Cargo Worthy vs. Wind and Water Tight Shipping Containers

Grading a shipping container can be subjective to the person who is inspecting it, and what they intend to use it for. While most companies and shipping lines grade containers slightly differently, the most commonly used terms are, in improving order, "as is, where is" (ASIS), wind and water tight (WWT), cargo worthy (CW), and one trip or new.

As is and one trip containers are fairly simple to classify. ASIS means the seller makes no warranty on the condition of the container. This doesn't necessarily means it's not wind and water tight, it's just that the container is at or near retirement age and fully depreciated and the cost of inspection wouldn't be worth the effort. One trip, or new containers, were manufactured, sent across the ocean one time, and sold into the retail market. These containers will be clean, dent and rust free, and most likely have a neutral color of paint.

So is it Cargo Worthy or Wind and Water Tight?

Cargo worthy and wind and water tight are where the blurred lines begin. From a shipping lines perspective, a container is typically made available for sale after its 10th birthday. They have a calculated, depreciated price and aim to sell it around that mark. A leasing company will typically keep a container in service for 12 to 15 years. Typically, any time a container is younger than these ages it will be kept in cargo worthy condition; provided there is no excessive damage and repair costs. After it's retired from active service it will be technically be classified as wind and water tight.

The difference between CW and WWT could be, quite literally, nothing that you would notice. Some of the flooring may be delaminated, the ribs on the bottom may be slightly bent, or perhaps there's a dent deeper than allowed by guidelines provided by the IICL. IICL is the International Institute of Container Lessors, and this organization sets the "cargo worthy" standard.

So Which Condition Do I Need?

If a container is being used for storage, wind and water tight will be more than sufficient. The container will probably be between 10 and 18 years old, and strong enough to keep out the elements of nature and any unwanted vermin. If you plan on shipping goods around the country or world and the container will be placed on a vessel it will need to be certified "cargo worthy". You may need to give either condition of container a fresh coat of paint, but over all you can expect a solid storage unit from the time that it's dropped off.

ContainerAuction.com is a market place for all grades of container, new, cargo worthy, wind and water tight, and "as is, where is". If you have any questions about the best container for your needs feel free to contact the seller through any listing page. If you have any general questions you can always contact our staff directly.