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Complete Knowledge of Shipping Container Doors

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Time of issue：

2025-02-28 17:59

In the fields of foreign trade and logistics, containers are indispensable transportation tools. Understanding the basics of containers and container door information is crucial, whether for export or import. Today, let's delve into the details of sea shipping containers and their doors.

I. Basic Knowledge of Containers

1. Common Container Types

• General Purpose Container (GP): The most common type, suitable for most general cargo.

• High Cube Container (HC): One foot (approximately 30.48 cm) taller than a standard container, suitable for loading more cargo.

• Refrigerated Container (RF): Equipped with refrigeration, used for transporting fresh food, pharmaceuticals, etc.

• Open Top Container (OT): The top is removable, suitable for loading oversized cargo.

• Flat Rack Container (FR): Without sidewalls, suitable for extra-long and overweight cargo.

2. Container Sizes

• 20-foot General Purpose Container (20GP): Approximately 6.1 meters long, 2.35 meters wide, 2.38 meters high, with a cargo volume of approximately 28 cubic meters.

• 40-foot General Purpose Container (40GP): Approximately 12.2 meters long, 2.35 meters wide, 2.38 meters high, with a cargo volume of approximately 58 cubic meters.

• 40-foot High Cube Container (40HC): Approximately 12.2 meters long, 2.35 meters wide, 2.68 meters high, with a cargo volume of approximately 68 cubic meters.

• 45-foot High Cube Container (45HC): Approximately 13.7 meters long, 2.35 meters wide, 2.68 meters high, with a cargo volume of approximately 75 cubic meters.

3. Full Container Load (FCL) vs. Less than Container Load (LCL)

• Full Container Load (FCL): A container containing only one shipper's goods, suitable for large quantities of cargo.

• Less than Container Load (LCL): A container containing small quantities of cargo from multiple shippers, suitable for small quantities of cargo.

II. Knowledge about Container Doors

1. Container Number

The container number is the container's "ID card," consisting of 11 characters:

• First 3 letters: Owner code (e.g., COSU represents COSCO).

• 4th letter: Usually "U," representing a standard container.

• Middle 6 digits: Container registration code, uniquely identifying each container.

• Last digit: Check digit, used to verify the accuracy of the container number.

2. Maximum Gross Weight (MAX.GROSS)

Indicates the maximum allowable weight of the container plus cargo. For example, the maximum gross weight of a 40-foot high cube container is usually 30,480 kilograms (67,200 pounds).

3. Tare Weight (TARE)

The weight of the container itself. For example, the tare weight of a 20GP is approximately 1.7 tons, and the tare weight of a 40GP is approximately 3.4 tons.

4. Payload

The maximum weight of cargo that the container is allowed to carry. For example, the maximum payload of a 40-foot high cube container is approximately 27 tons.

5. Maximum Cubic Capacity (CU.CAP)

The maximum cargo volume of the container. For example, the maximum cubic capacity of a 40-foot high cube container is approximately 68 cubic meters.

6. Owner Code

The owner code is the identifier of the container owner, consisting of 3 uppercase letters. For example, MSCU represents Mediterranean Shipping Company.

III. Difference between COC and SOC Containers

• COC (Carrier's Own Container): Containers provided by the shipping company. The shipper needs to collect empty containers from the shipping company's designated yard.

• SOC (Shipper's Own Container): Containers owned by the shipper, usually used to reduce costs or meet special needs. When using SOC containers, the shipper needs to provide information such as door photos and nameplate photos.

IV. Other Markings on Container Doors

• Safety Convention Plate: Indicates that the container meets international safety standards.

• Seal Number: The seal number used to lock the container door, usually provided by the shipping company.

• Special Container Markings: For example, refrigerated containers will indicate the temperature range and refrigeration equipment information.

V. Useful Tips

• Pay attention to weight distribution when loading: Avoid concentrating cargo on one side or end to affect transportation safety.

• Inspect the container body and doors: Check for damage to the container body and ensure the doors are properly sealed before loading.

• Understand the special requirements of the destination port: Different ports may have different weight and Size limitations for containers.

• Choose the right container type: Select the appropriate container type based on the volume and weight of the cargo.

Containers are core tools in ocean freight logistics, and the information on the doors serves as the container's "ID card." Understanding this knowledge not only helps us efficiently complete cargo transportation but also avoids delays and losses caused by inaccurate information. I hope this article can help everyone in their foreign trade and logistics work.

If you have any other questions, please leave a message, and we will see you next time!

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