Shipping Container Quality
What are the quality grades of shipping containers and what does each quality guarantee?
When deciding to buy or rent a shipping container, it is important to know what quality and condition the individual containers offer and what you are actually buying. There are several categories that reflect the technical condition and suitability of the container for transport or storage. Here we describe the individual categories and their descriptions:
NEW SHIPPING CONTAINERS
IICL – containers after many voyages, still in good condition
IICL6 – containers after one sea voyage (one-trip)
IICL5 – containers after several voyages, almost like new (multi-trip)
IICL6 – container after one trip
Containers marked as IICL6 after one trip are essentially almost new. They have been used for only one transport from the production plant to the first customer. These containers have minimal signs of wear (small scratches are completely normal), often look like new, and meet the strictest standards of the International Institute of Container Leasing (IICL). They are ideal for those looking for a long-term and reliable solution for transport or storage and want to acquire a container in really good condition that will serve them for decades without needing any repairs.
Such container quality is often required for corporate use and various business activities, company storage, where emphasis is placed on quality representation of the company.
It should still be kept in mind that the container has already completed 1 sea voyage and will not be in the condition of a completely new container that has just left the factory. This one-trip container is always loaded with cargo (which is why slight optical damage may occur during loading and unloading of cargo), it is further loaded by crane onto a transport ship, unloaded in a port, and transported empty to a container depot for sale. Therefore, slight optical damage may always occur due to handling. In general, however, these containers are in excellent condition.
IICL5 – container after several trips
Shipping containers marked as IICL5 after several trips are still in very good condition, even though they have already gone through several transport cycles. These containers are maintained according to strict IICL standards and regularly undergo thorough inspections and maintenance. They are suitable for repeated use in the transport industry and offer a good combination of quality and price. However, this does not mean that the container cannot have some minor deformations or scratches from normal use during voyages and at transport depots. This quality guarantees you that the container has well-sealing doors, functional closing, and the goods stored inside the container are safe for further ocean voyages.
IICL
Containers marked IICL are in good technical condition and meet the standards of the International Institute of Container Leasing, although they may not be as new as IICL6 or IICL5. These containers are often used for various types of transport and storage, where functionality and reliability are important. However, just as in the previous case, the container may already have some aesthetic defects. However, it is still in absolutely functional condition for storage, transport, and long-term storage of goods, not only for transport.
USED SHIPPING CONTAINERS
- Cargo Worthy (standard used containers)
- CIC (older containers in better visual condition)
- WWT (Wind and Water Tight)
Cargo Worthy / CIC
Used containers in the Cargo Worthy (CW) or Container Inspection Criteria (CIC) category are still suitable for transport, even though they have been used for several years. These containers have passed inspections and are still able to safely transport cargo at an international level. They are an ideal choice for those who need functional and reliable containers at a lower price. These containers also have a valid CSC plate for international transport. However, their visual condition may already be worse. Often such a container contains defects such as: rust, minor deformations, scratches. And they may also have repairs on them. However, the container must still be in absolutely functional condition from the inside for the safe transport of goods by sea. The color of CW containers is never guaranteed! You will receive a piece that is currently in stock.
This type of container is widely used for conversions of shipping containers. It is often chosen for its attractive price with the guarantee that water will not get into the container and it is still well-sealing.
DECOMMISSIONED SHIPPING CONTAINERS “AS IS”
- AS IS 10 (decommissioned containers in the worst condition)
- AS IS 5 (decommissioned containers still in functional condition)
- AS IS 2 (decommissioned containers in relatively good technical condition)
Decommissioned “AS IS” containers are sold in the condition they are in, without any guarantees regarding their technical condition. These containers may be damaged, of older production date, or no longer meet modern transport and safety standards. Despite this, they still have a wide range of uses outside maritime transport. They may be containers with minor damage, corrosion, or wear that does not prevent their further use. These containers are no longer suitable for transporting goods by sea, but may still be functional and practical for other purposes.
These containers are often suitable for less demanding storage purposes, such as workshops, tool storage, storage on construction sites, garden storage, or for various creative projects, such as construction projects, garden houses, or art installations. Containers decommissioned from maritime transport may also have minor damage, such as holes the size of a little finger. There may be several of them. Some people don’t mind, others quickly repair them. The container often tempts with its very low price, but despite its minor shortcomings, it can still offer undemanding storage space that will serve for a long time.
There are several subcategories:
The individual numbers after the “AS IS” mark indicate the number of work hours needed to bring the container to Cargo Worthy quality.
AS IS 10:
These containers are in the worst condition of the listed categories and often require significant repairs. However, they are still usable for various types of static projects and can be converted to other purposes. Such a container is in a very worn condition and is approaching the end of its service life, which is also reflected in its very low price. It may have visible signs of wear, damage, rust, or other serious defects that could affect its functionality. If you do not require the container to be waterproof and fully functional, and for example only need to lock up garden equipment against theft, store tires, etc., such a container may be completely sufficient.
AS IS 5:
Containers in this category have visible signs of wear and may require minor repairs. They are suitable for storage or for projects where aesthetics is not the primary factor, but they are still functional and generally still serve their purpose without problems.
AS IS 2:
These containers are still in relatively good technical condition, but may have minor cosmetic defects or slight signs of wear and defects. They are suitable for less demanding storage needs. This category designates a container still in good condition with minimal wear. It may have rather small signs of use and its functionality is generally considered satisfactory. Such a shipping container is most often acquired for the purpose of using it to store undemanding material. However, do not expect that the container will not rust, etc. It is still a container decommissioned from maritime transport.
Consider the quality and condition before buying a container
When choosing a shipping container, it is important to consider its quality and condition, as this affects its suitability for the intended purpose. Categories such as IICL6 after one voyage and IICL5 after several voyages offer high reliability and long service life. IICL containers and used Cargo Worthy / CIC containers are ideal for those looking for good functionality at a reasonable price. Decommissioned “AS IS” containers provide an affordable solution for less demanding applications or creative projects.
If you order several containers of the same quality, this does not mean that all containers will be in exactly the same condition. For example, one may be very nice, the other may bear greater signs of wear. This is a completely common practice – it is always a used container. However, each quality category has its strict condition assessment criteria, which is your guarantee of the received quality.
Important keywords for this topic: shipping container quality, IICL6, IICL5, IICL, Cargo Worthy, CIC, WWT, decommissioned containers, AS IS 10, AS IS 5, AS IS 2
Other container news...
How much does a reefer container cost?
If you are researching cold storage solutions for your business, you have almost certainly asked the question: how much does a reefer container cost? The answer is not a single number. A refrigerated shipping container — commonly called a reefer — can set you back anywhere from $4,000 for a decommissioned, non-operational unit to more than $45,000 for a brand-new, high-cube 40-foot model with the latest refrigeration technology. Between those two extremes lies a complex landscape of pricing tiers, operating expenses, hidden costs, and financing options that can dramatically shift the total cost of ownership over the life of the container.
Container door leverage bars
This guide was compiled from industry research, manufacturer documentation, workplace safety data, and hands-on operator experience. Container door leverage bars are simple tools, but they solve a problem that costs the logistics industry billions of dollars annually. If you work with shipping containers, a quality leverage bar is one of the smartest investments you can make.
