Starting from where we left we will go over the next five Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Containers, with the hope they will help and get you a better idea of what shipping container is and what you need to know.
6. What does ISO Container means and other names?
An ISO container is an international intermodal container that is manufactured according to the specifications outlined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO containers are suitable for ship, rail and truck. Container capacity is usually communicated in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU’s). The basis of the ISO container is to guarantee the container will withstand extreme environments and structural integrity that will be placed on it through its travels and movements over land and sea. The ISO standardization also ensures the containers meet the size and durability requirements to allow them to stack safely and uniformly on steamships and trains.
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization and is an international body that sets a variety of standards for nearly every conceivable industry. With regard to shipping containers, there are two sets of relevant standards that have been determined by ISO. These two standards govern how the containers are manufactured, their classifications, internal and external dimensions as well as other specifications and testing. In essence, all “ISO shipping containers” are manufactured to the same exact specifications.
Some of the most commonly used ones are:
- Conex box
- Shipping Container
- Ocean Shipping Container
- ISO Shipping Container
- Storage Container
- Ocean Crate
- Storage Box
All these terms refer to ISO steel shipping containers.
7. What does the floors of the shipping container made out of? ( read a full article on how you can repair or replace the shipping container floor here )
Typically the floors are 5/4” pressure treated marine plywood made from tropical timber such as keruing, apitong, or bamboo. The refrigerated or insulated units might have metal flooring if you are looking for those. Usually they are more expensive and hard to maintain and get for most companies, so don’t expect to have them in stock all the time.
8. Do I need a permit to place or have a shipping container on my property?
Most of the time no, but there are so many local laws, ordinances and regulations, even a landlord can impose not to have one on your rental property so it’s always better to check with the community, city, county authorities or landlord just in case before placing an order and then have to pay one more time pick up fee and do a refund request on the shipping container companies, which most of them might have a cancelation fee if you place an order and change your mind within the timeframe.
9. Does the shipping container has vents?
Lately shipping containers are manufactured with vents on the upper part of the side walls. These vents can make a container placed in a cold or wet environment more prone to condensation and eventually rust, so it is wise to check your ventilation often and keep them clean. They are still wind and water proof but even so check up on those vents every now and then to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
10. What are shipping container grades and certifications? ( read a detailed article about grades and certification here )
Keep in mind when talking about grading standards it should be noted that grading is usually a company’s internal classification system and not an international standard for purchasing containers. This means, that although 2 companies could both classify their containers in terms of grade A, B, or C, it does not mean that a Grade A will be the same for both. These grading are not international standards, and tend to refer more to the cosmetics of the container rather than the structural quality.
There are so many factors that affect the container grade that we can only count a few: age of the container, traveled miles, damage, rust, repair history, weather conditions, what was carried inside, CSC plate, and many more.
Here are a few grades and descriptions you can have as guidelines at least until you figure out your own grading:
– One-tripper or “new” container – a One-trip or “new” container has only been used once if at all for one overseas journey, they usually come from China with merchandise and then get decommissioned. .
– Cargo Worthy – CW – a cargo worthy / cargo ready container is a container that has been certified by a marine surveyor and can still be used in the shipping industry. Containers remain cargo worthy for 5 years from the date of inspection.
– Wind and Water Tight – WWT – Grade A and Grade B. Grade A containers are certified containers which are 8 years or older but have some surface rust or minor scuffs or dents. Grade B containers are also 8 years or older and have significant rust or damage.
– Premium or IICL – a premium container is between 2-8 years old and still meets all repair standards for regular cargo use.
– Refurbished Container – refurbished container is a container which has been repaired before being rented or sold.
– As is Containers – As is containers are sold in their current condition might have rust , might have some repaired parts or problems with doors, you never know what you’re getting it’s always a gamble. .
– Salvage or Handyman Container – they are usually containers with a lot of damage or missing parts, like doors or actual cut down parts of the sides, body, ceiling or floor, that requires major repairs
We hope that we got your thirst for knowledge about shipping containers satisfied this time as well, keep reading our blog and find out more important and vital information about shipping containers on all levels. To be continued…
