Containers are marked with different labels, known as container markings or labeling. These markings help quickly identify whether the container is an intermodal, cargo, or freight. These markings on the containers will help you understand the essential information about the ownership of the shipping container, the goods carried in the container, and the different methods involved to guarantee smooth and safe shipping container transportation worldwide. In this blog, we will explore the significant importance of container marking in logistics and shipping and why it matters. 

What is container marking?

Containers are marked with different labeling types that help you track and identify the safety of shipping containers during the transportation phase. The marking of the containers is important to ensure the security, proficiency, and regulatory compliance of international trade. Understanding the container markings will enable you to transport your goods seamlessly. Each symbol on the containers will help you identify dangerous substances and different types of containers, as container marking plays a significant role in maintaining the security and safety of the container.

Importance of container markings in logistics and shipping

Marking on shipping containers is essential to the complex transportation network across the globe and helps overcome logistic challenges. If you want to allow effective handling of the goods and monitor them throughout the shipping journey, you should label the container for shipping goods overseas. These markings guarantee proficiency, security, and compliance with regulatory standards as the marking functions as essential identifiers and messengers.

Why does container marking matter?

1. Identification and tracking: Container markings help you obtain necessary information like each container’s content, destination, and owner details. This information can be used to track the shipment and ensure the destination time. Container numbers, serial numbers, barcodes, and unique identifiers can also identify containers.
2. Safety and handling: Labeling can enhance the security of transportation and handling. It can also help identify dangerous products, the capacity of the container, and some of the essential handling directions, enabling the worker to understand the container and provide extra safety. By ensuring all this safety, there are fewer chances of accidents.
3. Compliance with regulations: International regulations are essential for global business. International maritime organizations (IMO) and many customs administrations are essential in maintaining the cargo container markings for the different legal frameworks.
4. Efficient inventory management: Logistics providers handle all the inventory at the shipping port with the help of container marking. If the container labeling is made perfectly, there are fewer chances of inventory errors, and businesses can save a lot of storage space for carrying goods. 

What are the benefits of effective container markings?

• Improved tracking: Container marking allows you to access real-time transportation monitoring, which will help minimize the risk of loss.
• Improved safety: By marking the containers, you can handle and transport the correct goods while decreasing the chances of accidents and incidents during the shipment process.
• Efficient operations: By marking the containers, you can enhance the logistic procedures, such as loading and unloading, storage, and distribution.

What are the different types of container markings?

• Identification codes: There is no difference when identifying a container; each container can be defined by its identifying code. ISO 6346 is a renowned ISO code that is an internationally approved alphanumeric identification. The four letters in this alphanumeric represent the owner of the ship.
• Owner code: The owner of the container is allotted with identification marks, known as the owner code. This code is crucial as it gives identity to the container owner, making it easier to track and manage the containers during the shipping process.
• Equipment category identifier: The equipment category identifiers are crucial in container markings as they help define the container type. This identifier is an essential part of the container markings, as it provides important information about the type of goods that can be transported in the container.
• Serial number: The serial number usually defines the seven digits that identify each container.
  Example: ABCU 123456-7
• Classification society mark: Containers must be certified by a recognized organization to meet all the standards and regulations required for their safety and quality. 
• Repair recommendation: Repair recommendations usually state the container’s maintenance and past repair history.
• Combined data plate: The combined plate is essential for international regulation and is usually located on the right-hand side of the outside container door.
• Tare weight: Tare weight is usually defined as the empty weight of the container. 
• Manufacturer logo: The name and logo of the container manufacturer mentioned on the container state the manufacturer’s information.
• Height warning: The height marking is one of the most important markings on the container. It tells the height of the containers and defines them, ensuring safe and secure container transportation without damaging them. 
• Capacity: Capacity indicates the maximum weight and also volume of the container.
• Maximum gross weight: It states the overall weight of the cargo container when it is fully loaded with the goods. 
• Maximum payload: A cargo container is designed to carry a certain amount of weight; however, the maximum payload of a shipping container states the container’s maximum weight limit.
• Size and type codes: Many types of containers come in different sizes and types, each having their own purpose, size, and type numbers, like  20′ or 40′ for length and DV (Dry Van) or HC (High Cube) for type, which provide crucial information for:
  • Size Code: The size code helps you understand the container’s dimensions. It comes in 20’ or 40’. These are some of the standard codes that can be used globally.
  • Type Code: This code specifies the container’s type, such as a dry van, high cube, or reefer, which is crucial for determining its suitability for specific cargo types.
    Example: 40′ High cube containers

• Weight markings

1. Regulatory compliance and standards: ISO standards guarantee that items in transport containers are shipped securely, efficiently, as well as reliably. They specify critical factors like identification, structural integrity, handling protocols, and performance standards to allow worldwide secure and efficient freight container shipping.
2. ISO 668, classification, dimensions, and ratings: This standard specifies the size and mass capabilities of the most frequently used containers. It divides containers into different series, Series 1 being the most commonly used for dry cargo. It specifies the nominal lengths (20ft and 40ft containers), widths (8 ft), and heights.
3. ISO 1496, specification and testing: The ISO 1496 standard is divided into several parts, each centering on a different area of container design, testing, and also performance. It includes general-purpose containers (Part 1), specialist varieties such as thermal containers (Part 2), and tank containers (Part 3).
4. ISO 6346, coding, identification, and marking: This standard defines the coding scheme used to identify shipping containers uniquely. The BIC code, which consists of four letters, is employed to track containers as they ship.
5. ISO 3874, handling and securing: This ISO code ensures the stability and also handling phases of the shipping container, including lifting and transportation, which minimizes the risk of damage. Different types of containers and dimensions aid in support and provide safe and efficient handling.

Different types of challenges in container marking

1. Faded markings: It is essential to see the condition of the marking, as many of the environmental exposures can result from fading of the marking on the containers; exposure such as sunlight and rain can make the container fade and make it hard for the person to identify it.
2. Physical damage: Physical damage to the container can harm the labeling, causing scratches and dents, so it is essential to see the physical condition of the container and marking.
3. Illegible labels: Labels are applied to objects to identify whether they are dangerous or sensitive goods being transported, so if the labels are not appropriately marked, the product and the container can be damaged.

 Best practices for container marking

1. Regular inspections: Examining the container regularly will allow you to inspect the condition of the cargo container marking. You must also inspect the door panels and other labels on the container.
2. Quality materials and application: Ensure the containers’ markings are made of a high-quality material that will not vanish quickly and is resistant to fading or physical damage. The labeling should be applied carefully, according to the instructions of the container owner, to avoid any damage.
3. Training and Awareness: The people involved with container marking need to understand its importance. This will reduce the chances of premature peeling of the marking and minimize the risk of transportation.

Moreover, the management of container markings is essential in global logistics and shipping. These markings serve as necessary identifiers as well as communicators and help in supply chain management. Guaranteeing efficient handling, compliance with security standards, and adherence to international guidelines. By implementing best practices like daily inspections, using quality substances, and continuous training. Logistics providers can Safeguard the integrity and legibility of container identifiers. This commitment not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the security and reliability of global trade. Underscoring the pivotal role that clear and accurate container markings play in the seamless movement of goods globally.

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