Shipping containers are designed for a hard life at sea, often serving several decades with each owner. Over time, this takes a toll on their condition, so to make reselling used containers easier, shipping container grades were created to describe their quality. For a prospective buyer, these are key, but what are shipping container grades?
At KH Containers, we’ve spent more than a decade supplying customers with high-quality containers. To help you find the right grade for your needs, we’ve put together this handy guide to shipping container grades, covering each grade and how to select the right one for you.
What are Shipping Container Grades?
The modern system of shipping container grades is attributed to The Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL), which developed the various grades as a way of standardising condition assessments when evaluating used containers.
The grades range from one-trip to as-is, each indicating various amounts of wear and tear. One-trip or new containers are those in the best condition, and as is containers are containers at the end of their intended lifespan.
Each grade of container will serve a different purpose and will usually come at varying price points based on condition and length of service. The assessment process for determining shipping container grades is standardised and designed to serve as a useful guide for buyers when determining condition and pricing.
Not every supplier will follow the grading system in the same way, but it has made the market much more transparent for buyers. It’s particularly useful in the case of online purchases, where buyers may not see their container in person before buying.
The Main Types of Shipping Container Grades Explained
One Trip Containers
At the top of the grading system are one-trip containers. These are like-new containers that have served just one trip from their place of manufacture to their point of sale. They will have been loaded with goods to make transportation more cost-effective but should be sporting very few, if any, marks or dents and no rust.
One-trip containers are likely to last at least another 15-20 years and can be used for pretty much any purpose. They will also be fully CSC certified and perfect for those looking for a container that will last or as a clean base for conversion projects.
Because of their good condition, however, they will be the costliest option.
Cargo Worthy Containers
Cargo worthy containers are a step down from one-trip. These have typically seen a little more use but will still be CSC certified for international shipping. They might be showing a few signs of very light rust, minor dents and scuffs, but will be structurally sound and still wind and watertight.
Inside, the flooring should also be in good condition, with only light scratching and no transferable marks. Cargo worthy containers make a great purchase for those looking for a cost-effective option for shipping and are still aesthetically clean and structurally sound enough to serve as conversions.
Wind and Watertight Containers
Next on the list of shipping container grades are wind and watertight containers. These containers can be found with or without CSC certification and are typically predicted to last another 5-10 years but could exceed that with the right care.
Wind and watertight containers are more dented, scratched and rusted than the previous two grades, but are still, as the name suggests, wind and watertight. They may not be suitable for shipping anymore, but are usually perfect for secure storage or even some conversion projects.
The higher level of wear makes wind and watertight containers a very cost-effective option for buyers who aren’t concerned about a few marks and dings.
As-Is containers
When answering ‘what are shipping container grades?’, the bottom of the scale is as-is containers. These containers are almost certainly unsuitable for shipping purposes and have usually reached the end of their commercial lifespans. They’ll display heavy wear, including considerable amounts of rust, scuffs, dents and other marks. As-is containers may even be structurally compromised. They’re sold literally as is, with no guarantees or warranties.
However, because of this, they’re available for very budget-friendly prices. They’re usually used as storage or animal shelters but can often be creatively repurposed with some modifications.
How to Choose the Right Shipping Container Grade for Your Needs?
Different shipping container grades suit varying purposes, and which one is right for you will depend on your needs.
| Use | Shipping Container Grade |
|---|---|
| Shipping | One-trip or cargo worthy |
| Conversions | One-trip, cargo worthy or wind and watertight |
| Storage | Wind and watertight |
| Repurposing | As-is |
So, now you know the answer to the question ‘what are shipping container grades?’ and how to select the best grade for your needs, but where can you find a range of quality containers?
KH Containers stocks and supplies a huge range of new and used shipping containers, all reliably graded. We provide a wide variety of sizes and types, perfect for almost any application. We’re trusted by customers across a range of industries, are rated 5 stars on Google and provide fast, secure delivery.
To get a free quote, just reach out to our friendly team by calling 0333 577 3191, email henry@khcontainers.co.uk or fill out our contact form. For more information, browse some of our shipping container FAQs.
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