A used container is worth what its condition says it is worth. These are the four grades we sell against, what each one accepts, what it rejects, and what it is not.
In used container trading, the same unit can be described as excellent by one seller and as fair by another, and both can be telling the truth as they see it. The words carry no shared meaning, which is why disputes usually end with a photograph and an argument.
A grade fixes that. It states a standard, names what is acceptable within it, and makes clear what is excluded — so a buyer can decide before paying whether the unit does the job, rather than discovering afterwards that "good" meant something narrower.
Two things a grade is not. It is not a warranty, and it is not a cosmetic promise. It describes condition at the time of inspection, against the criteria below.
| Grade | Accepted | Not accepted | Intended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| New build | Unused, ISO specification, CSC plate, manufacturer's finish | — | Export packing, long-term assets, client-facing sites |
| Single trip | One completed cargo movement, structurally as new, minor transport marks | Repeated-load wear, corrosion, panel replacement | Export packing where new-build lead time is too long |
| Cargo worthy (CW) | Dents, surface rust, previous repairs that do not affect strength or weather integrity | Holes, structural deformation, leaking doors or roof, damaged corner castings | Loaded export movements, freight use, cargo storage |
| Wind & water tight (WWT) | Cosmetic wear, panel dents, faded paint; weathertight envelope | Any condition that lets weather in; cargo-standard structural performance not claimed | Site storage, equipment housing, workshops, non-freight use |
| As-is | Whatever is visible at inspection; sold without condition claim | No representation of watertightness, structural fitness or cargo suitability | Conversion, cutting and fabrication, budget storage |
Grades are stated on the offer for the specific unit. Where a grade depends on a judgement — for example whether a dent affects structural integrity — the inspection record and photographs are the evidence.
Roof, floor, doors and gaskets, panels, corner castings, CSC plate, markings — assessed in that order at the depot.
Photographs and the container number are attached, so the grade refers to a specific unit rather than to a type.
The grade goes on the offer. If you disagree with it on inspection, you are not obliged to take the unit.
Independent survey. For export-critical or higher-value purchases, a third-party surveyor can be appointed at your request. We arrange depot access; the surveyor's report is theirs, not ours — which is the point of it.
Work backwards from the use, not from the price.
Cargo worthy at minimum. If the carrier or your customer imposes a condition requirement, confirm it before choosing — a CW unit may not satisfy a specific trade rule.
Wind and water tight is usually enough. You are buying a dry envelope, not a load-bearing asset.
As-is is often the sensible choice, because panels and doors will be cut anyway. Check corner castings and floor regardless — those are what the structure will stand on.
Single trip or new build. Cosmetic condition carries commercial weight when the container is visible to your customers.
No. IICL is a detailed inspection standard used in the container leasing and insurance market, with its own criteria and reporting format. Cargo worthy is a broader trading grade meaning the unit is structurally sound, watertight and fit to carry cargo. If your transaction requires an IICL survey, say so at enquiry stage, because it is a separate inspection with its own cost and timing.
A grade is a statement of condition at the time of inspection, not a warranty. It tells you what standard the unit met when it was assessed. Wear and damage after that point, and any use outside the grade's intended purpose, are not covered. If you need contractual protection, that is a matter for the sale terms and should be agreed in writing.
The depot assesses the unit against the seven inspection points, and the result is recorded with photographs and the container number. For a higher-value or export-critical purchase, an independent surveyor can be appointed at the buyer's request, and we will arrange access for them.
Tell us what the container will be used for and where it is going. We will tell you the grade that fits — including when a cheaper one will do.