Acronyms to Remember for Gauging Quality of Used Shipping Containers for Sale in Houston

1. March 14, 2018 Acronyms to Remember for Gauging Quality of Used Shipping Containers for Sale in Houston To the uninitiated consumer, looking for used shipping containers for sale in Houston or anywhere else might not be as straightforward as buying new ones. You see, aside from considering your needs, you also have to figure out whether the particular unit you’re checking out is actually in good condition. Inspecting the container in person is highly recommended, but there is a way to further narrow down your choices to only units that meet your quality standards. Page | 1

2. Containers are usually graded based on their condition, and learning about the common terms and jargon you may encounter can really save you some hassle. Take note of these acronyms to make your search easier. IICL This stands for the Institute of International Container Lessors, the leading trade organization the container and chassis leasing industry. If a shipping container is classified as IICL, this means that it meets the highest criteria for used containers. An IICL container is generally in good physical and cosmetic condition, suitable for both transport and storage purposes. CSC Much like the IICL, the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) is an authority in maintaining the safety and quality of containers. The organization was founded to establish uniform international safety regulations for handling and transport of containers. Containers with this classification are in clean cosmetic condition with no major dents, dings and rusting. ISO The International Standardization Organization (ISO) is a Geneva-based organization that aims to harmonize worldwide technical standards, including that which applies to the construction of shipping containers. ISO containers, also called intermodal containers, are constructed according to specifications of the ISO. They are used for intermodal transport or freight via truck, rail or ship. WWT WWT or wind and watertight is a common standard used by many traders. Quite literally, this means that the container is wind and water tight. As such, if you were to lock yourself inside, you should not see any light coming through the panels or roof. Unless it is explicitly indicated on a valid CSC plate, a WWT is not to be considered safe for transport of cargo, but it should be suitable for commercial or residential storage. Page | 2

3. CW Cargo worthy (CW) containers meet all the criteria for overseas shipping and must bear a valid CSC plate stating how long the container is certified for. CW containers are typically in good condition with few superficial rusting, dents or scratches and are ideal for storage and transport. They can also be subject to additional inspection and approved by a certified surveyor. These are only some of the most common acronyms you may hear when shopping for shipping containers. Some suppliers may also use different grading and certification standards for their products or terms like “one-trip” and “as-is.” The best way to determine the quality of a container is to communicate directly with the seller. About Equipment Management Services Equipment Management Services is a container sales company serving the Houston area. With two off-dock container and storage maintenance facilities, and one sales office in operation, as well as over 20,000 shipping containers. We have been efficiently catering to the needs of our clients for over 15 years. So, let us know how we can assist you today by contacting us. Sources: How to know a shipping container is in good condition, ShippingAndFreightResource.com How to Inspect a Used Shipping Container, Aadhan.org Page | 3