There are many types of symbols and codes on containers that represent different meanings. The current standard for container symbols is ISO 6346:1995, according to which these labels are divided into the following main categories:

Identification system.
Size and type codes.
Operational markings.
1. Identification system:

The container recognition system consists of 4 components.
Owner code (owner code).
Equipment type identifier (equipment category identifier / product group code).
Serial number (serial number / registration number).
Check digit (check digit).

– Owner code: The owner code (also known as the container prefix) consists of 3 capital letters that are unified and registered with the international registry through the international registry. Join or register directly with the Bureau International des Containers – BIC (Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal). After registration, ownership of this code will be officially recognized worldwide. A firm may own one or more different codes, although the BIC restricts this, and imposes certain conditions for the registration of multiple codes.

In Vietnam, by early 2010, there were 6 companies registering prefix codes with BIC, details are as follows.

(Note: GMTU prefix container is currently managed by Gemadept; Vinashin-TGC registered 2 prefixes VCLU and VNTU)

Some other companies own and operate containers with certain prefixes, but have not registered with BIC, such as Bien Dong using the prefix BISU, Vinafco using the prefix VFCU... The use of unregistered prefixes Such registration has some disadvantages. Firstly, this is contrary to the content specified in Appendix G of the ISO 6343 standard, which has provisions for registering the owner identification code with BIC to protect ownership rights to this code on a large scale. vi international. Second, BIC recommends that containers without registered prefixes, during circulation, may be detained and inspected by customs, and may not be able to circulate freely as in the Customs Convention on Containers ( Customs Convention on Containers) regulations. This will be detrimental or even hinder the entire transportation process. Third, the lack of registration and recognition of ownership of the prefix and consequently the ownership of the container can easily lead to confusion, complaints, and possibly loss of the container.

– Device type symbol: is one of the three letters below in capital letters, corresponding to a type of device:

U: freight container.
J: detachable freight container-related equipment.
Z: tractor (trailer) or trailer (chassis).

The use of any letter other than the above three (U; J; Z) as a device type designation is considered non-compliant with ISO 6346.

– Serial number: this is the container number, consisting of 6 digits. If the serial number is not 6 digits long, 0s are added in front to make it 6 digits long. For example, if the serial number is 1234, 2 zeros will be added, and the full serial number will be 001234. This serial number is set by the container owner, but ensures the principle of each Number used only for one container.

– Check digit: is a digit (behind the serial number), used to check the accuracy of the preceding character string, including: prefix, serial number. For each character string including prefix and serial number, applying the container check digit calculation method, the necessary check digit will be calculated.

The use of check numbers is to minimize the risk of errors during container number entry. The reality is that container numbers are used by many entities (shippers, forwarders, shipping lines, customs...), many times, on many documents (B/L, Manifest, D/O...), so the ability to import The error is very large. Each container number (including prefix and serial number) will correspond to a check digit. Therefore, incorrect input will mostly be detected because the check digit is different from the actual number. However, it should be noted that this is not absolute, because if 2 or more characters are wrong, the check number may still be correct, and the error will not be detected.

2. Size and type codes:

– Size code: 2 characters (letters or numbers). The first character represents the length of the container, the number 4 in the example above represents the length of this container is 40ft (12,192m). The second character represents the width and height of the container, the numeral 2 represents the height of 8ft 6in (2.591m).

– Style code: 2 characters. The first character indicates the type of container, in the example above: G represents a general cargo container. The second character represents the main characteristic related to the container, the number 1 (after the letter G) means the container has a ventilation door on top.

In summary, 42G1 in the image above represents a 20ft long, 8ft 6in high, top ventilated grocery container.

ISO 6346:1995 standard specifies in detail the meaning of size codes and style codes.

3. Operational markings:

Signs in mining are of two types: mandatory and optional

– Mandatory signs: container load, electrical hazard warning; tall containers.

Maximum gross mass is recorded on the container door, the same data as in the CSC Safety Certification Plate. Some containers also show tare weight, net weight or payload.

• Warning sign of electrical danger from overhead power lines, used for all containers equipped with climbing ladders.

• Container over 2.6 meters high sign: required for containers over 8ft 6in (2.6m) high. For example, the image above shows a container that is 9ft 6in (2.9m) tall.

– Optional signs: maximum net mass, country code

Maximum net mass is posted on the container door, below the maximum container weight sign.

• Country code consists of 2 abbreviated letters representing the name of the country that owns the container. In the image below, US stands for United Stated United States.

In addition to the three main types of symbols, on the container shell there are also signs describing other necessary information.

CSC safety certification plate.
Customs Acceptance Sign.
Symbols of the international railway organization UIC (IC codes).
Registration company logo.
Test plate (of registry), stacking height mark.
Brand name (Maersk, MSC...), logo, slogan (if any).
Manufacturer's mark (CIMC, VTC...).
Note the container wall material (corten steel), repair instructions (…repaired only with corten steel).
Table of materials for manufacturing container parts; notes…
Information on wood treatment (flooring).
Dangerous goods label (if any).