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 conex box for sale 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 containers 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.

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 40 high cube container 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.

When it comes time for the delivery of your shipping container it’s important you understand the options available to you because using the correct equipment can save you time and money.

Conex Depot use a variety of third party trucking partners to deliver empty shipping containers. As we offer a ground delivery option as our standard delivery the bulk of trucks we use are tilt beds, landolls and roll back trucks.

Tilt bed trucks are the most common type of truck we use for the delivery of 20ft shipping containers. These are a short bed truck with the tilt bed mounted to the chassis. These vehicles can only carry an empty shipping containers for sale Atlanta which weighs approximately 5,000 lbs. The container is loaded at the depot using a container handler, then when the truck arrives on site the driver raises up the hydraulic truck bed until the rear corners of the container are touching the ground. The driver then drives forward carefully sliding the container off onto the ground.

For ground delivery of 40ft shipping containers we use landoll and tilt bed trailers. These trailers can be towed by either a hot shot light duty truck, or a heavy duty tractor. The tractor trailer variety is capable of carrying both empty and loaded shipping containers, but the hot shot can carry only lighter empty containers. The advantage of a hot shot delivery is that the trucks are four wheel drive and have a short wheel base, so they can access more difficult delivery sites.

For bulk purchases of shipping containers, or in instances where the delivery site is a long distance from our depot we can offer lower delivery rates using flatbed trucks or chassis type trailers. In this case the customer needs to have equipment on site to unload the containers. 20ft containers have forklift pockets in the bottom of the container, so a standard 3 tonne forklift can be used to unload them. Most 40ft containers however are made without forklift pockets, so a crane is needed to unload them.

The final option is live loading on a chassis. This option is for customers who are exporting a shipping container from a port. We can have your empty container delivered to you site on a chassis type trailer. The driver will stay on site for live loading, but you will be billed by the hour. You will need a ramp or a loading dock to access the container since it will be four or five feet off the ground. If you need a longer time to load your container the trailer can be left on site and the tractor will come back to pick up the loaded shipping container on another day. In this case you will be billed a daily rental fee on the chassis, which is typically around $40.

Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an existing one, utilising new or used shipping containers in a storage facility is a great option and investment into a well proven business model.

We examine five reasons why opening a shipping container storage facility makes business sense, when compared to a traditional storage business.

1. Fast Set Up Time – unlike a regular building construction, which requires significant planning, engineering and regulatory approvals; shipping containers can be delivered on site and are ready for immediate use!

2. Ease Of Expansion – when it comes time to expand your business you can do so easily and quickly, while still using the same footprint! That’s because shipping containers are designed to be stacked. You can double the conex box for sale size of you facility by simply adding a second level of storage containers. Accessing the second level is easy too, but use of a mobile staircase platform or scaffold.

3. Double Door Options – if you purchase new shipping containers for your storage facility we suggest ordering the double door variety. These containers have a set of doors at each end of the container that create a tunnel when opened. The advantage of these units os that a removable divider can be easily installed in the middle, making a 20ft container into two 10ft x 8ft storage spaces, thus making your facility adaptable to your customer’s demands.    

4. Durability – shipping containers are made from anti-corrosive Corten steel. They’re designed to last 20 years on the high seas when being exposed to extreme weather conditions while being regularly loaded and unloaded. When utilised in a storage facility situation shipping containers will last much longer.

5. Ease Of Relocation – in the event that you need to relocate your business, shipping containers can be easily picked up and transported to a new location.

How much land is needed? The footprint required would depend on how many shipping containers are purchased and the size. Generally we would recommend the use of 20ft storage containers, which have a footprint of 160 square feet. 50x20FT storage containers would require a minimum lot of 8,000 square feet or .18 Acres. Some additional land would be required for access between the rows.

What is the initial investment required to open a shipping container storage facility and what kind of ROI can you expect? Based on a facility with 50x20FT storage containers the initial investment would be around $250,000 land near to a major freeway plus around $150,000 for the containers. The rental income from fifty storage containers would be around $100 per month x 50 units = $5,000 per month.

Getting started: when deciding on a location you first need to know the demand for storage in your area. Call some local storage facilities and ask about pricing and availability. In areas of high demand the units are all full and there’s often waiting list. Zoning is another issue to consider. You will probably need a site in an industrial zone area. Check with your local county for regulations on opening a shipping container storage facility near you.

When it comes time to purchase your shipping containers, you should allow about 3-4 months for delivery of new containers if they’re being manufactured to your color and size requirements. Used containers are typically readily available for purchase and delivery within 1-2 weeks.

The subject of shipping pots is remarkably broad. You can find numerous methods to utilize a jar and plenty of methods to sell one too. Additionally there are a large number of points to know when getting delivery containers. Listed below are ten fascinating things you should know.

Bins are eco-friendly whenever you purchase them to recycle them. You are able to turn a used container in to several things: a swimming home, a backyard club for kids, or perhaps a storage model for all of those bead rings you bought for conex box for sale your clothing shop. The most effective selection for utilizing your box as a "green" space would be to turn it into a small home. This calls for several changes such as for example investing in glass windows, however you will discover the process is cheaper and easier than creating a house. You may also purchase numerous containers to create a larger home if needed.

Once you go shopping for bins, there are numerous dimensions to decide on from. The standard shapes are twenty legs and forty feet long. You will find, of course, larger sizes around forty-five feet and sometimes larger. Smaller units could be around ten legs long. Other dimensions for bins, i.e. the level and size are typical at seven feet. It's, obviously, possible to obtain a box custom developed to your own personal size specifications.

The third thing you have to know about buying a pot is that they are exemplary for outdoor storage. They have a sturdy structure, are waterproof and fireproof. That lets you position your most high-priced objects inside without fretting about damage. Bins can be held at your home, or you can lease a temporary one from a company that will keep it at their organization location.

If you should be contemplating purchasing a shipment device, you need to know that you must get yourself a estimate to be able to get an absolute price. It's difficult to get set-in-stone costs for containers since they increase and drop often. Your quote enables you to specify any alterations you prefer. It is a good idea to obtain an estimate from at the very least three companies when you negotiate on one.

You can purchase a pot in many different venues. If you like to shop in person, you can visit box retailers and delivery yards. If you don't brain shopping online, the Internet is full of dealers. Getting online is an excellent way to get numerous quotes, but you will have to pay for more to get the pot to your location.

Yet another thing you need to know about containers is that getting used is a good way to save money. Applied pots are often however in good shape, since they are frequently retired early to produce space for new ones. That makes them a good bargain.

Shipping pots come in a number of components: wood, material and plastic. Material pots are, however, the most typical since their rock sides keep out a number of threats: intruders, rats, and termites. These devices are now and again more costly, but their strong metal structure does the job you need from a container.

One final thing you should know about getting delivery pots is it is not the only choice available. If you do not require a container for long term use, letting one may be most readily useful for you. Leasing a container allows you to pay a tiny monthly fee and have the pot removed if you are completed with it.

When you consider renting or buying delivery containers, you will see more possibilities than you actually imagined.

The subject of shipping containers is surprisingly broad. There are multiple ways to employ a box and lots of approaches to recycle one too. Additionally, there are a great quantity of things to understand when buying shipping containers. Here are ten fascinating things you must know.

Containers are green when you find them to sell them. You are able to change an applied container in to a lot of things: a pool home, an outdoor club for kids, or possibly a storage model for all of those bead charms you purchased for wwt shipping containers your apparel shop. The very best option for utilizing your jar as a "natural" place is to turn it right into a little home. This involves several improvements such as for example setting up glass windows, however you will find the procedure is cheaper and simpler than building a house. You may also obtain numerous containers to compose a larger house if needed.

Whenever you search for containers, there are lots of measurements to choose from. The standard dimensions are thirty feet and forty legs long. There are, needless to say, greater sizes about forty-five legs and sometimes larger. Smaller devices may be around seven feet long. Other sizes for bins, i.e. the level and size are typical at ten feet. It is, obviously, probable to acquire a container custom developed to your own measurement specifications.

The third thing you have to know about getting a container is that they're outstanding for outdoor storage. They've a sturdy design, are waterproof and fireproof. That lets you position your most expensive products inside without worrying all about damage. Pots may be kept at your home, or you can rent a temporary one from a company that could keep it at their organization location.

If you should be contemplating buying a shipping model, you need to know that you will need to get a estimate in order to get an absolute price. It is hard to find set-in-stone charges for bins simply because they increase and drop often. Your estimate will allow you to establish any alterations you prefer. It's recommended to have an calculate from at the very least three companies before you settle on one.

You can purchase a pot in a variety of venues. If you like to look personally, you can visit jar stores and delivery yards. If you may not brain shopping on the internet, the Web is high in dealers. Purchasing on line is a great way to have multiple quotes, but you will have to cover more to obtain the package to your location.

Yet another thing you should know about bins is that buying used is a great way to save lots of money. Used containers are generally still in good shape, as they are usually retired early to make space for new ones. That makes them a good bargain.

Shipping containers can be found in a variety of resources: timber, metal and plastic. Material containers are, nevertheless, the most common since their rock sides keep out a number of threats: thieves, rodents, and termites. These items are often higher priced, but their strong metal construction does the job you need from the container.

One last thing you should know about getting transport bins is that it is perhaps not the sole solution available. If you don't need a box for long haul use, leasing one may be most readily useful for you. Leasing a box lets you pay a tiny regular fee and have the jar eliminated when you're finished with it.

If you think about renting or buying delivery pots, you will see more solutions than you ever imagined.

The main topic of shipping containers is surprisingly broad. You can find numerous ways to utilize a jar and lots of methods to sell one too. Additionally there are a large quantity of points to know when buying transport containers. Listed below are nine interesting things you ought to know.

Containers are green whenever you buy them to sell them. You are able to turn a used jar in to several things: a swimming home, a backyard clubhouse for children, or even a storage product for all of those bead charms you ordered for your new clothing shop. The best choice for utilizing your container as a "green" place is always to wwt shipping containers change it into a little home. This calls for several modifications such as setting up glass windows, but you'll find the process is cheaper and simpler than developing a house. You can also buy multiple pots to create a more substantial home if needed.

When you go shopping for pots, there are lots of shapes to choose from. The conventional measurements are thirty feet and forty legs long. There are, of course, larger sizes about forty-five legs and often larger. Smaller units may be about nine feet long. Other proportions for pots, i.e. the height and width are standard at ten feet. It's, obviously, probable to obtain a jar custom developed to your personal size specifications.

The 3rd thing you need to know about getting a box is they are exceptional for outside storage. They have a sturdy structure, are water-resistant and fireproof. That allows you to place your most high-priced goods inside without fretting about damage. Bins could be held at your house, or you are able to lease a short-term one from a business that can store it at their organization location.

If you are contemplating purchasing a shipment unit, you need to know that you will have to get a quote in order to get an absolute price. It is hard to find set-in-stone costs for containers because they rise and fall often. Your quote enables you to establish any alterations you prefer. It's a good idea to get an calculate from at the least three organizations when you settle on one.

You can buy a container in a variety of venues. If you prefer to search in person, you can visit container shops and transport yards. If you don't mind shopping online, the Internet is packed with dealers. Buying on the web is a good way to get multiple estimates, however you will have to cover more to obtain the pot to your location.

Yet another thing you have to know about bins is that buying used is an excellent way to truly save money. Used pots are usually however who is fit, since they are frequently retired early to produce space for new ones. This makes them a good bargain.

Delivery containers come in a number of resources: timber, material and plastic. Steel pots are, however, the most typical since their heavy metal edges keep out a bunch of threats: intruders, rodents, and termites. These products are often more costly, but their strong steel structure does the duty you will need from the container.

One last thing you should know about getting transport containers is that it is not the only real option available. If you don't need a pot for longterm use, hiring it's possible to be most useful for you. Renting a container allows you to pay a small monthly charge and have the pot removed when you're finished with it.

When you consider letting or getting delivery pots, you will find more possibilities than you actually imagined.

The topic of shipping bins is remarkably broad. You can find multiple methods to use a pot and lots of approaches to recycle one too. There's also a vast amount of points to learn when buying transport containers. Listed below are seven exciting points you must know.

Bins are environmentally friendly whenever you get them to sell them. You can turn an applied package in to many things: a swimming house, a garden club for kids, or even a storage unit for all of those bead necklaces you ordered for your brand-new apparel shop. The very best choice for utilizing your box as a "natural" place is to wwt shipping containers turn it right into a little home. This calls for several changes such as putting in glass windows, but you will discover the procedure is cheaper and simpler than building a house. You can even obtain numerous bins to create a more substantial home if needed.

When you search for bins, there are many measurements to choose from. The standard measurements are twenty feet and forty legs long. You will find, needless to say, bigger styles around forty-five legs and occasionally larger. Smaller items could be around ten legs long. Other sizes for pots, i.e. the level and breadth are typical at ten feet. It is, of course, possible to obtain a package custom created to your personal measurement specifications.

The 3rd thing you should know about getting a pot is they are exceptional for outside storage. They have a sturdy structure, are waterproof and fireproof. That enables you to position your most expensive items inside without worrying all about damage. Containers may be held at your property, or you can rent a short-term one from an organization that could store it at their organization location.

If you are contemplating purchasing a transport device, you need to know that you must obtain a estimate in order to get a certain price. It is difficult to get set-in-stone prices for containers since they increase and drop often. Your estimate allows you to specify any changes you prefer. It is advisable to get an estimate from at the very least three companies when you settle on one.

You can buy a pot in a number of venues. If you like to shop face-to-face, you can visit package stores and transport yards. If you do not brain shopping on the internet, the Net is filled with dealers. Purchasing on line is a good way to have multiple quotes, but you will have to cover more to have the box to your location.

Another thing you should know about pots is that getting used is a great way to save money. Applied bins are often still in good shape, because they are frequently outdated early to produce room for new ones. This makes them an excellent bargain.

Transport bins can be found in many different materials: wood, metal and plastic. Material pots are, but, the most typical because their rock factors keep out a host of threats: intruders, rats, and termites. These items are now and again more expensive, but their strong material construction does the job you'll need from a container.

One final thing you need to know about getting transport bins is that it is maybe not the only real selection available. If you don't need a box for long haul use, hiring one may be best for you. Leasing a box allows you to spend a tiny regular fee and have the package removed if you are finished with it.

Considering hiring or getting shipping pots, you may find more possibilities than you actually imagined.

The main topic of delivery pots is remarkably broad. There are multiple methods to employ a package and plenty of methods to recycle one too. Additionally there are a huge amount of points to know when buying transport containers. Listed here are ten exciting points you should know.

Containers are eco-friendly once you find them to sell them. You can turn a used container in to several things: a pool home, an outdoor clubhouse for kids, or even a storage device for all of those bead charms you ordered for your brand-new apparel shop. The most effective choice for using your pot as a "green" space is always to change it right into a small home. This involves several modifications such as for instance setting up glass windows, but you will discover the process is cheaper and easier than creating a house.shipping container storage facility   You may also obtain multiple pots to compose a bigger house if needed.

When you go shopping for bins, there are many dimensions to choose from. The typical dimensions are thirty feet and forty feet long. You will find, obviously, greater shapes around forty-five legs and often larger. Smaller models could be about seven feet long. All other dimensions for bins, i.e. the height and size are standard at ten feet. It is, needless to say, probable to get a box custom built to your own personal size specifications.

The third issue you have to know about getting a container is that they are exceptional for outside storage. They have a strong design, are waterproof and fireproof. This enables you to place your most high-priced objects inside without worrying about damage. Pots could be kept at your house, or you are able to book a short-term one from a business that can keep it at their organization location.

If you should be contemplating getting a shipping device, you should know that you will need to get a quote in order to get a definite price. It's difficult to get set-in-stone prices for pots simply because they increase and drop often. Your estimate will allow you to specify any adjustments you prefer. It's recommended to obtain an calculate from at the least three organizations when you settle on one.

You can buy a pot in a variety of venues. If you prefer to shop personally, you are able to visit container merchants and delivery yards. If you may not mind shopping online, the Web is filled with dealers. Purchasing online is a great way to obtain numerous quotes, but you will have to cover more to have the container to your location.

One more thing you should know about pots is that getting used is a good way to save money. Applied containers are usually however who is fit, because they are usually outdated early to make space for new ones. That makes them a good bargain.

Delivery pots come in a number of products: wood, material and plastic. Metal pots are, but, the most typical because their heavy metal edges hold out a bunch of threats: thieves, rats, and termites. These models are occasionally more expensive, but their powerful material structure does the work you'll need from a container.

One final thing you should know about getting transport containers is that it's maybe not the only real alternative available. If you may not require a container for long term use, renting it's possible to be most readily useful for you. Leasing a pot enables you to pay a tiny monthly cost and have the container eliminated if you are finished with it.

If you think about hiring or getting shipping containers, you will discover more possibilities than you actually imagined.