The Importance of Shipping Container Inspection & Maintenance
This article will explore the importance of shipping
container inspection and maintenance and how it will benefit your logistical
operations and increase your containers’ life expectancy.
What is shipping container inspection and maintenance?
Shipping container inspection is a systematic procedure of
examining the containers’ physical condition. Check if there is any damage,
rust, or hole in it that may affect the structural integrity and durability of
the container. This process ensures that the container is safe for
transportation. Under the guidance of an authorized company, the inspection of
containers’ components, paint, and locks takes place. These inspections can
occur at intervals, like before the trip, after the trip, and between. The
container inspection takes place to ensure its maintenance and increase its
life expectancy.
Why is container maintenance important?
Proper maintenance and regular shipping container inspection
are important for various reasons. As a shipper or a stakeholder in the
shipping industry, you must undertake container inspections at regular
intervals. Moreover, container maintenance is important because of the
following reasons:
- Security:
The foremost and prominent reason for container maintenance and
inspection is the safety of the involved people in the shipping and the
cargo loaded on the ship. A poorly maintained container is neither safe
for the cargo nor the involved people. Along with workforce and cargo
damage, it will also cause economic and environmental damage.
- Efficient
operations: Maintenance is crucial as it enhances containers’ overall
efficiency. A maintained container will provide the needed results. At the
same time, a container in miserable condition will increase shipment time,
costs, and efficiency due to improper functioning while loading from the container depot to the vessel. Regular inspection will help to fix the issues that
are obstacles in your journey.
- Shipping
regulations: To lead the container market, you must comply with the
shipping regulations set by international organizations. For the sake of
adherence, you need to maintain them properly. If not adequately
maintained, they may not pass the inspection and will not get certified
for further use.
- Increased
life expectancy: Analyzing and mending the current flaws on time will
increase the containers' life expectancy. However, a well-maintained
container will have a long operational life and reduced replacements and repair
costs.
- Preventing
illegal activities: With container inspection, port authorities ensure
that ther is no illegal material transporting inside the container.
Consequently, this makes it essential from a legal and global
perspective.
What are the common issues found during container
inspections?
Some common defects were found during the container
inspection. These issues are hindrances to maintaining the overall efficiency
of the container. Have a look at those common issues:
- Door
issues: The doors are the most common issue during shipping container
inspection. Damaged or malfunctioning container doors can make securing
the cargo and accessing its contents challenging. Jammed lock hinges,
faulty locky mechanisms, and damaged seals are common problems.
- Cleanliness:
Unclean containers lead to ingrown contaminants, pests, or the remains
of previous cargo, which can violate workers’ health and the cargo’s
security.
- Physical
damage: The structural or physical shipping container damage adversely
affects the functioning of the containers. It includes the dents, cracks,
or breaks on teh container walls, roofs, or floors.
- Corrosion
or rust: Corrosion is primarily found in every shipping container
during inspection. As containers are exposed to salty water and harsh
climatic conditions. This weakens the container and makes it more propane
to damage further.
- Leaks:
Container leaks occur due to holes, damaged seals, or cracks in the
container. These leaks harm the cargo and can create unfavorable
conditions inside the container.
What should be included in a container inspection
checklist?
Let's discuss the five crucial points on the checklist
during shipping container inspection. These points help to avoid potential
threats to the shipments.
- ISO
identifications: ISO 6346: 1995 is an international standard for
coding, recognition, and marketing freight containers. Under this
standard, the container has physical marks to recognize its size and type,
which will verify its appropriate use. This mark is there on the upper
right side of the container or the roof.
- 7-point technique: The freight shipping safety officers must follow the seven-point technique, which includes consisting of the following 7 container parts:
- Undercarriage
- Doors
- Left side
- Front wall
- Right side
- Floor
- Roof
3. Shipping
documents: Unmentioned cargo is the main cause of fires. Safety officers
must confirm the presence of only mentioned cargo. For this, they must check
the commercial invoice, packing list, IMDG certification, or Bill oflading.
4. CSC
plates: For CSC safety approvers, shippers must undergo container stacking
tests and concentrate loads. The plates are located on the container doors.
They must be non-corrosive, permanent, and fireproof rectangular embursed into
the exterior side of the containers.
5. Cargo:
The most crucial part of the container inspection is the inspection of the
cargo. Improper cargo handling and lashing can lead to sudden fires or damage
to the cargo.
Shipping container inspection and maintenance are crucial
for securing efficient logistic operations. You can protect your shipments and
logistics from potential threats by ensuring on-time container inspection. As a
shipper, logistic provider, or safety officer, you must make sure, from your
side, that none of the aspects of container inspection are missing, as it will
ultimately affect global trade.
With its durable container types, LOTUS Containers
simplifies logistics and shipping operations, optimizing the supply chain. Its
new and used containers are available in different quality standards to
accommodate cargo.
