SOC container solutions for freight forwarders and NVOCCs
Source equipment, check availability and coordinate shipper-owned containers for your international shipments.
Shipper-owned containers, explained
A SOC (shipper-owned container) is equipment that belongs to the shipper or forwarder instead of the shipping line. The carrier transports it under a SOC booking. Used well, it can give you more control over equipment availability, routing and what happens to the box at destination.
How Portwave supports you
- Equipment sourcing: new, one-trip or used units for your lane
- Availability: equipment checked for your port of loading
- Coordination: support for the SOC process as scoped with you
- Disposition planning: return, resale or re-use after discharge
When SOC can make sense
Equipment is tight
Carrier equipment is scarce or restricted on your lane and you need another route to a box.
Destination plan
The container can be sold, re-used or repositioned at destination instead of returned.
Control matters
You want more say in equipment type, condition and timing for a recurring flow.
SOC FAQ
Do you operate or own shipping lines?
No. Portwave is a neutral container trading and SOC solutions company. We are not a carrier and we do not promote one shipping line over another.
Can you guarantee carrier acceptance?
No. Acceptance of SOC equipment is decided by the carrier on each lane and booking. We help you check it early, before you commit equipment.
Can you supply the equipment as well as coordinate?
Yes. Depending on your needs we can supply the containers, coordinate the move, or both. You choose the scope in the inquiry.
What happens to the container after discharge?
That is part of the plan from the start: returning it, selling it, or re-using it. Tell us your preference in the form and we factor it in.