Container grades and condition
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.
Why it matters
Most portable storage fleets are built on used containers because they cost less than new. The grade tells you what to expect. Cargo worthy units are sound enough for sea use. Wind and water tight units suit storage. As-is units are sold in their current state and may have dents, rust or older doors. These labels are trade terms, so two sellers can mean different things. A common mistake is to buy on grade alone. Two units with the same label can differ a lot. Inspect the unit or have it inspected, and ask for photos of the roof, floor and door seals before you pay.
Read: Shipping container grades explained: One-trip, IICL, cargo worthy, and WWT
Definition source: centexmobilestorage.com
Related terms
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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