Container conditions: Why they’re important [+ how to select the right one]

Understanding container conditions is crucial when choosing the correct containers for your needs, whether it be for shipping or storage. In this blog, we’ll outline the different grades and conditions, so that you know exactly what to look out for when selecting containers.

What is the importance of shipping container conditions?

When sourcing containers, it’s necessary to understand conditions (also known as shipping container grades) for a number of reasons. Let’s go over some of the most crucial ones now.

Suitability: First of all, different container conditions are better suited to specific purposes. For example, if you’re transporting expensive cargo, you probably don’t want a container that’s transported toxic waste or chemicals in the past. 

In this case, you should opt for a brand new container. And for food items, you should always choose a food-grade shipping container in order to maintain product purity. 

If you want containers for storage, on the other hand, you won’t need shiny new equipment. In this case, used containers that are sealed and structurally sound will do the trick perfectly for a much more affordable price than new containers. 

Regulatory compliance: Containers need to comply with a host of regulations set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in order to be deemed fit for shipping. Understanding the conditions required for specific uses is crucial for avoiding fines and penalties. 

Negotiation power: Being in-the-know about container conditions and what to look out for can also help you negotiate a fair price when buying shipping containers. On the Container xChange platform, for example, you can negotiate the prices of containers directly with the supplier. So if you can see that a used container needs certain repairs before it’s fit to ship goods, you can drive the price down.

Moreover, we have introduced standardized container condition definitions to ensure more accurate listings. Sellers must now specify container conditions according to these definitions in their contracts. You get 7 days after the release of containers to check the conditions. If a container you receive does not meet the agreed criteria, we will provide support and mediation. Browse through 100,000+ containers to buy containers with the most predictable container quality. 

From Brand New to As-is: An overview of the different container conditions

Before we delve into each container condition in detail, let’s get a quick overview of the main differences between new, excellent, cargo-worthy, WWT and as-is equipment.

	Brand New (1-Trip/Factory)	Excellent Condition (Multi-Trip/IICL)	Cargo-worthy	WWT	As-is
Wind & Watertight	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not guaranteed
Suitable for exports	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not suitable for frequent cargo moves	No
Suitable for storage	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	With repairs
Dents & scratches	Minimal dents and scratches	Minor dents and scratches	Some surface dents, scratches and rust	Dents, repairs and surface rust acceptable	Significant damage to the roof and/or walls
Paint on body	100% original paint	95% in original paint	Paint touch-ups (non-matching colors could have been used)	Faded, acceptable	Faded, acceptable
Doors functional	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not guaranteed
Standards	IICL-6 Valid CSC Plate	IICL-5 or 6 Valid CSC Plate	Valid CSC Plate	No standards	No standards
Floors free of holes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s go into more detail on each shipping container grade and what it’s best suited for, so that you can decide which container condition you need. 

Brand New (1-Trip/Factory)

Brand-new containers offer the highest quality, have made a maximum of 1 trip, and are a maximum 1 year old.

Here’s what you can expect from a Brand New (1-Trip/Factory) container

• Highest quality container on the market
• Structurally sound. Perfect beams, frames, and corner posts without any bending
• Minimal dents/scratches. No or only minor repair work as per IICL standard. 99% dent-free
• Offers IICL-6 standard and comes with a valid CSC (Container Safety Convention)
• Completely sealed, with zero daylight visibility from inside the container when closed
• No toxic materials transported in the container in the past
• Usually food grade, but not guaranteed (inspection for food-grade cargo is recommended)

Check out deals on brand-new shipping containers in your location today! 

Excellent Condition (Multi-Trip/IICL)

Multi-trip containers are in excellent condition and they meet the standards and specifications set by the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL). The IICL container is structurally sound and with minimal wear and tear.

Here’s what an excellent (multi-trip/IICL) container should look like:

• 2 or more trips
• Structurally sound with excellent condition of frames, walls, roof, doors, and seals. Minor scuffs or bends might be possible (all still within ISO)
• Minor dents and scratches. 95% dent-free
• Meets IICL-5 or 6 standards
• Has a valid CSC Plate
• Clean interior with possible non-transferable stains
• Often food grade, but not guaranteed (inspection for food grade cargo is recommended)

Find the best deals for excellent (multi-trip/IICL) containers on xChange and get the most predictable container quality. 

Cargo-worthy container 

In short, cargo-worthy (CW) means that the shipping container is deemed suitable to transport cargo. So, if you have cargo to send out and you’re not fussy about the container being shiny new, a cargo-worthy shipping container will do the trick. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than new containers.

CW containers usually come with minor dents, scuffing, and scratches, but they will still fulfill international shipping standards. These containers are structurally sound, sealed, waterproof, and free from holes, protecting cargo from wind, rain and other harsh weather during shipping.

Here’s what you can expect from a cargo-worthy shipping container:

• A valid CSC plate
• Usually 5 to 15 years of age with countless trips
• Minimum 50% mark-free interior with some scuffing, scratching, and minor surface rust
• Floors may have minor delamination or stains from previous cargo. But no toxic contamination
• Likely to have been previously repaired multiple times
• Ideal for shipping cargo but usually not food-grade

Get cargo-worthy containers on the Container xChange marketplace for less than $1,000. 

WWT container

A container is wind and water-tight if no wind or water can penetrate through the roof, walls, or doors. These containers are suitable for local storage. They may show signs of wear, but they are generally structurally sound.

WWT containers offer an excellent solution for storage, as they keep goods safe and protected from wind, rain and excess moisture, and are much more affordable than new containers.

With a WWT container, you can expect the following:

• Older than 10-15 years
• Extensive markings, corrosion, scratches, and major rust
• Marked floors with moderate delamination. Significant wear of the floor
• Usually some damage, (the container could be repaired or non-repaired, and there could be a high-cost estimate to repair further
• No standards. Eventually no CSC plate

Does one or more of these container conditions sound perfect for your needs? Great! Then it’s time to start finding the containers you need safely, at prices you’ll love on xChange. Click the banner today to choose from 100,000+ containers! 

As-is container

As-is containers are damaged containers that have been taken out of commission in the shipping industry. Containers sold without repairs or guarantees may have significant wear, damage, or rust, These containers may be suitable for non-transport uses, but are often considered metal scrap.

How to keep your shipping containers in good condition

It’s one thing to buy containers in good condition, but you’ve also got to make sure they stay that way. Here are a few tips to ensure you keep your containers in great shape so that you can use them for as long as possible.

Regular inspections: Regular inspections help you to stay on top of repairs before they turn into major issues. They also ensure that your containers always comply with safety regulations – you don’t want to rack up expensive fines because your equipment is deemed unfit for shipping at a port.

Regular inspections play a crucial role in ensuring your equipment is covered by insurance. Failure to meet inspection requirements could mean your claims are denied.

Frequent repairs: As we mentioned above, keeping on top of minor repairs is wise and prevents issues from becoming unmanageable. This is because problems like holes and rust can worsen drastically over time, requiring more resources and cash to fix. 

Leaving smaller issues can also compromise the safety of your containers, leading to potential cargo damage – which once again could be very costly. 

Store and load on level surfaces: Shipping containers of all types should be stored on a level surface at all times. This ensures that items can’t slide and damage container walls, as well as preventing containers from toppling or buckling during loading.

Lubricate doors and hinges: Making sure your container doors and hinges are lubricated will help to keep them in good working order. Lubrication allows for smooth and effortless operation of doors and prevents friction which can lead to excessive wear and tear.

Service reefers often: If you have reefer containers, it’s even more important to service and maintain them than with regular containers. Reefers have intricate machinery that can be very costly to fix. So it’s better to spend money on regular services and maintenance than shelling out a fortune to fix major problems. 

Plus, doing large repairs on your reefers means that your containers are out of operation for a while, so you’ll lose business.

Buy shipping containers on xChange in 4 easy steps

So now you know all about the different container conditions and what each condition is best suited for. What’s next? Finding the containers you need, quickly and easily, of course! We’ll walk you through the simple steps to buying shipping containers on the Container xChange platform now.

Decide on your criteria to get quality-assured containers

Besides the container condition, you’ll also need to figure out the container type and size you need. What’s more, make sure you know what sort of price you’re willing to shell out before you start browsing. 

With our Insights platform, you can get up-to-date price data any time of day or night. So you can make informed decisions every time you trade. 

Browse offers

Once you know exactly what you’re looking for, it’s time to hop onto the Container xChange trading platform and start finding the containers you need. You can browse and compare multiple offers to make sure you’re choosing the best deal for your budget. 

Finalize the deal

Once you’ve found an offer you like, it’s time to connect directly with the supplier to discuss the finer details. Not happy with the price? You can negotiate to make sure you’re 100% comfortable with the amount you’re shelling out. 

Make safe payments for quality-assured containers 

Once everything is finalized, there’s only one last thing to do: make the payment. Luckily, you can do this securely on the platform itself using the xChange Wallet.

xChange also ensures the highest standards of container quality. We have introduced standardized container condition definitions to ensure more accurate listings. Sellers must now specify container conditions according to these definitions in their listings and contracts. If a container you receive does not meet the agreed criteria, we will provide support and mediation. Successful claims resolution will allow you to get a refund. This commitment positions xChange as the marketplace with the most predictable and reliable container quality.

Want to start finding containers in the conditions you need right away? Browse anything from new and cargo-worthy to WWT containers at affordable prices right now.

Get the best prices on containers in various conditions on Container xChange

Ready to buy containers in the conditions you need, at prices that suit your budget? Then Container xChange is the perfect online solution for you. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect as a member:

• 100,000+ containers in 2,500+ locations
• 100% safe payments
• Vetted partners 
• 0% commission & no hidden fees
• Assured quality
• Easy 7-day return or the option to swap containers if conditions don’t match

So how do you get started? It’s so simple! Just click below to sign up for a free demo of the trading platform today, and get the chance to ask any burning questions you might have. You’ll be finding quality units in various container conditions from reliable suppliers in no time at all.

Container conditions: Common FAQs

What is a container inspection checklist?

The ISO inspection checklist is used to assess the structural integrity of a shipping container. If a container passes the ISO inspection, it is deemed fit to transport cargo across the ocean. This inspection helps to prevent damaged and unsafe containers from leaving shipping ports.

What is a cargo-worthy container?

A cargo-worthy container is structurally sound, and has no holes or major dents. It should also be completely wind and watertight. All cargo-worthy containers must have a CSC plate which confirms that they’ve been certified safe to transport cargo.

What is a standard shipping container?

A standard shipping container, also known as a dry container, is used to transport dry goods such as grains, clothing, paper and electronics. Standard containers come in three main sizes: 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube.