A SOC container certificate is a stamp of approval that your container is safe to use for cargo transportation. But what exactly does this certificate include and who is responsible to take care of this certification? If you’ve been looking online to find out the meaning of a SOC container certificate, you’re finally reading the right blog.
The entire container logistics business thrives on one important factor: the movement of containers carrying cargo safely across international borders. This is the foundation of the entire industry. So, in order to keep this running smoothly container conditions are of utmost importance.
Regular inspections and surveys need to be carried out to ensure that containers are fit to carry cargo across the oceans. If companies fail to do this, they can jeopardize the safety of the cargo and the life of those who handle the containers.
One such inspection of supreme importance is the CSC inspection. It’s without a doubt the most significant kind of survey.
And it is also an essential survey to carry out for all your SOC containers. But before we get you more information on it, let’s revisit the world of SOCs.
Shipper owned container (SOC): Brief overview
SOC or Shipper Owned Containers, are boxes owned by a shipper in need of moving cargo over long distances. These boxes are well known for their ability to save a lot of money on demurrage and detention charges. This is because with this box your daily rental fees do not depend on the duration of the rental. They stay the same price per day.
And since they’re shipper owned, you’re under no obligation to move and/or return the containers to and from the carrier within a certain time frame. Hence, you’re exempted from having to pay expensive demurrage and detention charges.
SOCs grant you a lot of freedom and independence, and they are big money savers too. On the Container xChange leasing platform, you can source SOCs from 1500+ vetted suppliers. And choose from over 50,000+ containers in 2,500 locations worldwide at comparable, competitive, and negotiable rates with no hidden fees. Start your SOC leasing journey today by talking to one of our experts.
What is a SOC container certificate?
Remember we spoke about the importance of periodic surveys and inspections for a container at the start of the blog? Let’s understand that a bit more to make the meaning of the SOC container certificate clearer.
Surveys are done to ensure that your SOC container is in top condition. These surveys are carried out by a container surveyor, who is an authorized individual to handle inspections, and surveys, and examine container equipment. They check your container’s structural condition and integrity. After inspecting your unit, the surveyor issues a container survey report. This document certifies whether your box is fit to be leased out for cargo transportation.
It’s time to keep your SOC in top condition by scheduling periodic surveying. With Container xChange you can find a list of top-class surveyors for the job!
Find top surveyors on Container xChange for SOC container certificate
On xChange, we have a network of container surveyors in 4,000 depots globally. Here’s how you can find a qualified surveyor and get your box surveyed at a nominal price:
- Become a member of our platform.
- Lease a box at competitive prices with zero hidden fees. You can get your containers from vetted members and negotiate prices. This is because we offer full market transparency to find deals that suit you.
- Book any of the survey types by simply clicking on the ‘Request Survey’ button and connecting with surveyors in 4000+ locations. Your containers will be inspected by our vast network of knowledgeable surveyors for a reasonable fee.
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Arrange for a container survey for your SOC at the earliest on the Container xChange platform. And let our team of experts answer your queries and help you book that much-needed survey today! |
CSC plate and certification and the SOC container certificate
CSC stands for Convention for Safe Containers. It’s a standard established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1972 for Shipping Container Certification. The CSC was established to protect the cargo and the handlers of containers. In order to verify if your container conforms to the safety standards, a valid CSC plate is essential.
CSC plates prove that your box meets or exceeds the standards set out in the CSC regarding shipping container certification. All boxes must be fitted with a valid CSC plate in order to be passed for international transport. In fact, shipping lines only accept containers with valid CSC plates onto their ships.
In order to receive valid CSC plates, your container must undergo an official CSC survey conducted by certified surveyors. They will check your unit using the conditions laid out in the CSC and certify that the container matches the safety standards required for international shipping. After this, you’ll receive confirmation via a CSC certificate that your SOC box is approved and is ready to ship internationally.
Have a look at a CSC certificate mock-up below.
Once you have CSC certification for your SOC container, you can rest assured that your equipment is inspected, surveyed, and meets all the safety standards. This safety approval plate also helps you make better decisions while leasing because it helps you recognize a container that’s in good condition and safe to use.
CSC certification: ACEP and PES
To conclude, it’s important that the SOC you are leasing has gone through the CSC certification. And it’s essential that you know about it so that you know that box is worth the money you are paying for.
Like we said at the beginning if you are unaware of this term, your business might suffer because your containers will not meet the safety standards. Moreover, leasing out boxes without CSC certification might pose a clearance issue with shipping lines.
But all’s well, now that you know all about the CSC certification and how it’s beneficial for your SOC container. To help your business further we want to give you more info on the CSC inspection so you’re on track with your check-ups. There are two container inspection schemes that can be applied for CSC plate inspections:
- Periodic Examination Scheme (PES)- With the PES the first examination takes place 5 years after the manufacture date and then every 30 months.
- Approved Continuous Examination Programme (ACEP)- The ACEP inspection is done at more regular intervals to check for defects and potential dangers. These examination periods are frequent and consistent.
Both these inspections are very similar except for the frequency with which they are carried out.
You can read more on the ACEP inspection on our separate blog here.
Get certified SOC containers on Container xChange
So, finally, you know what exactly the SOC container certificate entails– CSC inspection and certificate and other surveys that are important for you to carry out.
And Container xChange can help you with that. All you need to do is get onto our platform and lease a SOC from 50,000+ containers in 2,500 locations worldwide. Get your box from 1,500+ certified suppliers whom you can make deals with directly via calls and chats. And compare prices and terms and select the best offer for you with zero hidden fees.
After this, you can book any survey of your choice by simply clicking the ‘Request Survey’ button and connecting with top surveyors in 4000+ locations.
You know now how important inspections are, so don’t wait any longer. Come on over to our marketplace to lease SOCs and connect with qualified surveyors at reasonable fees and get those inspections started.
SOC container certificate: Common FAQS
What is a SOC container?
SOC – shipper-owned containers, are boxes owned by a shipper in need of moving cargo over long distances These boxes are well known for their ability to save a lot of money on demurrage and detention charges. This is because with this box your daily rental fees do not depend on the duration of the rental. They stay the same price per day.
What is COC in terms of shipping?
COC container – carrier-owned container. These boxes are owned by the carrier (container liner or steamship line). And the carrier controls a majority of the entire transport chain.
What is a SOC container certificate?
A container must undergo an official CSC survey conducted by certified surveyors. They will check the unit using the conditions laid out in the CSC and certify that the container matches the safety standards required for international shipping. After this, the container owner will receive confirmation that their box is approved as a shipper-owned container and is ready to ship internationally.
