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Container Codes

Container codes follow the ISO 6346 international standard for container identification.

Format​

Container codes consist of:

  1. Owner Code - 3 uppercase letters (e.g., ABC)
  2. Equipment Category Identifier - 1 letter (usually U for freight container)
  3. Serial Number - 6 digits (e.g., 123456)
  4. Check Digit - 1 digit (calculated automatically)

Example: ABCD1234567

  • ABCD = Owner code + Equipment category
  • 123456 = Serial number
  • 7 = Check digit

Validation​

Validation behaviour depends on the channel:

ChannelFormat checkISO 6346 check digit
Manual / mobile uploadYesYes (UI and API)
Gallery searchYesYes
Mailbox ingest (default)Yes (normalize 4+7)No
Mailbox ingest + OCRYesYes on stated code (Scenario A1); OCR verifies attachment reads

When OCR is enabled on a mail rule, see Mailbox ingest FAQ for Scenarios A1/A2/B.

The system automatically validates container codes on upload paths:

  • Format must match ISO 6346 standard (4 letters + 7 digits)
  • Check digit is verified where noted above
  • Invalid codes are rejected with an error message

ISO 6346 size/type (optional)​

Separately from the container number, you can record the container’s size/type code (four characters, e.g. 22G1):

  • Web upload — optional field on the upload form
  • Gallery case card — badge next to the container code; editable when you have metadata permission
  • Mobile / API — optional on upload payloads; omitted values do not fail the upload

A confirmed value is stored per container for the tenant and reused on later pictures unless you change or clear it. See Web upload and Case card features.

Common Issues​

Wrong Format​

Problem: Code doesn't match expected format

Solution: Ensure you're using:

  • Exactly 4 letters (uppercase)
  • Exactly 7 digits
  • No spaces or special characters

Invalid Check Digit​

Problem: Code format is correct but check digit is wrong

Solution: Verify the container code from the physical container. The check digit is calculated from the owner code and serial number.

tip

Tip: If you're unsure about a container code, check the physical container or shipping documentation. The code is usually printed on the container.