What does the U stand for on shipping containers?

freight containers
– Equipment category identifier which is “U” for this container and stands for freight containers. Other categories are J – detachable freight containers related equipment and Z – trailers and chassis. Together with the owner code, the category can be grouped under one term, known as an alpha prefix.

What is container prefix?

What is a container Prefix? All containers have a prefix followed by a serial number which taken together are generally referred to as the container number. The term prefix customarily refers the first 4 letters also known as the alpha prefix and is usually attached to a line or asset owning entity.

Do container numbers change?

The BIC assigns the owner code to all container owners worldwide. However, when a container is acquired to be used as a SOC, the new owner is required to change the original container number by changing at least the first three letters (in place of WHL, GLD, MSK, etc.

What’s the meaning of container number?

A container number, also known as container identification number, is a reference number assigned to a freight container for legal and commercial purposes. Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation. They are mainly used to carry almost all types of manufacturing goods.

What do the numbers mean on a container?

The container number identification system has been created by the International Standards Organisation under their code IS06346:1995 (E). 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).

What is the container number identification system code?

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:- Equipment category – 1 letter (in our example, U denoting a freight container.

Where do you find the prefix on a shipping container?

The prefix and container numbers are also used on all documentation for shipping and custom clearance and in many instances in Letters of Credit (LCs). The number can be found on each side of the container, the roof, the inside panels and is also stamped on the CSC Plate of the container.

What do the first three letters on a container mean?

It is assigned by the classification agency ISO under their code ISO6346:1995 (E). – Owner prefix first three capital letters, in this case, CBC = Container Brokerage Company or for example MAE for Maersk) which must be unique and registered with the Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal (BIC) to avoid duplicates.