Validate a container number
Spaces and hyphens are removed automatically.
What the validator checks
A standard identifier uses a three-letter owner code, an equipment-category letter, six serial digits, and one check digit. CargoScope normalizes spaces and punctuation, validates the structure, and recalculates the final digit.
The check digit detects many data-entry and transmission errors; it does not prove ownership, availability, or active carrier tracking. The current identification system is defined by ISO 6346, with BIC serving as the registration authority for container owner codes.
Common container-number mistakes
Container identifiers are often copied from photographs, PDFs, spreadsheets, and emailed arrival notices. OCR can confuse O with 0, I with 1, B with 8, or place the check digit next to a size-and-type code that is not part of the identifier.
Validate the 11-character identifier before creating a tracking request, then compare a failed result with the marking on the container door or the carrier document. A correct check digit reduces transcription risk, but the carrier and equipment-owner records remain authoritative.
What to do after validation
When the number passes, you can start a CargoScope container tracking request. If it fails, compare every character against the container door or source document—especially letters confused with digits by OCR.