ISO container standards support the freight container shipping industry.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) presides over thousands of standards affecting thousands of industries. Standards cover everything from food safety to textiles to information security systems. Standards for shipping containers are also covered.
Identification
The ISO container standards refer to freight containers. The standards are classified in the ISO system as category TC 104. Category TC 104 is divided into the subcategories of general-purpose containers, specific purchase containers and identification and communications. Each of these subcategories underwrites several individual container standards.
Function
The TC in TC-104 stands for "technical committee." TC 104 represents an international committee of technical experts charged with the task of identifying and establishing standards for the freight containers. The standards cover areas such as freight design and testing, industry terminology, container-handling equipment, electronic tagging and identifications, container seals and a number of other considerations.
Significance
According to Michael Bohlman, Chairman ISO/TC 104, TC 104 has led to a significant growth in the freight container industry. Effective standards boost international collaboration and participation, which lead to increase commerce, increased international trade and a stronger freight transportation industry.
