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Shipping container condition is important to companies or individuals that need a sea bound, cargo worthy shipping container to move goods, and for those looking to use a shipping container for storage that require the unit to be wind and water tight. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a shipping lines definition of cargo worthy may not be in line with the aesthetic expectations of an individual that needs a shipping container for storage.
The difference in focus between shippers and retail users is primarily how the container looks. A company or individual that needs a cargo worthy shipping container isn’t concerned with appearance, only structural integrity, which also includes the ribs on the bottom side of the container. An individual that needs a shipping container for storage typically wants a wind and water tight unit that looks good.
From the retail, or end user perspective, there are a few starting points and terms that should be known when purchasing a shipping container. First, it’s important to know the general terms used when talking about the condition of a shipping container, and the second is knowing the basics of what to look for, and where to look for it.
Shipping container condition grading can vary from shipping line to shipping line, and container lessor to lessor. Some use technical jargon that’s worded for shipping lines and “shipper owned containers”, while others use very general definitions that can be very broad in scope.
If you need to inspect a shipping container on your own, as a novice it may seem challenging to know where to begin; after all it’s just a large steel box that you’re buying and there is no technology involved, so it should be pretty straight forward. In the past, we’ve published several articles on this subject, and rather than go into detail rehashing them here are a few links:
Used shipping container grading/conditions
How Shipping Containers are Graded
Cargo Worthy vs. Wind and Water Tight Shipping Containers
To provide a summary of the articles above, there are three key places to look at when inspecting a shipping container. Aside from doing a walk around to look for any signs of corrosion that goes deeper than the surface, and dents or dings that will cause problems in the immediate future; start by checking the three following areas:
These are just a few tips on getting started when purchasing a new or used shipping container. If you have any further questions you are welcome to contact either the organization selling the container through the ContainerAuction.com marketplace, or you may contact the staff at ContainerAuction.com directly.