Damages to Avoid/Fix Before You Buy a Used Shipping Container

If buying newer units is out of the question, you can always buy a used shipping container that retains most of its capabilities and strength.

However, used shipping containers can vary in quality from one unit to another. One unit can still look mostly intact, while the other may have considerable rust and dents.

Because of that, you should avoid units with too much structural damage and fix damages that are still salvageable.

Also Read: Container Training Building and Its Uses for Emergency Services

Common Damage Signs in Used Shipping Containers

As a result, before you buy a used shipping container, check out these damage signs that you should avoid or fix if possible!

Large Dents and Deformations

Dents and deformations are common after years of loading, unloading, and rough handling.

Minor dings are mostly cosmetic, but large dents – especially those that distort the container’s frame – can compromise its structural integrity.

Severe deformations may affect the container’s ability to stack, close properly, or bear heavy loads.

Fix or avoid:

• Inspect the container’s sides, roof, and corners for deep dents or bowed walls.
• Use a hydraulic jack for minor fixes, but walk away from containers with major frame distortions.
• If the dent penetrates the wall or frame, avoiding that container altogether is best.

Rust and Corrosion

All steel containers eventually develop rust, especially after years at sea.

Although surface rust is normal in shipping containers, deep corrosion can eat through the metal, leading to holes and weakened panels.

Especially problematic is rust around the base, corners, or roof seams that slowly damages the container’s structure.

Fix or avoid:

• Check for bubbling paint, flaking metal, or orange stains, all of them signs of active corrosion.
• Light surface rust can be sanded and repainted with marine-grade coatings.
• Avoid containers with deep, pitted rust or visible holes. Major corrosion is a dealbreaker.

Holes and Leaks

Holes, whether from rust, impacts, or previous repairs, allow water to enter and damage your cargo or interior buildout. Even small leaks can lead to mold, rot, or further corrosion.

Fix or avoid:

• Step inside, close the doors, and look for daylight coming through the walls, roof, or floor.
• Small holes can be patched with welded steel plates and sealed with marine-grade silicone.
• Avoid containers with multiple or large holes, especially if they’re in structural areas.

Damaged or Rotten Floors

Most container floors are made from thick marine plywood, but years of moisture, pests, or heavy loads can cause them to rot, warp, or develop soft spots. Damaged floors compromise load stability and can harbor mold.

Fix or avoid:

• Walk the entire floor, feeling for soft, spongy, or uneven areas.
• Replace damaged sections with new marine-grade plywood, secured with galvanized screws.
• For widespread rot, avoid the container—replacing an entire floor is costly and time-consuming.

Faulty Doors, Hinges, and Seals

Doors are critical for security and weatherproofing. Damaged hinges, misaligned doors, or worn seals can cause leaks, make the container hard to open, or allow pests inside.

Fix or avoid:

• Open and close both doors fully. They should swing smoothly and align when shut.
• Check the rubber gaskets for cracks or missing sections.
• Replace worn seals and lubricate hinges, but avoid containers with warped or bent doors.

Cracks, Fractures, and Tears

Cracks in the steel panels or frame are serious red flags. They can result from heavy impacts, repeated stress, or poor repairs, and they threaten the container’s ability to withstand loads or weather.

Fix or avoid:

• Inspect welds, corners, and seams for visible cracks or splits.
• Small cracks can sometimes be welded by a professional, but widespread or deep fractures are a no-go.
• Avoid containers with cracks in the corner castings or the main frame.

Warped or Damaged Roof

The roof is especially vulnerable to damage from falling objects, stacking, or heavy snow. A warped or dented roof can collect water, leading to leaks and rust.

Fix or avoid:

• Climb up and inspect the roof for dents, bows, or standing water.
• Minor dents can sometimes be hammered out, but avoid containers with sagging or deeply dented roofs.
• Look for rust or holes—these are signs of ongoing leaks.

Unlevel or Twisted Frame

A container must remain rectangular for proper stacking and door function. If it’s twisted or unlevel, doors won’t close, and the container may not sit flat on your foundation.

Fix or avoid:

• Check that the container sits flat on the ground and all corners touch the surface.
• Measure diagonals to ensure the container is square.
• Avoid containers that tilt, rock, or appear out of shape.

Damaged Corner Castings

Corner castings are the strongest part of the container and are essential for lifting, stacking, and securing.

Damaged, cracked, or missing castings make the container unsafe for stacking or transport.

Fix or avoid:

• Inspect all eight corner castings for cracks, rust, or deformation.
• Avoid containers with any damage to these critical points—repairs are costly and often not worth it.

Poor Previous Repairs or Excessive Modifications

Some containers have been heavily modified or poorly repaired, which can weaken their structure. Large wall cutouts, missing panels, or sloppy welds can all reduce integrity.

Fix or avoid:

• Look for evidence of patchwork, mismatched steel, or non-standard welds.
• Avoid containers with large sections cut out or corners removed.
• If you need to make modifications, consult a structural engineer to reinforce the container properly.

Hidden Chemical Contamination

Shipping containers often carry a variety of cargo, and some may have been used to transport hazardous chemicals.

Residue can soak into the floor or linger in corners, posing health risks if you plan to use the container for storage, workshops, or living spaces.

To counter this problem, you can do the following:

• Ask the seller for the container’s history and check for chemical odors or stains.
• If in doubt, replace the floor and thoroughly clean the interior with industrial-grade cleaners.
• Avoid containers with strong chemical smells or visible contamination.

Also Read: Shipping Container Barndominium – Common Problems and Fixes

Conclusion

By avoiding severe damage signs or fixing them if possible, you don’t have to worry about anything when you want to buy a used shipping container. If you need to buy a used shipping container from a trusted source, contact Tradecorp today! All used containers by Tradecorp regularly undergo maintenance, so clients can be sure when they want to rent or buy one of them.