Container Inspector

Equipment Management Services, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Equipment Management Services, LLC seeks an IICL Certified Shipping Container Inspector to perform thorough inspections of intermodal containers and ensure compliance with IICL standards. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and operational integrity of container fleets in a fast-paced yard environment.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with container types, grading, and repair assessments, plus forklift operation and heavy-lift competence.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a container yard or heavy-equipment setting.
• Heavy-lift operating experience and forklift certification.
• Knowledge of container types and grading standards.
• Able to use a phone/tablet for tracking and reporting.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain yard inventory: unit location, condition, and status.
• Plan container placement and assign units to orders.
• Keep yard organized and safe for equipment traffic.
• Inspect containers and grade them (CW/WWT/IICL).
• Document damage with photos and reports; recommend repairs or rejection.
• Verify repair quality before release.
• Operate container handler as needed.
• Train and mentor lift operators and maintain training records.
• Coordinate labor-hour tracking with shop crews.
• Support shop foreman and engineering with staging and logistics.
• Ensure safety compliance with regulations and standards.

Skills

Heavy lift

Forklift cert

Container types

Condition grading

Documentation

Mobile reporting

Attention to detail

Digital reporting

Job description

Job Title: IICL Certified Shipping Container Inspector

Job Summary:

We are seeking a qualified IICL Certified Shipping Container Inspector to perform thorough inspections of intermodal containers to ensure they meet International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL) standards. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of structural integrity, safety compliance, and container repair assessment. This position plays a critical role in maintaining safety, quality, and operational standards for container fleets.

Key Responsibilities:

Yard operations

• - Maintain accurate yard inventory, including unit location, condition, and status (available, assigned, in mod, sold, rental).
• - Plan container placement and stacking, and assign units to sales orders, rentals, and mod jobs in coordination with sales and engineering.
• - Keep the yard organized, accessible, and safe for equipment traffic.

Inspection and grading

• - Inspect incoming and outgoing containers and grade them (CW/WWT/as-is, IICL where required).
• - Document damage with photos and reports, and recommend repair or rejection.
• - Verify repair quality before units are released.
• - Use inspection tools and technology such as gauges, measuring tape, handheld devices, or mobile apps for accurate assessments.
• - Generate accurate and timely inspection reports and input data into the inspection management system.

Equipment and training

• - Operate heavy lift equipment (container handler) as primary or backup operator.
• - Train, evaluate, and mentor new lift operators, and maintain their training records.

Mod and shop support

• - Coordinate labor-hour tracking with shop crews.
• - Support the shop foreman and engineering with staging and logistics for active jobs.

Safety and compliance

• - Ensure compliance with safety regulations, company policies, and international standards.
• - Stay updated on current IICL inspection criteria and container industry regulations.

Required Qualifications:

• - Minimum of 2 years of experience in a container yard or similar heavy-equipment environment.
• - Heavy lift operating experience and valid forklift certification.
• - Strong working knowledge of container types and condition grading.
• - Comfortable using a phone or tablet for tracking and reporting.
• - Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced environment.
• - Strong attention to detail and excellent documentation skills.