New / One Trip
A one-trip container is built overseas, loaded with a single cargo and shipped once. It is the newest condition sold. Paint is uniform, door seals are fresh and the floor is clean.
Expect: minor scuffs or small dings from that voyage and from depot lifting. Do not expect: rust patches, previous repairs or shipping-line branding.
Cargo Worthy (CW)
A used container that is structurally sound: frame, corner castings, floor, doors and seals are fit to carry freight. If you intend to export cargo, tell us — shipping lines require a current survey, and the unit is selected with that in mind.
Expect: dents, surface rust, earlier weld repairs, mixed paint and old markings. These are cosmetic and do not change the grade.
Wind & Watertight (WWT)
A used container that keeps wind and water out. It is the usual choice for static storage on a farm, job site or yard. It is not sold as fit for ocean freight.
Expect: more visible wear than cargo worthy — faded paint, patches, dents and floor wear — with doors that close and seal.
Refurbished
A used container that has been repaired and repainted, or converted (for example into an office). Structure is used; finish is renewed. The listing states what was done.
What “used” really looks like
Used containers have spent years at sea and in ports. All of the following are normal on cargo worthy and wind & watertight units and are not defects:
- Dents in side panels, roof and doors
- Repairs — welded patches or replaced panel sections
- Paint differences — fading, touch-ups in a different shade
- Shipping-line markings, numbers and old logos
- Surface corrosion, especially on the roof and lower rails
- Floor wear — marks, stains and patches on the plywood
A used container will not arrive looking new. If appearance matters — a retail site, a home, a visible frontage — choose one trip.
Which grade do I need?
| Use | Suggested grade |
|---|---|
| Storage where looks do not matter | Wind & Watertight |
| Export / ocean freight | Cargo Worthy (with survey) or One Trip |
| Customer-facing, residential or long-term asset | New / One Trip |
| Conversion into an office, shop or home | One Trip — straight panels and clean floors cost less to build on |
Warranty by grade
From our warranty policy: new / one-trip containers carry 12 months from delivery, used (WWT / cargo worthy) containers 90 days, and modified or prefabricated units 6 months. The policy page sets out exactly what is covered.