An understanding of the hazards to which the container may be exposed is essential! This knowledge will permit intelligent inspection of the container and also provide the background necessary for adequate preparation of cargo and stowage of the cargo in the container.
Once the shipper has decided on the container service best suited to his needs and has selected the type of container that will adequately accommodate his cargo, he must inspect the container to be sure that it will properly protect the cargo while in transit.
Done at Geneva on December 2, 1972, the International Convention for Safe Containers entered into force on September 5, 1977. The Convention makes certain structural requirements mandatory for containers moving in international trade. Under the Convention approved containers are issued “safety approval plates” which are affixed to the container and recognized by all countries party to the Convention.