Dents, Rust & Patches: Which Defects Are Fine for Storage

Used containers are rarely pretty. That's part of what makes them affordable: you're not paying for looks. The trick is knowing which defects are just cosmetic, and which ones will let water in or cause trouble later.

Here's a defect-by-defect guide to what's fine for storage, what to fix and what to walk away from. It's the key to finding cheap used shipping containers for sale that still keep your things dry and secure.

The golden rule

For storage, a container needs to:

1. Keep water out: no holes, a sound roof and doors that seal
2. Keep people out: doors that lock
3. Hold your things: a solid floor
4. Stay square: a straight frame so the doors work

Anything that doesn't affect those four things is cosmetic.

Fine for storage

Dents in the side walls

Almost every used container has them. As long as there are no holes or sharp tears, side-wall dents don't affect weathertightness or strength.

Surface rust

The weathering steel most containers are made of forms surface rust that actually slows deeper corrosion. Brush it and paint it if you like, but it's not a problem.

Faded or mismatched paint

Purely cosmetic. Repaint if appearance matters.

Old logos and markings

Leftovers from the previous owner. Leave them or paint over them.

Welded steel patches

A properly welded steel patch is a sound repair. Many good containers have several.

Floor scuffs and stains

Normal on any used floor, as long as the wood underneath is solid.

Fix it, but don't walk away

Small roof dents

Shallow dents that don't hold water are fine. Ones that collect water should be pushed out or kept clear, and any rust treated.

Stiff locking bars and hinges

Usually fixed with penetrating oil, grease and a few minutes of work.

Hard or cracked door seals

Replaceable. Budget for new gaskets if the container is otherwise sound.

A small soft spot near the doors

A section of floor can be cut out and replaced, or covered with a steel plate.

Light rust on the bottom rails

Clean, treat and paint it, and set the container on a base off the ground.

Walk away (or pay as-is prices)

Daylight through the roof or walls

Holes let water in. Unless the container is sold as-is and priced for repair, reject it.

Rust that flakes in layers or has eaten through

Scaling rust on the roof, rails or cross members is structural corrosion.

Large soft or rotten floor areas

Expensive to fix and won't hold weight.

Doors that won't close or seal

Usually a sign of a twisted frame or badly damaged doors.

Bent corner posts or a twisted frame

Hard to fix and often the cause of door problems.

Filler or tape covering holes

Hidden damage that will leak again.

Strong chemical smells or residue

Not suitable for storing household goods, fabrics or food.

Quick reference

How to check from photos

Ask for photos of:

• All four sides and the roof
• The interior with the doors closed (for daylight)
• The floor, especially near the doors
• The door seals and locking gear
• Any known damage, close up

See our guide to used conex containers for the grades that match these standards.

Questions to ask about a cheap used container

• What grade is it: wind and watertight or as-is?
• Are there any holes, and has the roof been patched?
• Do the doors open, close and seal?
• Is the floor solid near the doors?
• Can I see photos of the roof, floor, seals and interior with the doors closed?

FAQ

Are dents a problem on a used container?

Not on the side walls, unless there's a hole. Roof dents that hold water need attention.

Is surface rust normal on used containers?

Yes. It's cosmetic on weathering steel. Flaking or holed rust is the problem.

Can a container with patches be wind and watertight?

Yes, if the patches are welded steel and there are no other holes.

What defect should make me walk away?

Daylight through the roof or walls, a twisted frame or doors that won't seal, unless the price reflects the repairs.

Are cheap used containers good for storage?

Yes, if they're wind and watertight. Cosmetic defects are what make them cheap.

Can I fix a used container myself?

Many repairs, like rust treatment, lubricating doors and replacing seals, are simple DIY jobs. Welding and structural work need a professional.

Do dents affect a container's resale value?

A little, but much less than holes, rust-through or door problems. Buyers mostly care whether it's wind and watertight.