GB/T 5338.1-2023 Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 1: General cargo containers for general purposes
1 Scope
1.1 This document specifies the basic specifications and testing requirements for ISO series 1 freight containers of the totally enclosed general purpose types and certain specific purpose types (closed, vented, ventilated or open top) which are suitable for international exchange and for conveyance by road, rail and sea, including interchange between these forms of transport.
1.2 The container types covered by this document are given in Table 1.
This document does not cover ventilation arrangements, either vented or ventilated.
1.3 The marking requirements for these containers are given in ISO 6346.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 668: 2020 Series 1 freight containers - Classification, dimensions and ratings
Note: GB/T 1413-2023 Series 1 freight containers - Classification, dimensions and ratings (ISO 668 : 2020, IDT)
ISO 830 Freight containers vocabulary
Note: GB/T 1992-2023 Freight container vocabulary (ISO 830 :1999 , MOD)
ISO 1161 Series 1 freight containers - Corner and intermediate fittings - Specifications
Note: GB/T 1835-2006 Series 1 freight container - Corner fittings (ISO 1161 :1984 , MOD)
ISO 6346 Freight containers - Coding, identification and marking
Note: GB/T 1836-2017 Freight containers - Coding, identification and marking (ISO 6346 :1995, IDT)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 830 apply.
4 Dimensions and ratings
4.1 External dimensions
The overall external dimensions and tolerances of the freight containers (hereafter referred to as container) covered by this document shall be those established in ISO 668 except that open-top containers may be of reduced height, in which case they shall be designated 1 AX, 1 BX, 1CX and 1 DX. No part of the container shall project beyond these specified overall external dimensions.
4.2 Internal dimensions
Internal dimensions of containers should be as large as possible, but in any case shall comply with those given in 4.3
4.3 Minimum internal dimensions
The minimum internal dimensions for containers are specified in Table 2.
The dimensions apply when measured at a temperature of 20℃ (68°F). Measurements taken at other temperatures shall be adjusted accordingly.
Where a top corner fitting projects into the internal space specified by Table 2, that part of the corner fitting projecting into the container shall not be considered as reducing the size of the container.
4.4 Ratings
The values of the rating R, being the gross mass of the container, are those given in ISO 668.
5 Design requirements
5.1 General
5.1.1 The strength (unless otherwise specified) for all containers shall meet the requirements of Table A.1 of Annex A. The containers in Table A.1 shall be considered as complete units.
5.1.2 The strength requirements for corner fittings (see also 5.2) are given in ISO 1161.
5.1.3 The container shall be capable of withstanding the loads and loadings detailed in Clause 6.
5.1.4 As the effects of loads encountered under any dynamic operating condition should only approach, but not exceed, the effects of the corresponding test loads, it is implicit that the capabilities of containers indicated in Annex A and demonstrated by the test described in Clause 6 shall not be exceeded in any mode of operation.
5.1.5 Any closure in a container which, if unsecured, could lead to a hazardous situation, shall be provided with an adequate securing system having external indication of the positive securement of that closure in the appropriate operating position.
5.1.6 Doors and openings for loading and unloading goods shall be capable of being securely fastened in the open or closed position.
5.1.7 Any removable roof or roof section shall be fitted with locking devices such that an observer at ground level can check (when the container is on a rail or highway carrying vehicle) that its roof is secured.
5.1.8 All closed containers and all open containers fitted with covers which were designed for them shall be weatherproof as required by test No.13 (see 6.14).
5.2 Corner fittings
5.2.1 All containers shall be equipped with top and bottom corner fittings. 1EEE and 1EE units shall also have intermediate fittings in the 1 AAA/1 AA/1 A position, according to ISO 1161.
5.2.2 The upper faces of the top corner fittings shall protrude above the top of the container by a minimum of 6 mm (see 5.3.4). The “top of the container” means the highest level of the cover of the container, for example the level of the top of a soft cover. However, if reinforced zones or doubler plates are provided to afford protection to the roof in the vicinity of the top corner fittings, such plates and their securements shall not protrude above the upper faces of the top corner fittings. These plates shall not extend more than 750 mm from either end of the container or on either side of intermediate fittings but may extend the full width.
5.3 Base structure
5.3.1 All containers shall be capable of being supported by their bottom corner fittings only.
5.3.2 All containers, other than 1 D and 1 DX, shall also be capable of being supported only by load transfer areas in their base structure.
a) These containers shall have end transverse members and sufficient intermediate load transfer areas (or a flat underside) of sufficient strength to permit vertical load transfer to or from the longitudinal member of a carrying vehicle. Such longitudinal members are assumed to lie within the two 375 mm wide zones defined by the broken lines in Figure B.1 of ISO 668:2020.
b) The lower faces of the load transfer areas, including those of the end transverse members, shall be in one plane located mm above the plane of the bottom faces of the lower corner fittings of the container. Apart from the bottom corner fittings and bottom side rails, no part of the container shall project below this plane. However, doubler plates may be provided in the vicinity of the bottom corner fittings to afford protection to the understructure. Such plates shall not extend more than 550 mm from the outer end (length direction) and not more than 470 mm from the side faces (width direction) of the bottom corner fittings, and their lower faces shall be at least 5 mm above the lower faces of the bottom corner fittings of the container.
c) The transfer of load between the underside of the bottom side rails and carrying vehicles is not envisaged. The transfer of load between side rails and handling equipment should only occur when fork-lift pockets are provided (see 5.8.1).
d) Containers having all their intermediate transverse members spaced at 1000 mm apart or less (or having a flat underside) shall be deemed to comply with the requirements laid down in 5.3.2 a).
e) Requirements for containers not having transverse members spaced 1000 mm apart or less (and not having a flat underside) are given in Annex B of ISO 668:2020.
