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Shipping Container Condition Grades
Container grades tell you the condition you are paying for. Here is what each grade means in plain terms, from spotless one-trip units to budget wind-and-watertight boxes.
The Four Grades You Will See
New / One-Trip: made recently, one cargo voyage. Near-flawless paint, tight doors, minimal wear. Best looks and resale. See one-trip containers.
Cargo-Worthy (CW): certified structurally sound and fit for shipping. Surface rust and dings, solid floor, sealing doors. The best all-round used value.
Wind & Watertight (WWT): guaranteed dry and secure with sealing doors, more cosmetic wear. Cheapest path to weatherproof storage.
As-Is: sold without a wind-and-watertight guarantee — may have a leak or damage. Only worth it for scrap, parts, or projects where water intrusion does not matter.
Which Grade Should You Buy?
- Dry storage on a budget: wind-and-watertight
- Best value all-round: cargo-worthy
- Appearance, homes, offices, resale: one-trip
- Scrap or non-weather projects only: as-is
Grades Are Not Universal
Terms are industry-standard but not legally fixed, so one seller’s “CW” can look different from another’s. We describe the actual condition of what you will receive, not just a label. Ask and we will be straight about wear.
Grade Questions
What is the difference between cargo-worthy and wind-and-watertight?
Cargo-worthy is certified for shipping and structurally stronger; wind-and-watertight is dry and secure but more cosmetically worn and cheaper.
Is a one-trip container the same as new?
Effectively yes — built recently with a single cargo voyage, so it looks nearly new.
Should I ever buy an as-is container?
Only for scrap, parts, or projects where a possible leak does not matter. For storage, choose wind-and-watertight or better.