One-trip → IICL → CW → WWT → as-is
Container Grades & Condition
Two containers of the same size can differ in price by 3× — the difference is grade, not dimensions. Grades describe condition and certification, and they matter because they decide what a unit may legally do: sail, or just sit.
The grades, decoded
One-trip: built in Asia, sailed once with cargo, sold at destination. Minor handling marks at most. The de-facto “new” container.
IICL: passes the Institute of International Container Lessors inspection — stricter than CSC; the standard for leasing fleets. The current criteria edition is IICL-6.
Cargo-worthy (CW): structurally sound with a valid CSC plate; may be chartered for international shipping.
WWT: doors seal and the roof sheds rain, but certification has lapsed. The normal grade of storage units.
As-is: sold without warranty — expect rust-through, floor damage or door problems.
| Grade | Price multiplier |
|---|---|
| One-trip | 1.6–2.0× |
| Cargo-worthy (CW) | 1.0× (baseline) |
| WWT | 0.7–0.9× |
| As-is | 0.4–0.6× |
What to inspect before buying
Roof from above (dents pool water), floor boards (delamination and chemical spills), door gaskets (light test: close yourself inside — any daylight is a leak), corner castings (cracks) and the CSC plate (present, legible, in date for CW claims). Surface rust is cosmetic on Corten steel; scale rust that flakes in sheets is structural.
Frequently asked questions
What does cargo-worthy mean?
The container is structurally fit for international transport and carries a valid CSC safety approval. It can be booked for ocean freight, unlike WWT or as-is units.
Is a one-trip container new?
Practically yes — it has made exactly one loaded voyage from the factory. Expect minor forklift or handling marks but full remaining service life.
What grade of container do I need for storage?
Wind & water tight (WWT) is sufficient for static storage and costs significantly less than cargo-worthy. Choose CW only if the unit might ever ship internationally.