How Are Shipping Containers Made?

Shipping containers continue to be a popular method of shipping around the globe. Due to their high durability, the security they offer, and how easy and efficient they are to load and unload. Because they can be used in a variety of different transportation methods, such as by rail, road, and sea, they are also reliable for shipping goods across long distances. But why is this the case?

When you begin to look at the way a shipping container is made, it is easy to see why they are a safe, sturdy, and dependable choice for global logistics and transportation. They are built by combining the various different parts and are typically constructed in a factory. The manufacturing process itself requires a very high level of precision and care to get right.

So if you have ever wondered how are shipping containers made, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’re going to break down the several steps that go into the production of shipping containers. Let’s take a look.

Fabrication

The first step in the process is the fabrication of the structure itself. This is where the main parts of the shipping container are fabricated and begins with the construction of the wall panels. Most commonly, this is usually done with steel or aluminium. However, other materials may also be used.

As there are varying sizes of shipping containers most commonly used, such as 20ft or 40ft, the size of the wall panels will be fabricated in line with the dimensions in question.

Tubular Steel Frame Welding

The next step is for the structural frame to be created. This is done by welding a floor frame into place. The purpose of this is to ensure that the shipping container itself will be able to support the total weight of the cargo being transported.

Once again, the size on the tubular steel frame will depend on the size of the container in question. This is to ensure that it will be able to work to the required capacity.

Door Assembly

Then the doors are added to the structure of the shipping container. When the doors for a shipping container are made and attached, the corner posts are also aligned into place and all parts are welded together. Once welded, it then allows for additional strength and for the shipping container to become water resistant.

Priming and Painting

At this point, the shell of the container has been completed. The next steps after this move onto the process of priming and painting. The shipping container will be both primed first, then painted in order to make sure that it’s fully protected against any harsh environmental conditions. This is also what allows it to be a durable packaging option for transportation.

Flooring

When you wonder how are shipping containers made, you may be curious how the flooring comes into play. So the fifth step here is the application of appropriate flooring. Once the paint has fully dried, wooden flooring can then be fitted on top of the steel floor frame. It is then treated to ensure that it’s durable and will allow for longevity too.

Decals and Identification

At this point, the main construction of the shipping container production process is complete. The next step is to make sure that the branding and decals are done. This refers to the information of the company it belongs to, along with the essential identification marks individual to each shipping container.

Testing

The final step in how shipping containers are made is the testing phase. When a shipping container is manufactured, it needs to be fit for use. So during this stage, the underside is first sprayed with a waterproof sealant to ensure that it will be durable during the transportation process.

From here, it can then undergo load testing. Load testing is carried out so that manufacturers can be sure that the style of shipping container in question will meet weight capacity standards and be weather-resilient too.

Final Thoughts: How Are Shipping Containers Made?

When you’re considering using a shipping container for your shipping and logistics, understanding more about how it’s made can help you to make an informed choice. If you’re looking for a transportation solution that is both durable and reliable, you can see that shipping containers offer both.

Following each of the seven steps in the manufacturing process, shipping containers are made using durable, reliable materials, coated to ensure that they’re resistant to outer environments, and built to last.