ISO Containers Key Terms

Identify key terms related to ISO containers to make smarter business choices

By Howard Robertson

ISO containers are containers that meet the specifications and requirements set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO containers come in an array of sizes and forms, depending on the application requirements.

Whether you want to use ISO containers for your business or you want to become an ISO containers supplier or manufacturer, you will need to be conversant with certain terms that indicate specifications or types of containers. This guide will cover various key terms related to ISO containers, such as dry ISO containers, thermal ISO containers, reefer ISO containers and racking.

Dry ISO containers

Dry ISO containers (also known as cube containers) are box type containers for general purpose transportation. The standard height for a dry container is 8 feet 6 inches.
Try: Shipping Container Housing Guide, an online information resource for shipping containers, provides explanation about dry ISO containers.

Thermal or insulated ISO containers

Insulated ISO containers are used to carry frozen goods. These containers are extremely useful for temperature sensitive products.
Try: For information about thermal containers, you can refer to NAC International Group Ltd, a freight forwarding company.

Reefer ISO containers

Reefer, or refrigerated, ISO containers transport frozen goods. These containers are extremely useful for products for which a stable temperature needs to be sustained during shipping.
Try: SJS USA Inc. (PDF), a producer and exporter of various food products, provides an explanation of various ISO containers, including reefer containers.

Tank ISO containers

Tank ISO containers are comprised of a cylindrical tank mounted within a rectangular steel framework. They are used to transport fluids or bulk materials.
Try: BULK TRANSPORTER, an e-magazine for the liquid and dry bulk logistics industry, provides information about tank ISO containers.

Vented ISO containers

Vented ISO containers have ducts along the side panels and top and bottom rails of the container. These containers replace warm and moist air with colder air and are thus useful to transport items such as food.
Try: To learn more about vented ISO containers, you can refer to GlobalSpec, an online information resource.

Racking

Racking refers to the twisting of the structural covering of the container. This can be due to static or dynamic forces and is associated with movements in a seaway.
Try: CCNI, a shipping company, provides detailed information about the common types of container damage, including racking.

CSC (Container Safety Certificate)

Every container must have a CSC issued by the manufacturer. CSCs must be renewed every 30 months after inspection by a competent inspector.
Try: Worldwide Logistics Network, a facilitator of international transport for small freight forwarders, provides information about CSCs.

ACEP (Approved Continuous Examination Program)

ACEP is often considered as a substitute for the CSC procedure. The ACEP number is stamped on the CSC plate.
Try: To learn more about ACEPs, you can refer to the glossary by Geodis Wilson, a reputable freight management company.