Technical Information > YOM (Year of Manufacture) – abbreviation on shipping containers

YOM (Year of Manufacture) – abbreviation on shipping containers

The abbreviation YOM means Year of Manufacture – i.e., the year the container was manufactured. This data is a fundamental parameter in container logistics, determining the age, value, and potential suitability of a container for international transport.

Why is YOM essential?

Determines the age of the container: Decides whether it belongs to the “new”, “Cargo Worthy”, “WWT” etc. categories.
Influences price: Newer containers have a significantly higher market value.
Conditions safety and legal suitability: Only containers of a certain age and with valid inspections may be used for maritime transport.

YOM is not part of the main identification number (ISO 6346), but it is always shown on the safety plate called the CSC plate.

Where to find YOM? – CSC plate and its legislative framework

What is a CSC plate?

The CSC plate (from “Convention for Safe Containers plate”) is a metal tag riveted to the door of a container, confirming that the container meets international safety standards under the Convention on Safe Containers (IMO/UN, 1972).

Legal framework:

International CSC Convention (IMO, 1972): Sets universal safety and construction requirements, inspections, and mutual recognition of approvals across states.
Mandatory for all containers used in international transport (except special containers for air transport).
First inspection: Within 5 years of YOM, then at least every 30 months (2.5 years).

What does a CSC plate look like?

Typical data on a CSC plate:

Data on the plate	Meaning / Description
CSC SAFETY APPROVAL	Plate purpose designation
Country and approving authority	e.g., “GB BV” = United Kingdom, Bureau Veritas
Date of Manufacture (YOM)	Month/Year of manufacture (e.g., 05/2022)
Manufacturer’s No.	Container’s serial number
Owner’s No.	Owner’s fleet number
Maximum Gross Weight	Max total weight (container + cargo)
Allowable Stacking Weight	Max permissible stacking load (e.g., 192 000 kg)
First Maintenance Examination	Date of first mandatory inspection (within 5 years of YOM)
Subsequent inspections	Inspection records (stamps, stickers)
Timber Component Treatment	Treatment of wooden floor components (for quarantine and bio‑security)

Note: Modern containers often have a “Combined Data Plate”, where information from CSC, customs approval (CCC), and ISPM 15 (wood treatment) is presented on a single plate.

Example of a CSC plate:

CSC SAFETY APPROVAL
GB BV 123456 2022
Date Manufactured: 05/2022
Manufacturer’s No.: 123456789
Maximum Gross Weight: 32,500 kg
Allowable Stacking Load: 192,000 kg
First Maintenance Examination: 05/2027
Timber Component Treatment: IM/HT

The year of manufacture is stamped on the metal plate in a red box (see photo).

Legislative requirements for the CSC plate (IMO/UN)

Approval and marking: Every container must be approved by an authorized body (e.g., Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s Register).
Regular inspections: First inspection within 5 years of manufacture, then at least every 30 months.
Structural safety: Must withstand specified loads (stacking, transport, handling).
International recognition: Once approved and marked in one country, the container is accepted by all contracting states.

Container life‑cycle and inspections – the impact of YOM

How long does a shipping container last?

For active maritime transport: Typically 10–15 years (depending on usage intensity and maintenance).
For static storage: An additional 10–20 years, sometimes more, if the structure is not seriously damaged or corroded.

Key factors influencing lifespan:

Quality of the base material (CORTEN steel, stainless steel)
Quality and frequency of maintenance (repairs, painting, seal replacement)
Environmental conditions (humidity, salt, UV exposure)
Number and type of transport cycles (handling, stacking)

Inspection schedule (per CSC):

First inspection: No later than 5 years after YOM.
Subsequent inspections: Maximum intervals of 30 months (2.5 years).
Without a valid inspection/CSC plate: The container may not be used in international transport.

Age and condition categories

The market uses several standardized condition categories based on YOM and inspection results.

Condition category	Typical age (from YOM)	Description and use
New / One‑Trip	< 1 year	One‑time trip from factory, minimal wear, suitable for premium uses, modifications, or storage of sensitive goods.
IICL (Excellent)	2–8 years	Meets Institute of International Container Lessors standards, very good condition for transport and storage.
Cargo Worthy (CW)	8–15 years	Structurally sound, meets transport norms, may have minor defects or surface corrosion.
Wind & Watertight (WWT)	> 12 years	Not suitable for transport, but watertight and wind‑tight, appropriate for static storage.
AS IS	Various	Condition not guaranteed, may have serious defects, suitable for spare parts or low‑demand uses.

YOM vs. container identification number (ISO 6346)

ISO identification number (Container Number)

Element of the number	Meaning
Owner Code (3 letters)	Owner code (per BIC registry)
Equipment Category (1 letter)	U = container, J = equipment, Z = chassis
Serial Number (6 digits)	Unique number within the fleet
Check Digit (1 digit)	Check digit for validation

This number contains no information about the year of manufacture.

Additional plates and markings

ISO Code: Size and type designation (e.g., 22G1 = 20’ GP).
Weight & Capacity Panel: Empty weight, maximum payload, and volume.
Warning markings: Height, hazardous cargo, handling instructions.

YOM in practice – market, price, legal aspects

How does YOM affect container price?

The newer the YOM, the higher the sale price (the gap between a “one‑trip” container and a 12‑year‑old container can be double or more).
Older containers without a valid CSC are often sold only as storage units.

Legal consequences

A container without a valid CSC plate may not be used in international transport.
Absence or illegibility of the plate leads to withdrawal from service or a substantial loss of value.

Purchase tips

Always verify YOM and inspection validity on the CSC plate.
Beware of containers with a missing or damaged plate – they may have been illegally refurbished or intended only for disposal.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is YOM part of the container’s serial number?
No, YOM is a separate datum shown only on the CSC plate.

Can an old container be used for transport if it is in good condition?
No; without a valid CSC plate and inspection, it cannot be used in international transport, regardless of its physical condition.

What if a container has no CSC plate?
It can be used only as a storage unit, not for transport.

Can I determine YOM without a physical inspection?
No; YOM is displayed only on the CSC plate and is not searchable via the ISO number or public databases.

Does YOM affect suitability for modifications (e.g., building projects, living spaces)?
Yes; newer YOM or containers with minimal transport history and no structural defects are preferable for modifications such as shipping container homes or container houses.

Technical details – Combined Data Plate

Modern containers often replace multiple individual plates with a single Combined Data Plate, which includes:

CSC data (safety, YOM)
Customs approval (CCC)
Wood treatment information (ISPM 15, IPPC)
Manufacturing numbers, approval codes, inspection records

From an inspection and sales perspective, this plate is essential for quickly assessing the legality and technical condition of a container.

Conclusion

YOM (Year of Manufacture) is a basic technical and legal data for every ISO shipping container. Its knowledge and correct interpretation determines:

Possibilities of use in transport,
Determination of price and market value,
Condition classification,
Ensuring compliance with international legislation.

Regular control and recording of YOM and inspections on the CSC label are the key to proper management of the container fleet, transport safety and the success of business transactions.