Source: adapted from Crinks, P. (2000) Container Usage Asset Management
in the Global Container Logistics Chain, International Asset Systems.
http://www.interasset.com/docs/AssetManagementWP.pdfContainer Usage during its Life-SpanContainers are built to be durable since they can be exposed to all
possible conditions, from tropical to sub arctic. They are also subject
to potential damage when loaded, unloaded, transshipped or carried.
The lifespan of a container ranges between 10 to 15 years depending
on its level of usage and the conditions it has been exposed to. A well
maintained container not exposed to harsh conditions can even have a
lifespan up to 20 years. Still, a container can spend on average 56%
of its lifespan either idle or being repositioned while empty. This
represents a non revenue generating part involving additional costs
(such as warehousing and repositioning) that are assumed either by the
shipping or the leasing company. Such a cost is thus part of the leasing
rate. Growing trade imbalances can have a notable impact as more containers
will spend additional time idle or being repositioned.
