Steel Container Store

Shipping containers come in various grades, each with different conditions, certifications, and price points. Understanding these classifications is crucial to making an informed purchase decision. Here's a comprehensive guide to container conditions and what they mean for your project.

New / One Trip Containers

These are essentially new containers that have made only one trip across the ocean. They are pristine, with no rust, dents, or wear. The paint is fresh, the floors are in excellent condition, and all hardware functions perfectly.

Best for: Residential conversions, high-end projects, applications where appearance matters, and situations where you want the longest possible lifespan.

Price range: $4,000-$6,000 for 20-foot, $5,000-$8,000 for 40-foot containers.

Advantages: Maximum lifespan, best appearance, no repairs needed, highest resale value, ideal for modifications.

Considerations: Highest upfront cost, may be overkill for simple storage applications.

Cargo Worthy (CW) Containers

Cargo Worthy containers are structurally sound and certified for international shipping. They meet all international shipping standards and can legally transport goods across oceans. These containers may have some surface rust, minor dents, or wear, but they are fully watertight and structurally intact.

Best for: International shipping, businesses that need certified containers, projects requiring the highest structural integrity, and applications where certification matters.

Price range: $3,500-$5,500 for 20-foot, $4,500-$7,000 for 40-foot containers.

Advantages: Certified for shipping, excellent structural condition, watertight guarantee, good resale value, suitable for all modifications.

Considerations: Higher cost than WWT, may have cosmetic imperfections, certification may not be necessary for storage-only use.

CW containers undergo rigorous inspection and certification processes. They must pass tests for structural integrity, watertightness, and compliance with international standards (CSC certification).

Wind & Watertight (WWT) Containers

The most popular choice for storage and most conversion projects. WWT containers are guaranteed not to leak but are no longer certified for international transport. They may have more visible wear, rust, or dents than CW containers, but they remain structurally sound and watertight.

Best for: Storage, most conversion projects, residential use, businesses, and any application where shipping certification isn't needed.

Price range: $2,000-$3,500 for 20-foot, $3,000-$4,500 for 40-foot containers.

Advantages: Excellent value, watertight guarantee, suitable for most applications, good structural condition, ideal for modifications.

Considerations: Not certified for shipping, may have cosmetic issues, may require minor repairs or cleaning.

WWT containers represent the best balance of cost and quality for most users. They provide decades of reliable service for storage and conversion projects while costing significantly less than certified containers.

As-Is Containers

As-is containers are sold without guarantees. They may have leaks, structural issues, or significant wear. These are the lowest-cost option but require careful inspection and may need repairs.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, DIY repair projects, non-critical applications, and buyers with container repair experience.

Price range: $1,000-$2,500 for 20-foot, $1,500-$3,000 for 40-foot containers.

Advantages: Lowest cost, potential for good value if repairable.

Considerations: No guarantees, may need significant repairs, requires expertise to evaluate, higher risk.

Specialty Conditions

Food Grade: Containers previously used for food transport. They're thoroughly cleaned and may have special linings. Ideal for food-related businesses.

Refrigerated (Reefer): Insulated containers with refrigeration units. Excellent for climate-controlled storage or conversions requiring insulation.

Open Top: Containers with removable roofs for loading oversized items. Useful for construction sites or equipment storage.

High Cube: Containers that are one foot taller than standard (9.5 feet vs 8.5 feet). Provides extra vertical space for conversions.

What to Look For When Inspecting

Regardless of condition grade, inspect these key areas:

Floor condition: Check for rot, holes, or excessive wear. Plywood floors should be solid.
Door operation: Doors should open and close smoothly. Gaskets should be intact.
Structural integrity: Look for significant dents, especially on corner posts. Minor dents are usually fine.
Rust: Surface rust is normal, but excessive rust or holes are red flags.
Roof condition: Check for dents that could collect water or compromise watertightness.
Locking mechanism: Ensure locking bars function properly.

Making the Right Choice

Your choice depends on your specific needs:

Simple storage: WWT containers offer the best value.
Residential conversion: One-trip or WWT, depending on budget and appearance requirements.
Business use requiring certification: CW containers are necessary.
Budget projects: WWT or as-is, depending on your repair capabilities.

Understanding container conditions helps you make an informed decision that balances cost, quality, and your specific needs. For most applications, WWT containers provide excellent value, while CW containers are essential when certification matters, and one-trip containers offer the premium option for high-end projects.