Galvanizing steel pallets and shipping containers
Storage and handling companies rely on steel for everyday logistics of items, both big and small. To ensure your goods get from A to B, make sure you’re transporting them with the help of galvanized steel.
What is galvanized steel?
Hot dip galvanizing, which we often shorten to “galvanizing“, is a steel coating method that protects against corrosion. It’s done by dipping the metal into a bath of molten zinc, which forms a type of bond that means it can withstand corrosion from moisture and atmospheric attack.
Galvanizing your steel pallets and shipping containers means they last longer thanks to these corrosion-protection qualities. This enhanced lifespan means you save time and money on repairs and replacement steel. It also means that galvanizing has a cheaper lifetime cost than alternative coating methods such as paint, due to a reduced need to recoat.
Benefits of galvanizing for pallets and shipping containers
Galvanizing steel pallets and shipping containers and improving their corrosion-resistant properties brings several advantages for the transportation and logistics sector. These include:
Corrosion resistance
The primary reason why people galvanize their steel is because of the corrosion resistance qualities it gives to steel. Galvanization acts as a protective barrier against rust caused by moisture, chemicals, and diverse weather conditions. In the transport industry, where these assets face harsh environments during transit and storage, resistance to corrosion is especially important for maintaining structural integrity and ensuring cargo safety.
You can reliably use them on longer journeys without worrying about losing or damaging items due to corrosion.
Extended lifespan
By protecting against corrosion, galvanized steel pallets and containers enjoy a significantly longer lifespan compared to ungalvanized ones. This means cost savings for fabricators and end-users, reducing replacements and maintenance frequency while improving overall efficiency.
Durability and strength
Galvanization reinforces steel’s inherent strength without compromising its structural integrity. Steel pallets and containers undergo significant stress during handling and transportation. Galvanized surfaces offer exceptional resistance to scratches, abrasions, and mechanical damage, ensuring continued performance under rigorous usage.
Environmental sustainability
Galvanizing is an environmentally friendly solution and fits into a circular economy, as the zinc coating is recyclable and poses minimal environmental hazards. The prolonged lifespan of galvanized steel reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to reduced resource consumption and waste generation.
Reduced maintenance costs
Galvanized steel requires minimal maintenance compared to untreated steel. The protective layer reduces the need for ongoing upkeep, saving time and resources for fabricators and users. This low-maintenance feature enhances operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Protect large containers
Galvanizing is also suitable for large steel shipping containers. Unlike painting, which is a very manual and labour-intensive process, the galvanizing process is done at a galvanizing plant. Depending on the company, they can accommodate for even the largest of fabrications depending on the bath sizes they offer.
Stand out on the roads with powder coating
Galvanizing by itself is an excellent choice for protecting your steel against corrosion. However, you can increase your steel’s durability even more with powder coating.
Powder coating is a steel coating method that can be used alongside galvanizing, to protect your steel against corrosion even more than with galvanizing alone. It’s considered to be the superior alternative to paint because it shares many of the benefits of paint without compromising on corrosion protection.
Unlike paint, which acts only as a surface-level coating, powder coating synergises with hot dip galvanizing by creating a durable bond that resists chipping and corrosion.
Powder coating doesn’t just bring extra durability – it also has aesthetic appeal. Like traditional paint, powder coating comes in a wide range of colours, and you can even choose from different finishes such as metallic or glitter. Adding colour to your shipping containers could be an opportunity to help your brand be recognisable; if people see a bright colour transporting their goods, they’re sure to remember it.
Even if bright colours aren’t your thing, you can always choose to powder coat in a traditional silver colour, helping to extend the lifespan of your steel and maintain its smooth and shiny appearance.
Joseph Ash Galvanizing for transportation companies
We understand the unique requirements for transportation companies. We offer the highest quality galvanizing at our nine UK sites, as well as a one-stop-shop facility for powder coating, galvanizing and shot blasting at our Medway plant.
- We’ll collect and deliver your steel to our site ✔️
- Comprehensive technical support, guidance and assistance at every stage ✔️
- Hot dip galvanized to BS EN ISO 1461 standards ✔️
- Widest bath in the UK – perfect for wide steel pallets ✔️