What Are Shipping Containers Made From?

When it comes to logistics and transportation, it’s always going to be important for you to be able to choose the right methods. Being able to transport your cargo efficiently and securely can often determine the success of your deliveries and enable you to keep your profit margins in check. This is why choosing the right type of shipping and packaging is important. For many people, shipping containers still prove to be the most popular choice.

Shipping containers are large metal vessels that are used to transport goods and cargo around the world. One of the many benefits of working with a shipping container is that they can be used with a variety of transportation options. So whether you’re looking to send your cargo via rail, road, or sea, a shipping container can be a wise option.

Another reason many people turn to shipping containers is because of their reliability. The way in which a shipping container is made ensures that it’s durable and can withstand many shipments over a long period of time.

If you’re curious about what makes a shipping container a great choice for your logistics, you may also be sure about the answer to the question – what are shipping containers made from. So in this blog post, we’re going to dive into the details on what is used in the production process to shed some light on this for you. Let’s take a look.

What Materials Are Used to Make Shipping Containers?

When a shipping container is made, there are usually two main materials that are chosen to manufacture the main structure of the container itself. These are steel and aluminium.

To give you more background on why both of these metal types are popular choices, we’re now going to cover them individually and detail exactly when they should be used.

Steel

In the process of shipping container manufacturing, steel is the most popular choice of metal used. It’s typically corten steel that is chosen during the fabrication process.

One of the reasons why corten steel is specifically chosen is because when a corten steel container is exposed to the elements, a thin layer of oxidation forms on the outer surface. This then allows for an additional layer of protection – and although the oxidation takes place, it actually prevents further rust from occurring!

Because of this process, corten steel is an ideal metal choice for storage solutions. It’s also durable and long-lasting, meaning it can create longevity for the shipping container.

Aluminium

Next, we also have aluminium. This is another option that many shipping container manufacturers will opt for as their material of choice. Aluminium as an element is both strong and lightweight. This makes it a good choice for shipping containers where weight may be an issue, as it is lighter than steel.

It’s also a durable metal and corrosion-resistant, which makes it an attractive choice. However, it isn’t as strong as steel, so it may not be appropriate for heavier cargos. At the same time, it can also dent, which means it isn’t suitable for stacking. So these are considerations to bear in mind when choosing a shipping container based on its material.

What Other Materials Are Used?

When a shipping container is manufactured, there are also other materials that are likely to go into the production process alongside steel or aluminium. The other types of materials can vary between manufacturers, but there are three other main components that go into the construction process here. These are the flooring materials, insulation, and the paint and coatings.

Flooring Materials

In the production process, a wooden flooring is installed over the metal floor shell. In most instances, this is typically going to be a marine grade plywood or bamboo. This is because both options are durable and resistant to various different weather conditions. They can also withstand heavy loads, which makes them perfect for shipping container flooring.

Insulation

Insulation is vital when maintaining the right temperature inside the shipping container is important. In terms of the specific materials used here, common choices are often polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, fibreglass, and vacuum insulation panels. It’s important that the materials chosen are both lightweight and have a good R-value rating, which measures thermal resistance.

Paint & Coatings

Finally, primer, paint, and weather-resistant coatings are applied to the outside of the shipping container. This is to both shield the shipping container itself and provide a protective coating to the exterior. The final weather-resistant layer also ensures that the shipping container is watertight and protected from the elements.