RESOURCE / EQUIPMENT
SOC containers and one-way leasing
Understand who provides the container and who accepts it for transport.
SOC is an equipment category.
SOC means shipper-owned container, an equipment category used when the container is provided by the shipper or another equipment provider rather than supplied under the carrying line’s usual equipment arrangement. It does not mean the cargo shipper necessarily owns the leased unit.
A leased SOC unit remains subject to the equipment owner’s contract. The cargo shipper’s obligations and the carrier’s acceptance requirements must both be clear.
Keep three decisions separate.
- Equipment: sourcing, condition, inspection and release.
- Carriage: carrier SOC approval, cargo acceptance, freight and documents.
- Off-hire: authorised return location, condition acceptance and written receipt.
A confirmation of one part does not confirm the others.
Prepare a usable specification.
Use 20GP, 20HQ, 40GP or 40HQ to describe the equipment required. Confirm the exact dimensions, payload and safety requirements for the unit and shipment.