Container parts
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.
Why it matters
Corner castings are what make a container an intermodal tool. Handling gear locks into them, and stacking loads pass through them into the corner posts. For a portable storage operator, damaged castings are a major red flag. A cracked, bent or badly welded casting can stop a lift or fail an inspection. The ISO and older ASA designs differ in shape, so check a used box before you buy. A common mistake is to focus on dents in the walls and miss casting damage. Inspect all eight and the weld areas around them before you accept a unit.
Read: Shipping container sizes and dimensions for rental fleets
Definition source: containerhandbuch.de
Related terms
corner post
A corner post is a vertical steel member at each corner of a container. It joins the top and bottom corner castings and carries stacking loads down through the frame. A container has four corner posts. The posts give the box its strength and are welded to the rails.
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.
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.
ISO container
An ISO container is a freight container built to the ISO series 1 standards, such as ISO 668 for classification and dimensions and ISO 1496 for specification and testing. The standards let boxes fit the same ships, trucks and handling gear worldwide.
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.
ISO 1496
ISO 1496 is a series of international standards for the specification and testing of series 1 freight containers. Part 1 covers general cargo containers for general purposes, including totally enclosed boxes and some vented or open top types. Other parts cover tank, thermal, dry bulk and platform containers.
For the industry
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