Shipper-Owned Containers (SOC): Buying a Box to Ship Your Own Cargo

Most containers on ships belong to shipping lines or leasing companies. But you can also ship goods in a container you own, called a shipper-owned container, or SOC. People do it to move household goods, export equipment or ship to places where returning a rented box is difficult.

Here's how shipper-owned containers work, what condition and paperwork they need, and when it makes sense to buy cargo shipping containers for your own shipment. One-trip buy cargo shipping containers options are a common choice for SOC shipments.

What a shipper-owned container is

A shipper-owned container is a container that belongs to you, the shipper, rather than the shipping line. You load it, it's shipped, and at the destination it's still yours: you can keep it, sell it or use it for storage.

With a carrier-owned container, you have to return the empty box within a set time or pay charges for keeping it.

When an SOC makes sense

• One-way moves to places where returning an empty container is hard or expensive
• Moving abroad and wanting storage at the other end
• Exporting equipment or vehicles where you'll unload slowly
• Projects in remote areas, such as construction, mining or aid, where the container becomes on-site storage
• Avoiding detention charges when unloading will take a long time

What condition an SOC needs

A container going to sea must be cargo-worthy and have a valid CSC safety approval plate. That means:

• A sound frame, corner posts and corner castings
• A strong floor
• Doors that close, lock and seal
• No holes
• A CSC plate showing a valid approval and examination status

Many SOC buyers choose a new (one-trip) container, because it's in the best condition and its plate is current. A used cargo-worthy container with a survey certificate can also work.

Paperwork you'll likely need

• Proof of ownership: invoice or bill of sale with the unit number
• A valid CSC plate on the container
• A cargo-worthy certificate from a surveyor, if required
• Shipping documents arranged by your freight forwarder
• Customs paperwork for the cargo, and sometimes for the container itself at the destination

Requirements vary by shipping line, route and country, so ask your freight forwarder before you buy.

The shipping process in brief

1. Buy the container and confirm its condition and paperwork.
2. Book the shipment through a freight forwarder or shipping line, telling them it's an SOC.
3. Have the container delivered to your loading site.
4. Load and secure your cargo.
5. Seal the container with a shipping seal.
6. Truck it to the port for loading.
7. At the destination, clear customs and collect your container.

Costs to consider

• The container itself
• Delivery to your loading site
• Survey and certification, if needed
• Ocean freight and port charges
• Customs and duties at the destination
• Transport from the destination port

Compare the total with shipping in a carrier's container plus any detention or return costs.

New or used for SOC?

Sizes for SOC shipments

• 20ft: dense, heavy cargo and smaller moves
• 40ft and 40ft high cube: household moves and lighter, bulky cargo

See 20ft conex box and 40ft conex box options.

Loading and securing your cargo

How you load an SOC matters as much as the container itself:

• Spread the weight evenly along the floor, with heavy items low and centered.
• Stay within the weight limits on the container's doors, and within road limits for the trucks at each end.
• Block and brace cargo so it can't shift at sea, using timber, airbags or straps fixed to the lashing points.
• Protect against condensation with desiccants, especially on long or tropical voyages.
• Make an inventory of everything inside for customs and insurance.
• Seal the doors with a numbered shipping seal and record the number.

Many shippers use a professional loading service for valuable or awkward cargo.

FAQ

What does SOC mean in shipping?

Shipper-owned container: a container owned by the shipper rather than the shipping line.

Can I ship my own container overseas?

Yes, if it's cargo-worthy with a valid CSC plate, and your shipping line or forwarder accepts it.

Do I need a new container for SOC?

Not necessarily, but new one-trip containers are popular because they're in the best condition with current plates.

What happens to the container at the destination?

It's yours. You can keep it, use it for storage or sell it.

Can I use the container for storage after shipping?

Yes. That's one of the main advantages of an SOC: once it's unloaded, it's on-site storage you already own.

Is it cheaper to ship in my own container?

It can be for one-way moves or long unloading times, because you avoid return and detention charges. Compare the full cost with a carrier's container before deciding.