Parts Of A Shipping Container And Their Functions
Get a quoteShipping Container Parts & Their Functions
Key Takeaways
- Shipping containers are made from durable materials like corten steel to withstand harsh environments.
- The roof of a container protects the contents from weather and external elements.
- Walls are constructed from corrugated steel to provide strength and rigidity.
- Flooring is usually made from marine-grade plywood to support heavy loads.
- At Conexwest, we take care of all your shipping container needs, including, selling, renting, customizing, and delivering.
Components Of A Shipping Container
1. Frame
The frame provides rigidity in such a way that the container is resistant to external pressure during transport.
2. Walls
Constructed from corrugated steel panels, the walls enclose the container to protect its contents from environmental elements such as rain and wind. The corrugated design is for strength and rigidity.
3. Roof
The roof is also made from corrugated steel, designed to facilitate drainage and provide additional structural integrity. It protects the contents from above while contributing to its strength.
4. Flooring
The floor is usually made from marine-grade plywood or steel to provide a durable surface capable of supporting heavy loads. It is supported by cross members - horizontal beams that run perpendicular to the length of the container - for stability and to prevent sagging.
5. Corner Posts
Perched at each corner of a container, corner posts are vertical posts carrying the loads when containers are stacked. They are critical for holding the shape of the container during handling and shipping.
6. Corner Castings
These are structural elements at the top and bottom of each corner post to facilitate lifting by cranes and other equipment.
7. Doors and Locking Mechanisms
The majority of shipping containers are equipped with double doors on only one of its sides. And they can be closed by locking mechanisms (like twist locks and locking bars) to ensure safety during transportation.
8. Lashing Rings
These steel loops are fitted into positions where the side walls merge with the floor and ceiling and are employed to fasten items during carriage. They can also be applied to hanging wall shelves when containers are employed for storage.
9. Forklift Pockets
These slots beneath the floor provide the forklifts with an easy way to lift and transport the containers without damaging them.
10. CSC Plate
The Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) plate is attached to one of the doors to deliver important information about safety standards and structural integrity.
Read More: Are Shipping Containers Fireproof?
Conexwest, a leader in shipping and storage solutions based in Northern California, offers new, used, and refurbished containers from 10ft to 45ft, with fast delivery within 3–7 days and container fabrication options like adding shelves and locks. We serve over 10,000 customers nationwide, including prestigious clients like the U.S. Navy and Google. As an ISO 9001 and AWS-certified company, we ensure top quality and competitive pricing. |
Additional Components To Build & Customize A Shipping Container
A container is highly customizable and can be used as a pop-up shop, office, shelter, etc.
The above-mentioned components together create a basic shipping container - but you can customize it as well. Here are some of the most common elements you can add:
- Vents: Installed for improved air circulation and ventilation, they help you manage temperature and humidity inside the container. Types of vents include louvered vents and roof turbine vents.
- Windows: Available in various sizes and styles, windows allow natural light and visibility to make the space more comfortable for use as an office or living area.
- Personnel Doors: These provide easy access to the container's interior, especially when frequent entry is needed.
- Roll-Up Doors: Ideal for easy loading and unloading of goods, roll-up doors save space and provide convenience.
- Lockboxes: These protect your locks with an added layer over them to make it extra hard for intruders to breach your container.
- Insulation: Spray foam or other types of insulation can be added to maintain a comfortable temperature within the container.
- Heating and Air Conditioning: Climate control systems make sure that the interior remains comfortable regardless of external weather conditions - and is particularly important during the transportation of sensitive cargo.
Read More: Roro vs Container Shipping: Which is a Better Transport Solution?
- Electrical Systems: Custom electrical installations can include lighting, outlets, and wiring for appliances.
- Plumbing: For containers that need to have a restroom or a kitchen, plumbing can be installed to accommodate sinks, toilets, or showers.
- Interior Walls: Drywall or plywood sheeting can be used to create separate rooms or improve aesthetics inside the container.
- Flooring Options: Various flooring materials such as steel or vinyl can be installed to enhance durability and comfort.
- Custom Paint and Finishes: Containers can be painted in custom colors or finishes to match your branding or personal preferences.
- Shelving: Shelving units can be installed to optimize space for storage purposes.
Why Choose Conexwest For Your Shipping Container Needs
Our inventory is vast with containers ranging from 10ft to 45ft in length.
If you are looking for a shipping container, there is no better provider than us in the US (no pun intended!).
Here’s why we stand out:
- Wide Range of Options: We provide a wide range of shipping containers, including brand-new and used, and other specialized containers, such as mobile office, flat rack, and open-top.
- Quality Assurance: Our containers are built to last. We ensure that all of our products adhere to our strict quality standards and therefore, you can rest assured that you are receiving a strong and dependable storage or transport solution.
- Expert Support: Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. From helping you choose the right container to answering any questions you may have, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Custom Solutions: We specialize in fabricating containers if you have special needs - be it a simple task like adding windows or vents or a more complex one.
- Easy Online Quotes: Just fill out our form by clicking the link below and we’ll provide you with a custom quote with utmost transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the standard sizes of shipping containers?
The standard sizes of shipping containers are 20ft and 40ft in length. These containers have a width of 8 feet and a height of 8.5 feet. High cube containers are also available, which are 9.5 feet tall, to provide additional vertical space for larger items.
- What kind of site preparation is needed for a shipping container?
Containers should be placed on a level, firm surface to avoid issues like "racking out," where one corner becomes unlevel, making doors difficult to open. Ideal surfaces include concrete, asphalt, or compacted gravel.
- What is the lifespan of a shipping container?
With proper maintenance, a shipping container can last 25 years or more. Factors such as environmental conditions and usage will affect its lifespan.
- How do I maintain a shipping container?
Maintaining a shipping container is relatively straightforward, but essential for its longevity and functionality. Inspect regularly to identify any signs of wear or damage. Look for rust, dents, or leaks, especially around the seams and corners. Additionally, we also recommend you keep your container clean and get it painted every few years.
- What warranties do you have on your containers?
We provide a 10-year warranty on new containers and a 5-year warranty on cargo-worthy used containers. This warranty covers structural integrity and leakproofing.