Shipping container buildings can meet national code requirements when they comply with ICC-ES AC462, the acceptance criteria that standardizes how modified containers can be used as structural modules. Falcon Structures’ Evaluation Service Report (ESR-4163) certifies that our containers are manufactured under a quality system that meets these requirements, reducing friction for engineers, code officials, and project owners alike.
Anyone who has tried to permit a nontraditional structure knows that “the rules” aren’t always obvious. Container-based construction has forced local and state regulators to adapt (sometimes slowly) to a new kind of building component: one that began its life as cargo equipment.
Before 2016, most authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) had no clear path for approving containers as building modules. A local code official might have to review each project as an “Alternative Means and Methods” case under the International Building Code (IBC).
It wasn’t that containers were unsafe; they simply didn’t fit the existing playbook.
That changed when the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) introduced AC462: Acceptance Criteria for Structural Building Modules Using Shipping Containers .
At its core, AC462 is a technical document that defines how modified ISO shipping containers can be safely repurposed as structural building modules.
Put simply, AC462 transforms a shipping container into a code-recognized building material.
For code officials, this standard eliminates guesswork. Instead of relying on Alternative Means and Methods , inspectors can now reference an ICC-approved pathway.
Falcon Structures achieved ESR-4163 certification in 2018, becoming the first U.S. manufacturer with ICC-recognized compliance for in-house modified containers.
“Compliance with AC462 significantly expedites the permitting process and paves the path for other container-based structure suppliers.” — Stephen Shang, CEO, Falcon Structures
See Field Note 04: State vs. Local — Who Really Has Jurisdiction Over Your Container Project?
The International Building Code formally recognized shipping containers as building components.
G5 provided early guidance that informed later formal code adoption.
AC462 compliance is the foundation of container permitting.
Falcon remains an active participant in ICC committees and modular construction working groups.
ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Structural Building Modules Using Shipping Containers.
A third-party Evaluation Service Report verifying compliance.
Projects typically move faster with ESR-backed compliance.
No. G5 is a guideline; AC462 is a compliance standard.
Falcon provides ESR-4163 and coordinates directly with design professionals.