Container parts
bottom side rail
A bottom side rail is the long steel beam along the lower edge of each side of a container. It joins the corner castings and holds the cross members that support the floor. Each box has two. It is a main part of the base frame of the box.
Why it matters
The bottom side rails form the base of the container frame. They carry floor loads, take the stress of lifting and sit where forklift pockets and tilt-bed gear often touch the box. Operators check them for cracks, tears, rust and bends. A damaged rail can twist the frame or make doors hard to close. A common mistake is to treat a dented rail as cosmetic. If it is kinked or cracked near a casting, the box may not be safe to lift or ship. Before you buy used units, inspect the full length of both rails and the welds at each end.
Read: Shipping container sizes and dimensions for rental fleets
Definition source: containerhandbuch.de
Related terms
top side rail
A top side rail is the long steel beam along the upper edge of each side of a container. It joins the upper corner castings and supports the roof. Each box has two. Together with the bottom rails they form the frame.
cross member
A cross member is a steel beam that runs across the width of a container floor. It joins the two bottom side rails and supports the floor. Extra cross members sit between the rails to hold the floor covering. It is a key part of the base frame and floor.
corner casting
A corner casting is a cast steel fitting at each corner of a container. Eight of them sit at the corners. Cranes, twistlocks and lashing gear grip them to lift, stack and secure the box. They are also called corner fittings.
forklift pocket
A forklift pocket is a slot in the bottom side rail of a container. Forklift tines slide into it to lift and move the box. Twenty foot containers often have them. Many 40 ft containers do not. Check the maker's limits before any lift.
container inspection
A container inspection is a check of a container's outside, inside, doors, floor and roof for damage, leaks and wear. Buyers do it before purchase. Operators do it when units go out and come back. It can be a quick look or a formal review to a standard.
container repair
Container repair is work that fixes damage to a container, such as holes, dents, floors and doors. The IICL repair manual says the purpose of any repair is to restore structural integrity so the container can work safely in intermodal transport. Methods include straightening, welding, patching, inserting and replacing parts.
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