Container grades and condition
container repair
Container repair is work that fixes damage to a container, such as holes, dents, floors and doors. The IICL repair manual says the purpose of any repair is to restore structural integrity so the container can work safely in intermodal transport. Methods include straightening, welding, patching, inserting and replacing parts.
Why it matters
Repairs keep a fleet earning and prevent small damage from turning into leaks. The IICL manual says the repaired area should be at least as strong as the original, and repairs should be primed and painted soon after to stop rust. For an operator, the choice of repair method affects cost and how a unit is graded afterward. A common mistake is a quick fix that hides the problem, such as filler over a hole. Another is to use the wrong material or profile. Use trained welders, match steel to the original, and record each repair on the unit file.
Read: Container modifications for rental: Doors, windows, lock boxes and HVAC
Definition source: pacificmarine.net
Related terms
patch repair
A patch repair fixes a damaged container panel by welding a steel plate over the damage. The IICL manual treats it as one option when straightening or welding will not work. In the same section, an insert replaces a cut-out damaged section instead of overlaying it.
IICL 5
IICL 5 is the common short name for the IICL Repair Manual for Steel Freight Containers, fifth edition. It gives recommended repair procedures for steel containers, with photos, safety notes, materials and tools. Depots and repair shops use it as a reference for fixing containers.
refurbished container
A refurbished container is a used container that has been repaired and cosmetically restored, usually with surface preparation and new paint. It is not structurally changed. Sellers often start with a unit that meets the wind and water tight category. The term is a trade term and has no single standard.
container inspection
A container inspection is a check of a container's outside, inside, doors, floor and roof for damage, leaks and wear. Buyers do it before purchase. Operators do it when units go out and come back. It can be a quick look or a formal review to a standard.
wind and water tight (WWT)
Wind and water tight is a trade term for a used container that should have no holes or defects that let wind or water in. It is not certified by an outside body. The seller decides whether a unit meets it, so definitions vary by company.
corten steel
Corten steel is a weathering steel alloy used for the walls and roof of most standard shipping containers. It contains copper and chromium. When it is exposed to weather, it forms a stable, rust-like surface layer that protects the metal below. COR-TEN began as a trademarked name.
For the industry
Grow your portable storage business with NPSA
Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website.
Need storage?
Get quotes from NPSA member companies
Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you.