The reason to use a shipper owned container in a specialty area relates to the return time, rental rates, and the cost to get the container back to the agreed upon return location. If the container is going to a remote location to be unloaded, it must be returned to an agreed upon container depot or port and the shipper must pay the cost of returning it. On top of this, if unloading the container takes a longer amount of time there may be rental charges on top of the trucking. In the final cost analysis, it could save money to use a shipper owned container. There may also be a discount from the shipping line to use a S.O.C. If a container is supplied by the shipping line and the final destination is an area lacking in exports, the container may sit there for a while and accrue storage charges until it can be put back into use.

Loading time is the second variable. A "live load", when the container is taken to the loading site and the driver waits for it to be loaded, means that there will likely be two hours or less to load everything into the container. If coordinated properly, a SOC can be delivered weeks in advance and loaded at the leisure of those responsible for packing it.

• Container Inspection: Is the CSC plate on the container still active, or will the container need to be inspected and certified as cargo worthy?
• Unit Numbers: Each container has unique unit numbers, and a set prefix that identifies the original owner. Some owners require that the prefix be changed if the container is going to be used for shipping.
• Neutralization: Do the sales documents require the container to be neutralized? They probably do. Neutralizing a container involves removing any markings or corporate branding on the container. The easiest thing to do is paint over any markings.
• Letter of Indemnity: LOI's are typically provided to outline what happens if things go wrong, such as the vessel being arrested or detained for any reason.
• Cargo Manifest: The shipping line will need to know everything that is loaded in the container, and if there is anything dangerous that needs to be addressed or isolated.
• Unloading the Container: When the container gets to the final destination it will arrive on a chassis and need to be unloaded. Does the final location have a forklift or crane strong enough to pick up the container and all loaded freight?