The Qualities of an Excellent Shipping Container

You might think that all shipping containers look the same, or at least very similar. But, just as with anything else, the quality can vary quite immensely, so you need to do your research before buying one.

There are millions of shipping containers all over the world, and these come in a variety of different sizes and configurations. Although there is a difference in the sizes and configurations available, they still all look pretty similar. However, that does not mean that they are all the same or the manufacturers work to the same standards!

As with any other type of product, some companies adhere to much higher standards than others, which show in the quality of the products that they offer. When you are looking for shipping containers for sale, there are some important things that you should be looking for, as well as questions that you should be asking.

Standardisation of the Shipping Containers

In 1956, Malcom McLean experimented with various different sizes of metal containers, in order to streamline his transportation business. When he settled on the most efficient size and design, he then applied for a patent, which was granted.

The design of the shipping container reduced the cost of shipping per ton from over $5.00 to less than $0.20. Due to the efficiency of the shipping containers, they were quickly accepted and used all over the world. It was decided not long after their introduction to standardise the sizes of the shipping containers. When standardisation was introduced, it meant that you can easily transport cargo to any point in the world using the standardised intermodal shipping container.

Whether you are shipping cargo across the country or halfway around the world, you can use planes, trains, road or sea transports to deliver your cargo to any location on the planet.

The Corrugated Steel Box

The basic component that goes into making a shipping container is steel. Even though a shipping container can be transported using a variety of different methods, it is designed to be used in a marine environment.

Instead of using flat steel, the metal is corrugated just as you find with cardboard boxes, as this helps to give strength and rigidity to the shipping container. Ideally high-quality steel is used such as COR-TEN Steel, which has a rust-like appearance but can still be used for a long time with the minimal amount of servicing. The corrugated metal and hollow beams used to construct the shipping containers mean that they are extremely sturdy and can be used for very heavy loads.

It is always a good idea before purchasing any shipping container to inspect it first of all. You will want to inspect the seams where the metal has been joined together. If you have a welder that can go with you to inspect the welds, this will help you to check the overall quality of the shipping container.

A Quality Paint Job

Although COR-TEN Steel can survive with very little maintenance, as previously mentioned, the shipping containers are built for the marine environment, and the salt air and water can be very abrasive. A liberal application of anti-corrosive paint will help to make sure that the shipping container remains in top condition for years to come.

You should look at the quality of the paint job when inspecting the shipping containers before purchasing them, and make sure that there are no areas that have not been covered. Although the most important area is the outside, you will still want to see the inside of the shipping container covered in paint, as the air is corrosive, as well as the water.

If the shipping container is corroded and holes start to form, then you could be putting your precious cargo at risk.

Securing your Cargo

When you are looking for quality shipping containers for sale, take a look inside the shipping container and look at the amount, as well as location, of the bullrings inside. The bullrings are metal loops that can be used to tie down your cargo, which will help to ensure that it does not move during transit. These bull-rings can be put under extreme pressure with heavier cargo, so you will need to inspect them to make sure that the welds are of a good quality. You will also want to make sure that there are plenty of them all around the inside of the shipping container at various points, especially if the cargo that you are going to transport is liable to change.

Although the shell of the shipping container is made from steel, the floors are almost always made from wood. You will need to keep an eye on the floors to make sure that the wood does not rot. If you need to replace a floor in a shipping container, then it is advised that you replace the floor with timber that has been treated to prevent moisture from getting in. It is inevitable that the floor will need replacing at some point though, as sea air and water is very corrosive and given enough time can eat through almost anything!

The Doors and Seals

The doors and seals are a very important area of the shipping container, as these prevent the elements from getting to the cargo inside. When you are looking at a shipping container, make sure that you look at the gauge of steel used for the doors. Sometimes you may find that the steel is not as thick in the doors and can also be of a lower quality.

There should be a rubber seal around the door, and also around any vents that are in the shipping container. These seals will need to be checked periodically to ensure that they have not corroded away. A damaged or faulty seal could let in the elements and damage the cargo, and it takes very little time to check, so is worthwhile doing.

With a bit of looking around you can find a high-quality shipping container to purchase, and with a little maintenance it will last you for a very long time.