Understanding shipping container grades — New/One-Trip, IICL, Cargo-Worthy (CW), Wind & Water-Tight (WWT), and As-Is — is the first step to avoiding two costly mistakes: overpaying for condition you don’t need, or buying a container that can’t do the job. A valid CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate is what actually makes a container legally shippable internationally: it’s required for New, IICL, and CW units, and typically absent on WWT and As-Is ones.
| Feature | New / One-Trip | IICL | Cargo-Worthy (CW) | WWT | As-Is |
| CSC plate | Valid | Valid | Required | Usually none/expired | None |
| Condition | Pristine | Very good, minor wear | Fair–rough, dents/rust | Rough but sealed | Poor, may have holes |
| Lifespan | 25+ yrs | 15–20 yrs | 5–12 yrs | 3–8 yrs (domestic) | Not guaranteed |
| Best for | Conversions, retail, offices | Premium storage, light shipping | Budget shipping, on-site storage | Domestic weatherproof storage | Scrap, rebuilds, parts |
1. New / One-Trip
Newly manufactured, typically after just one ocean voyage from the factory to its destination market. Among shipping container grades, this is the closest to buying brand new.
- Factory-applied paint, minimal cosmetic damage, little to no rust
- Longest remaining service life and strongest resale value
- Cleanest starting point for conversions and modifications
Trade-off: Highest price of the five grades.
Best for: Container conversions, offices, workshops, retail builds, and anywhere appearance matters.
2. IICL
Used containers inspected and repaired to the Institute of International Container Lessors standard (often labeled IICL-5 or IICL-6), usually sourced from leasing fleets with regular maintenance.
- Better-than-average used condition with high structural integrity
- Professionally repaired damage and a more uniform appearance
- Valid CSC plate, so still export-eligible
Trade-off: Can be harder to source locally and costs more than standard CW stock.
Best for: Logistics operations and premium storage where reliability and appearance both matter.
3. Cargo-Worthy (CW)
A used container inspected and certified structurally sound for cargo transport, typically under TIR/UIC/CSC standards and verified by a third-party surveyor.
- Requires a valid, current CSC plate — this is what CW status actually rests on, not just visual condition
- Cosmetic wear (dents, faded paint, surface rust, patched panels) is normal, not a defect
- Lower cost than New or IICL while still shippable internationally
Trade-off: Can look considerably more weathered — extra prep/paint needed for customer-facing use.
Best for: Budget international shipping and rugged on-site storage.
4. Wind & Water-Tight (WWT)
Sealed against leaks with no gaps for light, wind, or water — but not inspected or certified to the CW standard.
- No daylight visible through walls, roof, or floor with the doors closed
- Usually lacks a valid CSC plate, so it’s a storage-grade classification, not a shipping one
- Cheaper than CW since it skips the certification and repair standard
Trade-off: Generally not usable for international shipping without further inspection.
Best for: Domestic, budget-focused storage where weatherproofing is the main requirement.
5. As-Is
Sold in current condition with no guarantee of being weathertight, cargo-worthy, or free of structural damage.
- May have holes, extensive rust, or non-functioning doors and hardware
- No CSC plate or certification of any kind
- Condition varies enormously — inspect the specific unit before buying
Trade-off: Highest risk of the five grades; repairs can erase the price advantage.
Best for: Heavy rebuilds, parts, or scrap, and only worthwhile with an in-person inspection.
Bottom Line
Match the shipping container grade to the job, not the price tag alone. Shipping internationally? You need a valid CSC plate — New, IICL, or CW. Weatherproof storage on-site? WWT or CW covers it for less. Converting or building something customer-facing? Pay for New or IICL condition. Whatever the grade, inspect the specific unit before you buy — labels vary in practice, and total cost of ownership (delivery, repairs, painting, rust treatment) can outweigh a lower sticker price.
Need help choosing? Contact our container specialists for a free quote based on your budget, use case, and location.
