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Understanding Shipping Container Grades (2025 Guide)
This guide focuses exclusively on shipping container grades/conditions, what each condition is best for, and how to determine whether you should focus on new or used shipping containers for your specific project.
If this is your first time shopping for a shipping container, navigating all the details can be overwhelming. A good place to start is to pick one of the basics—size, spec, type, condition, or budget—and build from there.
This guide focuses exclusively on shipping container grades/conditions, what each condition is best for, and how to determine whether you should focus on new or used shipping containers for your specific project.
Shipping Container Conditions Explained
One of the best things about working with shipping containers (or "conex boxes") is their standardized size and capacity. Once you know more or less how much space you’ll need, choosing whether to purchase a 20-foot or 40-foot container is easy.
One variable that may require a bit more thought is the container’s condition, also known as its “grade”.
When shopping for a shipping container, you have two key conditions to choose from: new containers and used containers.
The used container umbrella can be further broken down into four different categories—IICL (also known as multi-trip containers), cargo-worthy containers, wind & watertight containers, and “as-is” containers. Which container you choose will depend on your budget and how you plan to use the container.
Let’s take a deeper look at the different container conditions and what kinds of uses they’re best for.
New (One-Trip) Shipping Containers
New shipping containers are also known as one-trip containers. These units have only been used once to ship a single load of dry cargo on their journey to the U.S. One-trip containers are built to last for at least 25-30 years and don’t require any upfront maintenance or painting. If they’re marketed as “new” or “one-trip,” that means they’re still cargo-worthy—in other words, they can still be used to ship goods overseas as long as they’re re-certified (Boxhub can help with this).
While one-trip containers may have picked up some light scratches and dents from their single cargo shipment, they’re the newest and nicest containers available on the market. Additionally, if you purchase your one-trip container from Boxhub, you’ll be covered by a five-year condition guarantee.
One-trip containers are ideal if:
- Your container will be placed in a highly visible area (e.g., visible to neighbors or customers).
- Your container will be used to build a dwelling, such as a tiny home, office, or cabin.
- Your container will be associated with an upscale, customer-facing business, like a winery or public park.
- You need a container for international shipping (these containers come with valid CSC plates certifying the container meets the International Maritime Organization’s standards—however, they’ll need to be recertified before their next shipment).
What to expect from your one-trip container:
- - Fully intact floors, walls, and door gaskets.
- - Some forklift scratches on the floor are acceptable.
- - No holes, no leaks.
- - Light, superficial damage, such as dings, dents, and scratches from their single journey.
Used Shipping Containers
Used shipping containers have been used for multiple journeys, whether by land, sea, or rail.
Some used shipping containers are still deemed "cargo-worthy" and can be used for international shipping. Other used containers are no longer stackable for shipping purposes, but are guaranteed wind & watertight — that means no holes or leaks.
Here’s an explanation of each used container grade, in order from highest quality to lowest quality.
IICL (or "Multi-Trip") Containers
IICL containers, also known as multi-trip containers, are used containers that have passed inspection criteria set by the International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL): the leading trade association of the marine container leasing and chassis provider industry.
The IICL's criterion ensures that a shipping container is in good enough condition to ship cargo on a long-term basis. While the certification is usually only used by marine container leasing companies, it’s often a strong guarantee that the container you're purchasing is in great condition.
IICL containers typically have all their original features intact, with only minor dings or dents. Any repairs or cleaning done to the container needs to adhere to the IICL’s strict repair criteria. They’re guaranteed wind and watertight, feature solid flooring, and don’t have any structural issues.
When you buy an IICL container with Boxhub, you're covered by a four-year condition guarantee.
What to expect from your IICL (multi-trip) container:
- - Floors and walls that are intact, but may show evidence of repair (such as ISO patches).
- - Forklift scratches on the floor are common.
- - No holes, no leaks.
- - Superficial damage, such as rust, dings, dents, and scratches.
- - Common colors include dark red and dark navy. IICL containers may also prominently feature shipping line/leasing company logos.
Cargo-Worthy Containers
To ship goods globally, a container must live up to all requirements for international shipping and exports. This includes the ability to pass a CSC inspection, which certifies that a container can safely:
- - Carry the cargo weight it’s intended for.
- - Be stacked and transported aboard container ships.
If you’re buying a used container for international shipping, you’ll need to make sure your container is at least cargo-worthy. When paired with a CSC certification, used cargo-worthy containers offer the most affordable solution for moving goods.
(Boxhub can coordinate certification for an additional fee upon your container purchase.)
Cargo-worthy containers may show slight wear and tear on their interiors and exteriors, from scratches and minor dents to stained floors and patch repairs. However, they’ll be structurally sound, wind and watertight, and viable for shipping.
Wind & Watertight Containers
If you want to buy shipping containers that can serve as cost-effective options for storage, or if you plan to use your container for something other than shipping, you don’t have to worry about finding a cargo-worthy option. Any used containers or conex boxes for sale designated as wind and watertight will do. They may show significant signs of wear, including dings, dents, and patches of surface rust. But their floors will be intact, their doors will seal properly, and they’re guaranteed watertight.
Wind and watertight containers have spent an average of 15-20 years at sea (sometimes longer) and will have clear evidence of their many journeys. They no longer meet the structural requirements for stacking, so they can no longer be stacked on a cargo ship. But there’s still plenty of life left in most of them for projects like static storage.
What to expect from your wind & watertight container:
- - Floors and walls that are intact, but may show evidence of repair (such as ISO patches).
- - Forklift scratches on the floor are common.
- - No holes, no leaks.
- - Superficial damage, such as rust, dings, dents, and scratches.
- - A variety of colors and shipping line/leasing company logos.
As-Is Containers
The lowest-cost containers on the market will be graded “as-is.” These containers might have extensive internal and external issues, including broken flooring, holes, and extensive rust. Their structural integrity isn’t guaranteed, either. That said, there are still a few scenarios in which as-is containers could be an adequate choice.
An as-is container could be a good option for
- - Temporary storage for hardy materials that can be exposed to moisture and rust.
- - Garden or barn sheds.
What to expect from an as-is container:
- - Serious wear and tear, including rust, scratches, dents, and dings.
- - Variable interiors; there could be staining and damaged floors or walls.
- - Temperamental doors that should be functional, but you might have to put a little elbow grease into them.
- - No repairs since its last use.
Choosing a Shipping Container Condition
Whether your business builds affordable homes, needs a mobile worksite HQ, or just requires some temporary storage, there's a shipping container out there for you. Let’s break down which shipping container grades are best for the four most popular use cases: storage, moving items, building, and shipping.
For Storage
Shipping containers, whether new or used, are excellent options for storage. All ISO containers are made of COR-TEN steel, which makes them incredibly durable, and their windowless design offers maximum security and privacy. Moreover, they can be conveniently placed on your property, giving you easy access to your items whenever needed.
If you’re looking for cost-effective temporary storage, a wind and watertight container is a great choice. These are also good alternatives for barns or sheds.
Need a long-term storage solution, or want the option of being able to move or ship your container? You’ll want to go with a cargo-worthy or IICL/multi-trip container.
If you plan to store your container in a location that is visible to others, it may be best to choose a new container that would have less visible wear and tear than a used one.
You can find more information on how to use shipping containers for storage here.
For Moving
Moving to a new place can be a hassle, but a shipping container can simplify the process in many ways. It’s a versatile solution that complements or even replaces traditional moving companies. The best part is that once you’re done moving, you can repurpose the shipping container for any use on your new property.
When it comes to choosing a container to move from one home or business site to another, you want a container that’s at least cargo-worthy. Most Boxhub customers find that a used container works perfectly for their needs. Since the container will not be a permanent fixture on your property, opting for a used container could be a more affordable choice. It will serve its purpose well and transport your furniture and belongings safely and efficiently to your new property.
For a more detailed breakdown of what to consider when buying a shipping container for moving house, check out this guide.
For Building
If you’re considering buying shipping containers to convert into affordable homes (or accessory dwelling units), we recommend using new “one-trip” shipping containers as the starting point for your build. These containers have only been used once to transport dry goods across the ocean and as the newest containers on the market, they have the most longevity and show virtually no signs of wear.
New containers can also be stacked on top of one another. This quality makes them the best choice if your home or building project will require multiple levels of containers (think a two-story tiny home or multi-story hotel or dorm made out of containers).
Still prefer to source used containers for your build? The next option would be IICL. Depending on your project, these multi-trip containers could be viable, more cost-effective options. Just keep in mind that any containers used for commercial building projects must have valid CSC plates to comply with IBC codes specific to building with intermodal containers.
To better understand how to build a shipping container home step-by-step, check out this guide (and don’t be afraid to keep it bookmarked; you’re always welcome to refer back to it).
For Shipping
If you’re purchasing a shipping container for international shipping or exports, you have the option of choosing between a new container or a used container that meets all international shipping and export requirements and can successfully pass a CSC inspection.
If you choose to go the route of a used container, IICL/multi-trip containers offer the best guarantee of quality and are certified cargo-worthy. This is your best option if you need the container for multiple trips.
If you plan to use the container for a single trip, you could go with a cargo-worthy container that’s in good condition.
You won’t be able to use a container that’s rated only wind and watertight for shipping purposes.
Learn more about using containers to ship goods internationally here.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing the right container condition will depend on your budget and how you plan to use your container. While we've focused on standard dry cargo containers in this guide, these condition grades also apply to specialty units, like side-door containers, open-side containers, and refrigerated (or “reefer”) containers—we have a separate guide on those here.
Whether you’re moving house, seeking storage space, or hoping to transform a container into a tiny home, farm, office, or storefront, we’re here to help you find the perfect unit. If you still have questions about choosing shipping containers, ask a Boxhub container consultant for buying support. We’re always here to assist you.
About Hannah Swinkin
Hannah is a B2B marketing leader with a passion for container upcycling projects and cargotecture. She sharpened her marketing expertise at disruptive tech companies transforming antiquated industries, including shipping, parking, and commercial real estate.
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