Inspecting A Container

Shipping Container inpection tips

Test the Doors and Alignment

1. Check the doors: open and close the container doors and notice how they move. some resistance can be normal and doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem. if the doors don’t line up correctly, the container may be out of square (“racked”), which can sometimes indicate corrosion or structural issues elsewhere.

Review the CSC Identification Plate

2. Check the CSC plate: every shipping container has a CSC plate, typically located on the upper left-hand side of the exterior door. with key details such as the manufacturer, who it was built for, and the production date. The production date helps you estimate the container’s age and what condition it should reasonably be in. Some plates also include a “first maintenance examination due” section, which can offer clues about inspection and maintenance history.

Interior Daylight Check

3. Check inside the container and close the doors. Look for any light coming through the walls, roof, or corners. A fully dark interior is a strong sign that there are no rust-through holes. if you spot light, the container will not be wind water-tight.