Buying or leasing a 40 ft shipping container means you need to know about the different grades and what condition they’re in. This helps you pick the right one for your needs, whether it’s for keeping things safe, sending goods, or changing it for a project. In this blog, we’ll explain all about 40 ft shipping container grades and conditions and how suitable they are for different uses. This way, you can make a smart and budget-friendly choice.
40 ft Shipping Container Conditions
Here are the conditions of the 40 ft shipping containers available at On-Site Storage Solutions:
NEW ONE TRIP
“One Trip” shipping containers might show a few wear and tear dents and scratches because they’ve traveled a long way across the ocean. These containers are built in Asia and then shipped to places all over the world. To cut down on shipping costs and offer our customers great deals, we only use these brand-new containers once, filling them with goods for a single journey. This helps us save money on transportation, and we pass those savings on to 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 if used shipping containers don’t look great from the outside or inside, they’re still sturdy and can be used for various purposes like transporting goods, storing items, and more, depending on their condition. Refurbished containers are those that have been upgraded to look nicer and last longer. They’re known as Wind and Water Tight (WWT) containers because they’re designed to prevent wind and water from getting inside. We refurbish them to make them look and function as if they were new by making several improvements. Here are the three levels of refurbishment we offer for a Used Wind and Water Tight container:
- Typical refurbishment – We give the exterior a new coat of paint. This involves preparing the container by removing any flaking rust using a wire brush, applying primer to any exposed metal, and then painting the entire outside, roof included. We typically paint over parts like the locking mechanisms, seals, and labels.
- Full refurbishment – This is similar to the usual refurbishment, but we also paint the interior.
- Factory refurbishment – This is a total transformation. We repaint the inside and outside, replace the old gaskets with new ones, and put new labels on the container.
Understanding Shipping Container Grades of 40 ft
These grades tell you about the quality and structural integrity of 40 ft shipping containers you can find at On-Site Storage Solutions. This grading system makes it easier to understand the grade of the shipping container you’re looking at.
IICL (IICL-6)
An IICL container meets the tough inspection standards set by the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL), making it suitable for exporting goods. These highest-grade containers are in great shape, so they’re worth more. Plus, they look a lot nicer on the outside than a WWT container.
WIND AND WATER TIGHT
Our best-selling product, the Wind and Water Tight (WWT) containers, are used shipping containers that we guarantee won’t leak. These WWT containers are protected against leaks, but because they were used for heavy-duty shipping, they often show signs of wear like faded paint, rust, dents, and scratches. So, even though they’re great at keeping water out, they might not look the best on the outside.
CARGO WORTHY CWO
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.
AS IS
An “As Is” container is a shipping container that’s been checked and found to be too damaged to fix cheaply enough to make sure it’s wind and watertight. These containers have both outside and inside damage, like holes, bad floors, and other big issues. Usually, we suggest not buying an “As Is” container unless you plan to use it for something where it doesn’t need to be strong or look good.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing all about the different grades and conditions of 40 ft shipping containers is important to choosing the right one for you. Whether you need a container for storage, moving stuff, or a special project, there are many choices like new, used, or fixed-up ones, each with its pros and cons. By understanding the options available at On-Site Storage Solutions, you can pick the best container that meets your needs and doesn’t break the bank, making sure you get the most bang for your buck.
On-Site Storage Solutions
At On-Site Storage Solutions, we specialize in providing high-quality 40 ft shipping containers in various grades and conditions to meet your storage needs. We offer standard, open side, double doors, and high cube containers. Whether you need a cost-effective solution for on-site storage or transportation, we have you covered. Contact us at (888) 405-8772 to discuss how our containers can meet your specific requirements.
