Inspecting a Used Shipping Container Before Buying
Knowing how to inspect a used shipping container like a professional is vital before finalizing your purchase. While finding a used shipping container for sale offers an economical solution for your storage or modification needs, conditions vary significantly based on age and service history. At ATS Containers, we recommend a rigorous inspection to ensure you invest in a safe, durable unit.
1. Perform a Visual Exterior Inspection
Begin by observing the container’s general condition. Expect minor corrosion, small dents, and patches on units over 10 years old; these are standard for used equipment. However, if the aesthetic appearance matters for your project, prioritize units with minimal panel damage.
2. Verify the CSC Plate
Located on the left door, the CSC plate acts as the unit’s official ID card. It confirms that the container meets the global standards of the International Bureau of Containers (BIC) and complies with Canada’s Safe Containers Convention Regulations. Use this data to assess the container’s history: while a well-maintained 15-year-old unit proves its long-term durability, advanced wear on a newer model should immediately alert you to potential maintenance issues.
3. Inspect Corners and Welds
Corner castings and seams provide the primary structural strength for any container. Look for cracks, exposed joints, or deformed welds. Any sign of structural weakness compromises the unit’s integrity, posing a risk during transportation or high-density stacking.
4. Test Doors and Locking Mechanisms
Ensure the doors open and close smoothly. The locking bars must function correctly and accommodate a padlock or a secure lockbox. While many used units do not include a lockbox as a standard feature, our team can easily add one to enhance your storage security.
5. Check the Floor Condition
Shipping container floors consist of marine-grade plywood designed to support heavy loads. Over time, wood can retain moisture or suffer damage. Walk through the unit to verify the floor remains flat, solid, and free of soft or rotted sections.
As part of our standard inspection at ATS Containers, our team lifts every unit with a container handler to verify the understructure and floor integrity before delivery.
6. Perform a Light Test for Watertightness
Step inside the container and close the doors completely. Look for any pinholes or cracks in the walls or roof where light shines through. If you see light, the container no longer meets the criteria for wind and watertight (WWT) condition.
7. For Insulated Containers: Inspect the Sealed Opening
Non-functioning insulated containers are former reefer units with the refrigeration motor removed. Examine the area where the motor once sat to ensure the aluminum or plywood seal remains intact. A poor seal allows moisture to enter and compromises the insulation quality.
8. For Functional Reefer Units: Test the System
Connect the container to a power source and set your desired temperature. Verify that the refrigeration unit reaches and maintains the selected setting. This step is critical if you plan to store temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals or food.
9. Assess the Roof Quality
From the ground, visually inspect the roof to ensure it remains straight and free of deep dents or sagging. A well-maintained roof structure prevents water pooling and ensures the unit remains safe for stacking.
Trust a Reputable Canadian Supplier
Buying a used shipping container for sale involves less risk when you partner with a reputable supplier. At ATS Containers, we meticulously inspect every unit to ensure it meets our high standards for storage and transportation.
With over 30 years of expertise, our team guides you toward the right container for your budget and project, whether you are in Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, or elsewhere in Canada.
