Shipping Container Inspection Checklist — Free Download

Buying a used shipping container without inspecting it first is one of the most expensive mistakes a builder can make. A container that looks fine in a seller's photo can have rust-through hidden under body filler, a racked frame that will never close properly, or chemically contaminated floors that need full replacement before anyone can live or work inside it.

This free checklist walks you through a complete 15-minute on-site inspection — 34 items across 6 categories — so you can make a confident buy, negotiate the price down, or walk away before you've wasted money on a container that can't be used for your project.

What's covered:

• Exterior structure — corner posts, side rails, corrugated panels, rust assessment
• Roof — pooling, panel integrity, weld condition
• Floor — rot detection, chemical contamination, cross-member rust
• Doors & seals — locking rods, gaskets, light leaks, frame squareness
• Interior — moisture, mold, chemical odors, wall panel condition
• Documentation — grade verification, cargo history, bill of sale

Also includes:

• ⚠ Red flag items called out — the issues that should make you walk away or negotiate hard
• Issue log table — record problems found with estimated repair costs
• Verdict box — Buy / Negotiate / Walk Away

Format: Single-page printable PDF. Designed to be printed and brought to the inspection site.

From ContainerCompass — the independent guide to buying, renting, and building with shipping containers.