Standards and certification
IICL 5
IICL 5 is the common short name for the IICL Repair Manual for Steel Freight Containers, fifth edition. It gives recommended repair procedures for steel containers, with photos, safety notes, materials and tools. Depots and repair shops use it as a reference for fixing containers.
Why it matters
The manual says the purpose of any repair is to restore structural integrity so the container can work safely in intermodal transport. It covers general repair rules and each major part, such as panels, roof, floor and doors. It also lists non-conforming repairs. For a portable storage operator, it helps you write repair specs for vendors, judge a repair on a used box and train yard staff. It does not cover preventive maintenance or refurbishment. A separate IICL document covers refurbishing. A common mistake is to say a unit is IICL 5 as if it were a grade. IICL 5 names a repair guide, not a condition level. Ask which repair standard was followed.
Read: Shipping container grades explained: One-trip, IICL, cargo worthy, and WWT
Definition source: iicl.org
Related terms
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.
Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL)
The Institute of International Container Lessors is the trade association of the marine container leasing and chassis provider industry. It was organized in 1971 as a Delaware corporation. It sets equipment inspection and repair standards, publishes manuals and supports inspector certification and training.
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.
patch repair
A patch repair fixes a damaged container panel by welding a steel plate over the damage. The IICL manual treats it as one option when straightening or welding will not work. In the same section, an insert replaces a cut-out damaged section instead of overlaying it.
refurbished container
A refurbished container is a used container that has been repaired and cosmetically restored, usually with surface preparation and new paint. It is not structurally changed. Sellers often start with a unit that meets the wind and water tight category. The term is a trade term and has no single standard.
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.
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.
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.