What are Different Grades of Shipping Containers? | LOTUS Containers

There are currently over 50.8 million shipping containers in circulation around the world. And since 95% of the world’s cargo is moved by ship, they face extreme wear and tear during the transition. Since they are reusable and are not left abandoned after their first use, most of the containers that sail across the sea, or being hauled by rail and truck are used ones and less likely to be new.

Based on some important criteria like the age of container, miles travelled, type of cargo has shipped, damage and repair history, and weather conditions under which they were shipped, they are categorized into the following types.

1.New Containers:- Mostly the pack of containers you see on vessels, trucks, or trains is not new. New containers are those that have freshly been carried out from the manufacturing units. Approximately 97% of all shipping containers are manufactured in China. This is due to the reason that China is the largest exporter because much of the goods are produced in China and it also has labours available at a low rate.

New ones are made from high-quality Cor-ten steel to provide immense strength and durability to be used for decades withstanding harsh rigours of sea condition. Acquiring new boxes provide you a CSC plate certification that needs to be updated every 5 years. Depending upon the cargo type once can acquire different types of containers-from dry van, pallet wide, double door, side door, flat rack containers, reefers, to tank containers- in new and old condition.

The new boxes do not call for many inspections because they are fresh and have doors, hinges, corners well fixed and welded.

2.One Trip:- These are almost similar to new containers. The reason they are named one-trip is that 97% of the world’s containers are manufactured in China, and the majority of the goods are also produced in China. And China hugely exports it’s goods to other countries in the world.

One-trip is the containers that have been newly manufactured and shipped directly from China carrying their first load of cargoes. In simple terms, they are manufactured overseas, loaded with cargoes, and shipped. Once they arrive at the destination, they are unloaded and lined for sale as one-trip. Since it takes only one trip before being sold it is named one-trip.

In general, they spend around 75 to 90 days in transition before getting listed in inventory to sell. With such a short period of transition, these are in great condition and still possess a long life span.

They have the latest features like polyurethane floor coating to protect from cargo spilling, a pre-installed lockbox, a well-fitted door, and lockable handles. These are perfectly suitable to be used as a construction material for building homes, offices, stores out of it. 

  

3.IICL:- Institute of International Container Lessor abbreviated as IICL is an organization that groups the largest container and chassis leasing companies globally. It sets repair standards by which all repairs are carried out. IICL is one of the strictest criteria for used containers and hence containers passed from IICL do not have any sign of doubt and can be trusted fully for regular cargo use.

Containers that belong to IICL grade are usually 2 to 8 years old yet in excellent condition. Since these are used boxes, the price is usually lower than that of new ones.

4.Cargo Worthy:- Cargo Worthy (CW) graded containers are boxes that have been inspected by a marine surveyor and deemed worthy to be used for maritime shipment. That means they are qualified to be used in the shipping industry. The inspection is organised to look after every damage and leakage.

When it is deemed Cargo Worthy, there is no chance of damage that would threaten its integrity or ability to be used for cargo shipment on any of the transportation mode.

CW grade tells that the container is still in good condition even after being used for years. The price of a Cargo Worthy container varies depending upon its age, condition, and miles travelled.

In general, every new container is considered cargo worthy for five years from the date of its manufacturing and which is mentioned in the CSC plate attached to it. In every five years, the container is sent for inspection to determine whether it is still suitable for cargo shipment or not. Depending upon the inspection, if the container passes the test, it is labelled again as cargo worthy for the next two years. For every expiring certification of Cargo Worthy, the container is sent again for re-inspection.

5.Wind and Water Tight (WWT):- All brand-new shipping boxes are considered wind and watertight unless ventilation is not made into it. When we say Wind and Watertight, we refer to used boxes and not new ones. A used box can have damages, loose doors, and holes in walls and roofs that seize its WWT quality.

It has further two classification

A.WWT Grade A:- Containers labelled as WWT Grade A are those boxes that have already been used for eight or more years but have little or no rust or damage.

B.WWT Grade B:- Containers that are 8 years or above older but have developed intense rust and damage are labelled as Wind and Water Tight Grade B.

With such an amount of rust, patches, and dent, they even lost their cargo worthy property. Addressing extensive damage, they are at higher risk of cargo damage and hence are restricted to be used for the shipment of goods. But they can still serve as storage units.

6. Refurbished:- After serving shipping lines for years under the scorching sun, crossing harsh wind and deadly sea storm, shipping containers get exhausted with numerous dents, patches, and scratches. Refurbishing means taking used shipping containers with dents, scratches, and damage and sprucing them up. They have dents removed, floors replaced, new doors attached, or new paint done. Refurbishing or reconditioning a container adds years to its life.

But still, its highly advisable while buying a refurbished container roll your eyes through the interior and exterior, corners, and hinges. Some paint jobs are poorly done, and some repairs are done just for the name sake. So, it’s very important that you inspect it well before making a deal with your supplier.

To avoid such things, it’s vital that you hire a relevant and trustworthy container supplier company that has been in the industry for long, serving clients and winning trust across the world.