How Many Times Can a Shipping Container Be Used?

We all know how strong shipping containers are. Made from durable steel and corrugated for even more resilience, these ubiquitous storage solutions are nigh on indestructible. But there comes a time for each shipping container to be retired.

We really put shipping containers through their paces. Just imagine how many times they’re knocked against each other during lifting, positioning and securing on a ship. Then they’re battered with salty seawater that does its best to corrode the paint and steel itself. Containers subjected to heavy use by big logistics companies are usually retired after 10 to 12 years of daily use.

But not every container has to put up with quite so much. Some containers are used for simple storage on land, where their robust steel walls and stackable design are perfect for keeping treasured possessions safe and secure from theft and the elements. Storage containers that are subjected to fairly gentle use like this can easily last 25 to 30 years without needing any serious maintenance.

Of course, retirement from the logistics and storage business definitely doesn’t mean the containers suddenly become useless. A container deemed no longer seaworthy by a heavy logistics company is still ideal for on-land storage for many more years to come. And after serving its purpose there, it can be repaired or even converted into something completely new.