Building Structures Using High Quality Used Cargo Containers

Before they were used as modular building materials, freight containers spent their days being trucked, shipped, and railed from country to country, safely moving cargo. These containers can be used for shipping for about 10 to 15 years, but as modular building materials, their usefulness can be lengthened indefinitely. If you’re considering buying used shipping containers for your building project, you need to keep in mind a few quality considerations.

First of all, determine the age of the container. It will give you an idea of how much beating it has probably experienced. It’s quite easy to determine age. Containers each have unique serial numbers (called ISO reporting marks) to make them trackable while in transit, and to guarantee that they pass ISO standards. This number also reveals the age of the containers and their owners.

Next, look for any major dings and dents. Some dents are okay as long as long as they do not affect the structural integrity of the shipping container. You also want to check for presence of any toxic materials. Was the container used to transport hazardous waste? If yes, then it will need treatment to become safe and habitable.

Finally, you should also check for rust. Used shipping containers have typically been on long haul routes and are expected to have rust spots, but their non-corrosive steel construction means that the rust stays on the surface and does not impair the integrity of the unit. What you should be on the lookout for are deep areas of corrosion. Some suppliers will try to fool you into buying a low quality container by painting over deep rusts and hiding the problem. Don’t buy from those suppliers.

Like anything second hand or used cargo containerswon’t be shiny and spotless. Be prepared to find signs of wear and tear. The best way to get good value for your money is to inspect (preferably in person) the container you are looking to purchase.