Maintain and Extend the Lifespan of Your Reusable Shipping Containers

4/28/2024

Here at Carter Associates, we believe that reusable shipping containers aren’t just the future; they’re the present. Whether you’re shipping brake pads or jet engines, reusing your shipping containers is one of the best ways to save money. And for many business owners, this is only common knowledge. The question on most mangers’ minds is this: which returnable containers save the most money over time?

Well, to put the answer simply: it depends. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to reusable shipping containers. Depending on your product, your short- and long-term plans, and how often you ship, you’ll need unique containers that are right for you. That said, there is one piece of advice we offer to everyone: maintain your containers.

By properly maintaining your containers, you could save thousands of dollars in loss prevention with little effort. In this month’s blog post, we’re discussing how you can maintain your reusable shipping containers and save thousands.

Clean Your Returnable Containers Often and Thoroughly

As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By keeping your returnable containers clean with simple soap and water, you can prolong their lifespan immensely.

Pollutants such as oil, dirt, or standing water can not only reduce your container’s lifespan, but it can also harm your products and even your crew. By leaving these contaminates in your totes or other containers, they can become difficult to handle and even become a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, or fungi. As a result, any items stored in these containers could become contaminated, and your workers may even become sick.

To prevent this, we recommend cleaning your totes once a month. Simply use a sponge and soapy water to remove any grime, letting it dry for a short time afterward. Crisis averted!

Adhere to the Container’s Purpose and Limits

Another simple way to maintain your reusable shipping containers is to ensure they’re used properly. Though it might be tempting for an employee to fit more product in a container than is recommended, doing so could damage the tote and even the product. With proper use, our Tuf-Totes can last you for years at just one low cost. However, forcing an excessive amount of weight into them could cause even these containers to break.We recommend training your employees to adhere to weight guidelines of returnable containers. By doing so, you’re ensuring the longevity of your containers and the safety of your products.

Save money on shipping now and later with reusable shipping containers from Cater Associates. Click here to contact us today and find the right returnable container for you.

Tags: returnable containers, reusable shipping containers