Container grades and condition
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.
Why it matters
A good inspection covers corners and seams, welds, the roof, door locks and gaskets, and the CSC plate. Inside, look for cracks, pinholes of light, soft floor spots and anything left behind. Dents and surface scratches are normal. Damaged welds, warping, cracks and structural rust are not. A common mistake is to inspect only the outside or only in poor light. Go inside, close the doors and look for light. Take photos. If the unit will ship overseas or carry a high-value load, ask for a formal survey by a qualified inspector rather than relying on your own check.
Read: Shipping container grades explained: One-trip, IICL, cargo worthy, and WWT
Definition source: conglobal.com
Related terms
light leak test
A light leak test is a simple check for holes in a container. A person steps inside, closes the doors and looks for light coming through the walls, roof, floor or door seals. Light usually means water can get in too.
container survey
A container survey is a formal inspection of a container by a qualified surveyor, with a written result. Surveys check that a container meets safety standards, such as the CSC, before shipping. They can also support valuation and damage assessment. Costs vary by provider.
container condition report
A container condition report is a written record of a container's condition at one point in time. It lists findings such as dents, holes, rust, floor and door issues, usually with photos. Operators use it when units leave or return, using criteria such as the IICL inspection guide.
IICL 6
IICL 6 is the common short name for the IICL Guide for Container Equipment Inspection, sixth edition, published in 2016. It gives criteria for deciding when damage to a container needs repair. It also simplifies container inspection steps at depots around the world.
used container
A used container is a container that has served a working life, usually at sea, before being sold or rented for storage. Sellers grade used units, often as cargo worthy, wind and water tight or as-is. The grade affects price, appearance and how well the unit keeps out water.
CSC plate
A CSC plate is a metal safety approval plate fixed to a freight container under the International Convention for Safe Containers. It shows that the container was approved for international transport and carries the technical data and examination information for that container. The plate is usually fixed to a container door.
For the industry
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