Definition
Shipper-Owned vs Carrier-Owned Container. SOC avoids detention charges on long dwell times because the box belongs to the shipper.
See it in practice
Related terms in Ocean freight
FCL (Full Container Load)
Ocean freight where one shipper uses a full container. Faster and more secure than sharing, priced per container.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Ocean freight where cargo from several shippers is consolidated into one container and priced by volume (CBM).
Reefer
A temperature-controlled (refrigerated) container or trailer used for perishable cargo.
Open top / Flat rack
Special containers for oversized cargo: open top has a removable roof for top loading; a flat rack has no sides for over-width loads.
OOG (Out of Gauge)
Cargo that exceeds standard container dimensions in height, width or length. Requires special equipment and pricing.
Transshipment
Transferring cargo from one vessel to another at an intermediate port. Cheaper than direct service but adds time and handling risk.