Shipping containers are standardized steel boxes used for transporting goods across various modes of transportation, including ships, trains, and trucks. They are designed to withstand rough handling and harsh weather conditions while securely housing cargo during transit.

The expected life of a shipping container varies depending on several factors, including the quality of construction, environmental conditions, maintenance, and frequency of use. However, on average, a well-maintained shipping container can have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 20 years or more.

Shipping containers are invariably made of steel – hi-quality Corten steel - and have a hardwood floor. However, there are variations and there are aluminium ones around.

Speaking generally the shipping lines release shipping containers for re-sale after they have been written down on their books for about ten years. So a container straight out of shipping will likely be at least ten years old. There are also one-time shipping only used once before they are offered to public. Our grading guidelines are as follows: “Grade B-Used” are containers from 1999 to 2004, “Grade A-Used” is from 2006 to 2010 and “Grade A-New” is usually 90 days or less.

There are a number of ways of quoting a shipping container weight. The Tare weight is the weight of a container without contents and the Gross weight is the weight of the container including the maximum weight of contents (Gross weight = Tare weight + weight of contents). Typical Tare weights (weight empty) are 20ft – 2.5 tons, 30ft – 3.0 tons, 40ft – 4.0 tons (approx.). Typical Gross weights (weight empty + contents) are 20ft – 67,196lbs, 40ft – 100,000lbs.

Repairing a hole in a shipping container involves a few steps:

Cut Out the Damaged Section:  Use an angle grinder or metal saw to carefully remove the damaged section.

 Weld In a New Patch: Once the damaged area is removed, place a metal patch over the hole and weld it in place.

Seal and Paint:  After welding, apply a rust-resistant primer and paint to protect the repair.

To address rust on a shipping container :

Remove the Rust :Use a wire brush, sandpaper, or a grinder to remove the rusted areas.

Apply Rust Converter :This converts rust into a protective layer.

Clean the Area :Wipe away any debris or dust.

Paint :Use rust-inhibiting paint to provide an extra layer of protection.

To address rust on a shipping container :

• Document the damage with photos.
• Inform the supplier or leasing company promptly.
• Get estimates for repairs if you’re responsible for them.

Responsibility for damage depends on the terms of the rental, lease, or purchase agreement. If rented or leased, the lessee might be responsible unless damage occurred prior to possession or if it’s due to natural wear and tear. Always review contracts to understand liability terms.

The most frequent container damages include :

Dents or Bends :Often due to mishandling during transport.

Rust :This can result from exposure to the elements.

Damaged Door Seals :Leading to potential water leaks.

Floor Damage :Often from overloading or spillage inside the container.

Punctures or Holes :From forceful impacts or severe corrosion.

Any metal surface that is exposed to temperature variations will inevitably suffer from condensation but there are ways to mitigate against this. Empiracle evidence shows that the corrugated construction of modern containers (compared with flat roofs of the early containers) helps prevent condensation and no doubt the paint used also helps. The roof of a new container is slightly bowed to give an upward arc so that external water does not lie on the roof. Where water lies on the roof of a container it lowers the temperature of the metal and causes condensation on the opposite side of the steel. Condensation is more likely to occur on used containers that have roof dents where water gathers. Condensation is more likely to occur when a container is sat on cold, damp ground such as exposed soil or a flooded area; the cold from the earth permeates the container above and reduces the temperature thus causing condensation. All air has moisture in it and it is this that condenses when the temperature drops so reducing the amount of moisture in the air inside a container will prevent condensation; this can be done by ensuring items are only placed in a container on a dry day if possible; a container can be vented on a dry day by opening the doors to allow damp air to circulate out of the container and be reduced by dryer air. Also, an item called Absorpole can be placed inside a container to absorb moisture from the air over a period of time.

Shipping containers require relatively little maintenance. A new shipping container going straight into a secure storage use will require hardly any maintenance at all and this is why we recommend buying a new one if you can justify it. The steel work will barely deteriorate because the steel is of high quality and the paint work is excellent; you can realistically expect a 50 year life of a new container used for storage. The door hinges and locking bars may require oiling every couple of years but that takes only ten minutes. The door seals will deteriorate but they will last at least ten years depending on conditions and probably over twice as long as that. Used containers require the same attention to the doors and also there may be small dents or corroded areas that may need repainting from time to time and possibly even a patch welded on. Painting a shipping container to maintain appearance is quite straight forward but does not need to be done often.

Container damage refers to any kind of impairment, harm, or degradation that occurs to shipping containers during transportation, handling, storage, or due to various environmental factors. These containers, typically made of steel or aluminium, are used to transport goods by sea, land, or air.

Container damage can occur in several ways :

Physical Damage : This includes dents, scratches, punctures, or deformation caused by mishandling, collisions, or accidents during loading, unloading, or transportation.

Corrosion : Exposure to moisture, saltwater, or other corrosive substances can lead to rust or corrosion on the container's surface, weakening its structural integrity over time.

Wear and Tear : Containers undergo wear and tear through repeated use, leading to issues such as weakening of door hinges, locks, or seals.

Environmental Factors : Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, storms, or exposure to direct sunlight, can also contribute to container damage, including degradation of paint or structural materials.

Improper Loading :Overloading containers beyond their weight limits or improper distribution of weight can cause structural damage or even lead to accidents during transportation. Container damage can impact the safety of transported goods, result in financial losses for shipping companies, and cause delays in supply chains. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and adherence to safety regulations are essential to minimize container damage and ensure the safe transportation of goods.

Because we work hard to understand your needs and supply you with the container you are looking for. If needed we will spend time on the phone with you ensuring we understand details but on the other hand if you need a quick straight forward order we will respond to that and deliver quickly. Some people want a basic container at a low price for short term or a specific use and some want one to last them for many years - we can give advice and deliver both. We have many years’ experience in sourcing containers from all sorts of contacts and many years’ experience of delivering just what our customers want including for all sorts of bespoke applications. We can help you design a container for an application which could be industrial or domestic. And in addition we give good customer service (that’s what feedback tells us) and we are flexible on payment terms when we can be and we respond to after sales issues that may arise.

It is best to site a container on a dry level surface such as concrete, tarmac or paving but this is not always possible. It follows that a damp, soft and uneven surface is the worst type of surface. It is most important that the surface is level so that the doors open and close correctly. The weight of a shipping container is borne through its corners and therefore spacers such as paving stones or timbers can be placed under the corners to level the container even on very uneven ground where different numbers of paving stones or timbers can be used for each corner. Shipping containers are very versatile and are of very strong construction and will sit satisfactorily even on non-ideal surfaces such as grass for many years.

The different sizes of shipping containers commonly available include:

20-foot Standard Container

40-foot Standard Container

40-foot High Cube Container

Additionally, there are specialized sizes such as 10-foot, 45-foot, and 53-foot containers, as well as open-top and flat-rack containers designed for specific cargo requirements.

The typical shelf-life expectancy for new shipping containers is generally between 10 to 20 years, depending on various factors such as materials used, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices.