Mistakes to avoid after buying a shipping container

Unsuitable Foundation

One of the most important moments for container owners is where to place the container and its foundation. The appeal of containers and their versatility is that they can survive anywhere, but only with the right support.

Place the shipping container on a flat, stable, dry and ideally elevated surface to avoid flooding. Suppose you accidentally placed the container on uneven ground or grass. In this case, water can get under it, causing significant corrosion. Make sure you place the container on a raised, flat concrete surface or similarly strong base to keep it safe and dry.

Neglect of maintenance

While shipping containers are exceptionally durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, they are not invulnerable and require regular maintenance and protection. Moisture is a common problem in container maintenance - keep it out of the container to avoid rust and mold. If the container is in a particularly humid environment, install climate-controlled equipment such as a dehumidifier to keep the interior dry.

Installing the wrong insulation material

Installing insulation is one of the most common modifications an owner makes to their cargo container. But there is no one-size-fits-all approach to insulation, and owners must consider container size, its application, and environment when choosing insulation material. Polyurethane foam insulation, styrofoam and insulating panels are a typical option for shipping containers.

Too much roof load

Another factor that owners should pay attention to when modifying their containers is how much weight they put on the roof. While containers can be stacked, their structural integrity comes from their corners. The middle of the roof of a container is not as strong and therefore less able to support the weight. When making changes or adding to the roof, keep more weight on the corners and less on the roof to avoid damage.