How We Inspect Shipping Containers

What an inspection covers

A container inspection is mostly common sense applied systematically. The aim is simple: the unit should be structurally sound, the doors should work, and the inside should stay dry. These are the areas we check.

Doors and seals

The doors get the hardest life of any part of a container. We check that both doors open and close fully, that the locking bars move freely, and that the rubber seals are intact all the way round. Perished or torn seals are one of the most common ways water gets in.

Roof

The roof is where leaks start. We look for dents deep enough to hold standing water, rust along the seams and any patches or repairs. A shallow dent is cosmetic; a dent that ponds water will eventually rust through.

Floor

Container floors are marine ply on steel cross members. We check for soft spots, rot, delamination and holes, and for signs of spills from the container's working life. A sound floor should take your weight anywhere without flexing.

Frame and corner posts

The strength of a container is in its frame. We check the corner posts, corner castings and the bottom rails for damage, heavy rust or distortion. Panels can be dented without it mattering; the frame cannot.

Walls and interior

Inside, we look for daylight. Close the doors on a bright day and any holes show themselves as pinpoints of light. We also check for damp staining, musty smells and the general condition of the wall panels.

Checking a container yourself

If you come to the yard - and you are welcome to visit the depot - here is a quick routine:

• Walk round the outside and look along each panel for dents, rust and repairs.
• Open both doors fully and check the seals and locking bars.
• Step inside, have the doors closed, and look for daylight.
• Look up at the roof from inside and down at the floor for soft spots.
• Check the corner posts and bottom rails, not just the flat panels.

What the grades mean

The inspection is what sits behind the grade a container is sold at. A unit that passes every check is wind and watertight; one with structural strength for shipping is cargo worthy; one with faults we would rather sell cheaply is as-is. Our condition and grading guide explains the grades in detail.

Want to see an inspection done? Ask when you visit and we will walk you through what we look at on a real container. You can also browse used containers or new containers to see what is in stock.