Explainer
SOC and one-way containers: what happens after unloading
What the terms mean, why sending the box back empty is often the last option, and what we need from you to look for a buyer.
SOC and one-way, in plain terms
A shipper-owned container (SOC) belongs to the shipper or its lessor rather than to the carrier. A one-way container is positioned for a single leg and is not necessarily expected back. In both cases the box can end up empty at the destination with no natural return trip.
Definitions differ between operators and contracts. What matters for resale is who owns or leases the container, and whether a local sale is permitted under those terms.
Why sending it back empty is often the last option
An empty box has to be collected, stored and repositioned, and each step costs money and time. Reuse near the arrival port — a buyer, a storage or conversion user, an exporter — can avoid part of that.
Whether it does depends on the market at that port on that day. We do not promise a price or an outcome; we look for a counterparty before the container is unloaded.
What we need from you to start
Container type and quantity, the port or city, and when the containers are available. Condition, year, CSC status and price expectations help, and can be added after the first submission. We do not ask for container numbers at this stage.