Shipping containers play a crucial role in global trade, transporting goods across oceans and continents. When purchasing or leasing a shipping container, understanding its grade and condition is essential to ensure it meets your needs. This blog will explore the grading system for shipping containers, helping you understand what each grade signifies and how to choose the right container for your cargo
What Are Shipping Container Grades and Conditions?
Shipping container grades and conditions refer to the quality and usability of containers based on their wear and tear, structural sound, and overall performance. Knowing these conditions and grades is crucial for buyers and sellers as it helps determine the container’s suitability for cargo transportation.
Shipping Container Conditions
Shipping container conditions indicate the wear and tear a container has undergone. Whether brand-new or used, knowing these conditions helps you select the right container for your needs.
New/One Trip Shipping Containers
New/One Trip containers are almost new and have only been used once. They might have a few dents and scratches from their journey across the ocean. These containers are made in Asia and then shipped to different parts of the world.
To keep shipping costs down and offer better deals, these containers are used for just one trip, carrying goods on a single journey. This helps save money on transportation, and those savings are passed on to customers.
Used Shipping Containers
Used containers are built to handle tough shipping jobs for 5 to 15 years. After that, they’re retired from use. Most of these containers still have their original paint and markings from the shipping company, which shows their history.
You’ll see that they look a bit worn out. They might have surface rust, dings, dents, and scratches, which show they’ve been used a lot. Despite their appearance, they are still strong and reliable for shipping.
Shipping Container Grades
Shipping container grades reflect the quality and suitability of containers for different uses. Understanding these grades helps you choose the best option for your shipping needs.
IICL Containers
IICL containers meet strict standards set by the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL), ensuring they’re top-quality for exporting goods. These containers are the highest grade available, meaning they’re in excellent condition and can handle the demands of international shipping.
They’re not just functional but also look much better on the outside compared to Wind and Watertight (WWT) containers. This makes them a great choice if you want a container that’s both reliable and visually appealing.
Wind and Watertight Containers
Wind and Water Tight WWT containers are built to keep out water and wind, making them ideal for protecting your cargo. No leaks, so your goods stay dry.
However, because WWT containers have been used for heavy-duty shipping, they often show signs of wear. You might see faded paint, rust, dents, and scratches on the outside. While they are great for keeping out water, they might not look as clean or new as other containers.
Cargo Worthy
Cargo Worthy (CW) containers are checked and certified to be strong and reliable for global shipping by sea, rail, or road. They’re inspected to ensure they can handle the demands of international transport.
On the outside, they might show signs of wear, such as old paint, shipping labels, surface rust, dents, or scratches. Despite this, they are still safe and effective for shipping.
For export use, CW containers must pass a detailed inspection and have a valid CSC plate sticker. This sticker confirms that the container meets all necessary standards and is deemed suitable for global shipping.
Conclusion
Selecting the right shipping container is crucial for safe transport. Containers vary from “New/One Trip,” which is almost like new, to “Used,” which may show signs of rust, dents, and scratches.
IICL Containers are top-grade, meeting strict standards for international shipping. Wind and Watertight (WWT) containers are good at keeping out water and wind but may look worn. Cargo-worthy shipping containers are reliable and have passed inspections but might show some wear like old labels and rust.
Understanding these grades helps you pick a container that meets your needs and budget, whether you need one in good condition or a more affordable, used option.
Find the Perfect Shipping Container with SuperBox
Choosing the right shipping container is crucial for the safe and efficient transport of cargo. At SuperBox, we offer a range of containers suited for every need, from “New/One Trip” containers to reliable “Cargo Worthy” options. Understanding container grades and conditions helps you select the best fit for your requirements.
Explore our selection today to find the perfect container for your needs. For more details or to get in touch with our team, call us at 1-866-696-9269. We’re here to help you find the ideal solution!
