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Complete Guide to Shipping Container Doors

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Time of issue：

2025-02-28 17:59

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In the field of foreign trade and logistics, containers are indispensable transportation tools. Whether for export or import, understanding the basic knowledge of containers and door information is crucial. Today, we will delve into the matters of sea freight containers and their doors.

1. Basic Knowledge of Containers

1. Common Types of Containers

• General Container (GP): The most common type, suitable for most ordinary goods.

• High Cube (HC): 1 foot (approximately 30.48 cm) taller than a standard container, suitable for loading more goods.

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

• Open Top Container (OT): The top can be removed, suitable for loading extra tall goods.

• Frame Container (FR): No side walls, suitable for extra long and heavy goods.

2. Container Sizes

• 20-foot General Container (20GP): Length approximately 6.1 meters, width 2.35 meters, height 2.38 meters, cargo volume approximately 28 cubic meters.

• 40-foot General Container (40GP): Length approximately 12.2 meters, width 2.35 meters, height 2.38 meters, cargo volume approximately 58 cubic meters.

• 40-foot High Cube (40HC): Length approximately 12.2 meters, width 2.35 meters, height 2.68 meters, cargo volume approximately 68 cubic meters.

• 45-foot High Cube (45HC): Length approximately 13.7 meters, width 2.35 meters, height 2.68 meters, cargo volume approximately 75 cubic meters.

3. Full Container Load and Less than Container Load

• Full Container Load (FCL): A container that only contains goods from one shipper, suitable for large quantities of goods.

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

2. Knowledge on Container Doors

1. Container Number

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

• The first 3 letters: Owner code (e.g., COSU represents China Ocean Shipping Company).

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

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

• The 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 the cargo. For example, the maximum gross weight of a 40-foot high cube is usually 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs).

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. Maximum Payload Weight (PAYLOAD)

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

5. Maximum Cubic Capacity (CU.CAP)

The maximum volume of cargo that the container can hold. For example, the maximum cubic capacity of a 40-foot high cube 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.

3. Difference Between COC and SOC Containers

• COC Container (Carrier's Own Container): A container provided by the shipping company. The shipper needs to pick up the empty container from the designated yard of the shipping company.

• SOC Container (Shipper's Own Container): A container provided by the shipper, usually used to reduce costs or meet special needs. When using an SOC container, the shipper must provide photos of the container doors, nameplate, and other information.

4. Other Identifications on Container Doors

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

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

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

5. Practical Tips

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

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

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

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

Containers are the core tools of sea freight logistics, and the information on the doors serves as the "ID card" of the container. Understanding this knowledge can help us efficiently complete cargo transportation and avoid delays and losses due to inaccurate information. I hope this article can assist everyone in their foreign trade and logistics work.

If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a message for discussion, and see you next time!

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