When shopping for steel shipping containers, you’ll encounter different condition grades that describe the container’s quality, appearance, and structural integrity. These grades aren’t arbitrary, they’re industry-standard classifications that help you understand exactly what you’re purchasing.
Whether you need a pristine container for a customer-facing application or a functional storage solution on a budget, understanding these grades for cargo containers (also called CONEX containers, sea boxes, or portable storage containers) ensures you get the right container for your specific needs and expectations.
The Four Main Container Grades
New 1-Trip Shipping Containers
After manufacture overseas, new shipping containers are shipped around the world to shipping lines that lease containers to transport cargo. When these new storage containers are shipped, it’s cost-effective for the manufacturer and country of origin to load the containers with cargo before heading to their destinations. This cargo helps pay for the shipping costs of these containers.
These brand new containers are noted as “New 1-trip shipping containers” because they’ve made one sailing and most likely carried one load of cargo on their maiden voyage.
What to Expect:
- Factory-new condition with minimal handling marks
- Clean interior with no cargo residue or odors
- Original paint and finish
- Perfect door operation and sealing
- Pristine marine-grade plywood flooring
- Maximum lifespan potential (25-30 years)
Learn more about 1-trip shipping containers
Cargo Worthy Shipping Containers
Cargo worthy containers are normally 10-15 years old and have been actively used in the intermodal equipment industry. However, just because these used containers are pre-owned doesn’t mean they aren’t reliable storage solutions.
Cargo worthy shipping containers must still meet US Coast Guard guidelines, which means:
- No holes or leaks anywhere in the structure
- Marine grade plywood flooring must be in good condition
- Container doors must open and close properly
- Door seals and container vents must be functional
- Any dents cannot be more than 2.5” deep.
What to Expect:
- Visible signs of shipping use but fully functional
- 95%+ structural integrity meeting maritime standards
- Weather-tight protection for contents
- Reliable door operation and sealing
- Remaining service life of 15-20 years
Read our full breakdown on New vs Used Shipping Containers.
Wind/Water Tight (WWT) Storage Containers
Wind/Water Tight containers represent a middle grade between Cargo Worthy and As-Is conditions. These containers provide basic weather protection but don’t meet the strict structural standards required for international shipping certification.
Important Industry Note: Many suppliers attempt to sell WWT containers as “Cargo Worthy” condition at discounted prices. This misleading practice hurts customers who believe they’re getting certified shipping-grade containers when they’re actually receiving containers that cannot meet Coast Guard standards.
What Wind/Water Tight Means:
- Weather Protection: Container keeps out rain, snow, and wind under normal conditions
- Structural Limitations: May have minor structural issues that prevent shipping certification
- Door Function: Doors operate but may not seal to shipping standards
- Floor Condition: Flooring may show significant wear but remains functional
- Age Factor: Typically 15-20 years old with visible signs of extended use
What to Expect:
- Good weather protection for storage applications
- Possible minor cosmetic and structural issues
- May have small dents, rust spots, or minor floor damage
- Cannot be certified for international shipping
- Remaining service life of 10-15 years depending on condition
- Significantly lower cost than Cargo Worthy grade
Key Difference from Cargo Worthy: While WWT containers provide adequate storage protection, they cannot pass the rigorous inspections required for ocean shipping. This distinction is crucial for customers who may need shipping certification in the future.
As-Is Storage Containers
As the name suggests, as-is containers are sold in whatever condition they’re currently in. These storage containers are no longer cargo worthy and cannot sail on container vessels due to condition issues.
What to Expect:
- Possible holes or leaks in walls, roof, or floor
- Potential major dents and structural issues
- Problems with floors, doors, or door operation
- Cannot meet Coast Guard certification standards
- May have been repaired and repainted but still classified as As-Is
- Variable remaining lifespan depending on current condition
Important Note: Storage containers that have been repaired and repainted are still classified as As-Is containers because they cannot achieve Coast Guard certification again.
Understanding What Affects Container Grades
Container Lifecycle & Shipping Service History
Understanding why containers become available helps explain their condition:
Active Shipping Phase (Years 1-8):
- Containers travel global shipping routes carrying cargo
- Exposure to salt air, extreme temperatures, and heavy handling
- Regular inspections ensure structural integrity
- Minor damage accumulates but doesn’t affect shipping certification
Service Transition (Years 8-12):
- Shipping companies retire containers based on age and condition standards
- Many containers still have decades of useful storage life remaining
- Economic factors drive retirement timing more than structural condition
- Best containers often sold when shipping companies update fleets
Post-Shipping Life (Years 12+):
- Containers enter secondary markets for storage and conversion use
- Proper maintenance can extend useful life to 25-30 years
- Location and usage patterns significantly impact longevity
- Quality varies widely based on shipping routes and cargo history
Shipping Route Impact on Condition:
- Asia-Pacific routes: Heavy use, frequent handling, accelerated wear
- North Atlantic routes: Salt exposure, temperature extremes
- Inland/feeder routes: Generally lighter use, better preservation
- Hazardous cargo history: Affects interior condition and suitability for certain uses
Container Certifications & Industry Standards
CSC (Container Safety Convention) Certification
Every shipping container displays a CSC plate that provides crucial information:
CSC Plate Information:
- Manufacture date: Month and year of production
- Maximum gross weight: Total weight capacity including container and cargo
- Payload capacity: Maximum cargo weight the container can safely carry
- Tare weight: Empty weight of the container itself
- Next inspection due: When the container requires re-certification for shipping
What CSC Certification Means:
- Container meets international safety standards for shipping
- Structural integrity verified by certified inspectors
- Required for any container used in international commerce
- Expired certification doesn’t affect storage use but indicates age
IICL (Institute of International Container Lessors) Standards
The IICL provides the industry standard for container condition grading:
IICL Grade 5 Standards:
- Corresponds to “Cargo-Worthy” condition
- Specific criteria for acceptable damage levels
- Standardized inspection process used globally
- Ensures consistency in container condition assessment
Key IICL Criteria:
- Structural damage: Must not exceed specified limits
- Corrosion levels: Detailed rust tolerance standards
- Door operation: Specific requirements for seal integrity
- Floor condition: Standards for acceptable wear and damage
Container Lifecycle & Why Grades Matter
Active Shipping Phase (Years 1-8)
Containers travel global shipping routes carrying cargo, experiencing exposure to salt air, extreme temperatures, and heavy handling. Regular inspections ensure structural integrity, though minor damage accumulates without affecting shipping certification.
Service Transition (Years 8-12)
Shipping companies retire containers based on age and condition standards. Many containers still have decades of useful storage life remaining, with economic factors often driving retirement timing more than structural condition.
Post-Shipping Life (Years 12+)
Containers enter secondary markets for storage and conversion use. Proper maintenance can extend useful life to 25-30 years, with quality varying based on shipping routes and cargo history.
Shipping Route Impact on Condition:
- Asia-Pacific routes: Heavy use, frequent handling, accelerated wear
- North Atlantic routes: Salt exposure, temperature extremes
- Inland/feeder routes: Generally lighter use, better preservation
- Hazardous cargo history: Affects interior condition and suitability for certain uses
Grade-Specific Use Recommendations for Storage Containers
Choosing the right shipping container grade depends on your specific application and requirements:
When to Choose New 1-Trip Shipping Containers
Ideal Applications:
- Retail conversions where appearance directly impacts business
- Residential areas with HOA requirements or aesthetic standards
- Food service conversions requiring pristine interior conditions
- Mobile offices representing your professional image
- Tiny house projects where container condition matters for habitability
- Man cave or she shed conversions in visible residential locations
- Workshop conversions requiring pristine starting condition
- Projects requiring permits where container condition matters
- Long-term investments where maximum lifespan justifies higher cost
Consider New Storage Containers When:
- Appearance is a primary concern
- You’re planning extensive modifications
- The project timeline requires immediate perfection
- Resale value is important
When Cargo-Worthy Storage Containers Excel
Ideal Applications:
- Commercial storage for inventory, equipment, or supplies
- Construction sites requiring secure, weatherproof storage
- Agricultural storage for feed, equipment, or seasonal items
- Workshop conversions where function matters more than perfection
- Self-storage operations for rental units
- Equipment housing for generators, pumps, or machinery
- Mobile storage for temporary or relocatable needs
- Warehousing where structural integrity is paramount
- Portable garage applications for vehicles or equipment
- Cold storage applications with proper insulation
Choose Cargo-Worthy When:
- You need proven durability at reasonable cost
- Structural integrity is more important than appearance
- The container won’t be customer-facing
- You want the best value for portable storage applications
When Wind/Water Tight Containers Make Sense
Ideal Applications:
- Basic storage for tools, equipment, or supplies where appearance isn’t critical
- Temporary storage solutions for construction or renovation projects
- Seasonal storage for outdoor furniture, decorations, or equipment
- Budget-conscious buyers needing reliable weather protection
- Rural or remote locations where cosmetic appearance doesn’t matter
- Backup storage where occasional use is expected
- Projects where containers will be painted or clad anyway
- Non-critical storage where some maintenance tolerance is acceptable
Choose Wind/Water Tight When:
- You need weather protection on a tighter budget
- Cosmetic appearance is not a primary concern
- You don’t require shipping certification now or in the future
- Storage needs are basic and straightforward
- You understand the condition limitations and accept them
***Important Buyer Warning: Be cautious of suppliers offering “Cargo Worthy” containers at suspiciously low prices. Many competitors sell Wind/Water Tight containers while claiming they’re Cargo Worthy condition. While you may pay less upfront, you’re not getting the certified structural integrity and shipping-grade quality you believed you purchased. Always verify the actual grade and ask for certification documentation.
When As-Is Containers Work Best
Ideal Applications:
- Temporary storage needs where appearance doesn’t matter
- Projects where container will be heavily modified anyway
- Budget-priority situations with repair capabilities
- Remote locations where delivery of better grades is challenging
Choose As-Is When:
- Budget is the primary consideration
- You’re comfortable making repairs or modifications
- The container won’t be visible or customer-facing
- You have experience evaluating and fixing container issues
Important Note: Avoid As-Is containers unless you have experience evaluating structural issues and access to repair facilities. These often require significant investment to make them usable.
Need more information? Read our guide on buying shipping containers!
Container Modifications Based on Grade Selection
The grade of steel shipping containers you choose often determines which modifications make sense:
New/One-Trip Containers are ideal for extensive modifications like tiny homes, retail conversions, and customer-facing applications where appearance matters. The pristine condition provides the best foundation for complex modifications requiring structural integrity.
IICL Storage Containers work excellently for professional modifications where good appearance is needed but maximum perfection isn’t required. Perfect for office conversions, workshop projects, and applications requiring clean, professional results.
Cargo-Worthy Containers work excellently for functional modifications like workshops, adding roll-up doors, windows, and electrical systems where structural integrity is proven but appearance is secondary to function. Ideal for portable garage conversions and self-storage applications.
As-Is Storage Containers are suitable for basic modifications where the container structure will be significantly altered anyway, or for buyers comfortable working with existing condition issues.
Our in-house modification team provides free consultations and quality craftsmanship using commercial-grade materials for any grade container.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Container Grades
What are the different grades of shipping containers?
The four main grades are: New 1-Trip – containers that made only one journey from factory to port; Cargo-Worthy – used containers certified for international shipping with 95%+ structural integrity; Wind/Water Tight (WWT) – containers that provide weather protection but cannot meet shipping certification standards; and As-Is – containers no longer suitable for shipping service.
What does “Cargo Worthy” mean for shipping containers?
Cargo worthy containers meet US Coast Guard guidelines and international standards for shipping cargo. These steel cargo containers have 95%+ structural integrity, no holes or leaks, good flooring condition, proper door operation, and dents no deeper than 1.5 inches.
What’s the difference between IICL and Cargo Worthy containers?
IICL containers are typically newer (under 10 years) with minimal wear and rust, while Cargo Worthy containers are usually 10-15 years old with more visible use but still meet shipping standards. IICL containers generally have better appearance and longer remaining life.
How long do different container grades typically last?
New 1-Trip: 25-30 years | IICL: 20-25 years | Cargo Worthy: 15-20 years | As-Is: Varies significantly based on current condition and repairs needed.
Can As-Is containers be repaired to become Cargo Worthy?
No. Once a container is classified as As-Is, it cannot regain Cargo Worthy status or Coast Guard certification, even if repaired and repainted.
Do all grades provide weather protection?
New 1-Trip, IICL, and Cargo Worthy containers provide excellent weather protection. As-Is containers may have weather-related issues that need addressing depending on their specific condition.
Ready to Choose the Right Container Grade?
Understanding container grades helps you select the right condition for your specific needs and budget. At E & S Equipment Sales INC., we provide honest grade assessments and detailed photos so you know exactly what to expect from each container condition.
Need more information? Read our full guide on buying storage containers
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