Unlocking the world of international trade, freight containers have become a lifeline for shipping goods across the globe. As these containers traverse the seas and traverse the lands, their maintenance and repair have emerged as paramount concerns.
Defined as sturdy, rigid, and specially designed for cargo transportation, these large loading containers serve as the backbone of the logistics industry. Beyond their conventional use, they have sparked creativity, finding new applications like ‘container houses’ in the outdoors and ‘container bars’ in bustling cities.
In this article, OUCO will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the five most prevalent situations demanding container maintenance and repair. So, let’s start!
Structure of Shipping Container
To do a good job of maintaining the container, first, we need to understand its structure.
We mainly divided the structure of the container into the following parts: steel frame, corrugated profiles roof, floor and cross members, corner posts front end, door end and some other parts.
The components are welded to each other, forming a complete and independent shipping container.
One vital rule to remember is never to alter or remove the “cross members,” which is the most important structure of the container.
How can I prevent rust on containers?
Make sure the container is well sealed. Make it will not be eroded by seawater and rain while being transported by sea.
After the container arrives at its destination, it is kept dry by ventilating and expelling wet air to prevent moisture.
Regularly address surface rust or stains. For small rusted areas, perform grinding and spot welding repairs. For larger areas, consider patch repairs.
Repaint in time after sanding, it can protect the surface from oxidation. This not only makes the surface of the container clean but also avoids affecting the quality of the loaded goods.
As an additional measure, apply a corrosion-resistant coating with a thickness of about 100 µm on the clean container surface.
Shipping Container RustWhat should I do if the container floor is uneven?
When you discover that the container’s floor is uneven, with protruding nails or cracks, it is crucial to take immediate action to prevent any potential damage to your cargo.
The optimal approach is to replace it with a new, level plywood floor, and you can perform this operation under any conditions.
However, plywood floors can be costly. To save expenses, consider using steel patches, caulk, and silicone as suitable alternatives.
Deal with oil stains on the floor using an industrial oil cleaner. Stubborn stains may require floor polishing to protect the cargo from oil-related harm.
Additionally, ensure there is no standing water or oil stains on the floor during daily use, as they can cause floor corrosion and make it susceptible to damage under the pressure of heavy cargo.
Damage to the floor of a freight containerWhat should I do if the container is deformed?
The maintenance and repair of the container’s main structure is very important, and it is necessary to ensure the safety of the structure.
If the main structure damaged or deformed, we must repair it in time to avoid further damage to the container and damage to the loaded goods.
If your container is so deformed that it cannot be repaired. Do not hesitate, it’s time to buy a new shipping container.
To find out the severity of container deforming and how to fix it, please check this site: Unified Container Inspection & Repair Criteria (UCIRC)
Shipping Container DeformationHow to avoid mold inside the container?
Mold inside containers is an annoying problem for us. There are three main causes:
1. In relation to maritime, due to the huge temperature difference between day and night at sea, water droplets can easily condense on the inside of the container. We called it “container rain”.
2. Ordinary desiccants may prove ineffective during extended shipping durations, resulting in inadequate drying on subsequent voyages.
3. Varied cargo transported in the container may carry residual bacteria and mold, contributing to the development of mildew.
To address these challenges, implement the following solutions:
- Assign someone to inspect the container for external water seepage and ensure ventilation holes remain unblocked. Keeping the vents open amid high sea humidity effectively prevents mildew.
- Maintain container cleanliness by clearing out debris, sundries, dust, oil stains, and water residues from previous shipments before each loading.
- Employ an anti-mold and antibacterial agent to eliminate bacteria and mildew within the container. The dosage should be appropriate to the container’s size and dimensions.
- Before loading, utilize container drying sticks, considering the container’s size and dimensions, to aid in moisture control.
Moldy Shipping ContainerHow to maintain the container during transport?
Another crucial aspect to consider is the transportation process itself. Improper loading stands as a primary cause of physical damage to containers.
For instance, overloading the containers, inadequately securing cargo with loose strapping, uneven weight distribution, or insufficient use of padding can lead to cargo instability during transport.
To counter these issues, it is imperative to have a qualified professional oversee the transportation process. Utilize specialized container spreaders suitable for different container sizes.
In addition, avoid using low-quality shipping containers and used containers that are too old, prioritize high-quality ones.
Before loading cargo into the empty container, thoroughly inspect it, adhering to specified requirements, and take care to prevent any impact from handling tools during loading and unloading.
Securely fasten the goods inside the container to minimize movement during transportation and prevent damage to the container’s main structure.
Upon completing the transport, promptly handle any residues within the container. For transporting special goods, take all necessary precautions to prevent liquid leakage during loading and unloading.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the optimal maintenance of the container throughout its transportation journey.
OUCO Standard Container SpreaderChoosing a Reliable Container Expert
At the core, prioritizing high-quality containers—paired with careful maintenance and timely repairs—can drastically reduce costs for shipping companies.
As a trusted container supplier, OUCO not only produces ISO standard-sized containers but also specializes in customizing specialty containers to meet diverse needs. These include offshore containers, laboratory containers, and medical containers, each tailored for unique applications.
Reach out to OUCO today to secure premium containers that deliver real value—your shipping operations deserve nothing less!
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