Renting a shipping container..?? Read this check list..

Looking for a shipping container for hire in Adelaide..?? Look no further..

Port Container Services are a reliable shipping container supplier in Adelaide, offering quality shipping containers for hire whether it is to transport your items across the country or store your belongings.

They recommend you to follow these 27 points before renting a shipping container..

Inspection before Packing

Before packing, a number of things need to be inspected

1. The first thing you should look for is that the Container Safety Approval Plate and that the re-examination date is still valid. If they are, begin examining the outside of the container.
2. Check that container is structurally sound, such as no torn corner fitting or defective side rails.
3. Check that there are no holes, tears, or rips in the exterior walls.
4. Examine that the doors work correctly. Check that there no broken hinges or door gaskets.
5. Make sure open-top containers include all of the proper roof bows and that they retract smoothly.
6. Check that the roof is damage free and locks properly on hard top containers.
7. Remove any markings or logos that are still visible and refer to the previous shipment (such as Hazardous labels).

Inspecting the Inside of the Container

Once you’ve inspected the exterior of the container, begin inspection inside.

8. Check that the container is watertight by entering the container and closing all the doors. If you can see any spots of light, water can seep in.
9. Make sure the container was left clean with no excess dirt, grease, or sweepings, left from the previous shipment.
10. Check that the container is also left dry. If you find any condensation or frost, wipe it up promptly as excess moisture could cause damage to your cargo.
11. Check that the container is free from any pests, mice, or insects, which may contaminate your shipment and slow it down if a port exterminator has to take care of things.
12. Investigate that the container doesn’t have any bad odors. Use caution when entering the container as they may be strong if it hasn’t been fumigated.

Checking the Container after Loading It

Once you’ve loaded your cargo into your shipping container, it’s imperative that you perform certain safety checks:

13. Arrange your cargo securely so that it will withstand normal stressors of road or sea conditions and not move or become damaged. Secure the goods by the doorways extra carefully.
14. Arrange a list and a small sample of each type of goods packed in the container near the front so customs can easily ascertain the containers contents.
15. After closing all the doors and roof, secure them tightly with strong steel cables or padlocks so the doors are firmly compressed. Check that the storage company’s approval seal is positioned on the right side of the door and note the number and that it meets with ISO guidelines.
16. Set the correct temperature if you’re using a refrigerated or heat modulated container. Make sure the temperature recorder is working and that the temperature is consistently being displayed.
17. Remove any placards, except those you’re required to affix to the outside of the container. Too many labels will attract thieves to the contents of your items inside the storage container.
18. Apply any new placards in their required positions, where they don’t hide the container number or any important seals.

Checking the Container Before Unloading

Once your container reaches its destination, be it a storage facility or a facility across the country, make sure that a shipping professional examines the container and the contents before unloading it:

19. Begin by examining the locks and seals. Check that the cable is intact and still secured through the bolts and brackets.  Check for damage of the seal by tugging and twisting; quality seals should not fall apart become unscrewed. Double check that the seal number matches all of your coordinating paperwork. Remove the seal and keep it safe until the container is clear for its next cargo.
20. Inspect the outside of the container for any new damage or tampering. Note any kinds of damage like welding or paint chips, which could indicate theft.
21. Take note of where the current placards and markings are as they may signify contents shipped in bulk.
22. Open the doors of the shipping container carefully and remove the straps attaching the locking bars with care. This is a safety precaution to avoid causing injury if any of the goods come tumbling down unexpectedly.
23. Allow the container to air out before entering it just to make sure that any potentially dangerous fumes or odors pass and don’t affect shipping personnel.
24. Investigate the contents of the shipping container before unloading it, making note of any inconsistencies from the order or the list you received.

Items to Do After Unloading Cargo

After the container has been unloaded, it needs to be checked for any damage before it can be approved to be rented out to another customer.

This included a full cleaning with the following items:

25. Remove all dunnage, other packing materials, and sweep the container completely.
26. Inspect the shipping container for wet stains and leaks as well as for any small holes in the siding or the roof that may have altered the load just shipped, as well as fix it before doing future cargo shipments.
27. Remove all of the logo labels and placards from the container so potential thieves won’t be attracted to the container.

Providers in Adelaide and other parts of Australia offer different types of containers for rent or for sale. They feature general purpose, high cube, and refrigerated containers from that made from strong steel and water tight. Therefore, they are strong enough to ship or store any cargo you have.

Below infographic gives you a brief summary of these check points.. Happy renting..