Form C+CF001.

Shipping Container Maintenance​
Release issue: [2022] AD_CCF004.1
Persons interested in receiving further information concerning this Policy can contact the company’s sales office on:
+61 7 40332200   [email protected]

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Shipping containers are the ultimate in durability and efficiency, whether they’re used on land or at sea. That said, as with anything that is battered, exposed to the elements, and has day-to-day usage, it’s going to require semi-regular maintenance to keep it in top condition and ensure a long useful life. 
 
Whether it be new, used, or even a one-trip container, all shipping containers require regular maintenance. This maintenance guide will help preserve the condition of your shipping container and extend its service life.
 
Protect your container from water
Many shipping container websites erroneously suggest that because shipping containers are constructed from Cor-Ten® steel that they are completely rustproof. This is not the case, Cor-Ten® steel is preferable to other steel, and corrosion resistant, but not completely corrosion-proof.  To this end, we highly recommend that you keep the container elevated off the ground.
 
The steel is sensitive to salt air environments and must be treated to ensure that it does not rust with specialist paint. Areas that have been dented, scratched or cut must be sealed, painted and rust proofed to ensure the long life of the container.
 
Shipping containers are well designed to avoid corrosion, water and dirt traps. Things get a little bit trickier after you cut , join , stack and/or modify them in various ways, shapes and forms. This is especially important if you have used shipping containers as the basis for a modified container building with doors, windows and other openings.
 
Check your container’s modified areas, especially around the joins or metal on metal areas to ensure that these are clean and free of corrosion. Take special care to look for depressions or other areas that may collect dirt, debris and water and clean them out. Remove any rust and treat the area with anti-corrosive paint.

One of the most important things you can do to ensure the long life of your shipping container is to install it on a level, well-drained surface. This stops water from collecting in one area of the container and prevents corrosion of the underside.
 
Inspect the container roof
The first step in shipping container maintenance is to inspect the roof of the container thoroughly. If you’ve purchased a second-hand container, chances are the roof has been dented due to the containers being stacked on top of each other. Deep dents can collect rainwater and lead to corrosion if not addressed.
 
All it takes is using a hammer and a dolly to fix minor dents on a container roof. Once those have been fixed, check the exterior paint and see if it has cracked or chipped. You want to fix any paint issues on the container to prevent corrosion from occurring. Simply treat the dented area with rustproof paint and you’re good to go.
  
Treat rusted areas immediately
Plenty of shipping container customers trick their customers into believing that shipping containers are rustproof, especially those made from Corten steel panels. While Corten steel does exhibit higher corrosion-resistant properties compared to other forms of steel, it’s not completely rustproof. This type of steel is sensitive to salty air environments and requires treatment to prevent corrosion.
 
Examine both the interior and exterior of the container and look for areas that have been scuffed, scratched, or cut. Treat these areas immediately by sealing, painting, and rustproofing them before it starts compromising the container.
 
Lubricate the container doors
Shipping containers are pretty straightforward in that they only have a couple of moving parts. This includes the door hinges themselves and these parts require regular cleaning and inspection. First, you want to clean the door hinges by using a commercial-grade steel cleaner. This removes any dirt, rust, and grit that may cause the hinge from getting stuck. You can follow that up by using a lubricating spray and applying grease on the cams for smooth hinge movement.
 
Shipping containers usually have seals and rubber gaskets to create a sealed environment for the goods inside. Usually, gaskets and seals last for around 10 years before they need any replacement. Inspect the condition of these rubbers and replace them immediately if they show any signs of wear and tear. This will create a nice, good seal on the container door to keep out rain, snow, and precipitation from entering inside.
 
Pest proof your container
Check your containers for any area that could house pests. Check for any holes in the floor, gaps underneath doors, any rusting or holes in the walls, gaps around windows and any other places you are aware of which could be a potential entry point for spider webs, insects or mice. Seal these holes with a silicone sealant to ensure that pests cannot get inside. If you suspect any moisture damage, leaks or corrosion, repair this as soon as possible to prevent infestation.
 
Fix the refrigeration unit (if fitted)
 If you own a refrigerated shipping container (otherwise known as reefers), you should service the refrigeration unit periodically to avoid expensive repairs down the line. In this instance, we recommend having a qualified technician do the repairs for you. They’ll diagnose any electrical and mechanical issues with pinpoint accuracy and ensure the interior of the container meets food-grade standards.