Standards and certification
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.
Why it matters
IICL 6 is the inspection side, and IICL 5 is the repair side. An inspector uses the guide to decide whether a dent, hole, rust spot or floor problem must be fixed or can stay. Using one set of criteria cuts disputes between lessors, depots and buyers. A portable storage operator can borrow the same criteria for intake checks on returned rentals and for buying used stock. A common mistake is to treat wear and damage as the same thing. Normal wear may be acceptable, and damage may need repair. The guide helps draw that line. Another mistake is to cite IICL 6 without saying which edition. Name the edition in your contracts and inspection forms.
Read: Shipping container grades explained: One-trip, IICL, cargo worthy, and WWT
Definition source: iicl.org
Related terms
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
For the industry
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