Know What You’re Buying: The Ultimate Guide to Container Grades
At Container Supcon, we believe in total transparency. In the shipping container industry, there is no “Kelley Blue Book.” Instead, containers are categorized by their structural condition and history.
Whether you are building a luxury container home or just need a dry place to store farm tools, choosing the right grade will save you money.
Here is exactly what our grades mean.
1. “One-Trip” (Like New)
Condition: Excellent / Pristine Price Point: $$$$
These are the newest containers available on the market. They are manufactured in Asia and shipped to the USA with a single load of dry cargo. Once they arrive, they are emptied and sold. They have never spent years deteriorating in a depot.
What to expect:
Aesthetics: Very clean. Original factory paint (usually beige, grey, or blue).
Floors: Immaculate plywood floors with no spills or stains.
Hardware: High locking handles situated waist-high for easy opening (on most models).
Minor Wear: You may see very minor dents or scratches from that single ocean voyage, but no rust.
Best For:
Tiny Homes & Offices (where looks matter).
Retail Kiosks / Pop-up Shops.
Locations where the container is highly visible (e.g., a front driveway).
This is the “Goldilocks” grade—the perfect balance of price and structural integrity. A Cargo Worthy container has been inspected by a certified surveyor and deemed strong enough for international maritime shipping.
What to expect:
Aesthetics: Will show signs of wear. Expect surface rust, dents, and patch repairs. It may have shipping logos or old decals.
Structure: Guaranteed to have a solid frame, good cross-members, and operational doors.
Certification: These units come with a valid (or renewable) CSC Plate, which means they can be legally loaded onto a ship or train.
Best For:
Exporting Goods: If you plan to ship your items overseas, you must buy CW.
Construction Projects: Great structural base for home conversions where the exterior will be clad/covered.
Long-Term Storage: A step up in longevity compared to WWT.
3. Wind and Water Tight (WWT)
Condition: Weatherproof / Used Price Point: $$ (Best Seller)
This is our most popular grade for static storage. These units have been retired from shipping lines (usually after 12-15 years of service). They are no longer certified for cargo, but they are still tough, secure, and dry.
What to expect:
Aesthetics: These are “ugly but strong.” Expect significant surface rust, dings, dents, and mismatched paint patches.
The Guarantee: We guarantee that if you step inside and close the doors, no light and no water will enter.
Floors: Floors will be solid but may have stains, scratches, or wear from years of forklift use.
Best For:
Farm & Agricultural Storage.
Construction Site Tool Sheds.
Personal Storage (where looks don’t matter).
Budget-conscious buyers.
4. “As-Is” (Damaged)
Condition: Repairs Required Price Point: $
Note: We generally do not stock As-Is containers for our export clients unless specifically requested for scrap projects.
These units have failed the WWT inspection. They may have holes in the roof, broken door hinges, or rotted floors. We recommend avoiding this grade unless you are a skilled welder looking for cheap steel.
How We Inspect (Our Guarantee)
Since you are buying from Container Supcon (a US-based supplier), we adhere to strict American inspection standards before any container is loaded for delivery.
Our 3-Point Check:
The Light Test: We stand inside every unit to ensure no pinholes of light are visible through the roof.
The Door Swing: We ensure doors open and close without needing heavy machinery.
The Floor Check: We verify the marine-grade plywood is solid with no soft spots or hazardous rot.
Still Not Sure? Ask Yourself This:
“Will I be cladding or painting the outside?”
Yes: Save money and buy Wind and Water Tight (WWT). Once you paint it or cover it with wood siding, it looks brand new.
No: If you want it to look good immediately upon delivery, invest in a One-Trip.
“Do I need to ship this container somewhere else later?”
Yes: You need Cargo Worthy (CW) to ensure it has the legal CSC plate for transport.
No:WWT is perfectly fine for sitting on your land.
Ready to choose your grade? Browse our inventory to see photos of current stock.
