FAQs

BoxTech provides a central data repository for container owners and operators to post fleet technical details, including container tare weight. The database allows shippers and other parties in the transport chain to access container tare weights and other technical details on a container-by-container basis by inputting a container’s operational number – or by pinging the database with the container’s operational number if using the API.

Download the step-by-step guide for details on how to upload a file.

They can access the information in one of two ways: Either on the database website or via an API if they wish to have the information integrated into their system. API information can be found here

Click on the ‘Owner/Operator’ Sign-up link and complete the sign-up form. You will be notified once your application has been verified, at which point you will be able to upload your files directly to BoxTech. While awaiting verification you will have access to BoxTech as a regular user.

Click on the ‘Access Data’ Sign-up link and complete the online sign-up form to obtain a user account.

Once your account has been confirmed, you will be able to upload files directly to BoxTech using the ‘Upload Files’ button and selecting ‘Fleet In’. Files must be formatted according to the CSV file format provided.

Making changes manually: Log-in using your account information and choose the appropriate file upload button: (Fleet In/On Hire, Off Hire, Sold/Scrapped or Lost/Stolen).

Automated fleet updates: An API for fleet updates is available. Please contact us.

Manual query: Simply log in and type the container number into the search field.

Automated query: APIs are now available. Information can be found here

A list of uploaded fleets is available on the BoxTech home page. Otherwise, please check with your carrier.

Each owner/operator decides which elements to upload. The database will allow for the complete set of technical details for every container: Container number, size-type code, tare weight, maximum gross mass, maximum payload, maximum stacking weight, manufacturer ID number, etc.

The minimum data elements required for each container are: container number, tare weight, maximum gross mass / payload, and container size-type.

Fleet updates can be uploaded manually to the web application (using the csv template provided) or via API.

Yes, the container’s operational number is required.

No, the database is merely a platform to allow equipment owners and operators to post technical characteristics of their containers. The data is available on the database “as reported”. The BIC accepts no responsibility for any discrepancies, errors or omissions.

Please contact your carrier.

All containers carrying a valid CSC Plate and carrying ISO markings.

No, the database has nothing to do with the location of the container. Its sole purpose is to provide visibility of the technical characteristics of containers in a central location.

Anyone can sign up to access the information.

No. There is no cost to container owners and operators to upload and maintain their fleet files in the database.

During the roll-out phase, the database is provided free of charge to users. Once the database is more fully populated, a small charge for end users is planned to cover the database’s running costs. BoxTech is a non-profit, non-commercial service to the industry. Its operating costs will remain modest and spread amongst thousands of users, the cost is expected to be negligible.

You can use Sold/Scrapped or Lost/Stolen alerts to flag any exception where you need to alert industry participants about a particular unit.
Particularly useful in case of bankruptcies and other recovery situations, such as lost units.

The database is hosted on the Heroku cloud platform.

Heroku counts large customers using their platform all around the world, such as Citrix GotoMeeting, Macy’s stores’ mission-critical applications, Toyota’s customer-facing web applications, etc.

The database complies with the general security standards for web-hosted publicly accessible databases.

Please see the details of the security policy.