Shipping containers are universal, with countless goods being transported via ships, trains, and trucks around the world. They serve multiple purposes- from housing to storing business or personal items to even serving as temporary hotels or rental storage facilities.
Building these giant steel boxes that are able to withstand extreme weather conditions and hazardous environments is a difficult task. This blog will explain the time frame, venues, and techniques involved in where shipping container starts.
A Short History Of Shipping Containers
In the 1950s, Malcolm McLean invented a shipping container that transformed the transport industry, and little did he know it would also revolutionize construction.
Through the power of military influence, Malcolm McLean’s invention rapidly became a crucial transportation device. During the Vietnam War, shipping containers were employed to deliver supplies to combat troops and bases far away from home. This is when freight transport by container took off and developed into what it is today: an industry standard for cargo shipment worldwide. Additionally, these practical boxes have also been utilized during times of emergency as impregnable dwellings; their portability makes them easy to fortify in order to ensure safety and security in any circumstance.
Necessity is the mother of invention, and this holds true for shipping containers. In congested cities such as Amsterdam, these formerly abandoned yet abundant vessels have provided needed shelter for low-income citizens and students alike. From military barracks to much-needed housing in densely populated areas, container architecture has been a valuable tool in ensuring that everyone can have access to affordable, sustainable structures. For years now this innovative approach has been embraced by both commercial and residential builders across Europe and Asia.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history, please view this link for a comprehensive overview.
Shipping Container Construction Details
You may not believe it, but the construction of a shipping container is anything but automated. Instead, manual labor is a critical component in its development that people should appreciate. To better understand what goes into building one of these containers, let’s take an inside look at their entire manufacturing process step-by-step.
1. Shipping Container Wall Panels
To create a shipping container, the production process begins by cutting large steel sheets into smaller sections. These parts are sand-blasted and primed to thoroughly eliminate any dust or foreign materials before they undergo corrugation – a technique that provides extra strength to the walls while giving them their distinctive wave-like texture. The segments then get welded onto an extended tubular frame which finishes off the structure of your brand-new shipping container.
2. Shipping Container Floor Frame
To assemble the floor frame, two longer I-beams are arranged perpendicularly on opposite ends. The smaller beams are welded in between them to form a slab-like base. After welding is finished, an angle grinder with a flap disc attachment will be used to sand and remove any rough edges from the joints. The resulting surface of the flooring is pressure treated with Marine grade chemicals that have been approved by FDA regulations and contain pesticides as well as anti-decomposition agents for maximum safety and longevity of wood floors.
3. Shipping Container Door and Corner Posts
After the container’s side walls have been crafted, the front and back are developed in a similar manner. Corrugated steel is cut to size for both doors before being enveloped with square steel tubing. The doors are positioned on the floor frame, followed by wall panels. To complete the construction of this reliable structure, corner posts join with walls and doors via welding as well as attaching roof paneling securely at last.
4. Finishing The Box
The box is almost ready to be constructed. Cranes are used to carefully place the door frames atop the floor frame, where they will stay securely welded into position. Subsequently, wall panels and roof panels join in, also being firmly fastened by welding techniques.
5. Painting The Shipping Container
Once the framework of the shipping container is constructed, it needs to be primed and painted for an extra layer of protection from unpredictable weather. This primer (or undercoat) will ensure that any further layers adhere better to the surface; giving the container a long-lasting coat of defense against environmental elements.
Once the primer has dried, a few coats of paint are applied to shield the container from sea salt water. To preserve its lifespan further, wooden floor panels are treated with varnish before being firmly secured in place. Afterward, rubber seals are fastened around the door while waterproofing is generously applied on the bottom part of the structure. All these additional steps ensure that your cargo is kept safeguarded against any external damage during transit at sea.
6. Flooring The Shipping Container
To complete the job, wooden flooring needs to be affixed on top of the floor metal. For this purpose, six pressure-treated plywood panels are employed. They must then be precisely secured within the container and fastened with screws into the steel beams beneath them.
7. Decals And Identification Of The Container
To finish up the process of readying the steel shipping container, they need to adorn them with company decals and logos. Additionally, each container needs a unique 11-character identification code that can be used to identify it anywhere around the world. The first three characters denote who is the owner while character four serves as a Product Group Code which may either be U, J, or Z.
U = Shipping container
J = Any piece of equipment that can be attached to a shipping container- i.e. a power unit
Z = Trailer used to transport a shipping container
A serial number, assigned by the container’s owner and used to identify it, is composed of characters five through 10. The final character – a Check Digit – ensures the accuracy of said digits. After labeling has been completed, door handles are affixed along with a locking mechanism; then, rubber seals ensure that all doors remain water-tight.
8. Water Proofing And Testing Of The Container
The concluding phase in the construction of a shipping container is sealing its bottom with an impermeable lacquer ensuring no breaks or water leakage. If all goes well, this officially concludes the creation process and it’s ready to be sent off to its eventual destination.
On-Site Storage Solutions
If you’re considering renting or acquiring shipping containers of different sizes, reach out to us today! We have a wide of options available for both businesses and homes. Our friendly customer service is ready and willing to answer any inquiries about our services. Having read this article, we hope that it has provided you with knowledge on how shipping containers are constructed. Let’s begin your journey towards success now – contact us without hesitation!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Shipping containers are constructed in a systematic process. Initially, large steel sheets are cut into panels, which undergo sandblasting and priming to eliminate dirt and impurities. These panels are then corrugated for added durability and a distinctive wave-like appearance. Subsequently, the corrugated sheets are welded to the container’s tubular frame. Typically, the container floor comprises steel cross-members and marine-grade plywood.
The thickness of a shipping container wall is typically 0.075 inches. The walls are made of corrugated steel sheets that provide structural strength and durability to withstand the stresses of transportation and stacking.
Yes, cargo containers are designed to be waterproof. They have gasketed doors and weather seals that prevent moisture from entering the container. They also feature a corrosion-resistant topcoat paint finish which helps protect them against the elements.
The ISO code for containers is a unique identification system used to classify and categorize different types of containers based on their size, type, and characteristics. These codes are standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and consist of four letters or numbers. The ISO code helps in efficient logistics management and ensures compatibility between containers and transport equipment.
