As the calendar begins to turn and the weather starts to improve, it’s easy to disregard the effects that increased heat can have on our business’s assets. This is no different when concerning how we utilize shipping containers and how the materials held within can be affected by intense, prolonged heat. Whether these containers are currently designated as cargo on the high seas, or if they are situated comfortably within our business’s property line, it’s important to understand just how heat can influence our storage practices and the best methods to regulate this factor.
Empirical Data Surrounding Shipping Container Temperature
So, how hot can they get? The simple answer is up to 130°F (54°C) on average. However, extreme temperatures can see this number rise to 140°F (60°C) or higher in extreme conditions typically found in traditionally warm climates. In desert areas, containers exposed to the sun for long periods can reach up to 160°F (71°C) or more. This is particularly true when the container is parked on surfaces like asphalt or metal, which absorb and reflect heat produced by the sun.
The material in which the container is made from plays an important part in the process as well. While steel containers are the most common, they don’t heat up as quickly as a lighter metal such as aluminum. This information is vital when determining how to tackle heat-based issues. The size can play a part as well, as smaller options such as a used 20ft shipping container can heat up quicker than larger options. Finally, even color can dictate the sheer amount of heat drawn to the container, as lighter colors repel heat while darker ones attract it.
Heat’s Effect on Shipping Container Contents
In any scenario, excess heat isn’t likely to bode well for your shipping container’s contents. High temperatures inside a shipping container can cause an endless number of issues for the goods being stored or transported.
Let’s take a look at how extreme heat can affect a variety of different cargo:
- Perishable Goods: As most could’ve probably guessed, perishable items would be in the most immediate danger as a result of rampant heat. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats are highly susceptible to temperature changes and prolonged exposure to excessive heat can cause spoilage, rot, or dehydration, compromising an entire shipment. Refrigerated containers are essentially mandatory for these items.
- Chemicals Pharmaceuticals and Electronics: Similar to perishables, chemicals and medicines are temperature-sensitive. High temperatures can cause them to break down, become ineffective, or pose safety risks such as exploding or emitting harmful fumes. Electronics aren’t out of the firing line either, as heat can cause damage to sensitive components, particularly the internal circuits and batteries. Heat can cause battery leakage, malfunctions, or permanent damage, resulting in inventory shrinkage
- Packaging and Materials: Not only are the goods at risk of being compromised, the materials they’re housed in during the transportation process can also suffer the consequences. Various forms of packaging, especially plastics, can warp, melt, or lose their structural integrity at high temperatures. Cardboard boxes can break down or lose their rigidity after long bouts with intense heat.
Heat’s Affect on the Container Itself
It’s easy to forget that amongst the majority of our business’s inventory that the shipping containers themselves are assets too. Heat doesn’t only take its toll on the contents, but also on the steel structure of the containers. Understanding the factors involved can better prepare us to maintain and prolong the life of these steel housings.
Some of the effects of excessive heat on the containers include:
- Metal Expansion: The consistent application of heat causes the metal structure to expand. This can lead to slight warping or distortion over time, which might affect the container’s ability to seal properly, leading to potential leaks or even structural failure if subjected to extreme conditions on a regular basis.
- Condensation: If your company’s containers are on the move, they can feel the effects of condensation as well as expansion. When the frame cools, condensation can form on the interior surfaces, which can lead to moisture buildup. This is especially problematic for sensitive goods, as moisture can cause rust, mold, or mildew.
Ways to Limit the Effects of High Heat on Shipping Containers
A plan of action can help to mitigate the hazards the extreme heat can cause for your business. Climate exposure is a large consideration during this process as, after all, storage containers in Pennsylvania don’t face the same challenges as ones in Florida do. Whether you implement physical alterations, technological upgrades or better storage practices for your shipping containers, each can play a part in minimizing the threat that heat can pose.
Let’s discuss a few of these options:
- Ventilation: If your business owns the containers outright, adding ventilation holes or mesh vents to a container can be an excellent method to allow hot air to escape, helping to reduce internal temperatures.
- Insulation: Using insulated containers or adding foam insulation to the walls and ceiling of the container can help maintain a more consistent internal temperature, though it is best used in tandem with other heat-relieving practices
- Shading: Placing the container in shaded areas or using external coverings like tarps can help limit the amount of direct sunlight it receives, keeping temperatures more manageable for the goods contained within.
Mother Nature has never been noted for her predictability but understanding how heat can affect the day-to-day habits of shipping and storage is your first step towards peace-of-mind. Being aware of seasonal changes and shipping climates is half the battle and having clarity regarding just how hot shipping containers can become can motivate your business to seek alternate measures to avoid inventory shrinkage and spoilage. Moreover, if you have any questions about shipping container use or storage that extend beyond the lens of heat-related issues, feel free to contact us at your convenience!