Shipping containers were designed and are built for the specific purpose of withstanding the harshness of global sea travel atop massive container ships. They also have to withstand winding long journeys on trains and trucks via highways worldwide. They are constructed from solid steel and stainless-steel fittings & joints and floors treated and engineered to prevent rotting. With all that said, mother nature is a beast and can get through anything. If a shipping container sees a lot of use or gets battered, it’s going to need container maintenance done to keep it in excellent condition and ensure the most extended life possible.
Today shipping containers are used across the globe in transit, but they now see more prevalent use in private hands. Be it for extra on-site storage or to make transporting equipment in a secure container easier.
Tips for Ensuring Your Shipping Container has the Longest Lifespan Possible
Please do your best to keep them well maintained. Look out for potential trouble spots and have them checked out. Be careful loading and unloading cargo; this is where a lot of damage happens to the interior of shipping containers. Never overload the weight limit of your shipping container. It may seem like a huge number, but it adds up quickly with heavy stuff. An overweight load can damage the structural integrity of any shipping container and make it unusable. Best practices do exist for a reason. Please do your best to ensure you follow them to keep yourself and your container safe. Here are our six best tips, broken down.
Container Inspection Tip 1: Regularly Check the Roof
You may not be able to see the roof of your container, but you need to make sure somehow you are inspecting that regularly. Many experts would agree it’s the more critical part of your container. Unfortunately, containers are designated second-hand containers on the market due to slight roof damage and deeming them no longer seaworthy. Dents and bumps are common, considering how shipping containers are stacked on top of one another. The problem with deep scrapes and dents is that they allow rainwater to pool, causing rust and corrosion! We all know those two are the worst enemies of metal. That’s the last thing you want to have happen to your container.
Container Tip 2: Remove and Treat Suspected Rust Areas
So many shipping container retailers you see out there will flat out suggest that Cor-Ten steel, the material they are made from, is 100% rust-resistant. So yes, it is better than traditional steel, but it is no longer fully corrosion-proof at some point. So, any area that has been scratched or dented must be sealed and painted carefully to ensure they are rust-proof. This will significantly extend the lifespan of your container.
Container Tip 3: Keep Your Doors Running Smoothly
The only moving parts in a shipping container involve the door. As you could guess, anything with moving parts is more susceptible to being damaged/broken or being worn out over time. If you take care of nothing else, take the time to keep your door parts clean and lubricated. Shipping containers pick up lots of dirt and grit, get a brush or something and do your best to clean out the door hinges and the locking bars on the container. You may need strong cleaners to get it all. Then lubricate everything well with a quality lubricating spray like WD-40 on all hinges. Grease any other areas that see hefty use or need that extra bit of lubrication. Many people have no idea that shipping containers have gaskets along the doors to create a completely sealed environment. These door gaskets do only have a lifespan of somewhere around ten years. Eventually, they will not work, and you no longer have that safe sealed environment. When these get worn out pretty quickly, you can tell that they will crack or show other damage signs.
Container Tip 4: Check Sealing at Altered Location
Shipping container modifications are fantastic, but you need to carefully check any part of your container where the outer metal was altered (i.e., windows, doors). It needs to be sealed tight to avoid corrosion from water and dirt. Look for areas that may cause liquids to pool or collect extra amounts of debris. Rust can be easily removed, and the area can be treated with anti-corrosive paints.
Container Tip 5: Shipping Containers MUST be Placed on a Level Surface
One of the most simple but essential things you can do for the future of your shipping container and its well-being is to install it on a level surface. It’s also critical that the surface drains well; you don’t want to see what happens when your container sits in standing water. Likewise, you don’t want to have water collecting anywhere on or near your container.
Container Tip 6: Pay Close Attention to Electronics
This tip will mainly pertain to things like “reefer” containers – a shipping container with a built-in refrigerated unit attached. Doing regular maintenance cuts down on downtimes and the cost of significant emergency repairs. Being proactive with things like this is going to serve you well.
Go to the Container Repair and Maintenance Professionals When You Need To
Is your shipping container still in good shape but starting to show its age in some sport? Well, All States Containers are here to help you and ensure your shipping container gets the care and attention that it needs.
We employ a team of qualified container maintenance experts like welders and engineers to help you save money and prevent future downtime. We will work closely with you to ensure your needs are met. We are more than happy to lend our opinion and expertise if you aren’t sure what you need in a container or have any questions at all.
All States Containers
A quality shipping container could be a game-changer for any person or company. Contact All States Containers today at 704-802-7700 to handle all your container needs.