Shipping Container Rust, is this Normal?
Is shipping container rust okay? Many of our customers are concerned about rust and corrosion when purchasing a retired shipping container. You will find, that most used containers will show some signs of surface rust. Subsequently, this can make the appearance of the container look a little shabby.
Example of a used container with surface rust
So, how worried should you be about surface rust when you’re purchasing a container?
Shipping containers are manufactured with a special steel commonly called Corten. Corten is described by Wikipedia as:
” A group of steel alloys which were developed to eliminate the need for painting, and form a table rust-like appearance after several years’ exposure to weather.”
A bridge with corten steel. Photo credit: corten.com
When bridges and other large structures are built, Corten is commonly used. This is to eliminate the need of expensive painting and maintenance.
The use of Corten steel on shipping containers greatly reduces the concerns that the panels of a container will rust clear through.
In fact, we have a quality control process for every container in our yard. Part of this quality control process is to inspect the container. We test rusty areas to assure there is not excessive metal loss (see photo). Consequently, if we have any concerns, we wire brush and apply a coat of paint to seal the area. In the off chance the container has rusted through, we patch the area with a fully welded Corten patch material.
Wire brushing and prepping for touch up paint.
Once a container is retired and re-purposed for domestic use it is no longer subjected to a salt water environment. For a matter of fact, these containers will last for years and years as an economical solution to your storage needs!
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