Understanding shipping containers means you need to know about the different conditions and grades available. The 20 ft shipping container is a popular choice for storing things, moving goods, and even building projects. Just like any item you buy, these containers come in various conditions and quality levels.
If you’re a business wanting to send products around the world, a builder using them in creative ways, or just someone who needs extra space at home, this blog post will explain the conditions and grading system of these containers. We will help answer the frequently asked questions in your mind and pick one that fits your needs without giving up on quality or safety.
Conditions of Shipping Container
New One Trip
Called One Trip shipping containers might have small dents and scratches from being moved around on their long trip across the ocean. These containers are made in Asia and then sent to different locations worldwide. To reduce shipping costs and give customers the best deals, we fill these new containers with goods just once. This way, we can save on the costs of moving them and share the savings with our customers.
USED
Our top-selling product is the used general-purpose containers, deemed suitable for tough shipping jobs for 5 to 15 years before we cease their use. Most of these containers retain their original paint and markings from the shipping company, showcasing their authenticity. You’ll notice they appear a bit worn out, with signs of surface rust, ding dents, and scratches, indicating their extensive use.
REFURBISHED
Even though used shipping containers might not look nice on the outside or inside, they’re still strong and can be used for many things like carrying stuff, storing items, and more, depending on their condition.
Refurbished containers are used containers that have been fixed up to look better and last longer. They’re called Wind and Water Tight (WWT) containers because they’re made to keep out the wind and water. We make them look and work like new again by doing a few different things to them. Here are the three levels of fixing them up we offer for a Used Wind and Water Tight container:
- Typical refurbishment – We repaint the outside. This means we get the container ready by cleaning off any loose rust with a wire wheel, putting primer on any bare metal, and then painting the whole outside, including the roof. We usually paint over things like the locking rods, gaskets, and stickers.
- Full refurbishment – This is like the Typical Refurbishment but we also paint the inside.
- Factory refurbishment – This is a complete makeover. We give it new paint on the inside and outside, put in new gaskets, and add new markings to the container.
20 ft Shipping Container Grades
Used shipping containers are checked and rated based on their age, how solid they are, what they look like inside and out, how far they’ve traveled, any damage or repairs, and the kind of weather they’ve been in. When searching for a container, you’ll see different grades these are the grades of 20 ft shipping containers at hand in On-Site Storage Solutions:
An IICL container complies with the rigorous inspection criteria established by the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) and is considered fit for export. Because of their excellent condition, IICL containers possess a higher book value. Additionally, they appear significantly better on the outside compared to a WWT container.
Our top-selling category, the Wind and Water Tight containers are pre-used shipping containers assured to be leak-proof. While these WWT shipping containers are guaranteed against leaks, it’s typical to see signs of wear and tear such as original paint, surface rust, dents, and abrasions from their prior use in heavy-duty shipping. Consequently, the external look of these containers might be less than appealing.
Cargo-worthy shipping containers are inspected and certified as structurally sound for global shipping via sea, rail, and road. Their exterior may show signs of wear such as original paint (color may differ), previous shipping labels, surface rust, scratches, and dents. For export purposes, these containers must undergo a survey and possess a valid CSC plate inspection sticker.
An As Is container refers to a shipping container identified through inspection as being too damaged to economically repair for Wind and Watertight certification. Such containers exhibit both external and internal damage, including holes, damaged flooring, and other structural problems. Typically, we advise against purchasing an As-is container unless it is intended for uses where its structural integrity and external appearance are not necessary.
Conclusion
Picking the right 20 ft shipping container is important for your money’s worth. If you learn about the grading system and check the containers’ conditions well, you can make sure the one you choose does what you expect in terms of working well, lasting a long time, and following the rules.
