Shipping Container

What is a Shipping Container?

A shipping container is basically a large standardized metal box designed to transport goods via various modes of transportation, including ships, trucks, and trains. These models are of different types and are used for various other applications as well. These containers are available in multiple types and sizes most common sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet long.

These shipping containers are designed to withstand various severe conditions such as shock, extreme weather, etc. So, to optimize these containers and to make them capable, shipping container manufacturers uses high-quality raw material to manufacture these containers. These containers have corner fitting to ease lifting and transportation with the requirements of unpacking and repacking the goods. Also, these shipping containers are leakage-proof, so the material stored inside remains completely unaffected by the outer atmosphere.

The protective covering of stainless steel makes them unaffected by rain, heat, and theft. The specifications of these shipping containers make them a trustful product of various industries, specifically the shipping industry. But these containers are not limited to shipping purposes but are also used in various applications such as storage units, housing, and offices.

How to Buy a Quality Shipping Container?

If you are planning to buy an authentic shipping container, here are some factors considering which you can ensure a quality deal and extraordinary products.

• Determine Your Needs: There are a variety of shipping containers available in the industry with varying shapes, sizes, and types. Although the standard sizes available in the market are 20 feet and 40 feet, various other specialized sizes are also available. Though, it is suggested to consider the size according to your needs and requirements.
• Check for Built Quality: It is necessary to check the container's structural integrity. Also, consider the built quality of the product. Ask for the material used in manufacturing and also check for integration or withstand ability against rust, rot, and corrosion. Closely monitor the door strength and features to eliminate theft, etc.
• Ask for Modifications: If these doors require modifications such as additional doors, windows, insulation, or ventilation, discuss these with the Shipping container sellers to ensure that these containers are accessible for such minor changes or not.
• Check Maintenance: Ask the shipping container manufacturer regarding the maintenance costs and parts availability. It is one of the significant factors that can save a vast amount of money in the long run.
• Determine Warranty: Determine the warranty period of the container and check for the possible services shipping containers usually come with. Please read the terms and conditions carefully and try to understand them from a buyer’s perspective.

These are some of the factors we find suitable for getting a promising product and deal.

What Are the Different Types of Shipping Containers?

There are a variety of different types of shipping containers designed to accommodate numerous types of ordinary and specific transportation. So, to deliver the best services at any cost, some of the most common types of containers available in the market are:

1. Dry Containers: These types of containers are the most common types of shipping containers. These containers are used to transport a wide variety of dry goods, usually from textiles to electronic gadgets. These dry containers can vary in size; some of the most common sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet. Dry containers are usually weatherproof and equipped with double doors at one end to ease loading and unloading.
2. Refrigerated Containers: These containers are equipped with a cooling unit to maintain specific temperature conditions. These containers are usually used to transport perishable goods like foods, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals requiring temperature control.
3. Open-Top Containers: Open-top containers have a removable top that allows users to quickly load and unload bulky or oversized cargo, such as machinery and equipment. These sets of containers are usually covered with a weatherproof tarp during transportation.
4. Flat-Rack Containers: These containers have collapsible sides, and thus, they are ideal for carrying heavy or oversized cargo that cannot fit with standard containers due to varying dimensions. These shipping containers are often used to transport machines, vehicles, and construction materials.
5. Tank Containers: These containers are designed to transport liquids, chemicals, and gases. Shipping container manufacturers provide these types of containers with a cylindrical shape and equip them with specialized valves and fittings to ensure safety in transportation and to ensure zero leakage.

Apart from this, containers such as high-cube containers, open-side containers, double-door containers, insulated containers, and specialized containers are some of the other examples widely praised in the industry for quality work mechanisms.

How to Do Maintenance of Shipping Containers?

Shipping containers are a worthwhile piece of equipment and, thus, require some maintenance to maintain their functionality and longevity for the long term. So, if you are looking for some tips and tricks to ease maintenance, here they are:

1. Inspection: A regular inspection of the containers with a deep check on bruises, dents, leaks, and degradation helps in the early detect the damages and also eases maintenance.
2. Cleaning Debris: Clean the debris from both the interior and exterior timely so that they don’t degrade and harm the shipping container's quality. Also, remove all the dirt from its surface because it can hold moisture that led degradation in metal. It is also suggested to wash the container periodically to maintain its shinier appearance.
3. Investigate Rust: At any stage, when you notice any rust or corrosion, address it immediately. Before it spreads further, clean the affected area with rust paper, use a rust inhibitor to stop its growth, and repaint it to look like same as previously.
4. Special Attention on Door Seals: It is essential to prioritise door seals and maintain a watertight and secure environment. It is important to regularly inspect the seals for any damage or wear and replace them when required.
5. Inspect Flooring: Flooring has to go with much more than any other side. It is essential to pay special attention to it. It is important to check the flooring for any signs of damage or rot. It is essential for the floor to remain sturdy to privilege the cargo with additional support. If you find any dissimilarity, immediately replace it.

Apart from this, a keen eye on locking mechanisms, pest control, paint, sealing gaps or holes, etc., can help to maintain your shipping container like a new one for a very long time.