Checklist for Shipping Container Inspection
90% of global trade occurs through the waterways. In a way, steel shipping containers help carry this massive amount of goods. All the goods are loaded into these steel structures to safeguard them during transport. These steel structures are essential elements to support the consistent flow of the global supply chain.
All the stakeholders related to cargo transportation rely heavily on the strength of these metal bodies. Shipping containers are made of heavy-duty, sturdy, corrugated steel to support the weight of heavy goods and from external shocks of waves and jostling during intermodal transport.
Freight container manufacturers stipulate 10–12 years of service life for each container. These metal bodies go through a humongous amount of load during their service term, mishandling during cargo loading and discharge, and other accidents. All these factors, as mentioned earlier, contribute to a fair amount of damage to the seemingly unbreakable visage of these mighty steel structures over time. If ignored for a long time, these minor and sometimes ignorable damages may cause significant damage to the safety of the merchandise packed inside. As a result, maritime container safety hazard has led to the loss of billions of dollars to the shipping lines.
What causes damage to rugged steel shipping containers?
There are multiple variable factors leading to visible mutilation on these metal structures, including the following:
- Mismanagement and Accidents: Mishandling and accidents can cause damages like leakages and dents.
- Incorrect Selection of Cargo and Container: Different goods require different container types to stock. Any mistake in the selection, like the wrong cargo for certain types of containers, can lead to unpredicted damage. For example, if a standard dry van container is used to carry frozen food or fresh vegetables. There will be mold on the goods and a musty smell inside the container. These moldy goods will easily invite unwanted factor-like rust.
- Improper Stacking: At the time of transportation, cargo containers are stacked on top of each other. This load puts a massive burden on the container’s relatively vulnerable roof and ceiling, weakening the structural integrity.
- Environmental Factors: Steel has a natural reaction to moisture and water. Without any doubt, metal shipping containers are exposed to moisture or water during their service to and fro at various port terminals worldwide.
Visible Signs of to Take Precaution and Damage Control
- Leaks, Dents, or Rust: Leaks, dents, or rust may seem to be a minor ailment to the otherwise healthy visage of steel shipping containers. But this minor ailment can spread and lead to other severe damages. For example, if there are leaks or dents on the surface of the metal, it will gradually cause rust and corrosion.
- Malfunction in the Electric Outlets or Refrigeration Units: Reefer or refrigerated containers carry temperature-sensitive goods. The slightest defect in the refrigeration units can damage the goods. Not only this, any flaw can lead to fire hazards.
- The problem in Insulation Function: The insulated containers help maintain a steady temperature for goods. Sometimes, the shipping container interior’s padded container wall or gas-filled pockets may malfunction. It is necessary to constantly inspect the inner lining of insulation material to find the problem early and avoid damaging goods.
Therefore, it is better to take advanced precautionary measures to prevent possible damage. Container owners should perform seven points of visual check-ups of their containers at the port before and after service.
This seven-point scrutiny will include seven critical points as the following:
- Exterior and undercarriage
- Interior and doors
- Left side panel
- Right side panel
- Roof and ceiling
- Rear-end
- Floor
Apart from the visual survey, freight containers will need a meticulous and detailed examination to spot any impending trouble.
Essential Needed to Carry Out Inspection:
- Hire an expert cargo container inspector
- ISO details
- Documentation of inspector, including name, job title, and other specified details required.
- Scheduled time and date of the inspection
- Previous inspection records
- Lastly, discharge and empty the goods before the inspection
Checklist for shipping container inspection
- Doors and Rear End: Shipping Container doors are one of the most critical parts of the whole structure. Therefore detailed inspection of elements like door hinges, locking latches, locking rods, placard holders, J-bar, corner posts, corner fittings, threshold plates, and rear panels is necessary.
- Side Panels: Side panels are essential to support the whole structure. Taking care of crucial elements like side panels, top and bottom side rails, and placard holders is imperative to the steel structure’s good health. If there are ventilators placed on the sidewalls inspecting them will be best.
- Roof and Ceiling: The roof is the comparatively vulnerable part. Therefore, one must carefully check alternative roof panels, corrugated panels, header extension plates, corner fittings, and roof bows.
- Floor and Undercarriage: The critical checkpoints at the floor are plywood floors, tie-down points, forklift pockets, and corner casting.
If you think of giving excellent maintenance to your container, you must take care of the list above. This article gives you a rundown on the matter. LOTUS Containers helps you with complete container solutions, including buying, leasing, or selling shipping containers in California, Miami, Hamburg, and other parts of the world, like container depots and intermodal transport worldwide.
