Container Condition Guide
Understand the five condition grades, what to expect, what each costs, and which is right for your project.
New / Factory-Fresh
Built to ISO standards, never used for cargo. Full manufacturer warranty and fresh factory paint. Interior is completely pristine with no odors, stains, or prior cargo residue. Comes with a new CSC plate.
- Zero prior cargo use
- Full manufacturer warranty
- Clean documentation & CSC plate
- Longest service life expectancy
One-Trip
Manufactured overseas, used for a single cargo voyage to the US, then sold. Practically identical to new, minor surface scuffs or shipping marks are the only difference. Interiors are clean, floors are new.
- As-close-to-new as possible at lower cost
- Clean, odor-free interior
- Original factory insulation (reefer units)
- Valid CSC plate
3-Trip
Used for three cargo voyages. Well-maintained units with visible wear but still structurally sound and wind/watertight. A balanced option between one-trip quality and used pricing.
- Wind and watertight inspected
- Visible surface wear, minor dents, paint chips
- Still suitable for most storage and export uses
Used - Cargo Worthy
Inspected and certified cargo worthy (CW). May have dents, surface rust patches, and repainted sections but is structurally sound and water-tight. Holds a valid CSC plate for international shipment.
- Third-party inspected and certified
- Wind and watertight
- Visible wear, dents, patches, surface rust
- CSC plate valid for shipping
Refurbished
Used containers that have been actively repaired and restored: floors replaced, rust blasted and recoated, door seals replaced, and exterior repainted. Delivers used pricing with significantly improved cosmetics and longevity.
- Repaired floors, new door seals
- Rust treatment and fresh exterior paint
- Improved cosmetic condition over standard used
- Good balance of cost and appearance
Quick Comparison
| Grade | Cosmetic Condition | Wind & Watertight | CSC Plate | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New | Perfect | Yes | Yes (new) | Highest |
| One-Trip | Near-perfect | Yes | Yes | High |
| 3-Trip | Minor wear | Yes | Yes | Mid-high |
| Used CW | Visible wear | Yes | Yes | Mid |
| Refurbished | Good (restored) | Yes | May vary | Mid-high |
Not sure which grade is right for you?
Tell us your use case and budget and we will recommend the most cost-effective option.