When containers are damaged, there are two ID numbers that are key to put into the claim– the Container Number and the Seal Number.
Every international shipping container in the world has a unique ID number. It’s an 11 digit code that contains a four-letter alpha prefix, followed by 6 numbers and a final “check digit.”
Four letter (ALPHA) prefix – the first three (3) characters represent the container’s owner. The forth is always “U” identifying it as a container “unit.” This is known as the BIC Code (www.bic-code.org).
Six-digit (NUMERIC) suffix – this is created by the owner, based on their own conventions.
Check Digit – a single check digit is added at the end and validates the container number throughout the ocean freight shipping world.
To calculate the check digit use these 3 foolproof steps…
Step 1 – a numerical value is assigned to each letter of the alphabet beginning with A=10, B=12, etc. Multiples of the number 11 are not used…that’s why B doesn’t equal 11 and V does not equal 22. Find the numerical value for each of the 4 letters in your container number.
Step 2 – get out your calculator. Each numerical value for each of the container’s 10 positions is multiplied using this formula;
| Position 1 X 1 | Position 6 X 32 |
| Position 2 X 2 | Position 7 X 64 |
| Position 3 X 4 | Position 8 X 128 |
| Position 4 X 8 | Position 9 X 256 |
| Position 5 X 16 | Position 10 X 512 |
Step 3 – Sum all results from step 2, then divide by 11 and round the result down to the lower whole number and multiply x 11. Next, subtract the resulting number from the sum of step 2 and you have your check digit! That is the last number on the container.
When documenting a damage claim, use Photector to store photos of the damage, the container ID and seal number.
You can easily find the photos in seconds in the secure cloud because Photector’s OCR reader translates the photos of the Container IDs to searchable letters and numbers in the database.
Photector instantly and securely stores the date, time, location, container number and seal number and up to 20 photos documenting the condition of the load at each interchange.
You access the Photector database using the container number to see the photos from every interchange, pinpointing exactly where and when the damage occurred.
Claims can be processed and assigned to the responsible party with irrefutable photo evidence, avoiding months of investigating and denials.
Try Photector before you buy. Sign up for a 14-day FREE Trial and schedule a 1-on-1 demonstration to see how easy Photector is to use!