Estimate – protocol for pricing repair of a shipping container from a depot

Estimate – protocol for pricing the repair of a shipping container from a depot is a fundamental document in the management of the life cycle of a shipping container. It is a detailed record of all detected damage to the container after its return to the depot and sets out an exact breakdown of the costs of its repair according to current standards (IICL, CIC, UCIRC). This estimate, often also referred to as EOR (Estimate of Repair), M & R Estimate (Maintenance & Repair) or Damage Report, is key for:

• Management of maintenance and repair costs (for owners, leasing companies, carriers)
• Determining the party responsible for the damage (for supply chains, insurers)
• Ensuring compliance with international safety and quality standards (IICL, CSC, ISO)
• Transparent billing of depot services

The estimate protocol converts the result of the inspection into a clear, standardized format, where each item is precisely described and priced. It is therefore an essential communication bridge between the depot, the container owner, the shipping company, and the user.

Related terms and synonyms

Deeper explanation: Purpose and importance in the supply chain

Transport containers are exposed to demanding conditions: handling in ports, transport by sea, rail and road, contact with heavy machinery, weather extremes. Damage to containers is common – the estimate protocol is therefore a key tool for:

• Efficient management of maintenance costs: Clearly distinguishes which repairs are necessary according to safety standards and which are only cosmetic (and do not have to be carried out immediately).
• Fair allocation of costs: Makes it possible to objectively determine who caused the damage, when it occurred (based on the EIR) and to whom the repair will be invoiced.
• Decision-making on further use of the container: The estimate helps the owner decide whether it is economical to repair the container or rather to decommission it (CTL – Constructive Total Loss).
• Fulfilling legal and contractual obligations: The estimate must comply with applicable international standards (IICL, CIC, CSC, ISO), otherwise the container may no longer be used in international transport.

Process: From damage to protocol

An overview of the process from the return of the empty container to the final estimate protocol:

1. Receipt of container (Gate-in):
   • The container is received into the depot.
   • An EIR is issued with a description of the condition at handover.
2. Container Inspection:
   • A specialized inspector performs a thorough inspection of all structural parts (see table below).
   • The inspection is carried out in accordance with current standards (IICL, CIC, UCIRC) and the owner’s internal regulations.

1. Identification and documentation of damage:
   • Each damage is described according to ISO CEDEX codes (see below).
   • Photographic documentation is a mandatory part of the estimate.
2. Creating the pricing protocol:
   • Damage is priced according to the applicable repair tariff (Repair Tariff).
   • Labour (norm-hours) x hourly rate + material.
   • The result is a detailed breakdown for the owner.
3. Sending for approval & communication:
   • The estimate is sent to the owner/leasing company for approval.
   • Comments, rejection of some items, and requests for additional evidence are possible.
4. Approval and execution of repair:
   • After approval, the repair is carried out in a precisely defined scope.
   • After the repair, a record is made with “after repair” photographic documentation.

Key components of the repair pricing protocol

1. Header and identification data

2. Detailed description of damage: CEDEX codes

ISO 9897 CEDEX codes are the global standard for describing damage and repairs. Each estimate item contains:

Example of CEDEX coding:

3. Proposed repair method (Repair Method)

Each item is supplemented with a verbal description of the repair procedure.

4. Cost breakdown

5. Summary and total costs

Standards and criteria for repairs (Repair Criteria)

International standards

Differences between standards:

• IICL: Requires repair of even minor cosmetic defects, preferred by leasing companies (most often when the container is returned after lease).
• CIC: Repairs only when functionality, structural integrity or watertightness is at risk, often used by owners at the end of the container’s life cycle.
• UCIRC: Suitable for regular operation, compromise between price and quality.

Typical acceptance criteria (excerpt from MSC guidelines):

Common types of damage and repair procedures

Overview of damage types

Example of a detailed estimate protocol item:

Economic decision: Repair or decommission (CTL)?

The estimate protocol is the basis for a crucial decision by the owner:

• If the total repair cost is < 60–80% of the container’s value: The repair is economical, the container remains in service.
• If the cost exceeds 80% of the value: CTL (Constructive Total Loss) – the container is not economical to repair, it is decommissioned and often sold for spare parts or as a storage unit.

Liability and dispute resolution

How to avoid disputes over container repair invoices:

• Thorough inspection at handover (EIR): Record every damage, ideally with photographic documentation.
• Photographic documentation: The best evidence in case of a dispute.
• Observing correct handling procedures: Minimizing the risk of damage.
• Cleanliness on return: You avoid cleaning charges.

Claiming the estimate protocol:

• Contact the depot immediately and submit evidence (photos, EIR).
• In case of dispute, use arbitration or insurance.

Czech Republic, Tišnov

Decommissioned 20ft shipping container – AS IS 2 quality, HZKU 206 530-0

FREE SHIPPING

42 500 Kč without VAT 51 425 Kč including VAT


ORDER

Czech Republic, Rumburk

Decommissioned 20’ storage container AS IS 2 quality, HZKU 221 231-3

FREE SHIPPING

42 500 Kč without VAT 51 425 Kč including VAT


ORDER

Dunkirk, France

Decommissioned 20DV Container AS IS HZKU 203 886-7

WITHOUT SHIPPING

28 164 Kč without VAT 34 079 Kč including VAT


ORDER

Czech Republic, Frenštát pod Radhoštěm

Decommissioned 20’ container AS IS 10, HZKU 156 986-4

FREE SHIPPING

33 500 Kč without VAT 40 535 Kč including VAT


ORDER