How to maintain shipping containers properly in a terminal

Shipping containers are designed to be robust and secure. From making the journey across the vast oceans and being shipped on trains and trucks, these containers can survive the harshest of natural elements whilst holding the cargo intact all the time. In particular, shipping containers are constructed from metal (steel) with some hinged doors and a sealed top. Although they are durable in design, shipping containers are susceptible to wear and damage when exposed repeatedly to the natural elements. This makes container storage management a very critical factor when considering the container's life span. To guarantee that your shipping container remains in decent condition, you have to maintain them on a daily basis. Here is a 6-step service guide which will help maintain the state of your shipping containers and guarantee longer service life.

Phase 1: Examine the container roof

The first step in its maintenance is to check the roof thoroughly. If you've bought a second-hand container, odds are its roof must have been dented as a result of containers being piled on top of one another. Deep dents can accumulate rainwater and contribute to decay if not treated. When the dents have been patched, inspect the surface paint to see if that has been scratched or chipped. Repair any paint problems to prevent rust.

Phase 2: Quickly treat the rusted areas

Many sellers of shipping containers trick customers into thinking that the shipping containers, especially ones made of corten steel panels, are actually rustproof. This is the reason why you have to choose quality gateway terminal equipment. While corten steel is known to have an increased higher corrosion-resistant property, relative to other steel types, it is not fully rustproof. They are susceptible to the atmosphere that has salty air and also needs corrosion prevention treatment. Investigate both the interior and exterior and check for places that have been scuffed, rubbed, or sliced. Treat these areas quickly by wrapping, coating with paint and rustproofing. If you're in a line of business where you constantly ship cargo overseas, make sure to choose experienced shipping partners and established container terminals. For instance, you can check out places like South Asia Gateway Terminals.

Phase 3: Lubricate the hinged doors of containers

Shipping containers are not complex and only have a few moving pieces. This involves the door hinges, and frequent cleaning and examination are required for these parts. Secondly, you want a commercial-grade cleaner for steel to disinfect these door hinges. It will eliminate any gravel, grit, and rust that cause hinges to get stuck. Use a lubricating spray and use grease for smooth movements of the hinges.

Phase 4: Search for signs of alterations to containers

It is not unusual for shipping containers to be altered. To decrease the size, some used containers could be sliced and welded together, which can impair the ability to withstand rust, soil, and water. Check for these signs of changes on the container, the joints as well as the metal parts. This is to ensure that the parts have been correctly welded, repainted and also rust-proofed.

Phase 5: Storing the shipping container on a levelled platform

You want to position and store the container on a floor that is as flat as possible. What this does is keep water on one side of it from accumulating. This will prevent damage to the undersides of the container. The location of the container should be well-drained which will prevent rust and corrosion.

Phase 6: Patch the cooling unit

If you buy a refrigerated shipping container (also called a reefer), the refrigeration unit should be serviced regularly to prevent costly repairs down the road. It is recommended to have a trained technician to handle these repairs for you in this case.