During the usage, it is inevitable that the container will be damaged and repaired.

Here we would like to share some information at the 7 most common shipping container damages and repairs and how to manage them. 

1. Holes

Holes can develop when the container is pierced or the steel begins to rust. Holes present a real threat to containers body. If the holes are rusted out, the corrosion can actually spread, making the holes larger. So how do you repair a hole in a shipping container? Welding can reconnect the steel for smaller holes.

However, repairing a shipping container with larger holes is costly as the patch of steel must be removed and then a new piece has to be welded into place.

2. Scratches and Dents

Minor scratches and dents are almost impossible to avoid with shipping containers. Luckily, they are also easy to spot and repair. Smaller dents don’t necessarily have to be repaired, However, if the dents are severe, they can cause issues with the roof or floor. Dents are removed with a hammer to force the metal back into place.container Scratches increase the risk for corrosion, In this case, sanding them down and applying anti-corrosive paint or coatings will do the trick.

3. Rust

Rust is one of the most common risks for steel containers. The question is, do shipping containers rust easily? Containers are made of Corten steel, which has increased resistance to atmospheric corrosion .However, that doesn’t mean that shipping containers cannot be damaged by rust.

Standing water remains a threat to shipping containers, especially on the container roof, which can lead to further damage. Take care any dents or damage to the paint that may cause rust. Welded repairs, areas around the door and along the floor are also particularly vulnerable to rust. Any area that have the sign of rust needs to be sanded and repaired asas to avoid further corrosion.

4. Container Doors&Locking parts

Time, as well as accidents, can impact container doors and locking parts. Damage doesn’t necessarily have to be to the doors themselves, as issues with the side panels, roof panels or leveling of the container can also impact how the doors operate. Door gasket protect against water, dust, debris and pests. If the rubber becomes degraded and worn over time, the door seals should be replaced as soon as possible.

When doors are warped either due to damage to the doors or frames, the doors become jammed and difficult to open and close. In some cases, the doors can be repaired.

The door locking system must also be maintained in proper operating condition to ensure a tight closure of the container doors.

5. Side Walls

Container wall damage often occurs because the signs applied to shipping containers. It is fixed by punching holes with screws. Once the sign is removed, the holes are completely exposed.  Wall damage caused by screws sometimes requires to replace a new steel panel.

Holes, scratches and dents mentioned above are also other types of damage that can affect container wall panels and therefore require repair.

6. Damaged Floor

Shipping containers have wooden floorboards(container flooring plywood) that demaged with age and exposure to dampness.The reasons for loose and uneven flooring usually are as below

1. Excess weight on the floors can cause the boards to break apart,

2. Unloading and loading with a forklift can scrape and put added weight on the floor. 

3. Water damage will also rot out the wood. 

Shipping container flooring is relatively easy to replace. The rotted or damaged wood is removed and then replaced with new floor plywood.

7. Inadequate Ventilation

Shipping containers should have ventilator(vent) that allow air circulation while preventing water leaks. In some cases, the vents are either missing or damaged. As a result, the container is exposed to moisture. If the container does not have vents, proper vents should be installed. If existing vents are damaged, they should be repaired or replaced.

Arrow Container could offer all kinds of container spare parts with high quality and good price, we can also provide the new and used/second hand reefer unit parts.

If you have any need, pls kindly contact us by: eva@containerplywood.com.