Inspecting Wind and Water-Tight Containers: What to Look For

Using shipping containers that are wind and water tight is crucial to protect the containers’ contents from the elements. These containers are made of steel and contain door seals and heavy-duty locking mechanisms, which are essential components that keep wind and water away from the cargo.

Here, we discuss what to look for when inspecting wind and water-tight containers to ensure a durable and secure weatherproof environment for your goods.

What Are Wind and Water-Tight Containers?

A wind and water-tight container – or WWT container – is a sealed shipping container that provides advanced protection against wind and water penetration. The contents inside are kept safe from getting wet by the rain and shifting or breaking due to heavy winds.

Though WWT containers are similar to intermodal containers, which can also be wind and water tight, WWT containers are often a few years older, and many do not have valid Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) plates.

A CSC plate affixed to a container indicates that it has passed required tests and met certain standards needed for intermodal transport. Without this plate, a WWT container is not considered a cargo-worthy container for shipping overseas.

However, the portability, security, and affordability of wind and water-tight containers make them a popular choice for a variety of other uses, including:

• Storage facilities
• Small warehouses for inventory
• Houses and guesthouses
• Office spaces
• Small businesses, like coffee shops

What to Look for During Inspection

WWT containers often begin their life as intermodal containers, transporting cargo across the seas and all over the world before retiring from shipping. After many years of traveling hundreds of thousands of miles, the appearance between containers will vary, as they’re guaranteed to show some signs of wear.

Because of this, it’s crucial to visually inspect WWT containers before purchasing them to ensure proper functionality, and reliable sellers will understand this reasonable request. Here are some important things to look for during your inspection.

7-Point Inspection

A 7-point inspection is commonly used for inspecting WWT containers so that all areas are considered and carefully examined. You should thoroughly inspect the following areas.

1. Undercarriage

The support beams in the undercarriage should be visible. Check if any are missing or damaged. Even though this area can be difficult to assess, it’s incredibly important to do so, as this is the container’s foundation that provides it with necessary structural support. It can help to use a mirror to inspect the undercarriage.

2. Doors

The container doors should open and close without any catching and seal completely when shut. To check this, go inside the container and close the doors. If you see light that isn’t coming from any vents, there may be a broken seal or a hole somewhere. Also verify that secure locking mechanisms are attached to the doors and are in good working order.

3. Right Side

Inspect the structural beams on the container’s right side for signs of damage and note any unusual repairs. Tap the walls with a tool and listen for a hollow sound to indicate that the side is metal. Walk from one end to the other in the interior and search for any visible liquid, which could help uncover a leak. If a musty smell is present, it could also be a sign of mold or mildew from a leak.

4. Left Side

Repeat the above inspection process on the container’s left side.

5. Front Wall

The same items that are inspected for the sides of the container should be inspected for the front wall. In addition, make sure any vents are visible, which may also be present on the sides or other parts of the container. Be sure to measure the interior dimensions and exterior dimensions of the container as you inspect to confirm it meets the specifications communicated.

6. Ceiling/Roof

Look for spots that are dented or contain surface rust. The top of a used container almost always contains dents from being stacked below other cargo-worthy containers on ships and trains. While dents or surface rust may seem harmless, they can cause bigger problems if ignored, like deeper rust that leads to holes after collecting rainwater over time.

7. Interior Floor

The floor should be flat and a single height – no steps or platforms should be present inside the container. These floors are typically made of plywood, so look for warping, mold growth, or soft spots caused by moisture, which could lead to a rotten, unusable floor. Scan for any signs of insect damage as well, such as small holes.

Other Considerations

In addition to the 7-point inspection results, there are a few other factors to consider before purchasing a WWT container. Take time to figure out what factors are of the most value to you in terms of dimensions, cost, and container delivery.

• Size: Determine which container size will provide enough space for what you need. The most common sizes of WWT containers are 20 feet and 40 feet in length for standard containers and 40 feet and 45 feet in length for high cube containers. While standard containers are used more frequently, high cube containers are a foot taller, allowing them to store larger items like industrial equipment and supplies.
• Price: There are many benefits to buying used containers over new ones – one being that used shipping containers are less expensive. Contact a reliable seller that demonstrates great communication, giving you transparent pricing for the sale up front. Remember to consider extra costs like any required permits or delivery fees.
• Delivery: Figure out how the container will be delivered as well as a delivery date that works for you. You may have to arrange transportation to the site of your choice, or the whole process can be simplified if the seller can deliver containers to you directly.

Find the Perfect Wind and Water-Tight Container to Fit Your Needs

It’s essential to use a container that can withstand potential damage from wind and water to protect the items housed inside, whether it’s functioning as a storage container or house. To ensure a container will do just that, a thorough inspection is necessary before purchasing.

DSL Logistics offers high-quality WWT containers at competitive prices – and we ship directly to your delivery site. Find the perfect container for your storage space or project. Request a quote today!