Understanding Container Markings:
1) Container Number – It is an alpha numeric sequence made up of 4 Alphabets and 7 Numbers.
The container number identification system has been created by the International Standards Organisation under their code IS06346:1995(E).
As per this code, the container identification system consists of:-
Owner code – 3 letters (in this example ECM)
Equipment category – 1 letter (in our example, U denoting a freight container. Other categories being J for detachable container related equipment (such as Genset) and Z for trailers and chassis).
Serial number – 6 numbers (numbers ONLY)
Check Digit – 1 number (numbers ONLY)
The owner code is unique to the owner of the container and the registration of this code rests with Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal (BIC).
2) Check Digit – It can be used to identify if the above mentioned identification sequence is valid or invalid.
3) Container Owner or Lessor – This is the entity that owns or operates the container.
4) Max Gross – This is the weight that the SOLAS VGM Certificate must show.
5) ISO Code – each container is given a unique ISO Code in order to avoid any ambiguity in naming the container.
