Shipping Container for Storage-Staying Dry Inside.

I talk with countless people each day about shipping containers for portable storage. The number one concern is "Is it dry inside? Or will it leak?"

Used Shipping Containers for Storage, 20' Storage Containers

I have noticed that most people are relieved to hear my honest opinion on this. It seems many storage companies completely skirt around this most important question. I don't. Here are my thoughts about portable storage and what you can do to keep your goods safe and dry.

Before we get to it, remember this: Shipping containers are loaded and used under the harshest, dampest conditions on earth. Will all of our current technology, this is the best way to store and transport goods. Almost every item you own has made a trip in a shipping container to get to your local retailer. Tennis shoes, cars and furniture are loaded and shipped in from China. If they can handle that, they can handle anything you have in mind! The majority of my rental customers use storage containers without following any of my advice and still have no issues!

1. Is it dry? We check each unit for daylight or obvious spots of concern. Containers are made from 14 guage, cortens steel. They do rust. Surface rust is expected, we try to avoid holes. Most holes are small and seal able. Larger areas of concern are repaired with metal patches. It is very common for used shipping containers to undergo these types of repairs while still being used for shipping. If you are uncomfortable with a used container that has been patched, please ask me about a new/one trip unit.

2. See for yourself. When possible, I try to make units available for inspection at my location, or send photos. There are times when I fill an order and never personally see the unit. In those cases, I ask the ship line for a wind & water tight box. The ship line then will pay an independent, third party vendor to inspect the unit prior to release. This vendor is paid to make any and all repairs. It is therefore, in the vendors best interest to find all areas of concern (the more repairs they suggest, the more money they make). I also ask our delivery driver to look over the unit prior to delivery. I always ask the customer to inspect the before accepting delivery. It is the customers right to review the container before we drop it.

3. Maintain your unit. I sell and rent ground level containers and semi-trailers. I really prefer the containers because there is so little maintenance. The only long term issue is rust. Most rust is harmless, but some spots can rust through. On occasion, look over your container. Check it out when it rains. You wouldn't leave a boat or vacation home for years on end without any concern would you? Anything you own should be looked after, including your storage container.

Up to now we have discussed the outside of the unit. This is the part almost no one else will tell you, the inside is very, very important. Here is what I think you should know.

What is container rain, and how you can stop it!

Container rain is condensation that collects in droplets upon the ceiling of the container. I notice it at my facility when ever doors are left open or ajar. Containers have their own weather system inside. When temperatures change outside, condensation can collect on the coolest available surface. Water can collect inside pallets wrapped in plastic or the container surface.

How do I control moisture inside my container and prevent container rain?

1. Spray on some prevention. We suggest Odoban. It is safe for pets, has a clean scent and fights mold. Spray it on the floors and surfaces prior to loading up your unit. Allow it to completely dry.

2. Load clean and dry items. Don't load damp or dirty items in your container. That is a recipe for trouble.

3. Use pallets. Pallets allow air to flow under your items. Airflow really helps!

4. Consider installing a turbine (yes we can do that for you) or running a humidifier.

5. You can install commercial desiccants made for containers. These are the products shippers use to control humidity. You could also use desiccants made for boats and motor homes.

If you have any other questions, please call me, Addie Turner at 678-380-9980. I am based in Atlanta, GA and provide storage trailers and containers for rent and sale.