what is container number?
The container number is a unique alphanumeric code. No 2 containers have the same container number. They are crucial for tracking and managing shipping containers across different shipping lines and transport modes.
The container number consists of 4 parts: an owner code, an equipment category identifier, a serial number, and a check digit.
Owner Code:
The first three letters are the owner code. It represents the company that owns the container and manages its logistics. E.g., ADN for Adnovs.
Equipment Category Identifier:
The fourth letter in the code represents the Equipment Category Identifier. It tells the type of equipment the container represents. It could be,
- ‘U’: Freight container
U indicates that the item is a standard freight container used for transporting cargo.
- ‘J’: Detachable freight container-related equipment
J refers to equipment related to freight containers such as container frames or extensions, rather than the container itself.
- ’Z’: Trailer or chassis
Z Represents a trailer or chassis used to transport containers, rather than the container itself.
Serial Number:
The serial number is a unique 6-digit code assigned to each container in a company to distinguish it from all other containers within the same company. It helps to monitor the container’s location, usage, and maintenance and allows to track and manage the container throughout its entire life.
Check Digit:
The last 1 digit number is the check digit which is used to validate the container number. The check digit is calculated based on a mathematical algorithm applied to the other elements of the container number (owner code, equipment category identifier, and serial number). It helps to verify that the container number has been transcribed or entered correctly, preventing errors in data entry and processing.
Learn about the other markings on the shipping container here.
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