# How could I inspect a storage container in Lake Tahoe?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-inspect-a-storage-container-in-lake-tahoe/816326>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [June 18, 2018, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-inspect-a-storage-container-in-lake-tahoe/816326 "2018-06-18T17:31:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\
**Post date:** [June 22, 2018, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-inspect-a-storage-container-in-lake-tahoe/816326/41 "2018-06-22T13:09:17Z")

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> [@Sassy](#):
>
> FYI for reference - shipping containers do have a serial # which often (but not always) is painted on, but is also available impressed on one of the interior posts. While #s can be changed on the outside, the internal would be difficult to remove. I’ve had insurance cases where we had to confirm current responsible party & used this info. I work for a container leasing company which also sells older boxes, so it comes up more than you might think.

I’m not trying to start an argument, but in all the time I bought and sold used shipping containers not one invoice, incoming or outgoing, contained a serial number. We bought from the shipping companies and sold to individuals. If there was any specific container ID on the invoice, it was the stock number assigned by the previous owner. Most of the time we bought and were invoiced for “X number of Y size containers in Z condition”. Semi-trailer invoices, OTOH, always had each vehicle individually listed with the VIN - which we checked closely against the invoice, delivery ticket and title before accepting delivery.

IOW, when buying directly from the manufacturer (as I presume your company does), a serial number may be supplied on the paperwork. Once it hits the secondary market, however, traceability ends.

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