Frequently Asked Questions
Are containers weatherproof and waterproof?
It depends on the grade of the container, but, yes, nearly all of our containers are weatherproof and waterproof. The only containers not guaranteed to be weather- and waterproof are the “As Is.” We do not recommend purchasing these containers if you desire to have your cargo protected from the elements.
What colors do they come in? Can i request a color?
Used containers come in a few select colors, namely reddish-brown, blue, and green. Newer, one-trip containers are typically a light tan or light grey color. Due to covid-related supply shortages and complications, we don’t have as much control over the types and colors of containers we’re receiving, which means you, too, will be limited in container colors you can pick.
We do offer painting services. We offer tan or light grey options, but if you would like a custom color, we can do any color off of the Sherwin-Williams color board. Custom color is an additional R2750.
What is the maximum weight a container can hold
That depends on the size of the container.
The max. gross weight of a 10′ container is ~22,400; net weight ~19,500.
The maximum gross weight of a 20′ container is ~67,000lbs with a net weight of ~63,100.
The max. gross weight of a 40′ container is ~71,900 with a net weight of ~63,500.
A 40′ High Cube has a max. gross of ~71,800 and a net of ~63,200.
Are containers rusty?
It depends on the grade of container. “As Is” containers, which are our lowest-graded containers available, may have structural rust, which potentially puts the integrity of the container at risk.
Other, higher-quality containers may have some minor cosmetic rust, such as our “Wind and Watertight” and “Cargo Worthy” grades. “One Trip” containers will be free of rust.
How secure are they?
While there is always a risk of a break-in, theft, or accident, steel shipping containers are extremely secure, both because of their strength and durability, as well as their ability to be secured further with additional locking mechanisms.
Can they withstand fire, floods, earthquake, hurricanes and tornadoes??
Those are five very different scenarios with five different answers.
Fires: If the fire starts in the interior of the container, it would likely extinguish itself once it ran out of oxygen, but this is dependent on what the container is being used for and whether it is still air-tight. Your cargo would likely be cooked, though. As for a fire threatening its exterior, firefighters have built training facilities from containers due to their fire-resistance, so the container remaining intact is more than likely.
Floods: Containers are built to be weather-resistant and airtight, but a completely or partially submerged container and its interior would likely be compromised by a flood. The container itself could be picked up and carried by powerful flood waters and displace it.
Earthquakes: A container should have no issue surviving an earthquake. Indeed, it has been reported that earthquake-prone nations such as Haiti have turned to structures made out of shipping containers due to their durability and integrity. Surviving collateral damage of an earthquake is another issue, though. Collapsing concrete or metal from surrounding structures could cause significant damage.
Hurricanes: Unsecured shipping containers can withstand extremely high winds, up to 100 MPH. Flying debris could cause issues.
Tornadoes: Similarly, tornadoes have high winds and toss around debris, but a shipping container should have no issue withstanding one.