--- title: "Manufacturers plate" description: "A plate indicating the name and address of the container manufacturer and particulars of the container." url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/manufacturers-plate" date: "2026-04-30T14:23:15+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- ![Ocean Cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/GenPics/OCs-Customs-Brokerage.webp) # Understanding the Manufacturer's Plate on Shipping Containers ## What is a Manufacturer's Plate? In the intricate world of global freight, every detail matters. Among the many critical components of a shipping container, the **Manufacturer's Plate** (often simply referred to as a "data plate" or "CSC plate") stands out as a vital source of information. This durable, weather-resistant plate is permanently affixed to the exterior of every ISO shipping container, typically on the left door, and serves as its official identification and certification document. More than just a label, the Manufacturer's Plate is a comprehensive record, providing essential data about the container's origin, specifications, and certifications. For freight forwarders like Ocean Cargo, understanding the information on this plate is fundamental to ensuring compliance, safety, and efficient cargo movement across international borders. The plate indicates the name and address of the container manufacturer and particulars of the container. It's a testament to the container's integrity and its adherence to international standards, making it indispensable for anyone involved in [sea freight services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) or intermodal transport. ## Key Information Found on a Manufacturer's Plate While the exact layout can vary slightly between manufacturers and container types, a standard Manufacturer's Plate will typically display the following crucial details: - **Manufacturer's Name and Address:** Identifies the company responsible for producing the container. - **Container Identification Number (BIC Code):** A unique 11-character alphanumeric code (e.g., ABCU 123456 7) that identifies the owner, product group, serial number, and check digit. This is critical for tracking and inventory. - **Container Type and Size:** Specifies the container's dimensions (e.g., 20' GP for a 20-foot General Purpose container, 40' HC for a 40-foot High Cube). - **Maximum Gross Mass (MGW):** The maximum permissible weight of the container and its cargo combined, expressed in kilograms and pounds. Exceeding this is a serious safety and legal violation. - **Tare Weight (TARE):** The weight of the empty container itself, also in kilograms and pounds. - **Payload (NET or MAX. PAYLOAD):** The maximum weight of cargo that can be loaded into the container (MGW minus TARE). - **Cubic Capacity (CU. CAP.):** The internal volume of the container, usually in cubic metres and cubic feet. - **CSC Approval Plate (Convention for Safe Containers):** This section confirms that the container complies with the international safety standards set by the CSC. It includes: - Date of manufacture. - Approval reference number. - Maximum stacking weight. - Racking test load. - Next examination date (for periodic inspections). - **Timber Treatment Information:** If wooden components are present (e.g., flooring), details of the treatment applied to prevent pest infestation, crucial for [customs compliance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/). Ocean Cargo meticulously reviews these details to ensure that every container used for your shipment is compliant, safe, and perfectly suited for your cargo, whether it's a [heavy machinery shipment to the UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/excavators-diggers-uae) or delicate goods requiring precise handling. ## Why is the Manufacturer's Plate So Important? The information on the Manufacturer's Plate is not merely administrative; it underpins the entire global logistics chain. Its importance can be broken down into several key areas: ### Safety and Compliance The CSC approval on the plate is a guarantee that the container meets stringent international safety standards. This is vital for protecting cargo, personnel, and the environment during handling, stacking, and transport. Regular inspections, indicated by the "next examination date," ensure ongoing compliance. ### Operational Efficiency Knowing the exact tare weight, maximum gross mass, and cubic capacity allows for precise load planning. This prevents overloading, optimises space utilisation, and avoids costly delays or penalties. For example, when planning [sea freight to Canada](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/canada/sea-freight-canada), accurate weight distribution is paramount for vessel stability and port operations. ### Customs and Border Control Customs authorities worldwide rely on the container's identification number and specifications to process shipments. The plate provides verifiable data that helps prevent illegal activities and ensures smooth passage through customs. Ocean Cargo's [customs brokerage for the USA](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/usa/customs-brokerage-usa) leverages this information to expedite your clearances. ### Maintenance and Repair The manufacturer's details and date of manufacture are essential for tracking maintenance schedules and sourcing appropriate parts for repairs, ensuring the container remains in optimal condition throughout its lifespan. ### Insurance and Liability In the event of damage or loss, the information on the plate is crucial for insurance claims and determining liability, providing a clear record of the container's specifications and certification status. ## Ocean Cargo's Expertise with Container Specifications At Ocean Cargo, our 25 years of experience in freight forwarding means we understand the nuances of container specifications inside and out. We don't just book space on a vessel; we meticulously plan every aspect of your shipment, starting with the right container. Our team of logistics experts: - **Verifies Container Compliance:** We ensure that all containers used for your cargo possess valid CSC plates and are fit for purpose, mitigating risks of delays or rejections at ports. - **Optimises Load Planning:** By accurately calculating payload and cubic capacity, we help you maximise efficiency and minimise costs, whether you're shipping [wind turbine components to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/wind-turbine-components-blades-nacelles-tower-sections-australia) or general cargo. - **Navigates Regulations:** We stay abreast of international shipping regulations and customs requirements, ensuring that the container's documentation aligns perfectly with destination country rules. - **Provides Consultative Support:** We advise clients on the best container types for their specific cargo, considering factors like weight, dimensions, and special handling needs. Trust Ocean Cargo to handle your global logistics with the precision and expertise that only comes from deep industry knowledge. From the Manufacturer's Plate to final delivery, we manage every detail to ensure your cargo arrives safely and on time. #### What is the difference between a Manufacturer's Plate and a CSC Plate? The Manufacturer's Plate is the overall data plate on a container. The CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) Plate is a specific section or part of the Manufacturer's Plate that certifies the container's compliance with international safety standards. All containers used in international transport must have a valid CSC Plate as part of their Manufacturer's Plate. #### Where is the Manufacturer's Plate typically located on a shipping container? The Manufacturer's Plate is almost always found on the exterior of the left-hand door of the shipping container, when viewed from the rear (the door end). This prominent location ensures easy access for inspection by port authorities, customs officials, and logistics personnel. #### Why is the "next examination date" important on the CSC Plate? The "next examination date" indicates when the container is due for its next periodic safety inspection. Containers must undergo regular inspections to ensure they remain structurally sound and safe for transport. A container with an expired examination date may be refused loading or detained by authorities, leading to significant delays and costs. Ocean Cargo always ensures containers are within their valid inspection period. #### Can I load cargo beyond the stated payload on the Manufacturer's Plate? Absolutely not. The payload (NET or MAX. PAYLOAD) indicates the maximum permissible weight of cargo. Exceeding this limit, or the Maximum Gross Mass (MGW), is extremely dangerous. It can compromise the container's structural integrity, lead to accidents during handling or transport, and result in severe fines, legal penalties, and insurance invalidation. Always adhere strictly to the stated weight limits. #### What is a BIC Code and why is it on the plate? The BIC Code is the unique 11-character Container Identification Number assigned by the Bureau International des Containers (BIC). It's crucial for global tracking, inventory management, and communication within the shipping industry. It identifies the container's owner, product group, serial number, and includes a check digit for validation, ensuring accurate identification throughout its journey. ### Ready to simplify your global logistics? Get advice and a quote for your next shipment. Contact the Ocean Cargo team to start shipping. [Freight Quote](https://oceancargo.co.uk/contact-us) ## Schema ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://oceancargo.co.uk" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Shipping Terms", "item": "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Manufacturers plate", "item": "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/manufacturers-plate" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between a Manufacturer's Plate and a CSC Plate?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Manufacturer's Plate is the overall data plate on a container. The CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) Plate is a specific section or part of the Manufacturer's Plate that certifies the container's compliance with international safety standards. 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