Container grades and condition
refurbished container
A refurbished container is a used container that has been repaired and cosmetically restored, usually with surface preparation and new paint. It is not structurally changed. Sellers often start with a unit that meets the wind and water tight category. The term is a trade term and has no single standard.
Why it matters
Refurbishing improves looks and often extends service life. A depot inspects the unit, repairs holes, floors and doors, removes rust, primes and repaints it, then does a final check for tightness. Refurbished differs from modified, which adds windows, doors or insulation. For a rental fleet, repainting gives a consistent brand look and hides past markings. A common mistake is to assume refurbished means rebuilt like new. Paint can cover problems. Ask what repairs were done and how the final check was made. IICL has a separate document for refurbishing steel containers, which is a useful reference for specs.
Read: Shipping container grades explained: One-trip, IICL, cargo worthy, and WWT
Definition source: hz-containers.com
Related terms
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.
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.
container repair
Container repair is work that fixes damage to a container, such as holes, dents, floors and doors. The IICL repair manual says the purpose of any repair is to restore structural integrity so the container can work safely in intermodal transport. Methods include straightening, welding, patching, inserting and replacing parts.
patch repair
A patch repair fixes a damaged container panel by welding a steel plate over the damage. The IICL manual treats it as one option when straightening or welding will not work. In the same section, an insert replaces a cut-out damaged section instead of overlaying it.
container modification
A container modification is a change made to a standard shipping container. It covers a single door cut-in up to a full fit-out. Common changes include doors, windows, vents, insulation, electrical work, HVAC, lining, partitions and plumbing. Sellers often group these changes into packages.
IICL 5
IICL 5 is the common short name for the IICL Repair Manual for Steel Freight Containers, fifth edition. It gives recommended repair procedures for steel containers, with photos, safety notes, materials and tools. Depots and repair shops use it as a reference for fixing containers.
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