Materials and construction
marine plywood floor
A marine plywood floor is the wood floor in a shipping container, made of thick laminated plywood fixed to steel cross members. Sea Box describes a 1 1/8 inch thick marine plywood floor. It carries the cargo load, including forklift traffic.
Why it matters
The floor is where much of the daily wear happens. Forklift tires, heavy items and moisture all take a toll. Sea Box tests its floors with a forklift load, and ISO 1496-1 includes a floor strength test. Soft spots, water stains and splits mean the floor may need repair. Some containers use other floor materials, such as bamboo. A common mistake is to ignore the floor during a buy or return check. Walk the whole floor and press on suspect areas. Keep in mind that floors may carry preservative treatments, so ask the seller about the floor and read guidance before you sand, cut or sell a unit for living or work space.
Read: Are used shipping containers safe? What operators should know about floor treatments
Definition source: seabox.com
Related terms
floor treatment
Floor treatment is the chemical or coating treatment applied to a container's plywood floor. Container floors are often treated with pesticides to protect the wood from insects during transport. Treatments differ by maker. Ask the seller what treatment a floor has and whether it was sealed or replaced.
cross member
A cross member is a steel beam that runs across the width of a container floor. It joins the two bottom side rails and supports the floor. Extra cross members sit between the rails to hold the floor covering. It is a key part of the base frame and floor.
forklift pocket
A forklift pocket is a slot in the bottom side rail of a container. Forklift tines slide into it to lift and move the box. Twenty foot containers often have them. Many 40 ft containers do not. Check the maker's limits before any lift.
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.
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.
payload
Payload is the weight of cargo a container can carry. It equals the maximum gross weight minus the container's own empty (tare) weight. Carrier specs list payload next to tare weight for each container size and type, so buyers can compare them side by side.
For the industry
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