Shipping containers are often treated as static products, but in reality they move through a long and predictable lifecycle. By the time a container reaches the domestic resale market in Canada, it has usually completed years of international service. Understanding this lifecycle helps buyers assess value, anticipate limitations, and select containers that match real-world needs. This article explains how containers transition from global freight assets to domestic infrastructure and storage solutions. How Shipping Containers Enter Service Most shipping containers are manufactured overseas and placed into international circulation immediately. During this phase, containers are stacked on vessels, lifted repeatedly by cranes, and exposed to salt air, heavy cargo, and constant movement.…