In the world of logistics and storage, the steel shipping container is often viewed as an indestructible vault. It withstands storms, saltwater, and heavy stacking on high seas. But for businesses shipping sensitive chemicals, electronics, or archival documents, the physical limits of these boxes are critical. Two of the most frequent questions we receive are: "Are shipping containers fireproof?" and "Are shipping containers waterproof?" The short answer is: They are resistant, but not invincible. At ParcelParcel, we believe in precise definitions because, in logistics, a misunderstanding can lead to damaged cargo. Let's break down the engineering reality behind the steel box.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
Are shipping containers fireproof?
No. Standard shipping containers are fire-resistant, but they are not fireproof.
Standard intermodal containers are built from Corten steel (weathering steel). While this material is robust, it has physical limits.
Melting Point: Steel melts at approximately 1,370°C (2,500°F). A severe structural fire can reach these temperatures, causing the container to buckle.
The "Oven Effect": This is the biggest risk. Steel is an excellent conductor of heat. If a fire occurs outside the container, the internal temperature can skyrocket within minutes, igniting cardboard packaging or wood pallets inside, even if the flames never penetrate the walls.
For shipping Dangerous Goods (DG) like lithium batteries or chemicals, a standard container is often not compliant. You may require specialized "Fire-Rated" modifications with insulation and intumescent paint.
This question requires a nuanced answer. Shipping containers are "Weatherproof" and "Wind and Water Tight" (WWT), but they are not 100% waterproof in the sense of being submersible.
In the logistics industry, a functional container is graded as WWT. This means that wind and rain cannot enter the container under normal operating conditions.
Rubber Seals: The doors are lined with heavy-duty rubber gaskets (J-seals) that, when closed properly, prevent spray and rain from entering.
Roof Integrity: The corrugated roof sheds water effectively to prevent pooling.
While they keep rain out, they are not hermetically sealed submarines.
Vents: Most containers have small pressure vents to allow air exchange. If a container is dropped in the ocean and submerged, water will eventually enter through these vents and seals, causing it to sink.
Flooding: If a container sits in standing water that rises above the floor level (often plywood), water can seep in from the bottom.
Ironically, the water that damages cargo often comes from the inside.
Because containers are watertight to the outside, they can trap moisture inside. During international transport, temperature changes cause this moisture to condense on the cold steel roof and drip down onto the cargo. This phenomenon is known as Container Rain.
Solution: Use desiccants (moisture absorbing poles) and ensure your goods are packed with the correct Transport Box to prevent moisture damage.
Feature | Standard Container | Specialized / Modified |
Fire Resistance | High (Steel), but conducts heat. | Fire-Rated: Insulated walls + auto-closing vents. |
Water Resistance | WWT: Resists rain and spray. | Offshore DNV: Higher grade seals for extreme seas. |
Submersible? | No. Will leak eventually. | No, unless specifically engineered. |
Main Risk | "Oven Effect" & Condensation. | User error (seals not maintained). |
Don't assume your goods are safe from the elements just because they are behind steel doors.
For Fire: If shipping flammables, check our Prohibited and Restricted Items list and comply with IMDG codes.
For Water: Ensure your container is graded WWT before loading and use moisture protection for sensitive goods.
Regulation Note: Always comply with international safety standards. You can read more about cargo safety on the IMO (International Maritime Organization) website.
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A standard container has no official fire rating. While the Corten steel walls will not catch fire, they will deform and transfer heat immediately. To get a guaranteed protection time (e.g., 60, 90, or 120 minutes), you must purchase a specially modified "Fire-Rated" container insulated with rockwool and fireboards.
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Yes, eventually. Although shipping containers are waterproof against rain (WWT), they are not airtight. If a container falls overboard, it may float for a short period due to trapped air, but water will gradually enter through the door seals and pressure vents, causing it to sink.
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WWT stands for Wind and Water Tight. It is a condition grade used to classify used containers. It guarantees that if you lock yourself inside during the day, no light enters through the roof or panels, meaning no wind or rain can get in. However, WWT does not mean the container can be submerged.
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No. Most standard containers have a 28mm thick marine plywood floor. While this wood is treated to resist rot and pests, it is combustible. If a fire starts inside, the wooden floor will burn. For hazardous storage, steel or aluminum flooring is recommended.
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Since the container is water-tight, moisture cannot escape. To prevent container rain, you should:
Ensure the cargo is dry before loading.
Use desiccants (silica gel poles) to absorb humidity.
Use cardboard or thermal liners to insulate the roof.
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You can instantly check the shipping costs through our rate calculator. Enter the weight, dimensions, and destination country of your shipment, and you will see all available shipping options along with their respective delivery times. The calculator can be used to compare shipping rates for both export and import shipments.
If you need help calculating a shipping rate, watch the video below. Click on the 
button to play the video and the 
icon to view the video in fullscreen.
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Shipping costs are calculated based on dimensions (LxWxH in cm), weight (in kg), and the destination country. Both the actual weight (as shown on the scale) and the volumetric weight are considered.
The volumetric weight is the weight calculated based on the space your shipment occupies in the plane. The higher of the two weights (volumetric or actual weight) is used to calculate the shipping rate. You don't need to calculate this yourself; our calculator does it for you.
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You can use the discount code PP10 for 10% discount on the transportation costs of your first shipment. You can apply the discount code during the checkout process (instructions).
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Whether additional costs apply depends on whether your shipment stays within the European Union or is sent to/from a country outside the European Union. Below, you can see the additional costs for each situation.
Within the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to Italy (within the EU), there will be an additional 21% VAT on the shipping costs.
Furthermore, if your shipment stays within the European Union, you won't have to deal with any import duties or customs clearance fees because your shipment doesn't go through customs. Please note that the European Union is not the same as Europe.
View here all the countries that are part of the European Union. For example, Switzerland is part of Europe but not part of the European Union.
Outside the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to the United States, there will be no VAT (0%) applied to the displayed shipping rates.
However, there might be import duties levied by customs in the destination country if you send a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union. Typically, customs costs are charged to the recipient. This is known as Delivered At Place (DAP) in logistics terminology.
Customs is a government agency that levies import duties in certain cases to protect the local market. As a company, you can also ship using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means any customs costs will be charged to you as the sender.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can read everything about import duties, VAT, and the customs clearance process in this blog.
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A customs invoice is a form where all the goods you want to ship are specified. This invoice includes an English description of the goods, along with their corresponding value and weight.
The contents of your shipment must be specified per type of product you're sending to avoid delays at customs. A customs invoice is always prepared in quadruplicate in accordance with customs guidelines.
When is a customs invoice required?
A customs invoice is only required for shipments to/from countries outside the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - United States). If your shipment stays within the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - Italy), your shipment will not go through customs, and therefore, a customs invoice is not required.
Additionally, document shipments are not subject to customs, so if you're sending a document to a country within/outside the European Union, no customs invoice is needed.
Please note that not all goods can be shipped to every country. You can find a list of goods that cannot be sent via ParcelParcel on this page.
Do I need to create a customs invoice myself?
If you're sending a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union, it's mandatory to include a customs invoice with the shipment. We provide free support in creating a customs invoice.
You can easily generate a customs invoice through our shipping platform. The customs invoice will be automatically generated based on the content you specified during your booking.
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You can import just as easily as export via ParcelParcel.
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You can find a list of goods that cannot be shipped via ParcelParcel on this page.
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