There are criteria for ocean container specs that are appropriate to ship goods overseas.
The good ocean container specs offer convenience in shipping large quantities of goods at once.
They provide extra security for goods, protecting them from damage due to weather or improper handling.
Many business people and companies choose containers as a solution for shipping goods.
Therefore, when preparing an ocean shipping container for overseas transport, inspections are critical to ensure your cargo arrives safely and complies with international shipping regulations. Here’s what to look for:
What to Inspect Before Overseas Shipping
Here’s a full breakdown of the good ocean container specs:
Container Type & Size
Make sure you have the right container for your cargo. Use the standard 20’ and 40’ containers for general cargo and heavy goods.
Use the 40’ and 45’ High Cube containers for tall and bulky cargo. Then, utilize the reefer container to ship perishable products like fruit, seafood, and medicine.
CSC Plate (Safety Approval)
Every container used for international shipping must have a valid CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate.
It proves that the container meets structural integrity standards under the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), which was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The CSC plate certifies that the container is safe for stacking, lifting, and transporting by ship, rail, and truck. It also ensures the container complies with international regulations for structural strength and integrity.
A typical CSC plate includes the following details (usually on a metal plate riveted to the container door):
- CSC Safety Approval
- Manufacturer & model
- Max gross weight
- Date of manufacture & inspection
Physical Condition: Key Inspection Points
The physical condition of a shipping container is critical for shipping, especially for international or ocean transport. These are the key inspection points that you need to check:
Exterior
What you need to check on the container’s exterior are rust, dents, and corner casings.
If your container has small rust on its surface, it is still ok; if the rust is deep or structural corrosion, it is not.
Then, check for damage that could weaken the structure and the corner casting that must be intact for crane or twist-lock handling.
Roof
While checking the roof, you need to look for punctures, holes, or sagging areas that could leak water.
Doors
Inspect the door’s hinges & locks to make sure they can open/close smoothly. Make sure that there are no cracks, gaps, or missing sections in the gaskets/seals.
Then, confirm that the locking rods are straight and secure.
Interior
To check the container’s interior, step inside and close the door. Make sure that there are no leaks or light, as no daylight should show.
Then, clean and dry the container to remove the residue, soft spots, mold, oil damage, delamination, or leftover chemicals.
Weight Limits & Payload
Never exceed the gross weight limit printed on the CSC plate. Check the maximum payload capacity stamped on the container:
- 20’: ~33,000–37,000 lbs payload
- 40: ~58,000–60,000 lbs payload
- High Cube: Slightly reduced if weight is a factor
Container ID Number
Each container should have a unique ID that matches the shipping documents, booking, and seal number. It will help you trace and track your shipment worldwide.
Structural Integrity
Check for warping due to heat or stacking pressure. The container’s frame and walls should show no deformation.
Seal Lock & Number
Record the seal number after locking the container. Then, verify that the high-security bolt seal matches the seal number on the bill of lading.
This detail is important for customs clearance and insurance claims.
Cargo Securing & Packaging
You need to make sure that the container is evenly loaded, properly secured, and compliant with the IMO/CTU Code for containerized cargo.
Improper loading can damage the container or result in rejection at the port.
Documentation
Match your inspection with the bill of lading, packing list, export license or certificate of origin, customs paperwork, and insurance policy.
8 Steps to Ship Cargo via Container
After knowing the good ocean container specs, you also need to acknowledge the 8 steps to ship goods with a container:
Preparing Goods
The first way to send goods via container is to ensure that the goods are packaged properly and safely. Use protective materials such as bubble wrap or foam to protect goods from damage during the trip.
Using the right packaging according to the type of goods can support the durability of the product during shipping.
Determining the Size and Weight of Goods
Measure and weigh the goods to be sent. Knowing the size and weight of the goods is very important to determine the right container capacity and shipping costs.
Determining the Size and Type of Container
The next step is to choose the appropriate container size, such as 10’, 20’, or 40’.
Also, determine the type of container needed, such as a dry container for general goods, a reefer container for goods that require refrigeration, or an open top container for tall goods.
The type is also an important element, whether you want a standard container for regular height or a high cube one with an extra 1’ height.
Loading Goods and Locking Containers
Loading goods into containers carefully is something you should reconsider. Make sure the goods are neatly arranged and there is no space that can cause the goods to shift.
After that, lock the container securely to prevent unwanted access.
Document Processing and Customs
Prepare all documents required for shipping, including customs documents. Make sure all documents are complete and under applicable regulations to avoid problems at the border or container port in the U.S.
Container Insurance
Consider insuring the container along with its contents. Insurance will prevent large costs if damage occurs to the cargo during shipping.
Conclusion
With good ocean container specs, shipping goods by container also allows for more efficient and orderly logistics management.
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