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Buying a shipping container

Before purchasing a used shipping container, it is important to assess it for structural integrity to ensure that it is both safe and likely to last. While some issues are purely cosmetic and not to be concerned about, others may compromise the structure itself. It is essential to know the difference before you buy. We recommend personally performing an inspection on the container with the following points in mind:

Overall Shape
Shipping containers are often stacked and moved about significantly which, if not handled properly, can lead to structural issues to the box’s frame. The shape should be in-square. If it is leaning or warped, then damage has been done. We recommend doing a string test: Place one end of the string at a top corner of the container (on the longer side), while another person holds the other end of the string at the opposite bottom corner (diagonal). If the centre of the container is quite away from the string, it shows that your container has been warped.

Dents
Most used containers will have a few dents on them. Generally, small dents on the sides of the container present no real problem, they are purely aesthetic blemishes. If, however, the dent is big enough to change the overall shape of the container (makes it seem slanted, slouched or warped) the structural integrity of the container may have been compromised. 

Get up high and check the dents on the roof of the container. Roof dents pool water and corrosion will set in. Check the degree of the corrosion. Then check the inside roof of the container for dents and visible corrosion.

Rust
Containers are made from super strong corten steel with high anti-rust properties. These properties delay the risk of rust but cannot completely prevent it. Over time, dents and scrapes that are exposed to the weather will begin to corrode. There are two types of rust that you should know about: Non-structural and structural.

Non-structural rust is surface level rust and is purely cosmetic. This type of rust is nothing to worry about and is easily repaired during regular maintenance.

Structural rust, however, is a real concern. Unlike the usual exterior rust, structural rust goes beneath the surface level and deep into the steel. If you see bubbling underneath the paint, this is a good indication that structural rust is present. It can render a container unusable.

The floor and undercarriage
The floor of a shipping container is the main weight bearing part of the structure and therefore very important. Check for damage, holes or significant rust on the undercarriage of the container as well uneven flooring or rotting floorboards inside the container.

The doors, locking bars and seals

Shipping container doors play an important role in maintaining the overall shape of the container by preventing the frame from warping.  They provide structural strength and stability to the entire box. Check that they are fully opening and closing properly. While the doors are heavy, they should be able to be moved without too much effort. Also check the locking bars to ensure you container is locking fully.

Inspect the hinges for rust and the seal for weather tightness. Shipping containers should be water and weatherproof. The best way to check for this is to get inside the container on a sunny day and close the doors. There should be no points of light coming in. The container should be completely dark. If light is coming in, then can moisture and rodents can get in too.

If you have any questions about purchasing a shipping container, we are more than happy to answer them for you, obligation free. Give Pete a call on 021 980 012. 

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6 Great Storage Uses for Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are building momentum as an  effective storage solution, not just for long distance ocean or rail transport, but for homes, building sites and businesses. These huge boxes, made from heavy steel, are built to withstand harsh conditions and are built to last. They are secure and strong superstructures, and best of all, they’re mobile, able to be moved and positioned for convenient storage wherever they’re needed – the ideal storage solution. Here are a few ideas on how to use them:

1. Moving House

House moves are often time-sensitive and stressful, rushed to be completed over a day or two, with multiple trips to and from your new home. Think of a stress-free house move,where you can pack and unpack at your leisure. Shipping containers can be delivered to your home at a time and date of your choosing, ahead of moving day. When moving day arrives, the container is picked up and taken to your new home and positioned conveniently for unpacking, thanks to a Hiab crane, which can manoeuvre the container where needed.Once unpacked, the container is uplifted and taken away.

2. Home Renovations or Building Sites

Shipping containers offer weather tight and secure storage for your tools and building materials onsite. No more clutter around your building site. Shipping containers can also come with a lockbox to provide added security from bolt cutters, keeping your building tools safe and sound.

3. Car Garaging

Shipping containers are often used to transport cars around the world, but how about to store your car at home? Shipping containers offer a secure and cost-effective solution for your vehicles as apposed to the expense of building a carport or garage. Need somewhere to store your project 4wheel drive, your classic cars or your motorbikes, quads and boat? How about long-term storage for your vehicles while you travel? Shipping containers are
your best option.

4. Agricultural and Rural Storage

Are you looking for a cost-effective alternative to building another big barn? Consider getting a four shipping containers and stacking them in two piles, two high, then place a roof between them. Store your tractors and farming vehicles beneath and secure your tools, equipment and farming supplies inside the containers.

5. Events

Concerts and events hire containers for temporary and secure storage on the event site.Delivered to the event and picked up after, easy come and easy go. Refrigerated containers or ‘reefers’ are used for catering events as a portable cold storage option for perishable goods.

6. Commercial storage

Expanding your warehouse? Needing temporary storage for excess supply of products? Shipping containers have a relatively small footprint but a large storage capacity, allowing them to squeeze into relatively tight spaces, with the help of a Hiab, even in commercial or industrial areas.

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How to pack your shipping container for transport

There’s an art to packing a shipping container to ensure that your contents arrive safe and sound. Follow these tips for easy and effective packing.

Heavy things go first:
Fridges and furniture or heavy equipment should be put in first at the bottom of the container. This way your delicate items don’t get smashed by heavy moving objects during the journey over.

Balance and distribute the weight equally:
When the container is uplifted and transported, your contents may move about. Your truck driver may apply the brakes suddenly or turn a sharp corner. If one side of the container is heavier than the other, the heavier contents may crush the contents on the lighter side. Balance is key, distribute the heavy items equally on either side of the container.

Tightly pack your contents:
When items are packed loosely, damage may occur. Think of Tetris, the game, all items must be snugly packed next to each other. Where gaps appear, fill these with padding such as pillows and blankets or pieces of wood until nothing can move.

Tie it down:
There are small metal rings on the walls on each side of the container that you can use to tie your items down to. Secure your bigger, heavier contents tightly with rope or loading straps.

Save the most important for last:
What goes in last, comes out first when you unpack, so think ahead of what immediate items you will need and store them on the side closest to the door. With the essentials easily accessible, you can unpack the rest of your contents at your leisure.

Condensation:
If you are packing your container up and then storing it for a time before unloading, be aware that condensation may build up on the ceiling and walls of the container. You can reduce this by ensuring that you don’t pack the container on damp or overly humid days, and by not putting any damp contents inside the container. We recommend dehumidifying your container once a week or airing it out on warm days. Alternatively, put in moisture traps/absorbers.

Be weight conscious:
Our Hiab crane can lift up to 6 tonnes. That’s a 20ft container full of ordinary household furniture. If you are planning on loading the container with concrete or heavy machinery, you must be aware of how much it weighs and how much you pack inside.

Good packing techniques are a paramount component for a stress-free move. Take the time to do the job right and you’ll find the process of moving to your new home smoother than you might have imagined, and your items will arrive in the exact same condition as they were packed.