One-fourth of all cargo loss and damage that occur during shipments arise as a result of poorly fastened cargo boxes and objects carried inside containers, studies have revealed. This loss is largely preventable with care, attention and the application of guidelines stipulated for securing cargo inside the containers.

2021 has started with a global shortage of containers and vessel space on container vessels. There are a number of reasons that led to this ‘perfect storm’ that has left importers and exporters around the world scrambling for containers.

When dealing with used containers, an obvious question that pops up in our minds concerns their quality and grade. There is no clear-cut universal grading system for containers, so it is challenging to reach a firm conclusion on a grade or quality. Understanding some abbreviations and terms normally associated with used shipping containers can help bring some transparency and clarity to how one can look at issues concerning the grade and quality of shipping containers.