Shipping Container Grades
Along with size and specification, each shipping container is graded. When you want to purchase a shipping container, it’s essential to consider its grade. Containers have four possible grades:
- New (also called One-Way or One-Trip)
- Used – Cargo Worthy
- Used – Wind / Watertight
- Used – As-Is (we never sell “as-is” containers)
Container Grades
Click on each tab below to learn more about that specific container grade.
Shipping Container Grade: NEW
What “NEW” Means
New containers are also called one-way or one-trip containers. This means they have had a one-way, loaded journey from the manufacturer in China to North America.
Regardless of who is selling them, ALL NEW containers will have a loaded, one-way ocean transport from China.
What to Expect of a “NEW” Grade
As a result, all new containers may have minor blemishes and forklift tire marks on the floor where they’ve been loaded and unloaded once.
When to Choose “NEW” Shipping Containers
A new container is your first choice whenever reliability, longevity, or aesthetics are important.
Used Shipping Container Grade: CARGO WORTHY
What “CARGO WORTHY” Means
CARGO WORTHY is the designation for the highest grade of used containers.
CARGO-WORTHY containers are inspected to meet all requirements for domestic and overseas shipment.
What to Expect of CARGO-WORTHY Containers
Inspection criteria are based on the many factors for structural integrity. The cosmetic appearance of the container does not factor into this grade classification.
All Cargo-Worthy containers are classified as structurally sound, meeting the manufacturers’ original factory specifications.
Cargo-Worthy containers can be certified by a licensed surveyor for domestic and export use.
When to Choose CARGO-WORTHY Containers
If you are exporting and buying a used container, your containers must be graded as CARGO WORTHY.
Used Shipping Container Grade: WIND/WATERTIGHT
What WIND/WATERTIGHT Means
This designation is the second-highest grade of used container.
Wind/Watertight containers are depreciated off steamship and leasing companies’ fleets when they have served the fleet for approximately 14 to 18 years.
What to Expect of WIND/WATERTIGHT
At the time of delivery, the insides of these containers are guaranteed to be wind and watertight. These containers are in good condition and have long-life expectancies.
When to Choose WIND/WATERTIGHT Containers
This container grade is an excellent choice for a quality container at the lowest possible price.
USED - As Is
“As-Is” containers represent the lowest grade of container. These containers do not meet the above grading system and are simply sold “As Is”.
Container Management, Inc. does NOT sell As-Is shipping containers.
Used Shipping Container Grade: AS IS
What “AS IS” Means
“As Is” containers represent the lowest grade of the container.
These containers do not meet the grades of the other containers and are sold “As Is.”
What to Expect With “AS IS” Containers
These shipping containers are NOT guaranteed to be wind and watertight. The doors may not function. They may have significant dents, and the floors may have gouges, patches, and holes.
When to Choose As-Is Containers
We do not advise purchasing “As-Is” containers. Furthermore, Container Management, Inc. does not sell this grade container at any of its locations.
CONTAINER GRADES
| Grading Attributes | NEW - One-Trip | USED - Cargo Worthy | USED - Wind / Water Tight | USED - As Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRADING CONDITIONS: | *We never sell “as-is” containers. | |||
| Wind & Watertight | Yes - guaranteed | Yes - guaranteed | Yes - guaranteed | Not guaranteed |
| Floors Free of Holes | Yes - guaranteed | Yes - guaranteed | Yes - guaranteed | Not guaranteed |
| Doors Fully Functioning | Yes - guaranteed | Yes - guaranteed | Yes - guaranteed | Not guaranteed |
| Suitable for Storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes - with repairs |
| Suitable for Export | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Suitable for Modification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes - with repairs |
| Paint | Original factory paint - New Paint | Original factory paint | Original factory paint | Original factory paint |
| Dents & Scratches | Minor dents & scratches are acceptable | Dents, repairs, and minimal surface rust are acceptable | Dents, repairs, and minimal surface rust are acceptable | Significant dents acceptable |
| Appearance of Floors | Like New | Minor delamination acceptable | Minor delamination acceptable | Scratches, gouges, patches and potential holes |
| WHAT YOU'RE BUYING | THE BEST CONDITION AVAILABLE | GOOD CONDITION, STILL MEETS ALL MANUFACTURER REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPORT | GOOD CONDITION, SUITABLE FOR STORAGE OR CONVERSION/MODIFICATION PROJECT. | NO GUARANTEES, MAY BE APPROPRIATE WITH REPAIRS, IF NEEDED |
