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New and Used Shipping Containers Explained

NEW Shipping Containers

New condition containers are often called "One-trippers" -- they have come across the ocean on a cargo ship loaded with goods just one time before being sold.  They come in a variety of colors—from neutral beiges, tans and grays to primary colors like navy blue and brick-red, and even camouflage!  We have New containers in both 20' and 40' lengths, and typically in both standard height (8'6") and high-cube (9'6"); the containers are 8' wide.  We also have New containers that are Double Doors (doors both ends), Open Sides (large doors that open along one side) and Multi-door (multiple sets of cargo doors along one side); Open-sides and Multi-door units also have standard cargo doors on one end.

USED Shipping Containers

Premium (sometimes called Export Grade) containers are the highest grade of used containers, with Cargo-worthy (CW) being the second best grade.  The lowest grade is Wind/water tight (WWT); these days the price between CW and WWT containers is only a couple of hundred dollars, so for most uses it's best to stick with CW or Premium.  Used containers may have branding along the sides, dents and other blemishes, some rust, and faded paint. They won't have holes or leaks.  Colors tend towards brick-red, blue, silver and sometimes green or orange.

Premium Used

Premium (also called Export-grade or IICL) containers tend to have straight sides, with some scrapes and surface rust, and minor denting; they may have a few repair patches that have been professionally done.

Cargo-Worthy Used

Cargo-worthy used containers still have many years of service left in them.  They tend to have more dents/scrapes and surface rust than Premium, and more repair patches that have been professionally done.

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