---
title: "cargo worthy (CW): Definition and Meaning | NPSA"
description: "Cargo worthy is a trade term for a used container that is sound enough to carry cargo by sea. It points to structural condition, not looks."
url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cargo-worthy-cw
publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)
phone: "(816) 960-6552"
email: info@npsa.org
---

Container grades and condition

# cargo worthy (CW)

Cargo worthy is a trade term for a used container that is sound enough to carry cargo by sea. It points to structural condition, not looks. Sellers define it slightly differently. It does not by itself prove the container holds a current CSC plate or survey.

## Why it matters

Cargo worthy units are often the pick when a customer might ship the box overseas later, or wants more confidence in the structure. Expect dents, dings and rust, because the term does not describe appearance. Cargo worthy usually costs more than wind and water tight. A common mistake is to read it as certified. Many sellers use it to mean the unit is sound enough to be certified, not that it is. If export is possible, ask for the current CSC plate details and any recent survey in writing. Operators should also say how their company defines the term on quotes and invoices, so customers know exactly what they get.

[Read: Shipping container grades explained: One-trip, IICL, cargo worthy, and WWT](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/shipping-container-grades)

Definition source: [eagleleasing.com](https://www.eagleleasing.com/shipping-container-condition-handbook/)

## Related terms

[### wind and water tight (WWT) Wind and water tight is a trade term for a used container that should have no holes or defects that let wind or water in. It is not certified by an outside body. The seller decides whether a unit meets it, so definitions vary by company.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/wind-and-water-tight-wwt)[### CSC plate A CSC plate is a metal safety approval plate fixed to a freight container under the International Convention for Safe Containers. It shows that the container was approved for international transport and carries the technical data and examination information for that container. The plate is usually fixed to a container door.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/csc-plate)[### container survey A container survey is a formal inspection of a container by a qualified surveyor, with a written result. Surveys check that a container meets safety standards, such as the CSC, before shipping. They can also support valuation and damage assessment. Costs vary by provider.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-survey)[### one-trip container A one-trip container is a container that has made a single cargo voyage from the factory before being sold or rented. It is close to new. It usually has clean lines, solid floors and doors that work smoothly. Sellers use the term in slightly different ways.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/one-trip-container)[### used container A used container is a container that has served a working life, usually at sea, before being sold or rented for storage. Sellers grade used units, often as cargo worthy, wind and water tight or as-is. The grade affects price, appearance and how well the unit keeps out water.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/used-container)[### container inspection A container inspection is a check of a container's outside, inside, doors, floor and roof for damage, leaks and wear. Buyers do it before purchase. Operators do it when units go out and come back. It can be a quick look or a formal review to a standard.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-inspection)

[All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary)

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