Container grades and condition
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.
Why it matters
Operators and buyers use the test to confirm that a unit is wind and water tight before sale or delivery. Do it in daylight and let your eyes adjust for a minute. Check the roof, side panels, corners, door edges and gaskets. A common mistake is to assume no light means no leak. Tiny pinholes may show only in bright sun, and some leaks occur at seams that block light. Door seals can also seal in good weather and fail in a hard rain. Mark any spot you find, repair it, and test again. Many fleets add the test to their intake and outbound checklists.
Read: Shipping container grades explained: One-trip, IICL, cargo worthy, and WWT
Definition source: conglobal.com
Related terms
wind and water tight (WWT)
Wind and water tight is a trade term for a used container that should have no holes or defects that let wind or water in. It is not certified by an outside body. The seller decides whether a unit meets it, so definitions vary by company.
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.
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.
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.
door gasket
A door gasket is the rubber seal around the cargo door opening of a container. It presses against the closed doors to keep out rain, snow and dust. Parts lists describe it as a seal gasket. A worn gasket is a common cause of leaks.
For the industry
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