Understanding and Maintaining Shipping Container Doors

Built Tough—But Not Maintenance-Free

Doors...they keep items in, people out and personal property secure. They set rigid boundaries, are portals into new places…and sometimes we don't need them at all. Doors are imperative, so when they don't work properly, it can be annoying and inconvenient. It’s no surprise then when we sat down with our Customer Care Lead, Jessica Mascek to discuss container care, she confirmed doors can occasional be a topic of discussion at the depot and with our customers.

Although tough and wind & watertight, the cargo doors on a shipping container are heavy (roughly 300 lbs). They can become sticky, rusty and cranky after years of wear and tear at sea. These are in fact, normal developments in the aging process of a shipping container. Much more complex than that of a house, shipping container doors include two thick corrugated steel bars that lock into place. These locking bars help to keep rodents and weather out of the box but also can keep you out if not properly cared for.

Troubleshooting Sticky Container Doors

An unleveled container can distribute extra weight on door joints and make them really hard to open. Rust can also develop, making the joints extra tacky. If you are having issues opening or closing the doors to your decommissioned container, try this steps:

• Make sure the container is not at too much of an angle to work properly by using a leveler to measure the surface pitch.
• Make sure the shipping container has been placed on a flat surface, or beams like railroad ties to make sure even on soft ground it is leveled. Any tilt of this structure will affect the functionality.
• Spray the door joints and locks with WD-40 or oil to lubricate the joints.
• Keep the door area clean of dirt and rust. Use Dove soap with hot water to remove dry dirt or mud.

A standard shipping container has two vertically opening doors that swing outward on heavy-duty steel hinges. Each door is equipped with vertical locking bars, typically two per door, which are used to open, close, and secure the container. These bars are connected to a cam and keeper mechanism that ensures a tight, secure seal when the doors are closed and locked.

To open a door, the operator:

1. Releases the locking mechanisms (often padlocked or seal-secured).
2. Rotates the vertical locking bars outward.
3. Swings the doors open using the handles attached to the bars.

The design is simple but extremely robust, allowing for easy manual operation while maintaining security and protection during transport.

Secure, Functional, and Ready for Years to Come

Shipping container doors may seem straightforward, but their construction and function are essential to the integrity and usability of the container. Made from high-strength steel and built to seal tightly, these doors ensure that goods remain safe and accessible, whether they're crossing oceans or parked in a storage yard.

If properly cared for, a decommissioned shipping container can provide you with security, shelter and land-based transportation for years to come. Learn more about our sustainable shipping and storage solutions.