What are shipping containers made of, and how strong can they be?
The questions are often asked since the use of shipping containers in international trade has been very common these days.
The thickness of the container walls, its materials, and its size have been carefully calculated and meet the specified standards.
Durability and the ability to tolerate different weather conditions are very important when traveling abroad. This means that only certain materials can be used to fight the sea weather.
Containers must be able to withstand high pressure when stacked and moved by cranes at the port.
Each material plays a critical role in determining the durability, functionality, and overall suitability of a shipping container for different types of cargo, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of transportation and storage.
Following the question of “What are shipping containers made of, and how strong can they be?”, read this article to find out the answer!
Contents
What are Shipping Containers Made of?
Almost all shipping and storage containers, especially those used to transport heavy loads, are made of corten steel. This steel is known for its strength and has earned the nickname ‘weathering steel’.
When exposed to other external elements, corten steel containers develop a thin layer of oxidation on their surface. This protective layer prevents further rusting, thus acting as an additional barrier.
This type of steel can be used to make corrugated walls, doors, frames, and cross members, among other components of a marine container.
The strength, durability, and recyclability of the material further enhance its appeal for use in marine containers.
However, the main limitation of steel is that it conducts heat and cold quickly, making it difficult to regulate the temperature inside.
This can be a problem when transporting products that need to be kept at a certain temperature unless modifications are made to the container that will ensure the temperature is regulated inside the container.
Cargo Container Components
Shipping containers involve several key components that contribute to the overall strength of the unit.
Each part must be manufactured and designed to provide the best possible strength and effectiveness. Here are some of the components, including:
CSC Plate
One of the important features of a shipping container is the CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate.
The presence of this plate indicates that the container is safe and structurally sound and complies with international safety standards.
It ensures that all shipping containers used for international shipping are safe, functional, and meet certain design and construction standards.
The CSC plate also provides important information about the shipping container, including an identification number, date of manufacture, weight capacity, and inspection details, as well as information about structural safety and testing performed.
Container Doors
Container doors are usually located at one end of the container and are designed to provide easy access into the container.
Although on containers such as tunnel containers or open-sided containers, they can be found at both ends or on the sides of the container.
Each unit is equipped with a sturdy locking system to ensure the security of the goods inside. The watertight seal on the door ensures that no water enters the container during shipping.
Locking System
The locking system is a critical component of container security. This mechanism ensures that the container door remains tightly closed and secure during transportation.
Typically, this locking system is made of strong steel and has anti-burglary features to prevent theft or unauthorized access.
Container Wall Thickness
The container wall is usually made of corten steel, which is known for its resistance to weather and corrosion.
This material can form a protective layer when exposed to weather elements, preventing further damage due to rust.
These walls often have a corrugated design to add structural strength and flexibility in withstanding external pressure.
The thickness of the steel container wall varies quite a bit, depending on the section and the structural efficiency required. Doors are usually 2-2.5 mm thick, while walls and roofs are 1.6-2 mm thick.
To support a fairly large load, the floor frame and cross members are made of thicker steel, usually 4 to 4.5 mm.
Floor
The flooring of a shipping container must be able to withstand heavy loads and a variety of cargo, which means it must be made from strong, durable materials.
It is usually made of hardwood coated with anti-slip and weather-resistant materials.
Watertight Seals
Watertight seals are used around the doors and joints of the container to prevent water from entering.
This seal feature is essential to protect the goods inside the container from water damage, especially during challenging sea voyages.
Paints and coatings
While the materials chosen for shipping container construction are determined by their durability and function, they also require maintenance for optimal protection and longevity.
Most shipping containers are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including salt water and extreme temperatures, so special paints and coatings are needed to help withstand these conditions.
You can use specific paint or coating depending on the requirements of the container.
For example, epoxy resins are used because of their strong resistance to water and chemicals, polyurethane paints offer optimal UV protection, zinc-rich primers are used to prevent rust, anti-corrosion paints are best for marine environments, and thermal insulation coatings can regulate internal temperatures.
Insulation
With the potential for extreme weather conditions during transport, it’s important to insulate shipping containers.
Maintaining proper temperature control is essential for transporting temperature-sensitive goods, such as refrigerated products.
You can use specialty insulation materials, including polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, fiberglass, vacuum-insulated panels, and reflective materials.
Each of these materials can minimize heat transfer and maintain a consistent internal temperature.
Corner Castings & Corner Posts
You will need strong and reinforced corner castings and corner posts when you are about to stack your shipping container.
These corner posts are welded to the I-beams of the floor framing, and when the containers are stacked, the corner posts align to ensure safe stacking.
Corner posts are also important for ease of transportation. On each corner post, there is a fitting with an opening on the outside. This opening helps lift the container or secure it to a ship, truck, rail car, or other container.
Roof panels
Like walls, roof panels also have a metal structure. Roof panels are installed on top of the shipping container and ensure that it is weatherproof. If the container is used for stacking, the roof is usually made of a stronger material such as steel.
Twist locks
Because shipping containers will likely come into contact with other shipping containers, shipping containers usually come with a standard connection system, known as twist locks.
These mechanical locking devices are firmly attached to the corners of a shipping container, allowing it to be securely connected to ships, trucks, container trains, and other containers. Twist locks can also help lift containers with cranes.
Forklift pockets
Moving a shipping container is no easy task, even when it’s empty. That is why shipping containers have two forklift pockets or slots along the bottom.
They allow the forks of a forklift to secure, balance, or lift the container safely. This component of a shipping container is an important design element, making it easier for handlers to stabilize and move it efficiently.
Conclusion
From the article above, the answer to “Can I put a shipping container on my property if I live in Texas?” is corten steel, a special high-strength, weather-resistant steel alloy.
This material gives them their renowned durability and makes them ideal for long-term use in harsh environments like sea transport, storage yards, or building conversions.
If you would like to buy shipping containers to ship or store your products, buy them from a trusted provider such as Tradecorp.
Tradecorp is a reliable shipping container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company. Tradecorp provides modification and custom shipping container services by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your shipping container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!`
