Depending on how much they have been used, used shipping containers might vary in condition. We may suggest the following measures if you are looking to buy a used shipping container to make sure you get a container that is fit for cargo. It’s critical to know what to anticipate from a used cargo container since used shipping containers will never be equal in condition to one-trip containers.
1. We advise you to check the outside of the containers as one of the first places to look. Examine the unit’s general condition as you go around the container. For used containers that are older than ten years, some rust, dents, and patches are common. However, if appearance matters because of where you plan to install the equipment, attempt to find a container with fewer panel damages.
2. Every container has a plate attached by the manufacturer that contains manufacturing information, including the unit’s creation date. Review the manufacturing date and compare it to the unit’s overall condition. Does it make sense or, considering its age, has it seen undue wear and tear?
3. Go over the container’s seams and corner castings. Make sure there are no exposed seams or cracked welds. A severe security and structural integrity risk might arise if there are any cracks or other weak spots.
4. Make sure the doors open and close reasonably smoothly. If there is no safe lockbox (notice that a lockbox is an add-on and not standard on a used container), make sure the locking bars can hold a padlock. This will minimize exposure to the weather or theft while ensuring the dry, secure storage of your items.
5. Step inside the container and examine the ground. Due to the marine quality plywood used to make the flooring of containers, they have a tendency to collect damp and vary in appearance over time. Again, a little minor damage is expected, but make sure the container’s floor is straight and the wood is not rotting. This will be crucial for safely supporting the weight of the items housed within. As part of our routine inspection procedure, BARRIE Containers will utilize a container handler to raise each container that is received to check the undercarriage.
6. Close the container’s doors as gently as possible when inside. Any fractures or pinholes in the walls or roof should be easier to spot when inside the container with the doors closed. The container won’t be wind and waterproof if you can see light coming in.
7. Check the area where the refrigeration unit formerly existed if the container you are evaluating is an insulated, non-working container. Insulated transport containers once had refrigeration, however the refrigeration system has since been removed. Either plywood or an aluminium piece would have been used to cover the hole left behind. It’s crucial that the seals are intact and that no light is leaking in.
8. It is crucial to test the temperature controls if the container you are checking is a refrigeration unit. Set the desired temperature after connecting the refrigeration unit to the power source to ensure that it is operational and able to maintain the intended temperature.
9. Next, check the container’s roof to make sure it is largely straight and devoid of waves or other alterations. This normally requires little to no roof access and may be seen clearly from the ground.
If you have any worries, we advise you to get a shipping container from a reliable vendor like BARRIE Containers. Since we’ve focused on cargo containers for more than 30 years, our team of container specialists can assist you in finding a high-quality container that meets your requirements.
