The container prefix is the first four letters of a container number: a three-letter owner code registered with the Bureau International des Containers (BIC) plus a category letter, usually U. It identifies who owns or operates the box, for example MSCU for MSC or MAEU for Maersk.
Prefixes split broadly into carrier-owned fleets and leasing-company fleets. A box with a leasing prefix can sail under any carrier that hires it, which is why the prefix alone does not tell you who is carrying the cargo; the bill of lading or booking does.
BIC maintains the global register, so a prefix can be looked up to find the registered owner. Operationally the prefix matters for empty returns (the right depot depends on the operator) and for SOC versus COC questions.
TrackingMCP resolves prefixes as a first routing hint: a carrier-owned prefix suggests where to query, while leased prefixes need the carrier from the booking. Browse the prefix directory to see owner codes and their operators, or check a specific code like MSCU. Any prefix still tracks normally by container number once the carrier is known.
The container prefix is the first four letters of a container number: a three-letter owner code registered with the Bureau International des Containers (BIC) plus a category letter, usually U. It identifies who owns or operates the box, for example MSCU for MSC or MAEU for Maersk.
Only sometimes. Carrier-owned prefixes usually do, but leased containers carry the lessor’s prefix while sailing under any line. The booking or bill of lading is authoritative.
Owner codes are registered through the BIC, which keeps the international register that makes each three-letter code unique to one owner.
Browse container prefixes →
Validate a full container number →
More in Identifiers & codes: Container number (ISO 6346) · Container check digit · Booking number · SCAC code · UN/LOCODE · IMO number · MMSI · TEU & FEU · Browse all 106 terms →