--- title: "container survey: Definition and Meaning | NPSA" description: "A container survey is a formal inspection of a container by a qualified surveyor, with a written result." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-survey publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Container grades and condition # 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. ## Why it matters A survey gives a third-party view of a container. Shipping lines often require one before a customer-owned container is loaded on a ship. Lessors, lenders and insurers also use surveys to judge fleet value and condition. For a portable storage operator, a survey helps when you buy a large lot of used units, sell to an export buyer or settle a damage claim. A common mistake is to treat a survey as permanent. It shows condition on the survey date. Later handling, weather and repairs change it. Ask for the date, the surveyor's credentials and what standard was used, such as CSC or IICL criteria. [Read: Buying containers wholesale: A buyer's guide for operators](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/buying-containers-wholesale) Definition source: [floridacontainerdepot.com](https://www.floridacontainerdepot.com/container-inspections---surveys.html) ## Related terms [### 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.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-inspection)[### 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.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-condition-report)[### 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.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/csc-plate)[### cargo worthy (CW) Cargo worthy is a trade term for a used container that is sound enough to carry cargo by sea. It points to structural condition, not looks. Sellers define it slightly differently. It does not by itself prove the container holds a current CSC plate or survey.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cargo-worthy-cw)[### 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.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/iicl-6)[### Approved Continuous Examination Program (ACEP) An Approved Continuous Examination Program is one of two container safety examination schemes allowed under the CSC. A national administration approves it if the owner shows it gives a standard of safety not below the periodic scheme. The container is inspected as part of normal operation instead of on a fixed calendar.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/approved-continuous-examination-program-acep) [All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary) For the industry ## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website. [Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits) Need storage? ## Get quotes from NPSA member companies Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage)