Shipping containers have revolutionized global trade by allowing for the efficient transportation of goods everywhere in the world. Beyond their role in logistics, these steel boxes have also proven themselves as remarkably durable structures for long-term storage solutions. Whether rented for temporary needs or purchased for a permanent installation, shipping containers can withstand decades of use.
The Construction of Quality
So, what makes shipping containers so durable? It all starts with their rugged construction. Strict international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ensure consistent quality worldwide. The most common dry freight container is made from 9/16th inch thick weathering steel. This forms the load-bearing skeletal frame that’s welded together with reinforced steel at the corners and doors.
Weathering steel is specially formulated to limit corrosion even when exposed to the elements for years. It develops a protective oxide layer that shields the base metal. This allows containers to withstand all weather conditions without needing paint for protection. Container walls, floors and doors are welded together to create rigid structures that can support extreme weight loads stacked overhead without deformation.
Coatings for Longevity
While weathering steel offers strong corrosion resistance, some operators seek maximum lifespan from their shipping containers through protective coatings. These hardworking boxes provide decades of dependable storage, but only if their structural integrity is maintained. Additional coatings safeguard the steel from threats that could compromise longevity over extended exposure periods.
Various coating types are used depending on a container’s environment. Paint remains popular for blocking UV degradation from sunlight, as the sun’s rays can breakdown steel’s outer oxide layer when exposed long-term without protection. Epoxy coatings offer equally robust shelter and are preferred for containers located near oceans. Their impervious molecular formulae prevent corrosive salt residue accumulation on coastal steel surfaces from maritime airborne moisture. For containers requiring maximum 50-year outdoor lifecycles, proactive coatings pay off in long-run cost savings versus premature replacement due to untreated steel degradation.
Thorough Inspections Ensure Safety
Routine inspections are vital to maintain the durability of rental containers. Customers rightfully expect storage units to withstand assigned tasks year after year. To ensure this level of performance, rental companies implement diligent evaluation programs. All containers receive thorough examinations every 6-12 months depending on age and usage history. Inspectors conduct ultrasonic testing to monitor corrosion and check for stresses, impacts or other issues warranting repairs.
Tracking each container’s inspection data aids in planning future upgrades or retirement after decades of heavy use. Through meticulous maintenance, rental providers deliver reassurance that storage boxes will serve as robustly tomorrow as when first deployed. Frequent examinations underpin the reputation of containers built to perform dependably for generations.
Risks to Avoid
Like any metal structure, certain improper usage can potentially reduce a container’s service life:
- Overloading or unevenly distributed weight loads during transport or stacking can cause heavy stresses and bending/buckling of the skeletal frame over time.
- Long-term outdoor exposure without UV/weather protection coatings or shelter accelerates exterior steel corrosion beyond its normal rate.
- Physical impacts from improper handling like drops or collisions may cause visible container body damage or weakened welds.
With proper care and usage per manufacturer specifications, shipping containers absolutely stand up to rugged, long-lasting service across a wide range of storage and transportation needs. Their versatility makes them ideal solutions for industrial, commercial and residential applications worldwide.
In Summary
Shipping containers have rightfully earned their reputation as remarkably durable structures. Decades of real-world use on land and sea have proven the strength and longevity designed into every container. Their weathering steel construction, protective coatings and rigorous testing standards collaborate to deliver dependable storage that withstands extremes of climate and heavy-duty tasks. Ongoing maintenance through thorough inspections further secures containers’ ability to serve demandingly year after year. Whether rented short-term or permanently installed, properties and businesses can depend on containers to support their needs efficiently for generations to come.
Invest in Durable Containers That Won’t Let You Down
When storage containers are vital for business continuity, only the strongest will do. Don’t risk weaker structures jeopardizing operations or cargo through harsh conditions.
As Ontario’s top supplier, Boxtainer Inc.’s containers are constructed from the same heavy-duty materials used worldwide. Rigorously inspected, each unit provides decades of weatherproof security for inventory, tools or offices.
Trusted for a decade, our team simplifies delivery, set up and ownership support. Avoid future repairs or early replacement by investing in durable standards from day one.
Contact us today for containers that can handle any terrain or task.