Conditions
When deciding to purchase a shipping container, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between container conditions and grades. This knowledge ensures you select the most suitable container for your requirements.
There are three primary container conditions: Used, One Trip (New), and Refurbished. Each condition is further divided into grades, which indicate the structural integrity and overall quality of the container. The container’s condition and grade directly influence its price.
Shipping Container Conditions
1. Used Containers
Our most popular option, used general-purpose containers, have typically been in heavy-duty shipping service for 5 to 15 years before being retired.
These containers usually retain the original paint and shipping line markings.
Signs of wear like surface rust, dents, and scratches are common.
While used containers may not look pristine, they are structurally sound depending on their grade and can still be used for cargo transportation, storage, or modifications.
2. New One Trip Containers
New One Trip shipping containers may have minor dents, dings, and scrapes from regular handling during their initial ocean journey.
Manufactured in Asia, these containers are loaded with cargo once to reduce shipping costs.
This approach allows us to pass savings to our customers while maintaining a near-new condition.
3. Refurbished Containers
Refurbished containers are previously used Wind and Water Tight (WWT) containers that have been prepped, primed, and repainted. Refurbishing extends the lifespan and improves appearance.
Three Levels of Refurbishment:
Typical Refurbishment – Exterior is prepped and painted, including roof. Wire wheeling removes rust, spot priming covers exposed metal, and the exterior paint refreshes the container.
Complete Refurbishment – Includes all exterior work plus interior painting.
Factory Refurbishment – Full overhaul: new interior and exterior paint, new gaskets, and updated container markings.
Shipping Container Grades
Used containers are inspected and graded based on age, structural soundness, exterior and interior condition, damage history, and storage environment. Common grades include:
Wind and Water Tight (WWT)
Most popular grade.
Guaranteed not to leak.
May have original paint, surface rust, dents, and abrasions.
External appearance can be rough, but containers remain functional.
Cargo Worthy (CW)
Structurally sound and safe for international transport by sea, rail, or road.
Exterior shows original paint, markings, dents, and abrasions.
Requires a valid CSC inspection sticker for export.
IICL (IICL-6)
Meets the Institute of International Container Lessors inspection standards.
Suitable for export with a higher book value.
External appearance is much cleaner than WWT containers.
As Is
Containers that are heavily damaged and not economical to repair.
May have holes, broken flooring, and structural issues.
Recommended only for purposes where structural integrity and appearance are not critical.
