SHIPPING CONTAINER GRADES

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.

NEW Containers

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 - Cargo Worthy

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 - Wind/Water Tight

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

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
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