What is the difference between SOC and COC containers in shipping

The meanings of SOC and COC

SOC, also known as shipper's own container, refers to a container owned by the shipper, also known as a self owned container or shipper's container. SOC cabin refers to the situation where the shipping company only provides one cabin and does not provide a container. The shipper needs to find a suitable container for the consigned goods, submit relevant information to the carrier, and then arrange for packing and shipment.
COC, also known as Carrier's Own Container, refers to a container owned by a carrier. COC cabin space refers to the shipping company's requirement to not only provide cabin space for shippers, but also equip them with containers. The shipper takes the shipping order to the corresponding dock yard to pick up empty containers and arrange for container loading.

Differences in operation during export

The COC container is provided by the shipping company, and it is time to arrange to pick up the container directly at the shipping company's container release point after the export container is released.
SOC containers are provided by the shipper themselves. For export booking, the container certificate and nameplate photos, as well as front and side photos of the container, need to be provided to the shipping company for review. Only when the airworthiness conditions are met and approved can the container be released, and it will not affect boarding later on. After the cargo is released, it can be loaded directly into the port.

Differences in operation upon arrival at the destination port

COC containers are owned by shipping companies, and the destination port has a certain period of free container period. Exceeding this period will result in high container usage fees. So after the COC container arrives at the destination port, the consignee should clear customs as soon as possible, complete the pick-up and return of the empty container within the free container period. Here is a reminder to everyone that exports should try to apply for more free container periods from booking agents.
The SOC container is purchased by the shipper themselves, so they have ownership of the container. After the container arrives at the destination port, the consignee does not need to return the empty container to the shipping company after customs clearance. Don't worry about how long it will take for the destination port not to pick up the container, as there will be no container usage fees, only storage fees.

Written by Vivi