Glossary of Terms

As is:

This means there is no warranty or guarantee as to the quality of the equipment.

CW - Cargo Worthy:

This quality of container can be used in containerized export shipments. Cargo worthy containers must meet standards of structural strength and be wind and water tight. Containers meeting IICL 5 standards generally are of a better quality than containers showing as just cargo worthy.

CSC:

International Convention for Safe Containers (1972), the international agreement for maintaining containers in safe condition, and of the Harmonized Interpretation of the CSC with the International Maritime Organization.

CSC Plate:

Approval of individual containers may be granted where the Administration, after examination and witnessing of tests, is satisfied that the container meets the requirements of the present Convention; the Administration, when so satisfied, shall notify the applicant in writing of approval and this notification shall entitle him to affix the Safety Approval Plate to such container.

DD:

Double Doors, doors on both ends of the container.

DV-Dry Van:

Standard containers simply called Dry Van or Dry Box.

FR or Flat Rack:

Flat Rack Container.

FOT:

Free on truck.

HC-High Cube:

HC refers to containers that are 9'6" high, usually 40’, 45’ or greater.

Island wide Delivery:

Delivery of your containers on chassis or flatbed anywhere within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

IMO:

International Maritime Organization.

ISO:

International Organization for Standardization.

ICS:

International Chamber of Shipping.

IICL:

Institute of International Container Lessors.

IICL-5:

IICL Guide for Container Equipment Inspection.

LO-LO:

Load on – Load Off, (no chassis affixed) the normal way containers are shipped worldwide.

Lessee:

The party acquiring and paying for the use of the equipment under a contract or lease.

Lessor:

The party renting the equipment to the “Lessee” or party charging a fee for the contract.

MGW:

Maximum Gross Weight.

OT or O/T:

Open Top Container.

OOG:

Out Of Gauge – over width, over height, over length or a combination of these.

OS:

Open Side (curtain side) Container.

PES:

Periodic Examination System.

RO-RO:

Roll Of – Roll Off, the usual way trailers are shipped on vessels for ocean voyages

Single Use or One Way or One Trip Container:

These are new containers that usually have had only one load shipped in them, usually from the origin port of the manufacturer. By allowing a shipper to use the container for a single load, our cost to position a new container into Puerto Rico is reduced. These savings are reflected in the price you pay.

SOC:

Shipper Owned Container i.e. you as the shipper own the container rather than using one of the Ocean Carrier’s containers.

WWT - Wind and Water Tight:

Indicates that the container does not allow the entry of water or light and it is dry and suitable for storage use. Most Wind and Water Tight containers are not suitable for ocean transit.

Warranty:

Used containers are sold without a warranty. The best protection for a buyer is to purchase containers from a reputable supplier such as UNIVERSAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES, a high quality wholesale and retail supplier with a longstanding reputation for total customer satisfaction.