Steel sheets and strips for freight container
High-Performance Steel Sheets and Strips for Freight Container Manufacturing
In the demanding world of global logistics, the durability of a shipping unit starts with its raw material. Choosing the right steel sheets and strips for freight containers is critical to ensuring structural integrity against harsh maritime environments. Whether you are looking for the industry-standard SPA-H weathering steel or advanced high-strength grades like SQ700J for offshore containers, our supply chain complies with the most rigorous enterprise and international standards.
Our container steel solutions are engineered for superior atmospheric corrosion resistance, ensuring your containers withstand salt spray, high humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations during transoceanic transit.
1 Scope
This document specifies the designation system, ordering information, dimensions, shape, technical requirements, inspection and testing, packaging, marking, and quality certificates for steel strips and cut steel plates for containers.
This document applies to hot-rolled steel plates and strips and cold-rolled steel strips produced by Shougang Group Co., Ltd. for containers. They are primarily used for manufacturing containers and can also be used for manufacturing mobile cabins (camp houses), transport vehicles, etc. (Detailed thickness specifications are provided in Table 1).
2 Normative References
The clauses in the following documents become clauses of this document through normative reference. For dated references, only the edition cited applies to this document. For undated references, the latest edition (including all amendments) applies.
GB/T 222: Permissible deviations for chemical composition of steel products
GB/T 223 (Relevant parts): Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel, and alloy
GB/T 228.1: Metallic materials - Tensile testing - Part 1: Method of test at room temperature
GB/T 229: Metallic materials - Charpy pendulum impact test method
GB/T 232: Metallic materials - Bend test method
GB/T 2975: Steel and steel products - Location and preparation of samples and test pieces for mechanical testing
GB/T 4336: Carbon steel and low-medium alloy steel - Determination of multi-element contents - Spark discharge atomic emission spectrometric method (Routine method)
GB/T 6394: Determination of estimating the average grain size of metal
GB/T 10561: Steel - Determination of content of nonmetallic inclusions - Micrographic method using standard diagrams
GB/T 17505: Steel and steel products - General technical delivery requirements
GB/T 18253: Steel and steel products - Types of inspection documents
GB/T 20066: Steel and iron - Sampling and preparation of samples for the determination of chemical composition
GB/T 20123: Steel and iron - Determination of total carbon and sulfur content - High-frequency induction furnace combustion infrared absorption method (Routine method)
GB/T 20125: Low-alloy steel - Determination of multi-element contents - Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometric method
GB/T 20126: Unalloyed steel - Determination of low carbon content - Part 2: Methods after combustion in an induction furnace (with preheating) by infrared absorption
GB/T 32570: Steel plates and strips for containers
TB/T 2375: Periodic immersion corrosion test for weathering steel used in railways
YB/T 081: Rule for rounding off of numerical values and judgment of testing data for metallurgical technology standards
Q/SGZGS 0297: Dimensions, shape, weight, and permissible deviations for hot-rolled steel strips and plates
Q/SGZGS 0298: General provisions for packaging, marking, and quality certificates of hot-rolled steel plates and strips
QSGZGS 0322: Packaging, marking, and quality certificates of cold-rolled steel plates and strips
QSGZGS 0323: Dimensions, shape, weight, and permissible deviations for cold-rolled steel plates and strips
3 Designation System
The designations in this document are divided into hot-rolled and cold-rolled categories. The representation methods differ between grades. The representation methods and delivery thickness ranges for each grade are shown in Table 1:
Table 1: Designation System and Delivery Thickness Range
| Category | Designation | Meaning of Designation | Thickness Range | Main Applications |
| Hot-rolled | SPA-H | Derived from JIS G 3125 "Superior Atmospheric Corrosion Resisting Rolled Steels", meaning "High-performance atmospheric corrosion resistant hot-rolled steel." | 1.4mm – 16.0mm | Widely used for the production and manufacturing of various containers. |
| Hot-rolled | SQ550J, SQ700J | Consists of four parts: "S" for Shougang; "Q" for Yield Strength; "550/700" for the lower limit of specified yield strength; "J" for Container ("Ji" in Pinyin). | 1.5mm – 19.0mm | Primarily used for offshore containers, special containers, mobile cabins, offshore tanks, etc., with high strength requirements. |
| Hot-rolled | SQ450W, SQ550W | Consists of four parts: "S" for Shougang; "Q" for Yield Strength; "450/550" for the lower limit of specified yield strength; "W" for Weathering. | 1.4mm – 25.4mm | Primarily used for railway containers. |
| Cold-rolled | S800NQ | Consists of three parts: "S" for Shougang; "800" for the lower limit of specified tensile strength; "NQ" for Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance ("Nai Qi" in Pinyin). | 0.6mm – 2.0mm | Primarily used for the manufacturing of special containers. |
4 Ordering Information
4.1 The contract or order placed according to this document shall include the following:
a) This enterprise document number;
b) Product type (steel plate, steel strip; steel plates are divided into commercial coils and slit coils);
c) Designation (Grade);
d) Specifications and dimensional accuracy (delivered according to ordinary accuracy if not specified);
e) Edge status (Cut edge EC, Mill edge EM);
f) Delivery status;
g) Weight;
h) Oiling method;
i) Inspection document type (Quality certificate 3.1 as specified in GB/T 18253 if not specified);
j) Packaging and marking;
k) Special requirements.
4.2 When the edge status is not specified in the contract, steel strips are delivered with mill edges (EM), and steel plates are delivered with cut edges (EC).
4.3 Unless otherwise specified in the contract, cold-rolled steel strips are delivered in an oiled state.
5 Dimensions, Shape, Weight, and Permissible Deviations
5.1 The requirements for dimensions, shape, weight, and permissible deviations of hot-rolled steel plates and strips shall comply with the provisions of Q/SGZGS 0297.
5.2 The requirements for dimensions, shape, weight, and permissible deviations of cold-rolled steel strips shall comply with the provisions of Q/SGZGS 0323.
5.3 Other requirements for dimensions, shape, weight, and permissible deviations may also be adopted upon mutual agreement between both parties.
6 Requirements
6.1 Designation and Chemical Composition
6.1.1 The designation and chemical composition (heat analysis) of the steel shall comply with the provisions of Table 2.
Table 2: Designation and Chemical Composition (Heat Analysis) %
| Designation | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cu | Cr | Ni |
| SPA-H ᵃ | ≤ 0.12 | 0.20 - 0.75 | ≤ 0.60 | 0.070 - 0.150 | ≤ 0.035 | 0.25 - 0.55 | 0.30 - 1.25 | ≤ 0.65 |
| SQ550J ᵇ | ≤ 0.12 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 1.80 | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.015 | 0.20 - 0.55 | 0.30 - 1.25 | ≤ 0.65 |
| SQ700J ᵇ | ≤ 0.12 | ≤ 0.60 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.015 | 0.20 - 0.55 | 0.30 - 1.25 | ≤ 0.65 |
| SQ450W ᶜ | ≤ 0.12 | ≤ 0.75 | ≤ 1.50 | ≤ 0.150 | ≤ 0.008 | ≤ 0.55 | ≤ 1.25 | ≤ 0.65 |
| SQ550W ᶜ | ≤ 0.16 | ≤ 0.75 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.150 | ≤ 0.008 | ≤ 0.55 | ≤ 1.25 | ≤ 0.65 |
| S800NQ ᵈ | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.80 | ≤ 2.50 | ≤ 0.020 | ≤ 0.010 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 1.00 | - |
Footnotes for Table 2:
ᵃ Upon mutual agreement between both parties, the upper limit of Mn content for the SPA-H designation may reach 1.0%.
ᵇ For the SQ550J and SQ700J designations, one or more alloying elements such as Ti, Nb, V, Mo may be appropriately added; however, there is no mandatory requirement for these. The total content of Nb+V+Ti shall not exceed 0.22%, and the Mo content shall not exceed 0.30%.
ᶜ For the SQ450W and SQ550W designations, micro-alloying elements such as Ti, Nb, V, Mo may be added, but the total content shall not exceed 0.22%. Upon mutual agreement between both parties, the upper limit of Cr content may reach ≤ 1.70%.
ᵈ For the S800NQ designation, alloying elements such as Ni, Mo, B, Nb, V, Ti may be appropriately added based on performance requirements.
6.3 Delivery Condition
Hot-rolled steel plates and strips shall be delivered in the hot-rolled or controlled-rolled state. Upon agreement between the supplier and the purchaser, they may be delivered in the pickled state. Cold-rolled steel strips shall be delivered in the annealed state after cold rolling. Hot-rolled pickled steel plates and strips and cold-rolled steel strips are usually delivered in the oiled state.
Note: When ordering hot-rolled pickled steel plates and strips or cold-rolled steel strips, the purchaser should be advised that for unoiled products, there is a risk of slight scratches and atmospheric corrosion during transportation, loading/unloading, storage, and usage.
6.4 Mechanical and Technological Properties
6.4.1 The mechanical and technological properties of steel strips and plates shall comply with the provisions of Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, and Table 6.
Table 3: Mechanical and Technological Properties of SPA-H Hot-Rolled Steel Plates and Strips
| Grade | Thickness (mm) | Tensile Strength
RmRm (MPa) |
Lower Yield Strength
ReLReL (MPa) |
Elongation after Fracture
AA (%) |
Specimen Size
L0×bL0×b (mm) |
Bend Test (Longitudinal) | Bend Test (Longitudinal) | V-Notch Impact Test (Longitudinal) | V-Notch Impact Test (Longitudinal) |
| Bend Angle | Bend Diameter | Test Temp (°C) | Impact Energy
KV2KV2 (J) |
||||||
| SPA-H |
≤6≤6 |
490 - 630 |
≥355≥355 |
A50mm≥22A50mm≥22 |
50×2550×25 |
180° |
D=0.5aD=0.5a |
- | - |
|
>6>6 |
490 - 630 |
≥355≥355 |
A200mm≥15A200mm≥15 |
200×40200×40 |
180° |
D=1.5aD=1.5a |
Room Temp |
≥47≥47 |
ᵃ When the thickness specification is < 3mm, the lower limit of tensile strength
RmRm
may be increased to 510 MPa upon mutual agreement.
ᵇ For tensile testing, if the yield phenomenon is not distinct, the proof strength
Rp0.2Rp0.2
shall be used.
ᶜ When the thickness specification is
≤6mm≤6mm
, JIS Z 2241 No. 5 specimen shall be used; for thickness
>6mm>6mm
, JIS Z 2241 No. 1A specimen shall be used.
L0L0
is the gauge length and
bb
is the specimen width (Refer to Appendix A).
ᵈ The bend test uses JIS Z 2248 No. 1 specimen, where
aa
is the specimen thickness,
bb
is the specimen width, and
DD
is the bend diameter, where
b=20∼50mmb=20∼50mm
(Refer to Appendix A). In case of arbitration,
b=35mmb=35mm
.
Table 4: Mechanical and Technological Properties of High-Strength Hot-Rolled Steel Plates and Strips for Containers
| Grade | Tensile Strength
RmRm (MPa) |
Upper Yield Strength
ReHReH (MPa) |
Elongation
A50mmA50mm (%) |
Bend Test (Transverse) | Bend Test (Transverse) | V-Notch Impact Test (Longitudinal) | V-Notch Impact Test (Longitudinal) |
| Bend Angle | Bend Diameter (Specimen width
b=35mmb=35mm ) |
Test Temp (°C) | Impact Energy
KV2KV2 (J) |
||||
| SQ550J |
≥600≥600 |
≥550≥550 |
≥15≥15 |
180° |
D=1.5aD=1.5a |
-40°C |
≥27≥27 |
| SQ700J |
≥750≥750 |
≥700≥700 |
≥12≥12 |
180° |
D=1.2aD=1.2a |
-40°C |
≥27≥27 |
ᵃ Tensile testing uses non-proportional gauge specimens, with
L0=50mmL0=50mm
and
b=25mmb=25mm
.
ᵇ If the yield phenomenon is not distinct, the proof strength
Rp0.2Rp0.2
shall be used.
ᶜ For thickness
≤8mm≤8mm
, the tensile specimen direction is longitudinal; for thickness
>8mm>8mm
, the specified minimum yield strength is allowed to decrease by 20 MPa, and the tensile specimen direction shall be transverse.
Table 5: Mechanical and Technological Properties of Lightweight Hot-Rolled Steel Plates and Strips for Containers
| Grade | Lower Yield Strength
ReLReL (MPa) |
Tensile Strength
RmRm (MPa) |
Elongation
AA (%) |
180° Bend Test (Transverse) | Charpy V-Notch Impact Test (Longitudinal) |
| (
bb -specimen width,aa -specimen thickness,DD -bend diameter) |
-40°C Impact Energy
KV2KV2 (J) |
||||
| SQ450W |
≥450≥450 |
≥550≥550 |
≥22≥22 |
D=a,b=20mmD=a,b=20mm |
≥60≥60 |
| SQ550W |
≥550≥550 |
≥600≥600 |
≥18≥18 |
D=a,b=20mmD=a,b=20mm |
≥60≥60 |
ᵃ For tensile testing, if the yield phenomenon is not distinct, the proof strength
Rp0.2Rp0.2
shall be used.
Table 6: Mechanical and Technological Properties of S800NQ Cold-Rolled Steel Strips
| Grade | Lower Yield Strength
ReLReL (MPa) |
Tensile Strength
RmRm (MPa) |
Elongation after Fracture
A80mmA80mm (%) |
Bend Test (Transverse) | Bend Test (Transverse) | Bend Test (Transverse) |
| Bend Angle | Bend Diameter | Specimen Width
b=35mmb=35mm |
||||
| S800NQ |
≥700≥700 |
≥800≥800 |
≥5≥5 |
90° |
D=2.0aD=2.0a |
b=35mmb=35mm |
ᵃ Tensile specimen uses GB/T 228.1 P14 specimen (
L0=50mm,b=25mmL0=50mm,b=25mm
).
ᵇ For tensile testing, if the yield phenomenon is not distinct, the proof strength
Rp0.2Rp0.2
shall be used.
6.4.2 Mechanical and technological property specimens shall be taken at 1/4 of the plate width and are not applicable to abnormal parts at both ends of the steel strip.
6.4.3 For grades SQ550J and SQ700J, the standard specimen size is 10mm × 10mm × 55mm. When the steel thickness is
≤12.0mm≤12.0mm
and a standard specimen cannot be prepared, sub-size impact specimens with dimensions of 10mm × 7.5mm × 55mm, 10mm × 5mm × 55mm, or 10mm × 2.5mm × 55mm may be used. The specified impact absorbed energy values shall not be less than 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the values specified in Table 4, respectively. (Sub-size specimens should be as large as possible and retain one rolled surface).
6.4.4 For other grades, the standard specimen size is 10mm × 10mm × 55mm. When the steel thickness is between
≥6.0mm and 12.0mm and a standard specimen cannot be prepared, sub-size specimens of 10mm × 7.5mm × 55mm or 10mm × 5mm × 55mm may be used (retaining one rolled surface). The impact absorbed energy shall not be less than 75% or 50% of the values specified in Table 5, respectively. No impact test is required when the steel thickness is<6.0mm.
6.4.5 The impact test result is the average of three specimens. One specimen is permitted to have a value lower than the specified value, but it shall not be lower than 70% of the specified value.
6.4.6 After the bend test, the outer surface of the specimen shall show no cracks visible to the naked eye. For grade SPA-H, bend tests are not required unless requested by the customer, though the supplier shall ensure that the bending performance meets the requirements.
6.5 For SQ450W and SQ550W, the grain size shall not be lower than Grade 7.
6.6 For SQ450W and SQ550W, non-metallic inclusions in the steel (Fine and Thick series) shall be: Type A and Type C≤Grade 2.5; Type B, Type D, and Type DS≤Grade 2.0.
6.7 Corrosion Resistance
6.7.1 For grades SQ550J and SQ700J with atmospheric corrosion resistance requirements, periodic random sampling may be conducted based on the requirements. The corrosion resistance shall be evaluated using the Corrosion Resistance Index (II).
The II value shall be calculated using the following predictive formula, with the minimum permissible II value determined by mutual agreement:
I=26.01(%Cu)+3.88(%Ni)+1.20(%Cr)+1.49(%Si)+17.28(%P)−7.29(%Cu)(%Ni)−9.10(%Ni)(%P)−33.39(%Cu)2
6.7.2 For grades SQ450W and SQ550W, the corrosion resistance of the steel shall comply with the provisions in Table 7. The test duration is 72 hours, and the chemical composition of the comparison specimen, Q355B steel, shall comply with Table 8.
Table 7: Corrosion Resistance of Steel
| Grade | Relative Corrosion Rate / % | |
| SQ450W | Comparison sample is Q355B | ≤ 55 |
| SQ550W | Comparison sample is Q355B | ≤ 55 |
| Q355B | Comparison sample is Q355B | 100 |
Table 8: Chemical Composition of Comparison grade for Corrosion Resistance Test
6.7.3 If there are other requirements, the methods negotiated between the supplier and the purchaser may also be implemented.
6.8 Surface Quality
6.8.1 The surface of hot-rolled steel strips and plates shall be free from cracks, scabs, folds, bubbles, inclusions, and other defects harmful to use. The steel strips and plates shall not have laminations.
6.8.2 Slight and localized defects such as pits, depressions, and scratches with a depth (or height) not exceeding one-fourth of the thickness tolerance are permitted on the surface of hot-rolled steel strips and plates, but the minimum permitted thickness of the steel strip shall be guaranteed.
6.8.3 The surface of cold-rolled steel strips shall be free from scabs, cracks, inclusions, folds, bubbles, laminations, and other defects harmful to use.
6.8.4 The characteristics of the surface quality grades of cold-rolled steel strips are specified in Table 9.
Table 9: Surface Quality Class Characteristics
| Surface Quality Class | Code | Characteristics |
| Superior / Fairly High | FB (O3) | The surface is permitted to have a small amount of defects that do not affect formability or coating/plating adhesion, such as slight scratches, indentations, pits, roll marks, and oxidation colors. |
| Premium / High | FC (O4) | The better side of the two product surfaces shall be free from obvious defects visible to the naked eye, and the other side shall at least meet the requirements of the FB class. |
6.8.5 For steel strips, since there is no opportunity to remove defective sections, a certain number of abnormal parts are permitted; however, the defective portion shall not exceed 5% of the total length per coil.
6.8.6 Special requirements for surface quality shall be negotiated between the supplier and the purchaser.
7 Inspection and Testing
7.1 General Provisions
The inspection items, sampling quantity, sampling methods, and test methods for steel plates and strips shall comply with the requirements of Table 10.
Table 10: Inspection Rules
| No. | Inspection Item | Sampling Quantity | Sampling Method | Test Method |
| 1 | Chemical Composition | 1 per Heat | GB/T 20066 | GB/T 4336, GB/T 20123, GB/T 20125, GB/T 20126 and GB/T 223 (Arbitration) |
| 2 | Tensile Test | 1 per Batch | GB/T 2975 | GB/T 228.1 and Appendix A |
| 3 | Bending Test | 1 per Batch | GB/T 2975 | GB/T 232, 6.4.3 and Appendix A |
| 4 | Impact Test | 1 set of 3 per Batch | GB/T 2975 | GB/T 229 and 6.4.4 |
| 5 | Grain Size | 1 per Batch | Transverse cross-section of suitable part | GB/T 6394 |
| 6 | Non-metallic Inclusions | 1 per Batch | Longitudinal cross-section of suitable part | GB/T 10561 |
| 7 | Corrosion Resistance | 5 per occasion | TB/T 2375 | TB/T 2375 |
| 8 | Surface Quality | Piece by piece / Coil by coil | - | Visual inspection + Online surface quality detector |
| 9 | Dimensions and Shape | Piece by piece / Coil by coil | - | Appropriate measuring tools |
From Standard ISO Units to High-Strength Offshore Containers
We provide a comprehensive range of hot-rolled and cold-rolled container steel, including high-strength container steel with yield strengths up to 700MPa. For manufacturers focused on lightweighting, our ultra-thin S800NQ cold-rolled strips offer exceptional tensile strength, allowing for a reduction in tare weight without compromising safety. Every batch of our corrugated panel steel undergoes strict tensile and bending tests to ensure flawless formability during high-speed cold-rolling.
With a focus on weldability and paint adhesion, our steel helps you maintain high production efficiency and long-lasting exterior finishes for everything from standard dry vans to specialized offshore tanks and camp houses.
Verified Quality: Why Leading Container Builders Trust Our Steel
Reliability isn't just a claim-it's verified by data. Our steel is inspected piece-by-piece, following strict inspection rules for grain size, non-metallic inclusions, and corrosion resistance indexes (I-value). Are you worried about rust-bleeding or material cracking during deep corrugation? We provide full Mill Test Certificates (MTC 3.1) and professional pre-rusting or oiling treatments to meet your specific fabrication needs.
Compare this with our 09CuPCrNi-A weathering steel options.
Antirust Coating ISO Corten Steel Shipping Container Corrugated Side Panel
ISO Container side panel are the key element for shipping containers building. We could supply standard container side panel, which are produced by production line. The material is SPA-H Corten A steel.
|
Product Name |
Container Side Panel |
|
|
Type |
Container Panels |
|
|
Place of Origin |
Shanghai, China |
|
|
Material |
SPA-H(Corten-A Steel) |
|
|
Thickness |
1.6/2.0mm |
|
|
Application |
Container Manufacture and Repair |
|
|
Certification |
ISO9001 |
|
|
HS Code |
7210709000 |
|
|
Brand |
ESEN |
|
|
Producing Period |
7-10 Days |
|
|
Size |
1.6/2.0mm*1116*2400mm 1.6/2.0mm*1116*2700mm |
|
|
Weight |
35.72kgs/44.46kgs 40.18kgs/50.02kgs |
|
|
Corrugation |
4C,3C |
|
|
Technique |
Hot Rolled |
|
|
Usage |
20ft 40ft container building and repairing |
|
|
Service |
Online Technical Support |
We could supply standard container side panel, which are produced by production line. The material is SPA-H Corten A steel.Usually one 20ft container roof consists of 10 pcs of container roof panel, 40ft container need 20 pcs.
For the thickness of roof panel, we could supply 1.6/2.0mm for choosing.
The shipping containers are made of high steel steel and are able to withstand extreme temperature ranging from -40 °c to 70°c.They can be flexibly used for the construction and repair of various containers.
|
Name |
Container parts container side panel |
|
Main type |
Normal Type for 20ft 40ft |
|
Material |
Corten A Steel (SPA-H) |
|
Thickness |
1.6mm/ 2.0mm |
|
Condition |
New 100% |
|
Surface Treatment |
Galvanized or depend on the requirements of the customer. |
|
Application |
Reparing/building/ replacing side container. |
|
MOQ |
100 pcs |
|
Advantage |
We only use items of high-quality steel to increase the security and strength of the shipping container. |
|
Purpose of use |
Using for building new/ replacing a damaged panel of side container. |
|
Other related products |
Container panel (tole): roof panel, side panel; container posts and rail: bottom side rail, cross member, front corner post, rear corner, spreader, top side rail, door sill container...; Container twist lock, corner casting: roof bow, screws, twist lock, tarpaulins and container flooring plywood. |
|
Packaging Details |
a. Standard Export Pallet Packing |
|
Supply Ability |
10.000 pcs/momths |
|
Color |
Light Grey |
|
Payment term |
T/T 30 % deposit, 70% balance payment before shipment |
|
Delivery time |
14 days |
1, Packaging: a. Packing according to standard international export. The permissible gross weight of most 20' and 40' standard containers is 30,480kg. b. 50 pcs are packed into one pallet, 10 pallets into one 20ft container c. Inside full in there is a waterproof plastic bag, outside with plywood or carton, then fastened with the plastic rope specializes packing for secure and then package into the pallet. All the steps made carefully and test by engineers.
2, Mix order in to container: We could supply all kinds of container spare parts, and also accept Mix Order loaded into one container for shipping. One-Stop Purchasing is our main Service.
3, Shipping Shipping methods: Sealine and ship to any country in the world.
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