Container grades and condition
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.
Why it matters
Patches are common on wind and water tight units and are often fine when done properly. The IICL manual calls for the replacement material to have the same profile as the original and be of the same or higher quality. The area is ground to bare metal first, and the finished repair is cleaned, primed and top coated. A common mistake is a patch that is too small, thin or poorly welded, or one that leaves bare metal that rusts. Another is to patch a structural part when the manual calls for a different repair. Ask your repair vendor which standard they follow and inspect the work.
Read: Container modifications for rental: Doors, windows, lock boxes and HVAC
Definition source: pacificmarine.net
Related terms
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.
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.
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.
light leak test
A light leak test is a simple check for holes in a container. A person steps inside, closes the doors and looks for light coming through the walls, roof, floor or door seals. Light usually means water can get in too.
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.
corrugated steel
Corrugated steel is sheet steel pressed into a pattern of ridges and valleys. Shipping containers use it for the walls and roof. The ridges add stiffness, so a thin panel resists bending and racking forces during ocean transport, lifting and everyday handling.
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