When shopping for a New or Used Shipping Container, it can be confusing comparing quotes because of the different container grades or conditions out there. In the shipping container industry, most vendors and steamship lines use the following to describe the condition of a shipping container:
- NEW – One-Way or One-Trip
- USED – Cargo Worthy
- USED – Water/Wind Tight
- AS IS – Lowest grade of a shipping container (we don’t sell this grade)
Some vendors may even use the term “shipping container grade” in addition to condition to describe the subjective measure of how they rate their inventory. These subjective “grades” are not tied to industry standards and can confuse a lot of first time buyers.
Alpha Group Containers can take the confusion out the buying process. Feel free to call us at 708-639-4783 or read below for more information on the different types of containers available in the market. Once you decide on a container grade/condition, you can choose the best size of container to fit your needs: 10 ft., 20ft, 40ft, 40ft High Cube, Double Door, Open Side, Open Top and Flat Rack
Container Sales Group Container Grades
| Container Condition | NEW / One-Trip | USED / Cargo Worthy | USED / Wind & Water Tight | USED / As Is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditions | CSG never sells AS-IS Containers | |||
| Water & Wind Tight | Yes - Guaranteed | Yes - Guaranteed | Yes - Guaranteed | Not Guaranteed |
| Floors - Free of Holes | Yes - Guaranteed | Yes - Guaranteed | Yes - Guaranteed | Not Guaranteed |
| Doors - Fully Functional | Yes - Guaranteed | Yes - Guaranteed | Yes - Guaranteed | Not Guaranteed |
| Suitable for Storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not Guaranteed |
| Suitable for Export | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Suitable for Modification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes - With Repairs |
| Appearance | ||||
| Paint | New, Original Factory Paint | Original Factory Paint | Original Factory Paint | Original Factory Paint |
| Exterior Appearance | Minor Dents & Scratches Are Acceptable | Dents, Repairs, and Minimal Surface Rust Are Acceptable | Dents, Repairs, and Minimal Surface Rust Are Acceptable | Possible Major Dents, Repairs and Surface Rust |
| Floor Appearance | Like New | Minor Delamination Acceptable | Minor Delamination Acceptable | Cracks, Holes and Missing Layers |
| Guarantee | ||||
| Container Sales Group Guarantee | THE BEST CONDITION AVAILABLE | GOOD CONDITION, MEETS EXPORT REQUIREMENTS | GOOD CONDITION, SUITABLE FOR STORAGE, BUILDING, MODIFICATION | NO GUARANTEES, REPAIRS NEEDED |