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Shipping Container Abbreviations 101: Top 10 to Know

Posted on:
Jul 17, 2023

If you’re new to shipping containers, all of the industry terminology can be overwhelming. But fear not because in this post, we’ll cover the essential shipping container abbreviations you need to know when buying or renting a shipping container.

stack of shipping containers

1) TEU

This stands for “twenty-foot equivalent unit” and measures the container’s carrying capacity. A standard 20ft shipping container is equivalent to one TEU.

2) CSC

This stands for “Container Safety Convention,” a set of international regulations that govern the safety and inspection of shipping containers.

3) ISO

This stands for “International Organization for Standardization,” which sets the standards for shipping container design, construction, and testing.

4) Corner Castings

These metal fittings on the corner of each container  allow for stacking and lifting.

5) Cross Members

These horizontal beams run perpendicular to the container’s walls and support the floor and ceiling.

6) Frame Rails

These long, vertical beams make up the container’s frame and support the walls and roof.

7) Twist Locks

These metal devices lock shipping containers together when stacked on top of each other.

8) Corten Steel

This is the high-strength, low-alloy steel used to make shipping containers designed to withstand the harsh conditions of sea travel.

shipping containers on a boat

9) High Cube

This refers to a shipping container that is one foot taller than a standard container, with a height of 9’6″ instead of 8’6″.

10) One Trip Condition

This refers to a shipping container that has only been used once to transport cargo and is still in like-new condition.

The More You Know

Knowing these essential shipping container abbreviations will help you better understand the specifications and capabilities of these versatile units. And if you’re looking for a container in pristine condition, be sure to look for the “one trip condition” designation.

Contact DryBox

Contact Dry Box for answers to all your questions, and we’ll find the best shipping container for your needs.

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