Frequently Asked Questions

There are several notations around shipping container, according to your uses and needs.

From first use to last use, the containers are checked and rated according to the following gradations: 

• New container: it leaves the manufacturing units directly, most of the factories are located in China.

• One trip: the container is considered new

• IICL5: IICL5 is based on a standard from the Institute of International Container Lessors. This means the unit has been traveling between 2 and 8 years and may have undergone repairs. This grade is ideal for freight or storage.

• Used Cargo Worthy container: this container, after several uses, is considered to still be able to transport heavy loads. With his CSC certificate, he can repeat the ocean crossing.

• Wind and Water fight: this container is watertight and airtight, it is often old but it still has physical properties allowing it to make a final journey or to end its life as a storage unit. This type of container is inexpensive but has many external defects, such as rust, dents and signs of use.

• AS-IS State: the ASIS container is frequently reserved for maritime professionals, this type of container is sold as is.

Corten steel is a name for self-weathering steel resulting from the contraction:

• COR – Contraction of the English term “corrosion”;

• TEN – “tensile strength”, tensile strength.

Naturally when we are looking for a corrosion-resistant steel, we opt for stainless steel (304 or 316).

Corten steel is a steel highly resistant to atmospheric corrosion.

Color: exposed to the open air, the corten steel develops a patina, the surface evolves towards a raw earth color of the African slopes, this reddish brown gives a rustic and modern side.

Resistance: steel develops a patina on contact with air, surface corrosion. This thin surface layer acts as a protective shield against external aggression (air, water, humidity, etc.) and rust.

Mechanical: its high resistance to mechanical loads, it resists both traction and heat (25% more resistant compared to conventional steel). 

Welding: its composition makes it easily transformable and weldable.

Composition: it is made of iron, chromium, copper and nickel, with a basic steel content between 90 and 95% generally. The mixture of its ingredients is a magic potion of resistance giving this steel unique properties.

This steel is used in the construction of shipping containers, by architects for the construction of modern and resistant buildings, by artists for works of art made in metal structures or even by landscapers for the creation of borders/flower pots.

Table to make

NO, under no circumstances will you receive a decommissioned container. This category of container does not fit into our quality specifications. We only offer used containers of CWO quality and this results in several mandatory checkpoints:
– the container is waterproof without perforation (doors closed = dark night);
– the cremones (container closing bars) are in good condition;
– the door seals (with 2 lips) are in perfect condition;
– the doors open and close normally;
– the container is CSC certified with its plate.

The container prices used are very variable.
They follow a fairly complex logic between availability at the ports and the number of containers returned. You can consult our prices directly here: PRICES
You can also make a request from our “quote request” page: QUOTE

Used containers are rental fleets. At the end of the contract (between 12 and 13 years) we intervene to collect them directly from the ports.
But be careful, we make a scrupulous selection to only take top quality containers. At Cubner, this is what we call the CWO category (for Cargo Worthy – Ready for Sea Shipping).
Depending on the period, containers are available in Le Havre, Marseille, Lyon or even Antwerp (Belgium) and Rotterdam (Netherlands).

Yes. But be careful with this category of container that we do not guarantee waterproof, because it does not meet our quality specifications.
Very often, this category of container is very worn. They generally end their lives outside France.

On request, we take care of everything.

To contact us: CONTACT

A container is, by nature, very secure. Its double door makes it a very good barrier against theft. He's a late break-in.
You can also padlock your container, because each door bolt has a padlock slot.
Despite this, we advise you to secure your container as much as possible with our special container padlocks:
– BARLOCK: the most compact padlock in our range;
– SECUPLUS: the best-selling in our range (7,5kg of stainless steel);
– SECURLOCK: the most robust from CUBNER. Removable high security padlock cover.

For more information and prices, contact us: CONTACT

The lifespan of a container varies widely depending on its use.
It is common to see containers over 30 years old in very good condition. If cared for, it will last as long as you do!
This is our commitment at CUBNER.

The container is made with CORTEN steel.
CORTEN has an important advantage: it is a self-weathering steel with surface corrosion. It is used in maritime transport for its physical resistance to atmospheric conditions.
That is to say that the rust that it will develop will provide it with protection against bad weather.
It has been used in construction for many years, in modern architecture as well.
It is an alloy of copper, phosphorus, nickel and chromium.

The first voyage container (or new maritime container) is a container that arrives directly from China (where it was manufactured). It was filled for the first time (stuffing) then unloaded (unloading) once it arrived at its destination port. It is then stored before being sold.
These containers are in perfect condition, but may still have traces of use.

No mystery to this question. All shipping containers without exception are made in China.
But be careful, they follow their ISO construction standards and are inspected throughout the manufacturing process.

The average weight or TARE of a 20-foot container is 2300 kilos.

The average weight or TARE of a 40-foot container is 3590 kilos.

Because with us, you will have the certainty of receiving a container that meets our quality criteria.

Our criteria are:

• Robustness,
• Waterproofing,
• Perfectly flat floor,
• Delivery on time.

We follow our commitments from A to Z.
Offering a quality container is a religion for us. YOU are at the center of our relationship.

All ! Only the shape, dimensions and appearance are identical.

They are not the same containers. THE storage container is manufactured in Eastern countries and does not follow the ISO standard for manufacturing shipping containers. Everything opposes them: thickness of sheet metal, paint, floor. The construction materials are different (classic steel, simple 23 mm plywood flooring).
We offer these containers as an alternative to the maritime container for customers wishing to carry out simple and lightweight storage.

The CSC plate (or flat CSC) of a maritime container is a first guarantee of quality. But not enough for our specifications.
It indicates the manufacturer of the container, the year of manufacture and other references.

Of course. No obligation at Cubner. You are free to choose what suits you best.
No additional fees, only pay the container price. This is also Cubner quality!

Customs clearance of a container allows it to be Frenchified. Indeed, when it is in ports, it is considered a means of transport and not a commodity.
Clearing our containers allows us to sell them as our own, unique merchandise. It is a paid act.
The price of customs clearance is included in the price of the container.

Our used containers are generally around ten years old.
The paint is original. They are very well maintained throughout their lifespan.
They may have rust marks and dents.
However, they are perfectly airtight and light-tight.

Since the 1^er January 2012, a prior declaration of works is sufficient up to 40 m².
In all cases, we strongly advise you to contact your town hall or municipality. Find all the container dimensions to know their surface area.

No way ! Concrete pads at each corner of the container are sufficient.

Ask us about our plans!

A stable surface is recommended, such as gravel, concrete, castine, etc.
This does not prevent you from placing it on grass as long as the ground is stable and level (the most important).

Our containers are original and perfectly maintained. This includes painting.
If the aesthetic appearance of the container is important to you, we can repaint (additional service) in your colors.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Unfortunately, this type of container is rarely available second-hand.
We can offer you 10ft container new at the moment.

We can, in certain cases, offer you containers in the color of your choice from our availability. The colors available are: blue, red, green and yellow.

Yes, all CUBNER containers have a 28mm thick marine plywood floor.

Quite simple and basic! Your container is maintained throughout its life as a means of transport.
Regular cleaning with water prevents moss from settling in and preserves its exterior appearance. Speaking of which, we have a special container cleaning product.
You can also grease the cremones once a year to ensure easier opening and closing.

Yes, we can supply all parts of the containers. It doesn't matter where the container comes from, whether it comes from Cubner or elsewhere.

Yes and no. The containers have standards to maintain in terms of dimensions (ISO STANDARD). Only the length changes.
A 20-foot dry standard container: 6 x 2,45 x 2,6 m (Length x width x Height)
A 40-foot dry standard container: 12 x 2,45 x 2,6 m (Length x width x Height)
Then depending on the variations, only the width will change for example:
– High Cube +30 cm in height;
– Pallet Wide +10 cm width;
etc.

Le shipping container is fully welded. Its structure is self-supporting.
That is to say that its rigidity is ensured by its shape.

It is simply the English term “dry” which means “sec” in French. This is a standard shipping container.

The 10ft, 20ft and 40ft High Cube containers can be DRY, but also REEFER (refrigerated).

Do you know the Gausse curvature? 

Gaussian curvature is a measure of the intrinsic curvature of a surface, independent of how that surface is oriented in space. 

The corrugated sheets of container walls, like cardboard, are mechanically resistant. Particularly when examined from the angle of Gaussian curvature. In the case of corrugated container sheets, this curvature influences several factors:

1. Structural strength: Corrugations increase the rigidity of the sheet, allowing it to withstand greater loads without deforming. It is similar to the principle of beams in construction.
2. Impact resistance: The corrugated shape can also absorb shock better, as it provides flexibility that allows the sheet metal to return to its original shape after an impact.
3. Force distribution: Curvature influences how forces are distributed across the surface of the container. With adequate curvature, the structure can better distribute forces over a larger area, reducing the risk of concentrated failure points.

For example: 

Scenario A: Imagine a “bridge” made of a flat sheet stretched between two banks. This image will show how the flat sheet, under its own weight or additional load, sags or flexes significantly due to its lack of structural rigidity.

Scenario B: The same “bridge” is now constructed with corrugated sheeting. In this configuration, the corrugated sheet demonstrates superior strength, not sagging or bending much less under the same weight, thanks to its reinforced structure.

The REEFER or IceCubner© container can be a refrigerated container, a cold room container or a freezer container.
Its (electric) refrigeration unit produces negative cold at -25° or positive cold at +25°.
The interior of a refrigerated shipping container is made of stainless steel (walls and ceiling) and its floor is made of aluminum (T-shaped rail). Find the details of a Reefer container by downloading our product sheets: HERE

The gas we use is R32, it replaces R134 A.
This is the same gas that is used in your car air conditioning or refrigerator.
Why this gas? Because it helps preserve the ozone layer, has a low global warming potential and its impact is less, in the event of shedding in the air.

The container is fully welded. Its structure is self-supporting.
That is to say that its rigidity is ensured by its shape. A shipping container is built with noble materials such as CORTEN (steel alloy), the reefer container has a plus, it is insulated at the level of its walls and its roof.

The thickness of the insulation of a container varies from 10 to 15 cm. The insulation used is polyurethane foam or polyisocyanurate foam. Insulating refrigerated containers is essential to preserving consistent temperature conditions inside the container, whether maintaining a cold temperature for refrigerated products or a negative temperature for frozen products. High quality insulation in good condition is necessary to minimize heat or cold loss and ensure the quality of the goods transported. THE refrigerated container is very resistant to corrosion and the interior panels are entirely in stainless steel (raw or painted).

To protect the insulation and facilitate cleaning, the interior walls of the refrigerated container are often covered with an aluminum or stainless steel coating. This coating also makes it easier for heat and light to reflect inside the container.

The rails are of great importance in maintaining the temperature.
They serve as a cold channel to ensure a uniform temperature in the container. They are made of aluminum to avoid the freezing effect and make the floor slippery.

The REEFER or Icecubner© refrigerated container produces cold with an electrical unit.

We can also deliver it with an autonomous generator (container GENSET) which works with a heat engine like a container generator. They are equipped with a large capacity tank for significant autonomy.

The refrigeration unit of a REEFER or Icecubner© maritime container has an average power of 12 kW (supplier data). More information by downloading the technical sheet for an IceCubner© refrigerated container HERE

La consumption of a refrigerated maritime container varies depending on the set temperature. The average consumption of a used container varies from 9 A/h to 11 A/h, actual consumption in operation.

The meaning is a check of a cold room solution before boarding, PTI is the contraction of pre-trip inspection. During this important step, we check the following elements: 

• The refrigeration unit, we ensure that the refrigeration system of your container operates over its entire operating ranges. We check compressors, fans, evaporators and condensers.
• The structure: we check the tightness of the structure, the interior cleanliness and the quality of the insulation of the containers.
• Electronics: we check the connectors of the containers including its connection cable, as well as the terminal. We check at startup or during the test phase that no error appears on the terminal. On request, we can configure the set temperature.
• Documentary: we will give you a certificate of conformity.

Le price of a refrigerated container varies according to user needs, the prices for a container start at 5 euros for an insulated box. A first trip reefer container will cost almost three times more than a second-hand one.

Of course !
This is certainly the most important point where we can bring our know-how.
The delivery of a shipping container is a point not to be overlooked. This is the culmination of our relationship and the trust you have placed in us.
At CUBNER, it's when you want, where you want.
I we deliver everywhere in France, including in the most remote, even inaccessible places.
Whether the container is to be delivered indoors or outdoors, we will find the solution.

YES. With us, transport remains very flexible and this is an important point not to be neglected. Our trucks are equipped with cranes to be able to unload containers within a reasonable radius (around 5-6 meters) around the truck.
We unload our containers by looking together at the most economical solution for your budget.

If you have concerns about specific or complex unloading, our experts are available to offer you a fallback solution with an autonomous crane, for example.

At Cubner, we offer many services but we are not freight forwarders. We advise you to contact a freight professional who has the capacity to ship your container with your goods or equipment on a CMA container ship, MSC, Maersk, etc.