Containers Industry

Built for rough handling, salt air, and nonstop cycles, containers demand materials that won’t buckle, corrode, or eat maintenance budgets. Corrugated Metals, Inc. (CMI) engineers and manufactures container-ready profiles (corrugated sheets, perforated metal panels, and formed assemblies) optimized for strength-to-weight, airflow, and long service life. 

From intermodal shipping and bulk storage to rail and yard applications, we deliver stable geometries in galvanized steel, weathering steel, aluminum, and pre-painted finishes that hold up when the environment won’t.

Why corrugation and perforation work for containers

Container bodies and enclosures need stiffness without unnecessary mass. Corrugation increases panel moment of inertia for predictable load distribution, while perforated metal improves ventilation, drainage, and sound attenuation where solid skins aren’t ideal, think equipment compartments, dunnage bins, and protective shrouds. Combined, these approaches reduce weight, manage moisture, and cut the risk of trapped condensate, helping operators extend coating life and avoid premature repairs.

Built to spec, built to last

CMI specializes in custom metal fabrication around roll forming and corrugating. Typical operations include press-braking, mechanical power-press work, turret punching, shearing, and cut-to-length. That lets us match your profile and hole pattern, edge conditions, and flatness criteria, then ship repeatable parts ready for welding, riveting, or mechanical fastening. We routinely produce heavy-gauge, extra-wide profiles to reduce panel seams and field labor, and we hold tight tolerances across long runs to keep assembly fixtures moving fast.

Common container and enclosure applications:

  • Body skins, roofs, and doors (corrugated)
  • Ventilated panels, guards, and screens (perforated metal)
  • Sub-frames, drip rails, and stiffeners (formed channel/hat sections)
  • Flooring and liner components for wear and drainage
  • Equipment housings and ISO-frame accessories
  • Rail and intermodal readiness

For operators moving cargo by rail, dimensional control and durability are non-negotiable. CMI is ISO 9001:2015 registered and registered with the American Association of Railroads (AAR) for quality, supporting compliant production of select freight car components and container-related parts. Typical rail-focused deliverables include side and roof panels, liner systems, splash/stone guards, and formed brackets designed to handle vibration, impact, and cyclic loading.

Materials that fight the environment

  • Galvanized steel: Proven corrosion resistance with predictable coating performance.
  • Weathering steel: Develops a protective patina for reduced lifecycle maintenance in the right exposure.
  • Aluminum: Lightweight corrosion resistance where every pound matters.
  • Pre-painted finishes: Color-matched systems for branding, glare control, and added protection.

Coating systems, material gauges, and perforation patterns are selected to match wind loading, thermal cycling, and abrasion risks specific to your route or yard conditions.

Fast quoting. Straight answers.

Send us your drawings and expected duty cycle. We’ll evaluate profile geometry, perforation open area, weld land, and stacking/handling constraints, then recommend a manufacturable solution with realistic lead times. If your design needs a tweak to reduce scrap or speed assembly, we’ll tell you, no sugar-coating.

Let’s build containers that last longer and cost less to maintain.

Talk to CMI about corrugated and perforated metal solutions, custom metal fabrication, and rail-ready freight car components for your next container program.

Industries Served

Corrugated Metals brings 138 years of metal-forming know-how to today’s container industry. We produce roll-formed and perforated metal in steel and aluminum and deliver custom metal fabrication for container skins, liners, guards, and structural parts built for salt, sun, and rough handling. Businesses trust us for consistent quality and on-time delivery, so installs go faster and fleets stay in service longer.

Why Perforated Metal Works

When making containers, the material choice makes all the difference. Perforated metal offers strength without adding extra weight. It holds up under pressure but stays light enough to move and manage. This can help cut transport costs and make handling easier.

The holes in perforated panels also improve airflow and drainage. This matters for goods that need ventilation or protection from moisture. For example, farm products, food items, or outdoor materials stay in better condition when stored in perforated containers.

Some simple benefits include:

  • Strong but lighter than solid sheets
  • Airflow and drainage built in
  • Custom hole sizes and patterns available

These features make perforated metal a reliable choice for many industries.

Custom Metal Fabrication

No two jobs are the same, and containers often need unique parts. That’s why we offer custom metal fabrication. Instead of trying to make a standard part fit, we create panels and components that match your exact requirements.

Our process includes cutting, rolling, shaping, and welding. Whether it’s a small sheet or a large assembly, we focus on accuracy and durability.

What we can do:

  • Roll form panels for sides or roofs
  • Cut and shape sheets to fit your system
  • Add perforations with different sizes and layouts
  • Weld and assemble full components

This flexibility means we can serve industries from shipping to storage and beyond. We’ve supplied solutions for agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, wherever containers need to be strong and practical.

Freight Car Components

Containers are also key in rail transport. That’s why we design and build freight car components that stand up to heavy loads and long trips. Rail operators need siding, roofing, and panels that can handle constant use. 

Our parts are made for strength and reliability, helping reduce downtime and repairs. In addition, we understand the importance of safety, so our components are built to perform under tough conditions and meet strict industry standards.

Why Work With Corrugated Metals, Inc.?

We’ve been in this field for decades. What sets us apart is how we work with customers. Instead of offering the same product to everyone, we listen first. Then we design a solution that fits your system and your industry.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Long-lasting materials you can depend on
  • Custom solutions instead of generic fixes
  • A skilled team using modern equipment
  • Experience across many container applications

Our goal is simple: Provide you with products that make your work easier and your systems more efficient.

Reach Out Us Today

Contact us today. If you’re looking for better container solutions, we’re ready to help. From perforated metal sheets to custom fabrication and strong freight car components, Corrugated Metals, Inc. delivers what you need to keep operations running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

CMI’s roll-formed panels are used in three main applications: Livestock Trailers (for transport), Forage Boxes (for feed storage/transport), and Lumber Kilns (high-heat environments).

CMI offers extensive customization, including adjustable width, gauge, and rib profiles, as well as surface finishes to protect against weather, chemicals, and UV damage.

CMI’s panels are built to endure mud, weight, weather, and nonstop use, including frequent movement, temperature changes, and mechanical stress, without giving out.

CMI works with galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and Galvalume® to offer protection and performance based on the specific equipment environment.