Today, there’s no better way to transport bulky cargo across thousands of miles daily than using steel cargo containers for sale. Considering their durability, it’s no wonder the shipping industry keeps using them year after year!
Unfortunately, even shipping containers can suffer physical damage during use. Furthermore, administrative issues can also lead to ineffective use of these containers.
Also Read: Metal Cargo Containers for Sale and How to Sell Them: A Guide
Common Issues in Steel Cargo Containers for Sale and Fixes
Because of that, what can we do to solve these issues and prevent financial losses? Learn the best practices here!
Rust and Corrosion
Rust is the most pervasive issue for shipping containers, especially in humid or coastal environments. Exposure to moisture, salt, and oxygen causes iron in the steel to oxidize, creating flaky, reddish-brown patches.
If left unchecked, rust weakens walls, floors, and structural beams, compromising the container’s load-bearing capacity.
Solutions
- Sandblast or wire-brush affected areas to remove all traces of rust. Sandblasting with aluminum oxide grit strips corrosion down to bare metal, while handheld wire brushes work for small patches.
- Apply rust converters that can convert iron oxide into a stable, black polymer that bonds to the steel to stop further corrosion.
- Repaint treated areas with zinc-rich primers and topcoats of epoxy or polyurethane paint. Zinc provides cathodic protection, sacrificing itself to shield the underlying steel.
Structural Damage (Dents and Deformations)
Dents from forklifts, collisions, or improper stacking distort the container’s shape and weaken its structural integrity. Severe deformations can misalign doors, strain hinges, and reduce load capacity.
Solutions
- Use a hydraulic jack or porta-power ram to gently push the metal back into place for minor damage cases. Place a wooden buffer between the jack and container to avoid scratching.
- Weld corten steel patches over large dents or punctures. Corten steel matches the container’s original material, ensuring uniform corrosion resistance.
- Reinforce heavily damaged sections (e.g., roof bows) with steel plates. A certified welder can attach 3mm-thick plates using MIG welding for durability.
Rotting or Damaged Floors
Moisture, pests, and heavy loads degrade plywood flooring, creating soft spots and uneven surfaces. Rotting floors compromise load stability and invite mold growth.
Solutions
- Remove damaged plywood using a pry bar and reciprocating saw. Cut out affected sections while preserving intact planks in partial rots.
- Replace with marine-grade plywood (18–28mm thick) treated with ACQ preservatives. Secure boards using galvanized screws to prevent rust.
- Apply epoxy floor coatings to seal the surface and resist water, chemicals, and abrasion, extending floor life by 10–15 years.
Faulty Door Seals
Cracked or hardened rubber seals allow water, dust, and pests to infiltrate the container. Over time, UV exposure and temperature swings degrade seal elasticity.
Solutions
- Remove old seals using a utility knife and scrub residue with acetone.
- Install EPDM rubber gaskets and adhere them with high-strength silicone adhesive for a watertight seal.
- Apply silicone lubricant annually to maintain flexibility. Avoid petroleum-based products, which can degrade rubber.
Inadequate Ventilation
Poor airflow traps humidity, leading to condensation, mold, and accelerated rust. Containers converted into storage or living spaces often suffer from stale, moist air.
Solutions
- Install whirlybird vents (turbine vents) on the roof that expel hot air and draw in fresh airflow without electricity.
- Add louvered vents on opposing walls to create cross-ventilation. Use mesh screens to block pests.
- Place desiccant bags inside to absorb excess moisture.
Lock and Security Issues
Weak padlocks or rusted mechanisms make containers easy targets for thieves. Locks that got stuck due to corrosion also hinder access.
Solutions
- Replace standard padlocks with industrial puck locks. These tamper-resistant locks require angled-key entry and resist bolt cutters.
- Install lockboxes (steel shrouds) over door rods to protect against sawing.
- Lubricate locks and hinges with WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor. For rusted mechanisms, soak overnight in penetrating oil like PB Blaster.
Holes and Leaks
Holes from rust, impacts, or poor welding allow water ingress, damaging stored goods, and accelerating corrosion.
Solutions
- For small holes (<2”): Weld corten steel patches using a MIG welder. Grind smooth and seal edges with marine-grade silicone.
- For larger gaps: Cut out corroded sections with an angle grinder and weld replacement panels.
- Seal minor leaks with flexible polyurethane sealant and apply it in temperatures above 40°F for optimal adhesion.
Unlevel Containers
Uneven settling strains doors and hinges, causing misalignment and operational issues. Sloped containers also risk tipping during loading.
Solutions
- Place containers on concrete blocks or steel I-beams about 8–10 feet apart. Use a laser level to ensure even support.
- Compact soil or pour gravel beds to stabilize soft ground.
Overloading and Weight Distribution
Exceeding the maximum payload of steel cargo containers for sale warps their floors and improperly distributed loads strain corner castings.
Solutions
- Adhere to weight limits: 20ft containers hold 48,000 lbs, 40ft units up to 67,200 lbs.
- Use pallets to spread weight evenly across floors and void stacking heavy items near walls.
- For dense loads (e.g., machinery), reinforce floors with steel plates or cross-bracing.
Condensation and Moisture Buildup
Temperature swings cause “container rain,” where moisture condenses on ceilings and walls, damaging electronics, furniture, and documents.
Solutions
- Insulate walls with closed-cell spray foam (R-6.5 per inch) to prevent thermal bridging and block moisture.
- Install desiccant dehumidifiers in storage units. For living spaces, use portable AC units with dehumidify modes.
- Line ceilings with radiant barrier foil to reflect heat and reduce condensation.
Theft and Security Breaches
Steel cargo containers for sale in remote or poorly monitored areas are prime targets for theft and unauthorized access. Thieves often exploit weak locks, lack of surveillance, or isolated locations to break into containers storing valuable goods, tools, or equipment.
Solutions
- Install GPS trackers to monitor container locations in real-time via smartphone apps that provide geofencing alerts and historical route data.
- Use motion-activated alarms that trigger 120dB sirens and send push notifications when movement is detected.
Broken or Malfunctioning Doors
Rusted hinges, bent lock rods, or warped door panels prevent containers from sealing properly, exposing contents to weather and theft.
Solutions
- Lubricate hinges biannually with marine-grade grease to prevent rust buildup. You can use penetrating oil and gently tap with a mallet to loosen in seized hinges.
- Replace damaged lock rods with stainless steel replacements. Use a reciprocating saw to cut corroded rods, then weld or bolt new rods into place.
- Straighten warped doors using a porta-power ram. Position the ram against the door’s inner frame and pump slowly to realign the panel without cracking welds.
Paint Deterioration and Flaking
Faded, peeling, or chipped paint exposes steel to moisture and UV rays, accelerating rust and corrosion. Over time, unprotected metal loses structural integrity, particularly in coastal or industrial areas with high salinity or pollution.
Solutions
- Sandblast deteriorated paint using aluminum oxide grit to create a clean, rough surface for adhesion. For smaller areas, use 80-grit sandpaper or wire wheels on angle grinders.
- Apply UV-resistant epoxy enamel in two coats. Epoxy bonds tightly to steel and reflects sunlight, reducing heat absorption by 30%.
- Touch up scratches annually with matching paint. Store leftover paint in airtight cans to maintain consistency.
Electrical System Failures
Poorly installed wiring, overloaded circuits, or corroded connections in modified containers can spark fires or electrocution risks.
Solutions
- Hire licensed electricians to install conduit-protected wiring (e.g., liquid-tight flex conduit) resistant to moisture and abrasion. Use GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor setups to prevent shocks.
- Install 12V DC systems with marine-grade circuit breakers and solar-compatible inverters if you use the container in remote areas.
- Test circuits quarterly with a multimeter to detect voltage drops or loose connections.
Pest Infestations
Rodents, insects, and birds exploit gaps in doors, vents, or flooring to nest inside containers, contaminating stored goods with droppings or chew marks.
Solutions
- Seal gaps wider than 1/4″ with steel mesh or expanding foam.
- Place rodent bait stations around the container perimeter and use insect-repellent granules near entry points.
- Install bird spikes on roofs and clear debris from gutters weekly to eliminate standing water.
Foundation and Ground Instability
Containers placed on soft soil, slopes, or uneven terrain may shift or sink, causing structural stress, door misalignment, or hazardous tilting. Erosion from heavy rains exacerbates instability.
Solutions
- Pour a 6-inch reinforced concrete slab with rebar grids for permanent setups. For temporary sites, use compacted crushed gravel beds (12–18″ deep) topped with railway sleepers.
- Inspect foundations seasonally for cracks or settling. Re-level containers with hydraulic jacks and pressure-treated shims.
- In flood-prone areas, anchor containers to ground screws are driven 4–6 feet into stable soil.
Temperature Fluctuations
Extreme heat or cold inside containers can warp materials, spoil perishables, or damage electronics. Uninsulated steel conducts heat rapidly, with interior temperatures swinging 50°F+ daily in arid climates.
Solutions
- Install mini-split HVAC systems for year-round climate control. For smaller units, use portable ACs with dehumidifier modes.
- Apply reflective roof coatings to reduce solar heat gain by 70%. Pair with radiant barrier insulation on walls.
- In cold climates, line floors with rubber mats and use ceramic heaters with auto-shutoff features.
Cargo Damage and Loss During Freight
While steel cargo containers for sale are tough by design, even their physical integrity can suffer from damage if you don’t properly arrange your cargo handling.
Solutions
- Immediately document instances of cargo damage by taking photos, gathering reports, and filing a claim to the company.
- Take the full opportunity of the shipping company’s customer support and refund mechanisms to recover losses.
Delays in Shipping Schedule
Delays in supply chains can be a major headache for anyone involved and can happen because of incomplete paperwork and other unaccounted factors.
Solutions
- Contact the shipping provider immediately and ask about the delay to hopefully redirect the shipment to another supply chain in time.
- Diversify shipping carriers to help you move to another carrier when your preferred carrier is having numerous shipping delays.
Fluctuating Shipping Costs
Many things can be uncertain in international cargo shipping, and one of them is fluctuating shipping costs. Shifts in shipping patterns and surging fuel costs can impact the actual shipping costs.
Solutions
- Have some extra budget in the case of surging shipping costs when fuel costs increase due to ongoing trends.
- Choose a shipping carrier that balances shipping costs and service quality to get the best deal.
Also Read: How to Prevent Rust in Secondhand Shipping Containers for Sale
Conclusion
Even though these problems can affect your experience in using steel cargo containers for sale during work, knowing the solutions can mitigate their overall impact. To ensure your cargo stays safe and stable during freight, use shipping containers from no other vendors except Tradecorp. With its extensive product catalog and craftsmanship, Tradecorp always delivers the best quality in all its shipping containers. Contact Tradecorp today!
