The condition of a shipping container changes over its life cycle, because, like everything else, it does not last forever. But how long can the same container keep carrying goods, and what conditions can a container be in? There is no universal grading system for shipping container condition, and the different abbreviations (WWT, CW, IICL and so on) cause plenty of confusion, but carriers grade containers by their structure and their appearance.

The two factors can be considered independently of each other. For example, a container can be structurally sound for shipping purposes but look unattractive because of rust, faded paint or many small dents. This means that, even though two companies may both grade their containers as A, B or C, the grades are not necessarily equivalent.

Container ship loaded with shipping containers at sea

Some of the most popular uses of new and used shipping containers are workshops, homes, garages, cabins, off-grid living spaces, medical centers, information kiosks, tool sheds, home additions, home or work office space, guest houses, hotels and, of course, moving cargo.

When buying a container, it is wise to start by considering the past life of your prospective shipping container. Was it used to carry nuclear waste, biohazards, toxic chemicals or garbage? You may get a deal, but is that what you want? Other questions could be "How many trips has it made?" Shorter, more frequent trips mean more wear from loading and unloading. Or "Where did it travel most?" From sun-scorched Australian coasts to the deadly cold of the far north and south, constant swings between extreme temperatures can cause drastic damage such as rust and warping of the corrugated steel.

Different container conditions: the life cycle of a shipping container

China produces more than 90% of the world's shipping containers, which is definitely no coincidence. The export-oriented country not only has low-cost labor and is a major steel recycler; it also plays an important strategic role in the shipping container life cycle, with the aim of maximizing time in use. In most cases, new shipping containers manufactured in China are loaded and shipped to destinations such as the United States or Europe, where they are sold. These are the so-called "one-trip" containers, sold when they reach their destination. Sold as new containers, they only have minor flaws from that single use. This approach extends the life cycle by making sure the container is put to use from the date of manufacture and is not shipped empty at a high transport cost.

Once it reaches its destination, the one-trip container is sold and put to use by buyers, usually carriers, NVOCCs, shipping lines or similar. The container rarely stays with its first buyer for its whole life, since it is often resold several times. As long as the container is graded cargo worthy, resales usually happen several times, mainly business to business through networks or contacts.

The service life of a container varies, because it depends on many factors, such as where the container is used and how much damage it takes. Severe weather and minor damage, which encourage rust, noticeably shorten its life. As a rough generalization, containers are cargo worthy and used in ocean shipping for roughly 10 to 15 years. When containers are no longer considered fit for shipping cargo, innovative and creative people can buy them to reinvent them outside the industry. Alternatively, the container's steel can be recycled.

From food grade to as-is: an overview of the different container conditions

	New: "one-trip" container	Cargo Worthy	WWT	As-Is
Wind and water tight	Yes, guaranteed	Yes, guaranteed	Yes, guaranteed	Not guaranteed
Floor free of holes	Yes, guaranteed	Yes, guaranteed	Yes, guaranteed	Not guaranteed
Fully working doors	Yes, guaranteed	Yes, guaranteed	Yes, guaranteed	Not guaranteed
Suitable for storage	Yes	Yes	Yes	With repairs
Suitable for export	Yes	Yes	Only with repairs	No
Suitable for modifications	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes, with repairs
Paint	Fresh paint	Faded paint acceptable	Faded paint acceptable	Faded paint acceptable
Dents and scratches	Small dents and scratches acceptable	Some dents, repairs and surface rust acceptable	Many dents, repairs and surface rust acceptable	Significant dents acceptable
Floor appearance	Like new	Some scratches, dents and patches acceptable	Many scratches, dents and patches acceptable	Many scratches, gouges and patches acceptable, possible holes
	The best condition available	Good condition, still meets all shipping requirements	Not ready to ship, but perfect for storage	No guarantees

Food grade / New containers

Transporting food sets certain requirements for the shipping container, such as never having carried chemicals or toxic products. Even if the food is packed in bags or similar and is therefore not in direct contact with the container, it must travel in food-grade containers to avoid unnecessary contamination risks.

Structural condition must be IICL 5 with a valid CSC plate
Maximum interior cleanliness; scratches must not exceed 2 mm in depth
Watertight, with no daylight visible from inside when the doors are closed
Has never carried chemicals or toxic products
Food-grade quality and import standards are governed mainly by governments

Grade A container

New, refurbished or used containers
Only minimal rust and dents
Wind and water tight (WWT)
Doors, floor and seals in excellent condition
Structural condition must be IICL 5 with a valid CSC plate
Interior must be nearly free of marks
Minimal surface rust

Grade B (CW, Cargo Worthy)

Cargo Worthy, or CW for short, means the condition of the shipping container is considered suitable for carrying cargo under CSC criteria. Another criterion is that the container meets all the standards set out in its original specification. It usually also implies that the container has a valid CSC plate, the safety approval plate that containers used in international transport must carry.

At least WWT or IICL 5 with a valid CSC plate
Used containers fall into this category
The interior will be at least 50% free of marks, with some scuffs or scrapes and light surface rust
The floor will be stained or marked and may have minor delamination
The exterior may have more frequent corrosion and dents
The container may have a small number of previous repairs

Grade C (WWT, Wind and Water Tight)

Grade C wind and water tight (WWT) container

Wind and Water Tight, or WWT, means the container keeps out wind and water: it is sealed for storage, but it is not certified for international shipping unless it is repaired and inspected to CSC standards.

Often called wind and water tight or cargo worthy 2
Numerous marks, corrosion and scratches
Marked floor, which may also have moderate delamination
Several previous repairs
The most common and the cheapest
May show wear
Frequently used as storage containers
Can be used for shipping, but needs a valid CSC plate

As-Is container condition

Damaged containers that have been taken out of service in the shipping industry and sometimes cannot even be used for storage. They may have major damage to the roof or walls, damaged floors, faulty seals, doors that are hard to open or structural damage.

Every container we sell is graded (New, IICL, CW, WWT or As-Is). See our shipping containers and choose the right condition for your project.