Can You Weld a shipping container?

Shipping containers are usually made of corten steel, which is durable, rust-resistant (forms a protective rust layer), and is slightly trickier to weld than mild steel. For this kind of steel, you need to preheat for thicker parts to avoid cracking. In welding a container, the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code is the main rulebook. It covers:

What happens if a container is not welded?

Containers get damaged during shipping (dents, cracks, corrosion). Welding restores strength by fixing holes and punctures, broken door frames, and cracks in walls, roofs, or floors. Without welding, containers would quickly become unsafe or unusable.

Why do weld containers to American Welding Society standards?

Welding containers to American Welding Society standards means proper material prep, the right welding process, precise technique, and careful inspection. Doing it correctly ensures safe, strong, and code-compliant structures – whether repairing, modifying, or building something like a container home, shop, or office.

What certification do you need to weld a container?

To weld a container, you will need workers with Certified Welder (CW) certification to verify their ability to weld according to specific procedures. With this certification, workers are eligible to weld container walls, floors, roofs, and door frames.

Should you Weld your container according to AWS standards?

Welding your container according to the AWS standards can be a major advantage for project success. If you want to build, modify, or repair your container, AWS certifications are highly respected and often required by clients for trust, safety, and code compliance.

Why do you need a welded container?

A welded container is much safer against theft and vandalism. Welding can add steel bars for window protection, reinforced lockboxes for doors, and security cages inside. Solid welded parts make containers harder to break into, protecting valuable goods or occupants.