Shipping Containers CSC Plate

ISO or Intermodal Containers are a large standardized shipping container, designed and built for intermodal freight transport, meaning these containers can be used across different modes of transport – from ship to rail to truck – without unloading and reloading their cargo.

Containers must conform to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) specifications.  These standards relate directly to how the containers are built and to guarantee they will withstand extreme environments.  It also ensures the containers meet the size and durability requirements, which allow them to be stacked safely and uniformly on steamships and rail cars. 

All BSL ISO Containers conform to the ISO Standard and certified by CSC.

Any container being used for freight transport overseas or for intermodal rail transport must be certified by the International Convention for Safe Containers or the CSC.  The goal of the CSC is to formalize international safety requirements for structural design and consistent inspection and maintenance of cargo containers.  

When a container is manufactured, the CSC plate is valid for 5 years.  From the point forward, if the container is to remain certified for shipping, it must be reinspected at least every 30 months (by a licensed/certified maritime surveyor).

Below is an example of a CSC plate on a container.  

Containers that are being used for general storage purposes do not require a CSC certification.  This is only required if the container is being shipped internationally or transported by rail.