Historic Container Size/Type Codes

Since 1972, the ISO has published standards for container size/type codes. ISO Standard 6346 presently defines these codes. Since 1996, the 4-digit code consists of an alphanumeric combination. The first two digits are a size code. The 3rd and 4th digits are a type code. The latest codes can be looked up on the BIC Size & Type Code web site.

Prior to 1996, the container size/type codes consisted of a purely numeric 4-digit code, such as 2210, 4310, 4510, etc. This coding system was first published in 1972 as ISO Standard 2716. It was later superseded by ISO Standard 6346 in 1981. In 1995, the code was extensively revised into the newer alphanumeric system that was implemented in practice beginning in 1996. Between 1972 and 1995, many changes to the type codes were made, particularly for specialized containers and thermal containers. It is possible to see container codes from the early 1970s that contradict those used in the early 1990s. I have attempted to record these changes when known and note them accordingly in the following tables. The information presented here is not official in any way and is provided for historical reference only.

Examples

2210 decodes as:

    2 = nominal length 20 feet
    2 = 8.5 feet tall without chassis tunnel
    10 = closed container with openings at one or both ends with passive vents at upper part of cargo space

4310 decodes as:

    4 = nominal length 40 feet
    3 = 8.5 feet tall with chassis tunnel
    10 = closed container with openings at one or both ends with passive vents at upper part of cargo space

4510 decodes as:

    4 = nominal length 40 feet
    5 = greater than 8.5 feet tall with chassis tunnel
    10 = closed container with openings at one or both ends with passive vents at upper part of cargo space

2276 decodes as:

    2 = nominal length 20 feet
    2 = 8.5 feet tall without chassis tunnel
    76 = tank container for dangerous liquids, test pressure 600 kPa

Sources: Jane's Freight Containers 1973-74, Sixth Edition; Jane's Freight Container 1982, Fourteenth Edition; Jane's Freight Containers 1987, Nineteenth Edition; Jane's Containerisation Directory 1993-94, Twenty-fifth Edition; SMDG User Group Container Size/Type Codes (page now defunct); U.S. Customs and Border Protection Automated Manifest Interface Requirements - Appendix I (available for download here, last accessed Jan 2023); and personal sightings.