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You have made the decision to join the thousands of Americans who have bought a used shipping container for their business idea, building project, or home storage. Before you pull out your credit card and buy your container, have a read of the most common mistakes people make when buying a shipping container.

Paying attention to these potential pitfalls could save you some grief down the road.

1- Picking the wrong container for your needs 

The biggest mistake is selecting the wrong size or grade of container for your needs. What if you underestimate the amount of stuff that you need to store in your container? What if you pick a container that results in blowing your budget when you could have saved money by choosing a cheaper container? cargo containers for sale

This bears looking into further, as there are a number of factors that you need to carefully consider before plunking down your money. You want to avoid prematurely picking a used shipping container only to have buyer’s regret after it’s in your possession and it isn’t really doing the job for you.

Before settling on a steel cargo container, it is important to determine the job of your container.

Questions to Ask

The first question is: What sort of goods is it going to hold?
Does the appearance or newness of the box matter for your purposes?
Where are you going to be positioning your container for easy access?
Do you need to modify your cargo container to fit your specific use case?

These questions help narrow down the size and grade of the container you are ultimately going to buy.

There are three main sizes most commonly available: 10 ft, 20 ft, and 40ft. Obviously, if you have a lot of stuff to store, you will need a bigger container such as a 40 ft length. It’s fine if you have extra, unused space in the container, but if you underestimated the amount of storage space that you required, you will find yourself wishing that you went with a larger Conex container.

Take the time to measure out the rough dimensions that your goods will take up.  This will give you a better idea of how much room you will need and what size container it’s going to take.

We have seen many customers who thought they knew how much stuff a standard 20 ft x 8 ft container will hold, only to discover upon delivery that they had underestimated how much space they actually needed. They realize to their chagrin, that they really should have gone with a bigger-sized container.

One shipping container customer brought up a great point – they initially purchased a smaller shipping container based on what they were shipping at the time in their business. However, they didn’t consider that they needed additional capacity as their business grew and they expanded – which was their goal all along.

Consider the potential for growth and/or increased future requirements before settling for a smaller-sized container. If you started with a smaller container, you will have to buy additional containers or upgrade to a larger, second size as your needs expand.

2- Only wanting a new container instead of Used

Many consumers buying a shipping container may be attracted to the shiniest, newest-looking shipping container. There’s nothing wrong with going for the newest unit, but let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of new vs used. You might be spending more on a shipping container than you need to.

Sure, a sparkling new container will eliminate your concerns about the condition of your box, but is it really necessary?

Let’s not forget that shipping containers are engineered to be sturdy and built out of weather-resistant Corten steel. These are TOUGH steel boxes! A used container will likely have some external “bumps and bruises” in the form of dents, rusts, or scrapes when the paint is removed and the steel exposed underneath. But these problems are cosmetic and don’t affect what’s really important: keeping its contents safe, dry, and secure.

Used cargo containers are a more attractive and affordable price and are often in very good condition and will store your items for many years into the future.

Unless your container use demands a shiny new appearance, you may be wasting your money on a brand-new Conex container. It’s worth considering that reusing used containers is also a more environmentally friendly choice. Repurposing an old cargo container can give it new life and reduce waste. All you need to do is check to be sure that your container has no holes or other major defects and you can refurbish your well-used old container with a thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.

Used models may have some damage but can be cheaper by around 30% to 50% less than the price of new containers. If you’re on a tight budget, buying used ones might be the best option for you

3 – Purchasing A Pre-owned Container that  has been heavily modified

This problem is more related to those individuals who bought a previously owned shipping container directly from another individual – as opposed to from a shipper container depot.

They may have found the container for sale on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace and bought it for a bargain price. However, after they start to use the shipping container, they discover that the previous owner had made several modifications that negatively affected the structural integrity or accelerated the corrosion of the metal on the walls, roof, and floor.

Renovating a used shipping container is one of the major advantages of buying your own container.  However if the container modifications were not modified by an experienced, legitimate company,  these over-modifications may create difficulty to identify weaknesses in the container structure leading to unwanted deterioration like scrapes and dents which increase the development of rust and corrosion. Structural problems are even more insidious as they may cause the shape of the container to warp making doors difficult to close. And worse, the structure collapses and causing the container to become completely unusable.

Don’t buy the container if it appears to have had significant segments of steel cut out of the walls or floor – destabilizing the structural integrity. Otherwise, you could end up with a shipping container that collapses or seriously warps when you attempt to move it or use load it.

4- Neglecting to protect against moisture

Have you heard of “container rain” before? Be thankful that you are reading about it here instead of discovering that your stored possessions inside your container have developed mold or suffered moisture damage due to humidity-related problems inside your shipping container storage space.

You might be asking: why do you need to control humidity inside a watertight container?

The answer is moisture condensation which promotes rust and corrosion and allows mold to start growing. If you live in a region where temperatures can range from extremes of very hot or very cold – then you may need to think about putting insulation in your Conex container.

The walls and ceiling of your cargo container are constructed out of metal – which conducts heat easily. This conduction of heat leads to a sneaky problem: moisture condensation accumulating on the walls of the container. A buildup of moisture can potentially damage the materials that you are storing inside. In the heat of summer, the sun beats down on the roof of the Conex box. This temperature rise in the ceiling causes the humidity in the air to begin to condense at the top of the container interior.

Moisture droplets begin to collect on the ceiling and upper areas of the walls, resulting in what we earlier called “container rain” or “container sweat.” Unchecked, this moisture buildup can start to drip onto items stored inside your container.

In an environment with excessive moisture, mold can start to form, damaging sensitive stored goods that you thought were safe.

Humidity that condenses on metal surfaces will start to corrode and form rust on the metal surfaces. If you allow rust to gain a foothold in the metal walls, your shipping container will begin to deteriorate.

Pay attention to potential moisture problems BEFORE any real damage occurs.

5- Neglecting to place a foundation underneath the container 

Shipping containers are heavy objects. The standard 20 steel shipping container weighs in the area of 2,300kg or 5000 lbs. If an object this heavy is not situated on a firm, level surface, then should the ground is affected by water or shifting sand or clay, the weight distribution of the container can be negatively affected.

The Conex container should rest on a level surface so that the weight of the container is distributed evenly onto the four container corners. Without an even surface to rest on, the container sides may start to buckle and develop a structural twist in the container walls. This will cause misalignment, making the doors difficult to open and shut correctly.

For example, if the container is placed on the earth in the yard of your property and due to rain or snow melt, the soil under it shifts or is affected by erosion,Q a problem can develop. If your container is resting on a firm, stable surface like asphalt or concrete, then you are unlikely to experience any problems.

What can you do to avoid this problem? An easy and economical solution is to place paving stones, blocks of wood, or railroad ties under the container bottom for support. These supports are usually positioned at the corners for best load distribution. If the earth in the area where the container will rest is soft and has poor drainage, laying some gravel in the spot will improve things.

With a simple foundation like this thought out ahead of time, you are also saving yourself from a major headache down the road if you need to move the shipping container. It’s far easier to load the shipping container if there is space under the floor. Maybe you need to move your home or business.  Perhaps you simply no longer need the shipping container and want to sell it. Planning ahead and having the foresight to place a few blocks under the container is going to save you from a major headache when you are faced with having to load the container on a truck to move it.

6- Buying a container from the wrong source

As in any consumer purchase, it’s buyer beware. If you are looking at laying out several thousand dollars for a new shipping container – you want to buy from a reputable source.

How do you know if the source is reputable? An established business that specializes in selling cargo boxes is going to be a safer bet than buying a used box from a stranger on Craigslist. Sure you might find a real bargain through a private buyer, but what recourse do you have if the container turns out to not be as promised? And remember, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. You might be unwittingly buying a used box with hidden corrosion or structural defects that are not readily apparent.

Established shipping container sellers will have a professional website, and support staff who can answer any questions.

A good indicator is a seller that offers a wide variety of different container sizes and grades. Of course, if the company has a depot that is located close to your location, the delivery fee will be correspondingly lower. Check their website for testimonials from happy customers who have already bought a used shipping container from them. A proven track record of satisfied customers is a positive sign.

Doing your due diligence before taking out your credit card could be the difference between a good deal on a quality shipping container and a major waste of your time and money. While it’s understandable to look for the cheapest price on it used shipping container, just don’t be tempted to jump at the lowest price without other considerations. Avoid buyer’s remorse.

We hope this article has given you some knowledge and awareness of how to avoid the most common problems in buying a used shipping container. Good luck!

If you need home or small business storage, which is your best option? To build a shed or small barn on your property or buy a used shipping container?

In this article, we will go through the pros and cons of each option and see which is better for people needing to store household belongings.

Spoiler: In short, a shipping container for storage is a FAR better option for most household and small business storage needs. cargo containers for sale

Now, let’s get into the reasons why and the details.

There are several criteria with which we will compare shipping containers and storage sheds:
Different types of use
Cost
Durability
Size of storage space
Difficulty of setup

What different storage uses do you need?

Most residential homes have a backyward shed. Your dad probably kept his tools in one and puttered around in there on his days off.
Homeowners with yards will need to store yard and garden maintenance equipment, seasonal stuff like lawnmowers, weed whackers, snow shovels and snow blowers and so on.
If you have a garden, spades, hoes, pots, hoses, top soil and fertilizer all need a dry space to be stored all year round.

Do it yourselfers will have multiple tools and spare construction materials that need to be kept someplace.

Small business owners often do not have sufficient space inside their homes to store inventory – like in the case of people who sell goods online and ship from their home based businesses.
Other independent businesses like construction, home renovation, landscaping, and logistics need secure, affordable and easily accessible storage for their equipment and inventory.

Pros of using a Conex container for storage

Steel sea containers having been gaining popularity as a way to keep your storage close to home, and since it is a one-time purchase, there are zero ongoing rental costs.
A shipping container has several advantages over other forms of self storage and here are the key advantages of choosing to buy a cargo container for storage:

Durability – Plain and simple, a metal cargo container is more durable than a wooden or vinyl storage shed.
Shipping containers are constructed of 14 gauge Corten steel made to withstand all weather conditions and maintaining a water tight, sealed environment. This means your container can endure some of the worst weather for several years. How long do shipping containers last?
You can expect to get a minimum of 10-12 years from your container.

Low Maintenance – A significant reason for the popularity of using shipping containers for storage is that containers can be bought new or used, and last years with little maintenance required. The 14-gauge Corten steel means the Conex boxes are very low on maintenance and long service life. More traditional wooden sheds need regular maintenance and a new paint job every few years to slow rot, mold, termites and weather damage.
Over the life of a wooden shed, factors like molds and cracks will need to be addressed.

see our article on shipping container maintenance: Advice on Maintaining Your Shipping Storage Container

Security – Due to the heavy duty construction of shipping containers, they offer a far higher level of security than the majority of the models of sheds typically seen in backyards. The heavy gauge steel of a shipping container will keep out even the most determined burglars.

A thief equipped with a crowbar and hammer can gain access to most sheds without much difficulty. By comparison, to get through the heavy doors and walls of a steel cargo container a very determined thief requires power tools, make a lot of noise and need a significant amount of time.

Heavy duty doors and are easily equipped with lock boxes and high quality locks to secure entry.
If you are storing valuable items, that extra level of security could be the most important factor in picking a shipping container instead of a shed.

Size – It’s rare to see a really large conventional shed. In fact,larger sizes are limited at most hardware retailers.
According to mega retailer Lowe’s website, Medium and Large sized sheds measure approximately 90 to 120 square feet (medium) and from 144 to 288 square feet (large).
A 12 foot shed would measure 12’ x 8’ (96 square feet) x 7’ with 672’ cubic feet of storage space.

For size comparison, the 20FT Long x 8FT Wide x 8FT Tall Container has a volume (Storage Space) of 1,172 cu ft (33.2 M3) – much greater than the average storage shed.

Shipping containers come in a wide variety of sizes.
The standard sizes of ISO shipping containers are:
8ft (2.43m) wide, 20ft (6.06m) in length and 8.5ft (2.59m) high ceiling
8ft (2.43m) wide, 40ft (6.06m) in length and 8.5ft (2.59m) high ceiling
* Tall shipping containers called high-cube containers are available at 9.5ft (2.89m) high ceilings.

Difficulty / Ease of set up – We are comparing convenience and time of getting the storage unit setup and ready to use.
The delivery of your shipping container is very simple when compared to that of a shed. The container is just delivered by truck to the spot you have on your property and you are ready to load your items inside. It does not require specialized knowledge or labor unless you are looking to hook up electrical power.
Storage sheds either must be DIY assembled from a Prefab kit (if you bought something at Home Depot or Lowe’s) or Buy with installation option and the service of having it assembled on your property.
The DIY may save you some money, but take several weekends time to put together and require you to have the required tools.

In the case of a conventional wooden shed, you can build a storage shed yourself or pay a professional do it for you. Building a traditional wooden shed is a much more involved process which will certainly require more than a single person – which will likely cost more money in labor. If you’re having your shed built on your property, it could take weeks for the builder to complete the project. And unfortunately, there is a risk of having structural errors if the shed is not put together correctly.

Moisture protection – Storage containers are engineered to be completely waterproof on long sea voyages. They are made from waterproof steel with gaskets on doors so anything kept inside will remain secure and dry.

Cool factor – Shipping containers are a bit of a novelty not seen every day, and your house guests will get a kick out of it.

Protect against pest problems – Keep rodents and bugs out of your storage space.
It seems inevitable that bugs and possibly rodents ARE going to find a way to sneak into your shed. Mice and rats love to find a way into wooden storage sheds and make their homes in cold weather. Historically, rodents infesting ships was a major problem and the solution was the watertight construction of a sea container. Steel cargo containers are clearly superior when it comes to keeping out pests.

Environmentally friendly – Have you heard of the new green phrase “adaptive reuse” or “upcycling”? Definition: reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.
A real bonus to using a shipping container is to repurpose an empty shipping container into something useful. Due to the USA trade deficit with the rest of the world, shipping containers have been piling up near US ports. Repurposing into storage space is one of those uses.

Portability– If you have to move someday, you can easily transport your container with you. It’s as easy to load it on a truck and move as it was to originally deliver and set it up. If the day comes when you no longer need the storage space, you have the option of reselling your shipping container and recovering some of your money.

Pros of having a shed – Probably the number one advantage of the more traditional wooden or more modern vinyl shed is the style. Some designs can add can add a nice look to your yard and you can choose one that matches the paint style and design of your home. The shed can be as attractive little addition that matches your house.

Cons of a shipping container storage shed– It is worth mentioning that while a shipping container will provide a unique look to your yard, some homeowners may simply prefer the more traditional look of a wooden shed.

What about the Cost?
Cost is what really matters to many people in making a decision.
Short answer…the per square foot cost of shipping containers is lower than sheds on average.

Buying a storage shed is going to come either pre-built or assembled on your property – depending on the model you buy.
A container comes as is and you simply open the doors and start loading it with your storage items as soon as it is delivered.
Both options are likely going to cost you a few thousand dollars each,

There are 2 ways to look at the cost of shipping container vs a shed.
1) Cost per square foot of storage spaceFor comparison, a Conex container measuring 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8.5’ tall may cost costs $3,500 (prices may vary).
This calculates to around $21.71 cost per square foot.

To compare, a common sized 12′ x 12′ shed may be priced over $4,000 and some larger models closer to $6,000.
With a price of $4,300 that comes out to to almost $30.00 per square foot.

The shipping container is a clearly cheaper option with a cost saving of over $8.00 per square foot compared to
prefab shed prices at your local big box hardware store.

2) Total cost – including installation and / or building
Both cargo containers and sheds are one time purchases. There are some ongoing, periodic maintennace costs on a shed and less on a shipping container. Now having a wooden building is where the costs can vary widely. In general, buying a prefab shed is cheaper than having a wooden shed built.
The Lowes website says that if you purchase a Lowes shed and have someone build it for you, you may end up paying more than the price Lowe’s charges for assembly. The website also compares the cost of buying a prefab shed vs. a conventional wooden building: “Average cost for a person to build your shed (labor and materials) will be around $800 – $1500 so for a complete
and finished 8×12 gable will be $4500 compared to our $2500”

Sheds – Is it better to buy a prefab shed or build one?
There are several important factors to consider when answering this question.

Cost – In general, the overall cost of buying a shed is higher than building one yourself. The biggest advantage of building your own shed over buying a prefab is the cost savings. Since you are providing the labor of building the structure, that will save you money. In short, the cost is higher because you are paying for the convenience factor.

You must calculate the full cost of building when you compare the price. Do you have the tools that you will need to the build a sturdy, proper wooden structure? If not, then you are going to have to add on the cost of purchasing whatever tools that you require.

Labor cost is added to have someone else to perform the work of putting the shed together. If you lack the expertise to competently build a solid shed, then buying is probably the wiser way to go.

Less hassle and headaches – Having a shed delivered and set up by the store staff – ready to use – will eliminate all of the hassle of planning, buying materials, getting the tools and dealing with a construction site in your yard for a month while the shed is being built.

Time – There is very little time involved in buying a shed. Heading down to a big box store on the weekend and asking a few questions, selecting a prefab shed and having it delivered to your property can all be done in a day or 2. You can also pay to have the store’s staff assemble the shed for you saving even more time.

In contrast, building a traditional wooden shed is a lot more time intensive. You will need to invest several days (or weeks!) of time and effort to build even a basic structure. If you work a regular job during the week, you may only be able to build on the weekends, stretching out the overall time to complete the shed build.

If you are an experienced carpenter and enthusiastic about building your own shed, then this is less of a consideration.

Another factor to think about is the time of year that you need the shed. Building a shed in the middle of an East coast winter is not really practical and you may have to postpone building a shed until the warmer weather. With a prefab shed, you can buy a shed and quickly set it up no matter what the weather.

Do You have the construction knowledge needed?
Not everyone has the in depth building expertise and tools required to build their own shed from raw materials. And depending on where you live, building code issues may require you to have a building permit to put up a wooden shed on your property.

Buying a shed eliminates this factor – unless you are going to have to assemble a complicated refab kit. Large retailers selling pre-built structures will be able to answer any questions and provide the service you need to put your shed kit together.

So what is the conclusion? Which is better for storage – shipping container or shed?
If you skipped the article to get right to the answer to the question here it is:

Shipping containers are the clear winner due to advantages in:

Cost – The price per square foot is significantly cheaper
Durability – Containers are stronger and last longer, are more resistant to rot, mold, and pests
Security – Containers are much more difficult to break into and will keep your items safer from theft.
Size – Largest shed on Lowes website (I searched!) was 12-ft x 10-ft = 120 sq feet. The most common size shipping container – 20-ft x 8-ft = 160 sq feet. 33% bigger. If space is a factor, the container is much larger.
Shipping containers are typically taller and some bigger items need high ceilings.

Local Economy of Shipping Containers in Charleston

Charleston, SC is a coastal container shipping port, and transportation hub where intermodal Conex boxes are transported both by rail and road throughout the city.Charleston is geographically located in the South Eastern United states and its sea port along with an extensive network of both railroad freight routes and interstate highway system make Charleston a hub for container shipping in the USA. The Conex Depot Charleston container storage facility is located at ZIP 29418 off of the Mark Clark Expressway south of International blvd

Charleston shipping container projects and shipping container related businesses

Charleston Shipping Container Bar

Built inside of an old auto body shop and 3 reconstructed shipping containers, our venue host up to 5 rotating food trucks daily. We pride ourselves in sharing a hand-crafted beverage program which highlights locally grown, fresh ingredients. Sitting proudly at 2130 Mount Pleasant Street in Charleston, SC, Container Bar features a huge front patio with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating and easy access to I-26. Enjoy stress free parking on site while wwt shipping containers on a craft cocktail under the shade of the palmetto trees. Welcome to a new oasis in the Holy City, welcome to Container Bar., 2130 Mt. Pleasant Street, Charleston, SC

Mainland Container Co. Kitchen & Bar is the most prominent restaurant that operates out of a renovated cargo container.

Mt. Pleasant’s Mainland Container Co. Kitchen & Bar is located at 1528 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Cities like Austin and Portland have become known for their food truck culture, and now Charleston has gotten into the container restaurant game with the development of the Food Truck-O-Rama plan

A container bar called(of course) Container Bar, is one of the focal points of the food court complex.

The food center will host pop-ups similar to the well known 2Nixons – Jeffrey Stoneberger’s ramen eatery, coffee carts, The complex has room for 5 Charleston area food trucks are able to plug in and serve hungry diners looking for something new.

The trucks begin serving lunch at 11 a.m. with meals offered by from Brava Bowls Acai and Root Note Food, and dinner from Cast Iron, Roti Rolls, and Bearded Dog on one particular day. Customers will have access to seating and there are plans for live music as well. There are plans for live music as well.

Shipping container home developments, Shipping container apartments and Tiny homes in Charleston, South Carolina

A feature on CNN tells the story of Magoline Hazelton – known as the “house lady” by neighbors in North Charleston.

Magoline is the proud owner of one of Charleston’s first shipping container houses and smiles when she tells that she sees people driving by her home just to take a look at her shipping container house. Buying used cargo containers and renovating them to build homes has become more common as shipping container homes are cheaper and constructed faster than a traditional home construction project. While the time it takes to renovate a container home can vary, a repurposed shipping container home can cut construction time in half – Hazelton’s home took 10 weeks to build. Conventional home building can take between four to eight months. In comparison, container homes take closer to two to four months time.

Buy a shipping container and convert to a custom tiny home

A typical container house measures approximately two hundred and forty square feet, and appeals to people who believe in living simply are looking for an energy efficient tiny home. The average base price starts out at about $55,000 for a 240 sq ft sea container living space. Owners usually include a small kitchen and bathroom, heat and air conditioning and may also add a porch or driveway.

Charleston Shipping Container House companies
There are multiple companies in Charleston that offer container home or apartment building services:Dow Inc, Hall’s Custom Homes, Inc. and Home Pro Services in Mount Pleasant, Southlund Inc. in Hanahan, Rock Creek Craftsmen, Inc in Charleston, The Perfect Work Co.Custom builders in Charleston are also repurposing Conex containers as the basis for offices, army barracks, dormitories and other small living spaces. There are plenty of Conex boxes available for sale near most major ports or businesses that sell cargo containers and ship them to the customer’s site.

Charleston Railroad Conex container shipping routes

The main railroad container shipping routes in Charleston
CSX Transportation Incorporated, is a Class I railroad that has major operations in Charleston equipped with a Switching Yard, TRANSFLO Bulk Transfer Terminal, and Intermodal Terminal.CSX ships a variety of commodities by Conex containers – automobiles, consumer products, food and agricultural products. Products shipped within South Carolina include aggregates, coal, containerized consumer goods, plastics and textile chemicals.

The Port of Charleston has daily express intermodal and cargo container rail services via the CSX and Norfolk Southern systems with connections with intermodal hubs across the Southeast, Gulf and Midwest.The Port of Charleston shipping supports the key markets of Memphis, Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, Charlotte, Louisville, Huntsville and more. The Port of Charleston is a seaport located in South Carolina in the South East. The port’s facilities span three municipalities — Charleston, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant — with five public terminals operated by the South Carolina Ports Authority (SPCA). The Port handles a high volume of shipping containers, motor vehicles, non-containerized goods and project cargo. Terminals in the Port of Charleston Wando Welch Terminal, used for container cargo, located in the town of Mount Pleasant. Columbus Street Terminal, used for project cargo, breakbulk and roll-on/roll-off cargo. Located in the city of Charleston. Union Pier Terminal, used for cruise ship operations, located in the city of Charleston. North Charleston Terminal, used for container cargo, located in the city of North Charleston. Veterans Terminal, used for project cargo, break-bulk and roll-on/roll-off cargo. Located in the City of North Charleston. Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, to be used for container cargo.

Charleston main export businesses that use shipping containers

The Port of Charleston primarily handles containerized cargoes, there are many diverse types of goods moving through the port.
Here are the state of Carolina’s top exports shipped by cargo container:
Aircraft including engines, parts: US$12.4 billion (29.9% of South Carolina’s total exports), Mid-sized automobiles (piston engine): $4.7 billion (11.4%), Large automobiles (diesel engine): $3.2 billion (7.7%), Mid-sized automobiles (diesel engine): $1.2 billion (3%), New rubber tires for specialty vehicles: $972 million (2.3%), Machinery or mechanical appliance parts: $683 million (1.6%),Motor vehicle transmissions: $562 million (1.4%), Large automobiles (piston engine): $550 million (1.3%), Motor vehicle body parts, accessories: $544 million (1.3%), Car tires (rubber, pneumatic): $446 million (1.1%)

Many of Charleston’s largest companies employ shipping containers in their business : Cryovac., Michelin, Sonoco, PruittHealth, The InterTech Groupm Corestaff Services.

Using Cargo storage containers for self storage in Charleston

A very popular use for various sizes of steel shipping containers in Charleston is self storage.
Consumers usually either buy a used shipping container or rent one from a Charleston shipping container seller and store it on their property or rent a space to park the storage container. Conex Depot specializes in the sale of shipping and storage containers in the Metro Charleston area and can give you advice and pricing on the best size of shipping container for your personal storage or business storage needs. Whether you need a storage container for keeping inventory, securing construction materials, or storing furniture during a remodeling project, we have a number of storage solutions that will meet your needs.

Conex Depot offers all sizes and grades of shipping containers for sale in Atlanta. Our sales team offer free project advice and the very best pricing on quality new and used shipping containers. Call now: (661) 412-2227.

Baltimore is a coastal port city and major shipping container depot location and transportation hub where intermodal Conex boxes are transported both by rail and road throughout the city. Baltimore is geographically located on the East coast of the United States and its shipping port and extensive network of both railroad freight routes and interstate highway system make Baltimore a hub for container shipping in the USA. The Conex Depot Baltimore container storage facility is located at ZIP 21222 near the Back River and off of route 695.

Baltimore Shipping Container Projects and Shipping Container Related Businesses

Baltimore’s Urban farmers are looking to revive empty urban lots to provide a means for Baltimore residents to grow their own fresh, healthy, and locally-grown produce. In addition, Urban Farming programs that utilize cargo containers also create jobs, helps build communities, and revive economically depressed urban neighborhoods. Baltimore now enjoys over 100 community and school gardens and more than 20 urban farms. Repurposed sea containers are a key piece of the portable farms. Using old Conex boxes helps reduce the cost of the harvesting and shipping containers for sale Charleston distribution chain since the containers may be transported to a farmer’s market or restaurants, and grocery stores. The dudes sea containers provide cheap, secure storage for the garden tools and other farming equipment. Gardeners have also experimented with installing green roofs/growing spaces and solar panels on top of their storage containers.

The good news is that in Baltimore, permits are not required if your container is less than 400 square feet. Baltimore City follows the International Building Code. Section 1809.5 exempts any free standing buildings less than 400 square feet (with eaves lower than 10 feet) from needing a foundation. Baltimore residents may find out more by visiting Whitelock Community Farm, Real Food Farm at Clifton Park, Power In Dirt, the Baltimore Orchard Project and Baltimore Free Farm.

Other Repurposed Shipping Container Businesses

Pop-up stores, bars, and restaurants are the ideal business types that can make use of steel shipping boxes. “Pop-ups” are often up and coming businesses that open temporarily or seasonally, so they’re often seeking ways to lower operating costs. Bars, coffee shops, unique boutiques or small businesses just starting up are all examples of shipping containers being used for retail, food service and other retail small business in the state of Maryland. Sandlot shipping container restaurant offers beach dining to Baltimore foodies serving casual food by the water to patrons at Harbor Point. The kitchen and bar are eight foot x twenty foot Conex containers with counter service. Blended alcohol drinks and ice-cream bar are served from an Airstream trailer adjacent to the shipping container restaurant and kitchen. In addition to serving drinks and food, the Sandlot has a recreation area with activities like 6 sand volleyball courts, three bocce ball courts and special “kids zones” with climbing equipment.

Baltimore Railroad Intermodal Shipping Routes

The Port of Baltimore is served by two “Class I” railroads and one short line.
The Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation provide service to most of the states east of the Mississippi from the port with connecting service to other intermodal points on the East Coast and interior. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the oldest railroad in the United States, was built in 1830 and cemented. Baltimore’s status as a major transportation hub, giving producers in the Midwest and Appalachia access to the city’s port. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation a wide variety of products are moved in shipping containers by rail throughout the state of MD. The major rail freight lines carry coal, ore, automobiles, machinery, pulp, paper products and others. Containers are transported by rail from either CSX’s intermodal facility located next to Seagirt Marine Terminal or Norfolk Southern’s Bayview facility located just a few short miles from Seagirt and Dundalk Marine Terminals. These two railroads offer intermodal service to numerous locations throughout the continental US, Canada and Mexico. Dundalk Marine terminal features a newly designed heavy lift berth that can handle dimensional cargo directly from ship to rail.

Baltimore Temporary Offices

Many Maryland building contractors are using modified shipping containers as temporary office space on job sites. The cargo box temporary office can simply be picked up and transported to the next construction development after the current project has been completed. Repurposed cargo boxes are altos increasingly being used as storage units, developed into affordable shipping container apartment complexes and staff dormitories.

Shipping Container Housing Projects in Baltimore

Container homes provide a cheaper, energy efficient and flexible option for renters which has caught the attention of homelessness prevention programs. Baltimore couple Christian Wilson and his wife are working to convert steel shipping containers into affordable living spaces for Baltimore’s homeless population. The Wilson’s plan is to recycle and renovate the empty, unused cargo shipping containers into homes for the homeless. An estimated six-month construction timeline, builders will alter and assemble the various components to make the containers habitable in various parts of the city. Following the renovations, the container apartments will be transported to the site and the units would be crane- lifted into the living space. Proposed sites are located in Harlem Park and Reservoir Hill, on the west side, and Oliver, on the east side.

Baltimore Shipping Container Exports

Maryland’s Top 10 Export products are: Aircraft, including engines and parts, natural gas, composite diagnostic/laboratory reagents, miscellaneous articles made of nickel, bombs, mines, miscellaneous aircraft parts, modems and similar reception/transmission devices, coal, supported catalysts and other general machinery. Many of Baltimore’s largest companies employ shipping containers in their business. These include: Lockheed Martin, Black and Decker, Under Armor, Marriott International, MedStar Health, HMSHost, University System of Maryland, Johns Hopkins Medicine and Perdue Farms.

Baltimore Shipping Container Self-Storage

Buying a new or used shipping container is an ideal storage solution for both individuals and businesses in Baltimore. Various sizes and grades of steel shipping containers are on hand in Baltimore and available for immediate delivery. Conex Depot specializes in the sale of shipping and storage containers in the Metro Baltimore area and can give you advice and pricing on the best size of shipping container for your personal storage or business storage needs. Whether you need a storage container for keeping inventory, securing construction materials, or storing furniture during a remodeling project, we have a number of storage solutions that will meet your needs.

Conex Depot offers all sizes and grades of shipping containers for sale in Baltimore. Our sales team offer free project advice and the very best pricing on quality new and used shipping containers. Call now: (661) 412-2227.

Local Economy of Shipping Containers in Charlotte

Charlotte, NC – the Tar Heel State – is an inland shipping container depot location and transportation hub where intermodal Conex boxes are transported both by rail and road throughout the city. Charlotte is geographically centrally located in the South East and its extensive network of both railroad freight routes and interstate highway system make Charlotte a hub for container shipping in the USA.The Conex Depot Charlotte container storage facility is located at ZIP 28208, west of the 16 near the CSX Intermodal

Charlotte shipping container projects and shipping container related businesses

Charlotte shipping container restaurants

Charlotte is beginning to see a growing interest in repurposed shipping container businesses – in particular sea container restaurants. You may have seen the small Conex box businesses in Charlotte at the Susan G. Komen race, Epicentre, or at the Burr and Berry coffee shop in Indian Land. A container-built restaurant functions in the same wwt shipping containers way that food trucks are able to be deployed to a new location, giving a new restaurant the flexibility to try out a different market, or test the traffic at a new location.

There are many benefits to a small business looking to buy a shipping container and run their business out of the renovated steel cargo box: The increase in building and labor costs is another factor in interest to build a small business in a Conex container, Speed-to-market, build time less than 10 weeks, modest investment, test marketing to measure customer interest, seasonal applications, small operation with minimal staff, ability rapidly scale up their business, the ability to build off site, transport it on a truck, and then connect the electricity and water. Just as a food truck provides an opportunity to test market a new food idea or try out a new location, so too can a container-built restaurant. “You can start with a small operation with a small crew,” Barker says. Thus, with a modest investment, restaurant operators can gauge customer response to their ideas. Entrepreneurs can buy a used shipping container, find a landlord with a vacant lot for a short term lease space and get the business up and running in less time. Since the Conex containers are mobile structures, business owners can pull up the container and move to another location with little business interruption.

A Charlotte business that specializes in commercial and industrial petroleum services needed to store gas tanks and pumps in an easily accessible, secure and affordable storage space next to their store. Renovations involved removing one wall of each container and reusing those portions of the container sides that had been removed to build awnings on the outside of the cargo container. Constructed out of four 40’ high cube modified storage containers, the boxes were able to be easily adapted to the business storage needs.

Shipping container home developments, Shipping container apartments and tiny homes in Charlotte

Mega retailer Amazon Has Started Selling Shipping Container Tiny Homes in Charlotte Online retailer Amazon allows buyers to shop for container homes through a company called ‘MODS International‘. Of course, a home owner can buy a used shipping container in Charlotte and create their own custom cargo container home. Conex boxes can be renovated with heat and air con and hooked up to electric power for less cost than traditional brick and wood buildings. Green minded home owners even customize their shipping container home to include solar power generation panels.

Charlotte exploring shipping Container housing projects

Local government Charlotte City Council expressed interest for outside-the-box low cost housing options as a solution to Charlotte’s low cost housing problems. There has been a a push for Charlotte to explore shipping container housing for affordable housing, in light of the fact that more and more people are losing their jobs. The challenge for container homes are meeting the building regulations, in the absence of any national level guidelines. Developers have to navigate each municipality, which might label the containers modular, mobile or permanent construction and then possibly different impose zoning and building codes depending on the assessment.

Charlotte Railroad Conex container shipping routes

The main railroad lines on which freight is shipped by Conex container in and around Charlotte go through these railroad terminals:CSX – Hovis Road, 5430 Hovis Road, 28208, NS – Charlotte, 5710 West Boulevard, 28208. According to the Charlotte Observer railroad CSX is launching a new intermodal rail service between the Port of Wilmington and the railroad’s terminal in Charlotte, increasing the Charlotte’s significance as a shipping container transportation hub. The intermodal service will be called the “Queen City Express,” combining modes of transportation including trains, trucks and ships offering direct freight rail service into the greater Charlotte area from a Southeastern port. Intermodal hubs allow Conex boxes of goods to be shipped and easily transferred between modes.The Norfolk Southern intermodal facility operates out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport off of West Boulevard.

Charlotte Inland Port

Illinois Ports Charlotte Inland Port connects customers to shipping and distribution corridors, services.
Ideally located in the center of the areas’s industry, manufacturing and distribution centers, Charlotte Inland Port connects to the I-85 and I-77 corridors.Spanning 20 acres, 10 of them fully developed, the port can host 2,000 grounded/wheeled containers and offers both container yard operations to ocean carriers and serves as a holding space for empty and loaded sea containers. Port of Wilmington The closest seaport to Charlotte is the Port of Wilmington is situated on the East Coast of Illinois, within short shipping distance of more than 70% of the country’s industrial base. CSX Transportation provides intermodal rail service and daily service for boxcar, tanker and general cargo services. The Port of Wilmington is one of the few Southern ports with readily available berths and storage areas for containers and cargo. Specifically, it offers terminal facilities serving container, bulk, breakbulk, and ro-ro operations. It offers a deep 42-foot navigational channel, nine berths with 6,768 feet of wharf frontage, four post-Panamax container cranes and three neo-Panamax container cranes. Modern transit and warehouse facilities and the latest in cargo management technology provide a broad platform for supporting international trade to the fast-growing Southeast U.S. market. The Port of Wilmington offers terminal facilities serving container, bulk, breakbulk and ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) operations. The port boasts a 42-foot depth navigational channel, nine shipping berths, four post-Panamax and three neo-Panamax container cranes.

Charlotte main export businesses that use shipping containers

North Carolina is the USA’s 13th largest agricultural exporting state, shipping $3.6 billion in domestic agricultural exports in 2017 according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. North Carolina’s Top exports in 2019 were:, Aircraft including engines, parts: US$2.3 billion, Immunological products in measured doses: $1.6 billion, Miscellaneous medications: $1127 million, Miscellaneous aircraft parts: $806 million, Antisera, other blood fractions: $775 million, Chemical woodpulp (coniferous): $766 million, Bombs, mines: $648 million, Diesel engines: $635 million, Supported catalysts with precious metal: $466 million, Gears, gearing: $409 million. Charlotte’s most important export partner is Canada which receives more exports from Illinois than any other country. Canada receives furniture, medicines, auto parts, and computers from Illinois. North Carolina imports molded plastics, metal products, and lighting equipment from Canada. Many of Charlotte’s largest companies employ shipping containers in their business, Compass, Group USA, Duke Energy, Nucor, Belk, Jeld-Wen, Chiquita Brands International, Sealed Air, Lowe’s, Domtar

Charlotte shipping container storage and container office

Home and business owners can buy their own Repurposed Shipping Containers in Charlotte for use as temporary offices. Mobile shipping container offices are used for multiple different needs: Most larger construction developments require a temporary construction office – an ideal use for a repurposed shipping container. The movable container box office provides a convenient place to have construction crew meetings and storage space for files and plans needed on-site.Break Rooms and Cafeteria: A container office may also be used as a break or lunch room for workers who need shelter from the weather. Special Events: Mobile office containers can be employed for special events and get together’s that are held in parks or parking lots.Event managers need a dry, secure space to run and organize the event in a temporary operations center. Businesses sometimes need temporary space for operations while having work done on your building that has adequate security for business assets and property. During a renovation when your business needs to temporarily hold items to be transported later or thrown away at a later time.

Using Cargo storage containers for self storage in Charlotte

A very popular use for various sizes of steel shipping containers in Charlotte is self storage.
Consumers usually either buy a used shipping container or rent one from a Charlotte shipping container seller and store it on their property or rent a space to park the storage container. Conex Depot specializes in the sale of shipping and storage containers in the Metro Charlotte area and can give you advice and pricing on the best size of shipping container for your personal storage or business storage needs. Whether you need a storage container for keeping inventory, securing construction materials, or storing furniture during a remodeling project, we have a number of storage solutions that will meet your needs.

Conex Depot offers all sizes and grades of shipping containers for sale in Charlotte. Our sales team offer free project advice and the very best pricing on quality new and used shipping containers. Call now: (661) 412-2227.

So you bought your own shipping container and are using it for storage. One of your first questions now that you are the proud owner of a Conex container is “What do I need to do to take care of and maintain my shipping container?”

The good news is that by their very design, shipping containers are constructed out of heavy gauge steel and built to be durable for many years, with minimal maintenance.

How long do shipping containers last?

You can expect to get a minimum of 15-20 years of use from your shipping container. When a Conex container is retired from international cargo shipping service they are resold as wind and water tight units into the storage market or to be repurposed for other uses.

With some basic preventative maintenance and 40 high cube container for sale planning, your sea container can easily serve you with a further fifteen or more years of use.

Annual inspection of your storage container

Mark your calendar to make an annual inspection of your storage container. Check for any indications of structural rust, especially in the frame parts of the box where water may have collected for any period of time. Inspect the rubber door seals to check for deterioration. Old seals eventually become brittle and won’t maintain a water tight seal. As with anything – if you address any problems early on and perform a minimum level of maintenance – you can save time and money on repairs later. Your local climate will be a factor in what kind of maintenance that you have to perform and the rate at which your container will deteriorate. Anyone who has owned a car in a wet, temperate climate will know that the moisture, snow, and freezing temperatures cause a more rapid deterioration of metal compared to a warm, dry environment (like Arizona for instance).

Preventative Maintenance is key 

To help maximize the lifetime of your cargo container storage, we will share a few tips to help maintain your container:

Protect against the effects of water and excess moisture

Container condensation or “container rain” is a pretty common thing to monitor during your periodic container inspections. While your sea container is designed to be water tight and prevent moisture from entering from the outside, there is moisture in the air and even contained within the items that you may be storing.

“Container rain” is the condensation of the moisture in the air that occurs inside the closed metal structures. An excessive accumulation of condensation can cause serious damage to some types of items (example electronics or paper documents) and can also accelerate the oxidation process (appearance of rust we will discuss later).

How does condensation occur inside shipping containers?

The metal walls of shipping containers tend to conduct heat very well. As the air temperature drops outside from day to night time, the steel surfaces of the container walls rapidly cool. Once cooled low enough, the metal surfaces will reach what we know as the ‘dew point’ – the temperature where airborne water vapor condenses back into a liquid again.

When warm, humid air comes into contact with the cool metal container walls, the moisture condenses from a vapor to its liquid state, causing water droplets to from on metal surfaces – most of the condensation collects on the ceiling. In regions of the country where there is a great difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, the risk of container rain damaging your stored items is greater.

How can we deal with moisture condensation in shipping containers?

There are three main factors to consider to minimize the problem of moisture condensation in your storage container.

1) Reduce the amount of humidity in the conex container

Inspect the container ceilings and walls for visible moisture condensation. Prior to loading the container, examine the interior surfaces to ensure that there is no pooled water and dry any water that may have collected.

Insulation. Insulating the walls of your container can reduce the temperature of the walls dropping to dew point, and therefore eliminating condensation from occurring.

Check out our Guide How To Insulate A Shipping Container 

Installing a Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier can help reduce excess moisture condensation on the container walls. A vapor barrier is any material used for damp proofing. Commonly a plastic sheet, that prevents diffusion of moisture through the walls, doors or ceiling.

Dehumidifiers and air-con units. If you are intending on storing items that are sensitive to the effects of moisture, you may need to consider using more direct solution to cooling and removing humid air. Air conditioners and / or dehumidifier units are effective at maintaining stable, dry conditions for storage containers in problem climates or seasons of the year.

For a less costly and lower maintenance method of managing humidity inside the container, you could employ desiccants inside. Desiccants are “hygroscopic substances” which absorb atmospheric moisture.

Think of those “Do Not eat” silica gel packets that are usually found inside bottles of food supplements or product packaging. Desiccants are available in a number of forms – most commonly contained in strips hung on the walls or suspended from the ceiling or bags on the floor of the container. The desiccant bags should be replaced every 10 to 12 weeks – depending on the time of year and your local weather conditions.

2) Ventilate to allow warm humid air to escape

Ventilation. Consider your environment. If your container will be stored in a climate where there is a significant day/night temperature fluctuation, you may need to employ greater measures to mitigate “container rain”.

Containers are often renovated and fitted with vents to allow air circulation and avoid the build-up of heated air inside the container. This simple step can go a long way to eliminating the effects of condensation.

3) Store dry goods to avoid condensation.

Make sure you only store 100% dry goods in the storage box. Be aware that some materials, such as fresh wood, can have an intrinsically high moisture content. This means that moisture from the items themselves can release moisture into the air and can cause humidity levels to rise inside the container.
Avoid placing moisture sensitive objects (like furniture or cardboard boxes) directly in contact with the walls where water droplets are most likely to condense and collect. Be aware that some items (ex. electronics or dried food stuffs or cardboard boxes of paper documents which are susceptible to mold) may be at risk of the effects of moisture build up and plan accordingly.

Rust: How to prevent & avoid shipping container rust

Even though Conex containers are designed to be watertight and be used in all weather conditions, they are ultimately made of steel and thus susceptible to the problem of rust.

The good news is that most shipping containers are manufactured out of corrosion resistant Cor-Ten steel and we can take measures to protect against the onset of rust and slow its corrosive effects. If you purchased an “as is” container, it is quite likely that a used shipping container has had a lot of exposure to salt water and salt air which all accelerate corrosion. A 1-trip or new container will not have that degree of corrosion.

What causes shipping containers to rust?

Rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the air, or chloride in water. Marine grade steel has anti-corrosive properties, but because of the harsh, maritime environments that containers are exposed to, rust will eventually, occur.

When a shipping container is exposed to both oxygen and water – an oxidation chemical reaction occurs. The reaction between the steel, the water, and oxygen creates hydrated iron (III) oxide, which we can experience as rust. Shipping containers can also start to rust if their metal surface sustains any damage during transit. When the container is impacted during loading, the protective coating on the outside of the container may be damaged and bare metal exposed, which creates a foothold for the oxidation reaction to get started.

Two different types of shipping container rust

The most obvious rust on the exterior walls of a container would be considered “non-structural” rust as it occurs on the surface of the walls. Surface rust is unsightly, can rub off on and discolor items that come into contact, and will negatively affect the resale value of a container. A visibly rusty container may not pose any danger to its users, but few people want to see (or buy) a rusty steel box.

The second (and more insidious) type of container rust is known as “structural rust”.

This more advanced state of corrosion, which has begun to negatively affect the structural integrity of the container). Significant structural rust can render a container unusable for many purposes due to structural instability.

Significant structural rust may prevent the owner from getting the container CSC certified. According to portshippingcontainers.com :

“CSC means ‘Container Safe Convention’ the container is safe for use and is capable of withstanding the sometimes heavy stresses of shipping cargo cross-country and overseas…need to be inspected and certified according to international regulations.”

How to treat early signs of rust

Catch small surface rust issues early on when they first appear. If you catch them early enough, the rusted area is easily treated and cleaned away. Spot and repair scrapes, dents, and scratches, should be dealt with before they show signs of rust, to prevent further corrosion damage that could worsen the issue from a non-structural problem to a structural problem.

The initial signs of rust should be removed. First prepare the problem area by using a wire brush or sand paper to sand down any visible rusted surfaces.

To properly remove the rust, you need to sand right down to bare metal where you can no longer see any signs of rust. After the surface rust has been completely removed, wipe the bare area with vinegar and allow to dry. Once the vinegar has dried, you may apply a layer of rust inhibiting primer or use marine grade DTM (direct to metal) paint to cover the area. If the surface rust problem is more advanced, the remedy is to completely sand blast the exterior container walls and seal and freshly paint the container. For most storage uses, the expensive process sandblasting and completely refurbishing the container is not required.

How do I prepare my container for painting over rust?

As a rough guideline – to repaint a 20-foot container you will require four gallons of paint, and need eight gallons to cover a 40-foot container.

Prepare your container for primer and/or paint application by first sanding down any visible rust patches. A pressure washer is ideal for washing off any layers of dirt and dust. Sand rust patches down with a wire wheel or sandpaper.

It’s a good idea to apply a rust inhibiting primer coat over the area first to ensure the top coat of paint adheres to the metal.

Get the advice of your local paint vendor to determine which primer they stock will be best for outdoors metal surfaces.

Allow enough time for the primer coat to completely dry before applying the final, top coat of paint.

What kind of paint should I use for rust proofing my shipping container?

There are a number of options that you can find to suit your needs, paint availability and budget.

So you bought your own shipping container and are using it for storage. One of your first questions now that you are the proud owner of a Conex container is “What do I need to do to take care of and maintain my shipping container?”

The good news is that by their very design, shipping containers are constructed out of heavy gauge steel and built to be durable for many years, with minimal maintenance.

How long do shipping containers last?

You can expect to get a minimum of 15-20 years of use from your shipping container. When a Conex container is retired from international cargo shipping service they are resold as wind and water tight units into the storage market or to be repurposed for other uses.

With some basic preventative maintenance and shipping containers for sale Atlanta planning, your sea container can easily serve you with a further fifteen or more years of use.

Annual inspection of your storage container

Mark your calendar to make an annual inspection of your storage container. Check for any indications of structural rust, especially in the frame parts of the box where water may have collected for any period of time. Inspect the rubber door seals to check for deterioration. Old seals eventually become brittle and won’t maintain a water tight seal. As with anything – if you address any problems early on and perform a minimum level of maintenance – you can save time and money on repairs later. Your local climate will be a factor in what kind of maintenance that you have to perform and the rate at which your container will deteriorate. Anyone who has owned a car in a wet, temperate climate will know that the moisture, snow, and freezing temperatures cause a more rapid deterioration of metal compared to a warm, dry environment (like Arizona for instance).

Preventative Maintenance is key 

To help maximize the lifetime of your cargo container storage, we will share a few tips to help maintain your container:

Protect against the effects of water and excess moisture

Container condensation or “container rain” is a pretty common thing to monitor during your periodic container inspections. While your sea container is designed to be water tight and prevent moisture from entering from the outside, there is moisture in the air and even contained within the items that you may be storing.

“Container rain” is the condensation of the moisture in the air that occurs inside the closed metal structures. An excessive accumulation of condensation can cause serious damage to some types of items (example electronics or paper documents) and can also accelerate the oxidation process (appearance of rust we will discuss later).

How does condensation occur inside shipping containers?

The metal walls of shipping containers tend to conduct heat very well. As the air temperature drops outside from day to night time, the steel surfaces of the container walls rapidly cool. Once cooled low enough, the metal surfaces will reach what we know as the ‘dew point’ – the temperature where airborne water vapor condenses back into a liquid again.

When warm, humid air comes into contact with the cool metal container walls, the moisture condenses from a vapor to its liquid state, causing water droplets to from on metal surfaces – most of the condensation collects on the ceiling. In regions of the country where there is a great difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, the risk of container rain damaging your stored items is greater.

How can we deal with moisture condensation in shipping containers?

There are three main factors to consider to minimize the problem of moisture condensation in your storage container.

1) Reduce the amount of humidity in the conex container

Inspect the container ceilings and walls for visible moisture condensation. Prior to loading the container, examine the interior surfaces to ensure that there is no pooled water and dry any water that may have collected.

Insulation. Insulating the walls of your container can reduce the temperature of the walls dropping to dew point, and therefore eliminating condensation from occurring.

Check out our Guide How To Insulate A Shipping Container 

Installing a Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier can help reduce excess moisture condensation on the container walls. A vapor barrier is any material used for damp proofing. Commonly a plastic sheet, that prevents diffusion of moisture through the walls, doors or ceiling.

Dehumidifiers and air-con units. If you are intending on storing items that are sensitive to the effects of moisture, you may need to consider using more direct solution to cooling and removing humid air. Air conditioners and / or dehumidifier units are effective at maintaining stable, dry conditions for storage containers in problem climates or seasons of the year.

For a less costly and lower maintenance method of managing humidity inside the container, you could employ desiccants inside. Desiccants are “hygroscopic substances” which absorb atmospheric moisture.

Think of those “Do Not eat” silica gel packets that are usually found inside bottles of food supplements or product packaging. Desiccants are available in a number of forms – most commonly contained in strips hung on the walls or suspended from the ceiling or bags on the floor of the container. The desiccant bags should be replaced every 10 to 12 weeks – depending on the time of year and your local weather conditions.

2) Ventilate to allow warm humid air to escape

Ventilation. Consider your environment. If your container will be stored in a climate where there is a significant day/night temperature fluctuation, you may need to employ greater measures to mitigate “container rain”.

Containers are often renovated and fitted with vents to allow air circulation and avoid the build-up of heated air inside the container. This simple step can go a long way to eliminating the effects of condensation.

3) Store dry goods to avoid condensation.

Make sure you only store 100% dry goods in the storage box. Be aware that some materials, such as fresh wood, can have an intrinsically high moisture content. This means that moisture from the items themselves can release moisture into the air and can cause humidity levels to rise inside the container.
Avoid placing moisture sensitive objects (like furniture or cardboard boxes) directly in contact with the walls where water droplets are most likely to condense and collect. Be aware that some items (ex. electronics or dried food stuffs or cardboard boxes of paper documents which are susceptible to mold) may be at risk of the effects of moisture build up and plan accordingly.

Rust: How to prevent & avoid shipping container rust

Even though Conex containers are designed to be watertight and be used in all weather conditions, they are ultimately made of steel and thus susceptible to the problem of rust.

The good news is that most shipping containers are manufactured out of corrosion resistant Cor-Ten steel and we can take measures to protect against the onset of rust and slow its corrosive effects. If you purchased an “as is” container, it is quite likely that a used shipping container has had a lot of exposure to salt water and salt air which all accelerate corrosion. A 1-trip or new container will not have that degree of corrosion.

What causes shipping containers to rust?

Rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the air, or chloride in water. Marine grade steel has anti-corrosive properties, but because of the harsh, maritime environments that containers are exposed to, rust will eventually, occur.

When a shipping container is exposed to both oxygen and water – an oxidation chemical reaction occurs. The reaction between the steel, the water, and oxygen creates hydrated iron (III) oxide, which we can experience as rust. Shipping containers can also start to rust if their metal surface sustains any damage during transit. When the container is impacted during loading, the protective coating on the outside of the container may be damaged and bare metal exposed, which creates a foothold for the oxidation reaction to get started.

Two different types of shipping container rust

The most obvious rust on the exterior walls of a container would be considered “non-structural” rust as it occurs on the surface of the walls. Surface rust is unsightly, can rub off on and discolor items that come into contact, and will negatively affect the resale value of a container. A visibly rusty container may not pose any danger to its users, but few people want to see (or buy) a rusty steel box.

The second (and more insidious) type of container rust is known as “structural rust”.

This more advanced state of corrosion, which has begun to negatively affect the structural integrity of the container). Significant structural rust can render a container unusable for many purposes due to structural instability.

Significant structural rust may prevent the owner from getting the container CSC certified. According to portshippingcontainers.com :

“CSC means ‘Container Safe Convention’ the container is safe for use and is capable of withstanding the sometimes heavy stresses of shipping cargo cross-country and overseas…need to be inspected and certified according to international regulations.”

How to treat early signs of rust

Catch small surface rust issues early on when they first appear. If you catch them early enough, the rusted area is easily treated and cleaned away. Spot and repair scrapes, dents, and scratches, should be dealt with before they show signs of rust, to prevent further corrosion damage that could worsen the issue from a non-structural problem to a structural problem.

The initial signs of rust should be removed. First prepare the problem area by using a wire brush or sand paper to sand down any visible rusted surfaces.

To properly remove the rust, you need to sand right down to bare metal where you can no longer see any signs of rust. After the surface rust has been completely removed, wipe the bare area with vinegar and allow to dry. Once the vinegar has dried, you may apply a layer of rust inhibiting primer or use marine grade DTM (direct to metal) paint to cover the area. If the surface rust problem is more advanced, the remedy is to completely sand blast the exterior container walls and seal and freshly paint the container. For most storage uses, the expensive process sandblasting and completely refurbishing the container is not required.

How do I prepare my container for painting over rust?

As a rough guideline – to repaint a 20-foot container you will require four gallons of paint, and need eight gallons to cover a 40-foot container.

Prepare your container for primer and/or paint application by first sanding down any visible rust patches. A pressure washer is ideal for washing off any layers of dirt and dust. Sand rust patches down with a wire wheel or sandpaper.

It’s a good idea to apply a rust inhibiting primer coat over the area first to ensure the top coat of paint adheres to the metal.

Get the advice of your local paint vendor to determine which primer they stock will be best for outdoors metal surfaces.

Allow enough time for the primer coat to completely dry before applying the final, top coat of paint.

What kind of paint should I use for rust proofing my shipping container?

There are a number of options that you can find to suit your needs, paint availability and budget.

Choosing the correct paint for your shipping container

The type of paint you decide on for your container will depend on how you intend to use it.

1) A water based paint (that is better for the environment with lower VOC levels). With proper preparation and application, water based paints can be equal or better at inhibiting rust – compared to the traditional oil-based paints.

2) Industrial grade alkyd enamel paints are reasonably inexpensive and easy for non-professionals to work with.

You can expect your alkyd enamel finish to last between five to ten years.

3} Polyurethane paint is a heavy duty paint seen in industrial use. It’s important to be aware that the chemicals in the paint can be more hazardous to use. Since there specific procedures for the mixing and application of polyurethane paint, you may wish to seek the services of a professional to apply this type of paint.

4) Zinc paint. Using an application of zinc-based paint will slow the onset of shipping container rust effectively. By a process know as ‘cathodic protection’ – the zinc in the paint slows the rate of rusting of the underlying steel.

Sandblasting the entire exterior of the container is not recommended for most cases. Sandblasting an entire container is a costly process as you need to engage a professional who has the equipment and the sandblasting will completely remove a lot of great protection provided by the original high quality marine grade paint. Since a home paint job is not going to offer the same level of rust protection as the original paint, the wise course of action is to prime and paint over the original marine paint.

Position the container on a level foundation

The easiest step you can take to protect against the effects of water and rust is to position your shipping container on level ground – as opposed to a low lying depression where rain water will collect.
If puddles of water accumulate under or around the container, the conditions are there for rust to rapidly develop. If your container is set directly on the ground, the bottom is in contact with ground moisture and more likely to rust.

First, select a location that is on raised and level ground. Builders recommend setting your Conex container up on a basic foundation using a simple foundation of concrete blocks or railroad ties – which will also have the added benefit of improving air circulation under the container..

A common problem area to look out for is the bottom of the container doors as water tends to collect in that area.

Maintain container door hinges and gaskets

While shipping containers are simple structures with few moving parts, we do need to perform some maintenance on the doors.

The easiest and most obvious is to lubricate the container door hinges. Metal hinges can seize up after a long period of disuse. Applying an all purpose lubricant like WD40 or 3in1 oil when you do a container check, will keep the hinges from rusting and getting bound up and doors working smoothly.

Replace worn rubber seals on doors.

Shipping containers are engineered to be a watertight sealed environment and the metal doors utilize rubber gasket type of seals.

The rubber generally have a life span of close to 10 years before cracking, degrading and losing their ability to rightly seal the door against moisture. In the case of badly degraded seals, you can replace them with a container door gasket kit available online.

By paying attention to these tips, you can ensure your shipping container storage unit protects your items for many years.

So you bought your own shipping container and are using it for storage. One of your first questions now that you are the proud owner of a Conex container is “What do I need to do to take care of and maintain my shipping container?”

The good news is that by their very design, shipping containers are constructed out of heavy gauge steel and built to be durable for many years, with minimal maintenance.

How long do shipping containers last?

You can expect to get a minimum of 15-20 years of use from your shipping container. When a Conex container is retired from international shipping containers for sale Atlanta service they are resold as wind and water tight units into the storage market or to be repurposed for other uses.

With some basic preventative maintenance and planning, your sea container can easily serve you with a further fifteen or more years of use.

Annual inspection of your storage container

Mark your calendar to make an annual inspection of your storage container. Check for any indications of structural rust, especially in the frame parts of the box where water may have collected for any period of time. Inspect the rubber door seals to check for deterioration. Old seals eventually become brittle and won’t maintain a water tight seal. As with anything – if you address any problems early on and perform a minimum level of maintenance – you can save time and money on repairs later. Your local climate will be a factor in what kind of maintenance that you have to perform and the rate at which your container will deteriorate. Anyone who has owned a car in a wet, temperate climate will know that the moisture, snow, and freezing temperatures cause a more rapid deterioration of metal compared to a warm, dry environment (like Arizona for instance).

Preventative Maintenance is key 

To help maximize the lifetime of your cargo container storage, we will share a few tips to help maintain your container:

Protect against the effects of water and excess moisture

Container condensation or “container rain” is a pretty common thing to monitor during your periodic container inspections. While your sea container is designed to be water tight and prevent moisture from entering from the outside, there is moisture in the air and even contained within the items that you may be storing.

“Container rain” is the condensation of the moisture in the air that occurs inside the closed metal structures. An excessive accumulation of condensation can cause serious damage to some types of items (example electronics or paper documents) and can also accelerate the oxidation process (appearance of rust we will discuss later).

How does condensation occur inside shipping containers?

The metal walls of shipping containers tend to conduct heat very well. As the air temperature drops outside from day to night time, the steel surfaces of the container walls rapidly cool. Once cooled low enough, the metal surfaces will reach what we know as the ‘dew point’ – the temperature where airborne water vapor condenses back into a liquid again.

When warm, humid air comes into contact with the cool metal container walls, the moisture condenses from a vapor to its liquid state, causing water droplets to from on metal surfaces – most of the condensation collects on the ceiling. In regions of the country where there is a great difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, the risk of container rain damaging your stored items is greater.

How can we deal with moisture condensation in shipping containers?

There are three main factors to consider to minimize the problem of moisture condensation in your storage container.

1) Reduce the amount of humidity in the conex container

Inspect the container ceilings and walls for visible moisture condensation. Prior to loading the container, examine the interior surfaces to ensure that there is no pooled water and dry any water that may have collected.

Insulation. Insulating the walls of your container can reduce the temperature of the walls dropping to dew point, and therefore eliminating condensation from occurring.

Check out our Guide How To Insulate A Shipping Container 

Installing a Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier can help reduce excess moisture condensation on the container walls. A vapor barrier is any material used for damp proofing. Commonly a plastic sheet, that prevents diffusion of moisture through the walls, doors or ceiling.

Dehumidifiers and air-con units. If you are intending on storing items that are sensitive to the effects of moisture, you may need to consider using more direct solution to cooling and removing humid air. Air conditioners and / or dehumidifier units are effective at maintaining stable, dry conditions for storage containers in problem climates or seasons of the year.

For a less costly and lower maintenance method of managing humidity inside the container, you could employ desiccants inside. Desiccants are “hygroscopic substances” which absorb atmospheric moisture.

Think of those “Do Not eat” silica gel packets that are usually found inside bottles of food supplements or product packaging. Desiccants are available in a number of forms – most commonly contained in strips hung on the walls or suspended from the ceiling or bags on the floor of the container. The desiccant bags should be replaced every 10 to 12 weeks – depending on the time of year and your local weather conditions.

2) Ventilate to allow warm humid air to escape

Ventilation. Consider your environment. If your container will be stored in a climate where there is a significant day/night temperature fluctuation, you may need to employ greater measures to mitigate “container rain”.

Containers are often renovated and fitted with vents to allow air circulation and avoid the build-up of heated air inside the container. This simple step can go a long way to eliminating the effects of condensation.

3) Store dry goods to avoid condensation.

Make sure you only store 100% dry goods in the storage box. Be aware that some materials, such as fresh wood, can have an intrinsically high moisture content. This means that moisture from the items themselves can release moisture into the air and can cause humidity levels to rise inside the container.
Avoid placing moisture sensitive objects (like furniture or cardboard boxes) directly in contact with the walls where water droplets are most likely to condense and collect. Be aware that some items (ex. electronics or dried food stuffs or cardboard boxes of paper documents which are susceptible to mold) may be at risk of the effects of moisture build up and plan accordingly.

Rust: How to prevent & avoid shipping container rust

Even though Conex containers are designed to be watertight and be used in all weather conditions, they are ultimately made of steel and thus susceptible to the problem of rust.

The good news is that most shipping containers are manufactured out of corrosion resistant Cor-Ten steel and we can take measures to protect against the onset of rust and slow its corrosive effects. If you purchased an “as is” container, it is quite likely that a used shipping container has had a lot of exposure to salt water and salt air which all accelerate corrosion. A 1-trip or new container will not have that degree of corrosion.

What causes shipping containers to rust?

Rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the air, or chloride in water. Marine grade steel has anti-corrosive properties, but because of the harsh, maritime environments that containers are exposed to, rust will eventually, occur.

When a shipping container is exposed to both oxygen and water – an oxidation chemical reaction occurs. The reaction between the steel, the water, and oxygen creates hydrated iron (III) oxide, which we can experience as rust. Shipping containers can also start to rust if their metal surface sustains any damage during transit. When the container is impacted during loading, the protective coating on the outside of the container may be damaged and bare metal exposed, which creates a foothold for the oxidation reaction to get started.

Two different types of shipping container rust

The most obvious rust on the exterior walls of a container would be considered “non-structural” rust as it occurs on the surface of the walls. Surface rust is unsightly, can rub off on and discolor items that come into contact, and will negatively affect the resale value of a container. A visibly rusty container may not pose any danger to its users, but few people want to see (or buy) a rusty steel box.

The second (and more insidious) type of container rust is known as “structural rust”.

This more advanced state of corrosion, which has begun to negatively affect the structural integrity of the container). Significant structural rust can render a container unusable for many purposes due to structural instability.

Significant structural rust may prevent the owner from getting the container CSC certified. According to portshippingcontainers.com :

“CSC means ‘Container Safe Convention’ the container is safe for use and is capable of withstanding the sometimes heavy stresses of shipping cargo cross-country and overseas…need to be inspected and certified according to international regulations.”

How to treat early signs of rust

Catch small surface rust issues early on when they first appear. If you catch them early enough, the rusted area is easily treated and cleaned away. Spot and repair scrapes, dents, and scratches, should be dealt with before they show signs of rust, to prevent further corrosion damage that could worsen the issue from a non-structural problem to a structural problem.

The initial signs of rust should be removed. First prepare the problem area by using a wire brush or sand paper to sand down any visible rusted surfaces.

To properly remove the rust, you need to sand right down to bare metal where you can no longer see any signs of rust. After the surface rust has been completely removed, wipe the bare area with vinegar and allow to dry. Once the vinegar has dried, you may apply a layer of rust inhibiting primer or use marine grade DTM (direct to metal) paint to cover the area. If the surface rust problem is more advanced, the remedy is to completely sand blast the exterior container walls and seal and freshly paint the container. For most storage uses, the expensive process sandblasting and completely refurbishing the container is not required.

How do I prepare my container for painting over rust?

As a rough guideline – to repaint a 20-foot container you will require four gallons of paint, and need eight gallons to cover a 40-foot container.

Prepare your container for primer and/or paint application by first sanding down any visible rust patches. A pressure washer is ideal for washing off any layers of dirt and dust. Sand rust patches down with a wire wheel or sandpaper.

It’s a good idea to apply a rust inhibiting primer coat over the area first to ensure the top coat of paint adheres to the metal.

Get the advice of your local paint vendor to determine which primer they stock will be best for outdoors metal surfaces.

Allow enough time for the primer coat to completely dry before applying the final, top coat of paint.

What kind of paint should I use for rust proofing my shipping container?

There are a number of options that you can find to suit your needs, paint availability and budget.

Choosing the correct paint for your shipping container

The type of paint you decide on for your container will depend on how you intend to use it.

1) A water based paint (that is better for the environment with lower VOC levels). With proper preparation and application, water based paints can be equal or better at inhibiting rust – compared to the traditional oil-based paints.

2) Industrial grade alkyd enamel paints are reasonably inexpensive and easy for non-professionals to work with.

You can expect your alkyd enamel finish to last between five to ten years.

3} Polyurethane paint is a heavy duty paint seen in industrial use. It’s important to be aware that the chemicals in the paint can be more hazardous to use. Since there specific procedures for the mixing and application of polyurethane paint, you may wish to seek the services of a professional to apply this type of paint.

4) Zinc paint. Using an application of zinc-based paint will slow the onset of shipping container rust effectively. By a process know as ‘cathodic protection’ – the zinc in the paint slows the rate of rusting of the underlying steel.

Sandblasting the entire exterior of the container is not recommended for most cases. Sandblasting an entire container is a costly process as you need to engage a professional who has the equipment and the sandblasting will completely remove a lot of great protection provided by the original high quality marine grade paint. Since a home paint job is not going to offer the same level of rust protection as the original paint, the wise course of action is to prime and paint over the original marine paint.

Position the container on a level foundation

The easiest step you can take to protect against the effects of water and rust is to position your shipping container on level ground – as opposed to a low lying depression where rain water will collect.
If puddles of water accumulate under or around the container, the conditions are there for rust to rapidly develop. If your container is set directly on the ground, the bottom is in contact with ground moisture and more likely to rust.

First, select a location that is on raised and level ground. Builders recommend setting your Conex container up on a basic foundation using a simple foundation of concrete blocks or railroad ties – which will also have the added benefit of improving air circulation under the container..

A common problem area to look out for is the bottom of the container doors as water tends to collect in that area.

Maintain container door hinges and gaskets

While shipping containers are simple structures with few moving parts, we do need to perform some maintenance on the doors.

The easiest and most obvious is to lubricate the container door hinges. Metal hinges can seize up after a long period of disuse. Applying an all purpose lubricant like WD40 or 3in1 oil when you do a container check, will keep the hinges from rusting and getting bound up and doors working smoothly.

Replace worn rubber seals on doors.

Shipping containers are engineered to be a watertight sealed environment and the metal doors utilize rubber gasket type of seals.

The rubber generally have a life span of close to 10 years before cracking, degrading and losing their ability to rightly seal the door against moisture. In the case of badly degraded seals, you can replace them with a container door gasket kit available online.

By paying attention to these tips, you can ensure your shipping container storage unit protects your items for many years.

So you bought your own shipping container and are using it for storage. One of your first questions now that you are the proud owner of a Conex container is “What do I need to do to take care of and maintain my shipping container?”

The good news is that by their very design, shipping containers are constructed out of heavy gauge steel and built to be durable for many years, with minimal maintenance.

How long do shipping containers last?

You can expect to get a minimum of 15-20 years of use from your shipping container. When a Conex container is retired from international cargo shipping service they are resold as wind and water tight units into the storage market or to be repurposed for other uses.

With some basic preventative maintenance and planning, your sea container can easily serve you with a further fifteen or more years of use.

Annual inspection of your storage container

Mark your calendar to make an annual inspection of your storage container. Check for any indications of structural rust, especially in the frame parts of the box where water may have collected for any period of time. Inspect the rubber door seals to check for deterioration. Old seals eventually become brittle and won’t maintain a water tight seal. As with anything – if you address any problems early on and perform a minimum shipping containers for sale Atlanta level of maintenance – you can save time and money on repairs later. Your local climate will be a factor in what kind of maintenance that you have to perform and the rate at which your container will deteriorate. Anyone who has owned a car in a wet, temperate climate will know that the moisture, snow, and freezing temperatures cause a more rapid deterioration of metal compared to a warm, dry environment (like Arizona for instance).

Preventative Maintenance is key 

To help maximize the lifetime of your cargo container storage, we will share a few tips to help maintain your container:

Protect against the effects of water and excess moisture

Container condensation or “container rain” is a pretty common thing to monitor during your periodic container inspections. While your sea container is designed to be water tight and prevent moisture from entering from the outside, there is moisture in the air and even contained within the items that you may be storing.

“Container rain” is the condensation of the moisture in the air that occurs inside the closed metal structures. An excessive accumulation of condensation can cause serious damage to some types of items (example electronics or paper documents) and can also accelerate the oxidation process (appearance of rust we will discuss later).

How does condensation occur inside shipping containers?

The metal walls of shipping containers tend to conduct heat very well. As the air temperature drops outside from day to night time, the steel surfaces of the container walls rapidly cool. Once cooled low enough, the metal surfaces will reach what we know as the ‘dew point’ – the temperature where airborne water vapor condenses back into a liquid again.

When warm, humid air comes into contact with the cool metal container walls, the moisture condenses from a vapor to its liquid state, causing water droplets to from on metal surfaces – most of the condensation collects on the ceiling. In regions of the country where there is a great difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, the risk of container rain damaging your stored items is greater.

How can we deal with moisture condensation in shipping containers?

There are three main factors to consider to minimize the problem of moisture condensation in your storage container.

1) Reduce the amount of humidity in the conex container

Inspect the container ceilings and walls for visible moisture condensation. Prior to loading the container, examine the interior surfaces to ensure that there is no pooled water and dry any water that may have collected.

Insulation. Insulating the walls of your container can reduce the temperature of the walls dropping to dew point, and therefore eliminating condensation from occurring.

Check out our Guide How To Insulate A Shipping Container 

Installing a Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier can help reduce excess moisture condensation on the container walls. A vapor barrier is any material used for damp proofing. Commonly a plastic sheet, that prevents diffusion of moisture through the walls, doors or ceiling.

Dehumidifiers and air-con units. If you are intending on storing items that are sensitive to the effects of moisture, you may need to consider using more direct solution to cooling and removing humid air. Air conditioners and / or dehumidifier units are effective at maintaining stable, dry conditions for storage containers in problem climates or seasons of the year.

For a less costly and lower maintenance method of managing humidity inside the container, you could employ desiccants inside. Desiccants are “hygroscopic substances” which absorb atmospheric moisture.

Think of those “Do Not eat” silica gel packets that are usually found inside bottles of food supplements or product packaging. Desiccants are available in a number of forms – most commonly contained in strips hung on the walls or suspended from the ceiling or bags on the floor of the container. The desiccant bags should be replaced every 10 to 12 weeks – depending on the time of year and your local weather conditions.

2) Ventilate to allow warm humid air to escape

Ventilation. Consider your environment. If your container will be stored in a climate where there is a significant day/night temperature fluctuation, you may need to employ greater measures to mitigate “container rain”.

Containers are often renovated and fitted with vents to allow air circulation and avoid the build-up of heated air inside the container. This simple step can go a long way to eliminating the effects of condensation.

3) Store dry goods to avoid condensation.

Make sure you only store 100% dry goods in the storage box. Be aware that some materials, such as fresh wood, can have an intrinsically high moisture content. This means that moisture from the items themselves can release moisture into the air and can cause humidity levels to rise inside the container.
Avoid placing moisture sensitive objects (like furniture or cardboard boxes) directly in contact with the walls where water droplets are most likely to condense and collect. Be aware that some items (ex. electronics or dried food stuffs or cardboard boxes of paper documents which are susceptible to mold) may be at risk of the effects of moisture build up and plan accordingly.

Rust: How to prevent & avoid shipping container rust

Even though Conex containers are designed to be watertight and be used in all weather conditions, they are ultimately made of steel and thus susceptible to the problem of rust.

The good news is that most shipping containers are manufactured out of corrosion resistant Cor-Ten steel and we can take measures to protect against the onset of rust and slow its corrosive effects. If you purchased an “as is” container, it is quite likely that a used shipping container has had a lot of exposure to salt water and salt air which all accelerate corrosion. A 1-trip or new container will not have that degree of corrosion.

What causes shipping containers to rust?

Rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the air, or chloride in water. Marine grade steel has anti-corrosive properties, but because of the harsh, maritime environments that containers are exposed to, rust will eventually, occur.

When a shipping container is exposed to both oxygen and water – an oxidation chemical reaction occurs. The reaction between the steel, the water, and oxygen creates hydrated iron (III) oxide, which we can experience as rust. Shipping containers can also start to rust if their metal surface sustains any damage during transit. When the container is impacted during loading, the protective coating on the outside of the container may be damaged and bare metal exposed, which creates a foothold for the oxidation reaction to get started.

Two different types of shipping container rust

The most obvious rust on the exterior walls of a container would be considered “non-structural” rust as it occurs on the surface of the walls. Surface rust is unsightly, can rub off on and discolor items that come into contact, and will negatively affect the resale value of a container. A visibly rusty container may not pose any danger to its users, but few people want to see (or buy) a rusty steel box.

The second (and more insidious) type of container rust is known as “structural rust”.

This more advanced state of corrosion, which has begun to negatively affect the structural integrity of the container). Significant structural rust can render a container unusable for many purposes due to structural instability.

Significant structural rust may prevent the owner from getting the container CSC certified. According to portshippingcontainers.com :

“CSC means ‘Container Safe Convention’ the container is safe for use and is capable of withstanding the sometimes heavy stresses of shipping cargo cross-country and overseas…need to be inspected and certified according to international regulations.”

How to treat early signs of rust

Catch small surface rust issues early on when they first appear. If you catch them early enough, the rusted area is easily treated and cleaned away. Spot and repair scrapes, dents, and scratches, should be dealt with before they show signs of rust, to prevent further corrosion damage that could worsen the issue from a non-structural problem to a structural problem.

The initial signs of rust should be removed. First prepare the problem area by using a wire brush or sand paper to sand down any visible rusted surfaces.

To properly remove the rust, you need to sand right down to bare metal where you can no longer see any signs of rust. After the surface rust has been completely removed, wipe the bare area with vinegar and allow to dry. Once the vinegar has dried, you may apply a layer of rust inhibiting primer or use marine grade DTM (direct to metal) paint to cover the area. If the surface rust problem is more advanced, the remedy is to completely sand blast the exterior container walls and seal and freshly paint the container. For most storage uses, the expensive process sandblasting and completely refurbishing the container is not required.

How do I prepare my container for painting over rust?

As a rough guideline – to repaint a 20-foot container you will require four gallons of paint, and need eight gallons to cover a 40-foot container.

Prepare your container for primer and/or paint application by first sanding down any visible rust patches. A pressure washer is ideal for washing off any layers of dirt and dust. Sand rust patches down with a wire wheel or sandpaper.

It’s a good idea to apply a rust inhibiting primer coat over the area first to ensure the top coat of paint adheres to the metal.

Get the advice of your local paint vendor to determine which primer they stock will be best for outdoors metal surfaces.

Allow enough time for the primer coat to completely dry before applying the final, top coat of paint.

What kind of paint should I use for rust proofing my shipping container?

There are a number of options that you can find to suit your needs, paint availability and budget.

Choosing the correct paint for your shipping container

The type of paint you decide on for your container will depend on how you intend to use it.

1) A water based paint (that is better for the environment with lower VOC levels). With proper preparation and application, water based paints can be equal or better at inhibiting rust – compared to the traditional oil-based paints.

2) Industrial grade alkyd enamel paints are reasonably inexpensive and easy for non-professionals to work with.

You can expect your alkyd enamel finish to last between five to ten years.

3} Polyurethane paint is a heavy duty paint seen in industrial use. It’s important to be aware that the chemicals in the paint can be more hazardous to use. Since there specific procedures for the mixing and application of polyurethane paint, you may wish to seek the services of a professional to apply this type of paint.

4) Zinc paint. Using an application of zinc-based paint will slow the onset of shipping container rust effectively. By a process know as ‘cathodic protection’ – the zinc in the paint slows the rate of rusting of the underlying steel.

Sandblasting the entire exterior of the container is not recommended for most cases. Sandblasting an entire container is a costly process as you need to engage a professional who has the equipment and the sandblasting will completely remove a lot of great protection provided by the original high quality marine grade paint. Since a home paint job is not going to offer the same level of rust protection as the original paint, the wise course of action is to prime and paint over the original marine paint.

Position the container on a level foundation

The easiest step you can take to protect against the effects of water and rust is to position your shipping container on level ground – as opposed to a low lying depression where rain water will collect.
If puddles of water accumulate under or around the container, the conditions are there for rust to rapidly develop. If your container is set directly on the ground, the bottom is in contact with ground moisture and more likely to rust.

First, select a location that is on raised and level ground. Builders recommend setting your Conex container up on a basic foundation using a simple foundation of concrete blocks or railroad ties – which will also have the added benefit of improving air circulation under the container..

A common problem area to look out for is the bottom of the container doors as water tends to collect in that area.

Maintain container door hinges and gaskets

While shipping containers are simple structures with few moving parts, we do need to perform some maintenance on the doors.

The easiest and most obvious is to lubricate the container door hinges. Metal hinges can seize up after a long period of disuse. Applying an all purpose lubricant like WD40 or 3in1 oil when you do a container check, will keep the hinges from rusting and getting bound up and doors working smoothly.

Replace worn rubber seals on doors.

Shipping containers are engineered to be a watertight sealed environment and the metal doors utilize rubber gasket type of seals.

The rubber generally have a life span of close to 10 years before cracking, degrading and losing their ability to rightly seal the door against moisture. In the case of badly degraded seals, you can replace them with a container door gasket kit available online.

By paying attention to these tips, you can ensure your shipping container storage unit protects your items for many years.

So you bought your own shipping container and are using it for storage. One of your first questions now that you are the proud owner of a Conex container is “What do I need to do to take care of and maintain my shipping container?”

The good news is that by their very design, shipping containers are constructed out of heavy gauge steel and built to be durable for many years, with minimal maintenance.

How long do shipping containers last?

You can expect to get a minimum of 15-20 years of use from your shipping container. When a Conex container is retired from international conex box for sale  service they are resold as wind and water tight units into the storage market or to be repurposed for other uses.

With some basic preventative maintenance and planning, your sea container can easily serve you with a further fifteen or more years of use.

Annual inspection of your storage container

Mark your calendar to make an annual inspection of your storage container. Check for any indications of structural rust, especially in the frame parts of the box where water may have collected for any period of time. Inspect the rubber door seals to check for deterioration. Old seals eventually become brittle and won’t maintain a water tight seal. As with anything – if you address any problems early on and perform a minimum level of maintenance – you can save time and money on repairs later. Your local climate will be a factor in what kind of maintenance that you have to perform and the rate at which your container will deteriorate. Anyone who has owned a car in a wet, temperate climate will know that the moisture, snow, and freezing temperatures cause a more rapid deterioration of metal compared to a warm, dry environment (like Arizona for instance).

Preventative Maintenance is key 

To help maximize the lifetime of your cargo container storage, we will share a few tips to help maintain your container:

Protect against the effects of water and excess moisture

Container condensation or “container rain” is a pretty common thing to monitor during your periodic container inspections. While your sea container is designed to be water tight and prevent moisture from entering from the outside, there is moisture in the air and even contained within the items that you may be storing.

“Container rain” is the condensation of the moisture in the air that occurs inside the closed metal structures. An excessive accumulation of condensation can cause serious damage to some types of items (example electronics or paper documents) and can also accelerate the oxidation process (appearance of rust we will discuss later).

How does condensation occur inside shipping containers?

The metal walls of shipping containers tend to conduct heat very well. As the air temperature drops outside from day to night time, the steel surfaces of the container walls rapidly cool. Once cooled low enough, the metal surfaces will reach what we know as the ‘dew point’ – the temperature where airborne water vapor condenses back into a liquid again.

When warm, humid air comes into contact with the cool metal container walls, the moisture condenses from a vapor to its liquid state, causing water droplets to from on metal surfaces – most of the condensation collects on the ceiling. In regions of the country where there is a great difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, the risk of container rain damaging your stored items is greater.

How can we deal with moisture condensation in shipping containers?

There are three main factors to consider to minimize the problem of moisture condensation in your storage container.

1) Reduce the amount of humidity in the conex container

Inspect the container ceilings and walls for visible moisture condensation. Prior to loading the container, examine the interior surfaces to ensure that there is no pooled water and dry any water that may have collected.

Insulation. Insulating the walls of your container can reduce the temperature of the walls dropping to dew point, and therefore eliminating condensation from occurring.

Check out our Guide How To Insulate A Shipping Container 

Installing a Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier can help reduce excess moisture condensation on the container walls. A vapor barrier is any material used for damp proofing. Commonly a plastic sheet, that prevents diffusion of moisture through the walls, doors or ceiling.

Dehumidifiers and air-con units. If you are intending on storing items that are sensitive to the effects of moisture, you may need to consider using more direct solution to cooling and removing humid air. Air conditioners and / or dehumidifier units are effective at maintaining stable, dry conditions for storage containers in problem climates or seasons of the year.

For a less costly and lower maintenance method of managing humidity inside the container, you could employ desiccants inside. Desiccants are “hygroscopic substances” which absorb atmospheric moisture.

Think of those “Do Not eat” silica gel packets that are usually found inside bottles of food supplements or product packaging. Desiccants are available in a number of forms – most commonly contained in strips hung on the walls or suspended from the ceiling or bags on the floor of the container. The desiccant bags should be replaced every 10 to 12 weeks – depending on the time of year and your local weather conditions.

2) Ventilate to allow warm humid air to escape

Ventilation. Consider your environment. If your container will be stored in a climate where there is a significant day/night temperature fluctuation, you may need to employ greater measures to mitigate “container rain”.

Containers are often renovated and fitted with vents to allow air circulation and avoid the build-up of heated air inside the container. This simple step can go a long way to eliminating the effects of condensation.

3) Store dry goods to avoid condensation.

Make sure you only store 100% dry goods in the storage box. Be aware that some materials, such as fresh wood, can have an intrinsically high moisture content. This means that moisture from the items themselves can release moisture into the air and can cause humidity levels to rise inside the container.
Avoid placing moisture sensitive objects (like furniture or cardboard boxes) directly in contact with the walls where water droplets are most likely to condense and collect. Be aware that some items (ex. electronics or dried food stuffs or cardboard boxes of paper documents which are susceptible to mold) may be at risk of the effects of moisture build up and plan accordingly.

Rust: How to prevent & avoid shipping container rust

Even though Conex containers are designed to be watertight and be used in all weather conditions, they are ultimately made of steel and thus susceptible to the problem of rust.

The good news is that most shipping containers are manufactured out of corrosion resistant Cor-Ten steel and we can take measures to protect against the onset of rust and slow its corrosive effects. If you purchased an “as is” container, it is quite likely that a used shipping container has had a lot of exposure to salt water and salt air which all accelerate corrosion. A 1-trip or new container will not have that degree of corrosion.

What causes shipping containers to rust?

Rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the air, or chloride in water. Marine grade steel has anti-corrosive properties, but because of the harsh, maritime environments that containers are exposed to, rust will eventually, occur.

When a shipping container is exposed to both oxygen and water – an oxidation chemical reaction occurs. The reaction between the steel, the water, and oxygen creates hydrated iron (III) oxide, which we can experience as rust. Shipping containers can also start to rust if their metal surface sustains any damage during transit. When the container is impacted during loading, the protective coating on the outside of the container may be damaged and bare metal exposed, which creates a foothold for the oxidation reaction to get started.

Two different types of shipping container rust

The most obvious rust on the exterior walls of a container would be considered “non-structural” rust as it occurs on the surface of the walls. Surface rust is unsightly, can rub off on and discolor items that come into contact, and will negatively affect the resale value of a container. A visibly rusty container may not pose any danger to its users, but few people want to see (or buy) a rusty steel box.

The second (and more insidious) type of container rust is known as “structural rust”.

This more advanced state of corrosion, which has begun to negatively affect the structural integrity of the container). Significant structural rust can render a container unusable for many purposes due to structural instability.

Significant structural rust may prevent the owner from getting the container CSC certified. According to portshippingcontainers.com :

“CSC means ‘Container Safe Convention’ the container is safe for use and is capable of withstanding the sometimes heavy stresses of shipping cargo cross-country and overseas…need to be inspected and certified according to international regulations.”

How to treat early signs of rust

Catch small surface rust issues early on when they first appear. If you catch them early enough, the rusted area is easily treated and cleaned away. Spot and repair scrapes, dents, and scratches, should be dealt with before they show signs of rust, to prevent further corrosion damage that could worsen the issue from a non-structural problem to a structural problem.

The initial signs of rust should be removed. First prepare the problem area by using a wire brush or sand paper to sand down any visible rusted surfaces.

To properly remove the rust, you need to sand right down to bare metal where you can no longer see any signs of rust. After the surface rust has been completely removed, wipe the bare area with vinegar and allow to dry. Once the vinegar has dried, you may apply a layer of rust inhibiting primer or use marine grade DTM (direct to metal) paint to cover the area. If the surface rust problem is more advanced, the remedy is to completely sand blast the exterior container walls and seal and freshly paint the container. For most storage uses, the expensive process sandblasting and completely refurbishing the container is not required.

How do I prepare my container for painting over rust?

As a rough guideline – to repaint a 20-foot container you will require four gallons of paint, and need eight gallons to cover a 40-foot container.

Prepare your container for primer and/or paint application by first sanding down any visible rust patches. A pressure washer is ideal for washing off any layers of dirt and dust. Sand rust patches down with a wire wheel or sandpaper.

It’s a good idea to apply a rust inhibiting primer coat over the area first to ensure the top coat of paint adheres to the metal.

Get the advice of your local paint vendor to determine which primer they stock will be best for outdoors metal surfaces.

Allow enough time for the primer coat to completely dry before applying the final, top coat of paint.

What kind of paint should I use for rust proofing my shipping container?

There are a number of options that you can find to suit your needs, paint availability and budget.

Choosing the correct paint for your shipping container

The type of paint you decide on for your container will depend on how you intend to use it.

1) A water based paint (that is better for the environment with lower VOC levels). With proper preparation and application, water based paints can be equal or better at inhibiting rust – compared to the traditional oil-based paints.

2) Industrial grade alkyd enamel paints are reasonably inexpensive and easy for non-professionals to work with.

You can expect your alkyd enamel finish to last between five to ten years.

3} Polyurethane paint is a heavy duty paint seen in industrial use. It’s important to be aware that the chemicals in the paint can be more hazardous to use. Since there specific procedures for the mixing and application of polyurethane paint, you may wish to seek the services of a professional to apply this type of paint.

4) Zinc paint. Using an application of zinc-based paint will slow the onset of shipping container rust effectively. By a process know as ‘cathodic protection’ – the zinc in the paint slows the rate of rusting of the underlying steel.

Sandblasting the entire exterior of the container is not recommended for most cases. Sandblasting an entire container is a costly process as you need to engage a professional who has the equipment and the sandblasting will completely remove a lot of great protection provided by the original high quality marine grade paint. Since a home paint job is not going to offer the same level of rust protection as the original paint, the wise course of action is to prime and paint over the original marine paint.

Position the container on a level foundation

The easiest step you can take to protect against the effects of water and rust is to position your shipping container on level ground – as opposed to a low lying depression where rain water will collect.
If puddles of water accumulate under or around the container, the conditions are there for rust to rapidly develop. If your container is set directly on the ground, the bottom is in contact with ground moisture and more likely to rust.

First, select a location that is on raised and level ground. Builders recommend setting your Conex container up on a basic foundation using a simple foundation of concrete blocks or railroad ties – which will also have the added benefit of improving air circulation under the container..

A common problem area to look out for is the bottom of the container doors as water tends to collect in that area.

Maintain container door hinges and gaskets

While shipping containers are simple structures with few moving parts, we do need to perform some maintenance on the doors.

The easiest and most obvious is to lubricate the container door hinges. Metal hinges can seize up after a long period of disuse. Applying an all purpose lubricant like WD40 or 3in1 oil when you do a container check, will keep the hinges from rusting and getting bound up and doors working smoothly.

Replace worn rubber seals on doors.

Shipping containers are engineered to be a watertight sealed environment and the metal doors utilize rubber gasket type of seals.

The rubber generally have a life span of close to 10 years before cracking, degrading and losing their ability to rightly seal the door against moisture. In the case of badly degraded seals, you can replace them with a container door gasket kit available online.

By paying attention to these tips, you can ensure your shipping container storage unit protects your items for many years.