peter S. Warhurst
   ------------------------------
   Peter S. Warhurst, President

LENDER:

First National Bank of Florida

By: /s/ ?
    -----------------------------
    Authorized Officer

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