| CSC safety certification |
A
Valid CSC Safety Approval Plate is present, legible, and matches the container identification number.
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B
CSC plate is present but requires verification of the next examination date or repair history.
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C
Missing, illegible, expired, altered, or mismatched CSC information.
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Required: Photograph the CSC plate and verify the container number, manufacture date, maximum gross mass, stacking test load, racking test load, and examination date.
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| CSC examination timing |
First examination completed within five years of manufacture, followed by periodic examinations at intervals not exceeding 30 months, or a valid approved continuous examination record.
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Examination is close to expiry or records are incomplete; obtain an updated inspection before transport or conversion.
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No reliable examination evidence or examination requirements cannot be confirmed.
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Check: The examination date and inspection scheme with the authorized inspection body or applicable national authority.
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| 20-foot standard external size |
Approximately 6,058 mm long × 2,438 mm wide × 2,591 mm high.
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Same nominal external size, subject to corner-post alignment and frame deformation.
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Size may be nominally correct, but deformation can reduce usable floor area and affect door operation.
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Measure all four corner posts, the top and bottom side rails, and the door opening; do not rely only on nominal dimensions.
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| 40-foot standard external size |
Approximately 12,192 mm long × 2,438 mm wide × 2,591 mm high.
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Suitable only after checking longitudinal frame straightness and floor support condition.
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Avoid when twisting, sagging, or major side-wall movement is visible.
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Use a laser level, string line, or calibrated straightedge to check floor and roof-frame deflection.
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| Typical maximum gross mass |
Commonly up to 30,480 kg for standard 20-foot and 40-foot units, subject to the individual CSC plate.
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Use the lower value shown on the container plate if structural repairs, corrosion, or local regulations limit capacity.
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Do not use the unit for a habitable structure until its load rating has been professionally reassessed.
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Read the marked maximum gross mass directly from the CSC plate; never estimate it from container length.
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| Typical tare mass |
Approximately 2,200–2,500 kg for a standard 20-foot unit and approximately 3,700–4,000 kg for a standard 40-foot unit.
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Actual tare mass may increase after repairs, insulation, lining, windows, and service installations.
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Unknown tare mass combined with severe corrosion is a material safety concern.
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Use the container's marked tare mass and recalculate transport, foundation, and lifting loads after conversion.
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| Approximate payload calculation |
Payload = maximum gross mass − tare mass. For example, a 30,480 kg gross mass and 2,300 kg tare mass indicate approximately 28,180 kg nominal payload before legal or operational limits.
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Reduce the usable payload when structural deterioration, added finishes, or local transport limits apply.
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Payload calculations are not meaningful until structural condition and marked ratings are confirmed.
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Recalculate after adding the home module, roof loads, water tanks, appliances, and interior finishes.
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| Corner posts and corner fittings |
Straight, fully welded, free from buckling, and free from heavy section loss; corner fittings are not cracked or distorted.
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Minor surface corrosion or localized repairs may be acceptable after inspection and certified repair.
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Bent corner posts, cracked welds, perforation, severe section loss, or distorted corner fittings.
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Inspect all eight corner fittings and the full length of each corner post, including concealed areas where accessible.
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| Stacking strength reference |
CSC plates commonly identify a stacking test load of 192,000 N, equivalent to approximately 19.6 tonnes-force per corner post under the applicable test condition.
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The marked value remains valid only when corner posts and the top and bottom frames retain their structural integrity.
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Do not assume the original stacking rating remains valid after major corrosion, cutting, or unapproved alterations.
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Confirm the marked stacking test load and obtain an engineer's review after removing or cutting structural members.
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| Racking resistance reference |
CSC plates commonly identify a racking test load of 150,000 N, equivalent to approximately 15.3 tonnes-force under the applicable test condition.
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Side-wall openings for doors and windows require engineered frames to restore local racking resistance.
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Extensive unreinforced openings, severe side-wall distortion, or failed welds make the unit unsuitable for primary structural use.
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Require a structural design for every large opening and verify load paths to the bottom and top rails.
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| Floor and cross-member condition |
Floor cross-members are straight; steel supports are not perforated; timber or composite flooring is dry, stable, and free from major contamination.
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Local floor replacement or cross-member repair is possible when the frame remains straight and repairs are documented.
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Deep corrosion, large soft areas, broken cross-members, or significant floor sagging.
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Inspect from below and above. Check moisture, chemical contamination, deflection, and attachment points for the proposed interior floor.
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| Corrosion condition |
Surface rust only, with intact steel thickness and no corrosion at corner posts, rails, welds, or floor supports.
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Localized pitting may be repairable after thickness measurement and corrosion treatment.
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Through-holes, widespread pitting, flaking steel, or corrosion concentrated at primary load-bearing members.
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Use visual inspection plus ultrasonic thickness measurement where corrosion affects primary structural members.
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| Door and frame alignment |
Both door leaves open, close, and lock correctly; door gaskets remain serviceable; frame is square.
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Gasket or hardware replacement may be required; frame repairs must not conceal structural distortion.
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Doors cannot close or lock because of frame distortion, twisted structure, or severe corrosion.
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Check diagonal measurements, locking-bar operation, gasket compression, and water-tightness after closing.
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| Wind and weather resistance |
Roof panels, side walls, seals, and welds are substantially water-tight before conversion.
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Minor leaks can be repaired before insulation and interior finishes are installed.
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Persistent leaks, open seams, damaged roof structure, or hidden water damage.
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Conduct a controlled water test and inspect the interior for staining, trapped moisture, and corrosion.
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| Conversion suitability |
Best choice for a primary prefab dwelling, especially when several windows, doors, or service penetrations are planned.
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Suitable for secondary rooms, storage, workshops, or homes after documented repairs and engineering approval.
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Generally suitable only for non-structural salvage, material recovery, or disposal; not recommended as a dwelling shell.
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Match the container condition to the design loads, local building code, seismic requirements, foundation design, and intended occupancy.
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| Final purchase decision |
Select when CSC evidence is valid, structural members are sound, dimensions are verified, and the conversion design has a clear load path.
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Select only when repair costs, inspection results, and engineering requirements are documented in the purchase agreement.
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Reject for habitable construction unless a qualified structural engineer formally approves a complete rehabilitation plan.
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Keep the CSC plate record, inspection report, dimensional survey, repair certificates, and structural drawings in the project file.
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