Shipping Container Certifications and Standards

Stacked shipping containers at American Portable Storage in Wilmington, California.

CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) Certification

The United Nations and the International Maritime Organization adopted the convention for container safety. The International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) ↗ for shipping containers maintains a high level of safety for container transportation. The CSC does this by providing uniform international safety regulations. They have become the basis for shipping container certification.

WHAT IS THE CSC PLATE?

The CSC requires that containers used for international transport have a valid safety approval plate (CSC Plate).

IICL Certification

Shippers need International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL) certification. This inspection confirms that the container is structurally sound, seaworthy, and suitable for carrying cargo weight per its ratings and specifications when surveyed. This inspection requires a certified IICL inspector to examine and determine that the container meets the IICL’s current criteria for shipping container certification. 

An IICL certification is only sometimes required for shipping but determines a stringent quality level recognized internationally. 

More information is available on the IICL website .

Cargo-worthy Certification 

Cargo-worthy surveys are a slightly more forgiving inspection than the IICL certification. With a cargo-worthy certification, a shipping container is suitable for shipping per its ratings and specifications. A qualified maritime surveyor determines cargo-worthiness.

At a minimum, cargo-worthy containers are wind and watertight and structurally sound for shipping. Cosmetically, they can range from being in great shape to needing paint. Depending on your requirements, we can refurbish the containers or use them as they are.

ISO 

Most intermodal freight transport requires ISO (International Standards Organization ) containers. ISO containers are suitable for multiple transportation methods such as truck, rail, or ship. ISO regulations designate size, strength, and durability requirements so shipping containers are reliable in extreme environments. The ISO standards also ensure shipping containers have the structural integrity required to be lifted by side loaders, cranes, and other equipment. 

We sell dry freight and specialized containers such as open-top, flat rack, and platform, which will comply with the ISO regulations.

Out of Specification 

If a shipping container doesn’t meet IICL or Cargo-worthy standards, it might still be a perfect solution for you.

Locations

Purchasing and delivery are easy with locations throughout California.

Get more information on delivery options.

Southern California
2400 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Wilmington, CA 90744
(562) 742-3466

Northern California
850 92nd Ave #5
Oakland CA 94603
(510) 777-8333

Adelanto, CA
17401 Adelanto Rd
Adelanto, CA 92301
(760) 530-0900

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