Know Exactly What Condition You're Buying.
"New," "used," and "wind & water tight" mean different things at different dealers. Here's exactly how Box Hub grades every container, what each grade includes, and what to expect the day it lands on your property.
Condition Grades At A Glance
Every Grade We Sell, Defined
Container condition is graded using the same terminology recognized across the industry — no invented labels, no vague descriptions.
New & One-Trip Containers
Manufactured and used for a single cargo voyage from the factory to a US port before being sold. As close to factory-new as a container gets.
- Little to no rust, dents, or cosmetic wear
- Fully wind and water tight
- Original paint and flooring
- Typically under 12 months old
Cargo-Worthy (CW)
Still certified fit for international ocean freight. Shows moderate cosmetic wear from active service but remains structurally sound and fully sealed.
- Passes CSC structural inspection
- Wind and water tight
- Visible surface rust, dents, or scuffs possible
- Typically 5–12 years old
Wind & Water Tight (WWT)
Retired from ocean freight but still fully sealed against the elements — our most popular grade for storage, workshops, and general on-site use.
- No active leaks, holes, or light gaps
- Doors open, close, and lock properly
- Noticeable cosmetic wear expected
- Typically 10–15+ years old
Compare Condition Grades
| Grade | Structural Condition | Cosmetic Condition | Weatherproofing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New / One-Trip | Excellent — like-new steel and floor | Minimal wear, factory paint | Fully sealed | Conversions, offices, long-term storage |
| Cargo-Worthy (CW) | Certified for ocean freight | Moderate surface rust/dents | Fully sealed | Active shipping, budget-conscious buyers |
| Wind & Water Tight (WWT) | Sound but retired from freight use | Noticeable wear, dents, surface rust | Fully sealed, no leaks | On-site storage, workshops, budget builds |
| Refurbished / Modified | Repaired, repainted, and/or reinforced | Varies by scope of work performed | Fully sealed after repair | Offices, custom builds, retail pop-ups |
How Every Container Is Checked Before It Ships
Depot Selection
Our technology scans available inventory at partner depots near your delivery address for units matching your requested grade.
Structural Check
Corner castings, frame, roof, and floor are inspected for structural integrity appropriate to the grade being sold.
Seal & Function Check
Doors, locking bars, and seals are tested to confirm the container meets the wind and water tight standard for its grade.
Pre-Delivery Confirmation
The container's grade and condition are confirmed one final time before it's released for delivery to your site.
About Our Product Photos
Listing photos are representative of the grade and container type you're purchasing. Because containers are assigned from live depot inventory, the exact unit you receive may vary slightly in cosmetic details.
Want to see the actual unit before it ships? Ask your container specialist — condition photos can often be provided prior to delivery.
Condition Is Backed by Our Guarantee
If your container arrives and doesn't match the condition grade you paid for, you're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee.
View Returns & Refunds PolicyWhat's Considered Normal for Used Containers
Used containers (Cargo-Worthy and Wind & Water Tight grades) are pre-owned steel structures with an active service history. The following are expected and are not defects covered under our condition guarantee:
- Surface rust, scuffs, dents, or graffiti/decal remnants consistent with the stated grade
- Prior repair welds or panel patches that maintain structural integrity
- Minor floor staining from previous cargo (non-structural)
- Faded paint or manufacturer markings from age and sun exposure
Grading You Can Trust
Industry-Standard Grading
We use recognized terms — New, CW, WWT — not marketing labels invented to sound better than they are.
Inspected Before Dispatch
Every container is checked against its grade standard before it's released for delivery.
Guarantee Backed
Condition disputes are covered under our 30-day money-back guarantee, no fine print games.
A Specialist to Ask
Not sure which grade fits your project? Talk it through with a real container specialist first.
What Our Customers Say About Container Condition
Common Questions About Container Condition
What's the difference between "used" and "Wind & Water Tight"?
"Used" is a general term. Wind & Water Tight (WWT) is a specific condition standard meaning the container has no active leaks or gaps and its doors seal and lock properly — even though it shows cosmetic wear and is no longer certified for ocean freight.
Are "New" containers actually brand new?
Most containers sold as "new" are technically "one-trip" — manufactured and used for a single cargo voyage before being sold domestically. This is standard across the industry, since very few brand-new containers are sold directly without ever being loaded.
Will my container look exactly like the photo on the website?
Listing photos represent the grade and container type. Because units are assigned from live depot inventory, small cosmetic variations are normal. If you'd like to see photos of your specific unit before delivery, ask your container specialist.
What if my container doesn't match the condition I paid for?
Contact us within 30 days of delivery. If the container doesn't meet the standard for its grade, it's covered under our money-back guarantee — see our Returns & Refunds Policy for the full process.
Can I request to inspect a container before it's delivered?
In many markets, yes. Ask your container specialist whether an in-person or photo inspection is available at the depot before your delivery date is confirmed.
Do refurbished or modified containers have a different grading standard?
Yes. Refurbished and custom-modified containers (with doors, windows, shelving, or electrical added) are graded based on the base unit's condition plus the scope of work performed, and are detailed individually on each product listing or quote.
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