Last Updated on September 19, 2024
Shipping containers are built from Corten steel which has high tensile strength. This gives them the durability necessary for shipping goods across the world. Despite their strength and resilience, they will still deteriorate over time. This post answers the question of how long a shipping container lasts and explores the factors affecting its life expectancy.
The lifespan of a container
The short answer is that new (one trip) shipping containers have an average lifespan of approximately 40 years and second-hand ones should last 10-15 years with regular maintenance.
Many factors will affect the lifespan of a container. Shipping containers are designed to withstand the harshest environments and are used for shipping goods worldwide. They are mainly used for transporting cargo via sea, road and rail, and are handled by many different organisations such as docks, shipping companies, container depots, transport and rail services. All this handling will affect the shipping container’s lifespan.
Shipping containers are repaired to a cargo-worthy standard for shipping, so when you purchase a second-hand container for storage, it is sold as watertight and structurally sound.
Once a container has come to the end of its container ship lifespan, usually after around 10-15 years of shipments, then it can be used as a second-hand site storage container.
New or second-hand?
New Containers (One-trip containers)
A new (one trip from China) shipping container has been used for one shipment from China and the container will last around 40 years with regular maintenance over that time. New (one trip) shipping containers are built mainly for the self-storage market. Self-storage facilities like to have a nice tidy container to rent out to their customers. Also, the lifespan of a new shipping container is so much longer.
Second-hand containers
A second hand shipping container will have been used for shipping for around 10-15 years and will last another 10-15 years of site storage with regular maintenance over that time. It will have been exposed to the sea air which can cause rust and corrosion, and weaken the structure of the container. Handling, repairs and wear and tear all affect the lifespan of a shipping container.
All our shipping containers are sold as watertight and structurally sound. The second-hand containers don’t look too pretty with surface rust and dents, but they will last another 10-15 years of site storage. A new (used once from China) container will have a minor dent or minor scratch but they are straight and look much tidier and prettier.
Some people decide to use shipping containers for housing. If a shipping container home is your requirement then we always recommend you have a number of new (one trip) containers converted, especially if you are concerned about the aesthetics of your shipping container home. The quality of the donor container will strongly affect the shipping container home’s lifespan, so it’s advised to use containers in the best possible condition.
Shipping container maintenance
Whatever condition your container arrives in, regular inspections and maintenance are extremely important to extend your shipping container’s lifespan.
We offer a list of recommendations for keeping your shipping container’s lifespan as long as possible. Removing surface rust with a wire brush and adding a coat of paint on the exterior will certainly help. For more information on caring for your container, please see our maintenance tips.
If you would like to purchase a shipping container, call us on 0800 121 7388 or get a quote here.
