Price guide
Cheapest to Priciest: Container Grades Ranked by Value
Shipping container grades ranked from cheapest to most expensive, what each one gets you, and the best-value grade for storage, shipping and conversions.
Every container grade has a price and a purpose. The cheapest grade isn't always the best value, and the most expensive isn't always worth it. Value means paying for exactly what your project needs, and nothing more.
Here are the grades ranked from cheapest to priciest, with what each one gets you and a verdict on value. Use it to narrow down the cheap shipping containers for sale that will actually do your job.
The ranking
1. As-is: the cheapest
What you pay for: a container with known problems, such as pinholes, a damaged floor section, stiff doors or a bent part.
What you get: the lowest price and a box that may need work.
Value verdict: good value only if you'll repair or modify it anyway, or if a leak doesn't matter for your use. Factor the repairs into the price.
2. Wind and watertight (WWT)
What you pay for: a used container with no holes and doors that seal.
What you get: dry, secure storage that isn't certified for ocean shipping. Expect dents, surface rust and faded paint.
Value verdict: the best value for storage. It does the same job as more expensive grades for less.
3. Cargo-worthy (CW)
What you pay for: a used container that's structurally fit to carry cargo overseas.
What you get: a sound frame and floor, plus the option to have it surveyed for a cargo-worthy certificate.
Value verdict: worth it if you'll ship goods by sea, or want extra confidence in the structure. For plain storage, it's usually more than you need.
4. IICL or premium used
What you pay for: a used container in very good condition, often fresh off a lease, with straight panels and few repairs.
What you get: a tidy-looking used box, close to new.
Value verdict: good value for conversions or customer-facing sites when new is out of budget.
5. New (one-trip)
What you pay for: a container that's made a single voyage from the factory.
What you get: clean paint, straight walls, tight seals and its full working life ahead.
Value verdict: the best value for offices, homes and long-term conversions, where the time saved on prep and repairs makes up for the higher price. See new conex containers.
Specialty and modified units
Open side, open top, flat rack, insulated, refrigerated and custom-built containers sit above standard units at every grade, because they're built in smaller numbers or carry extra parts and work.
Best value by job
| Your job | Best-value grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Storing household goods | Wind and watertight | Dry and secure for less |
| Job-site tool storage | Wind and watertight | Dents don't matter on site |
| Farm storage | Wind and watertight | Durable and affordable |
| Shipping goods overseas | Cargo-worthy | Needed to go on a ship |
| Office or workshop | New or IICL | Easier to insulate and fit out |
| Container home | New, usually high cube | Straight, clean and long-lasting |
| Pop-up shop or café | New | Customers see it |
| Cutting up for a project | As-is | Damage may not matter |
Cosmetic vs. structural: where to spend
Grades are about structure, not looks. When you compare containers, spend your money on:
- A sound roof with no holes or deep dents holding water
- A solid floor without soft or rotten sections
- Doors that open, close and seal
- A straight frame and corner posts
And save your money on:
- Paint, color and old logos
- Dents in the side walls
- Surface rust
Seller terms that need explaining
Some sellers use their own words instead of the standard grades. None of these are wrong, but ask what each one means:
| Term you might see | Ask |
|---|---|
| Grade A / B / C | Which standard grade does each letter match? |
| Storage grade | Is it wind and watertight, with no holes? |
| Refurbished | What was repaired: floor, roof, doors, paint? |
| Certified | Certified by whom, for what, and can I see the certificate? |
| Like new | Is it one-trip, or used in good condition? |
| Economy or budget | Is this as-is, and what are the known problems? |
The answer should always come back to the same three questions: are there any holes, do the doors seal, and is the structure sound?
How to compare grades fairly
Grading terms aren't regulated for storage sales, so one seller's "grade A" can be another's wind and watertight. Ask each seller:
- What exactly does this grade mean?
- Can I see photos of the actual unit?
- Will you put the grade in writing?
Then compare delivered prices for the same size and grade. Our used container grades explain the standard terms.
FAQ
What is the best grade of used container?
IICL or premium used is the best used condition. For storage, wind and watertight is the best value.
Is as-is ever worth buying?
Yes, if you'll modify or repair it anyway, or a few leaks don't matter. Otherwise, the repairs can wipe out the savings.
Is a new container worth the extra money?
For conversions and customer-facing uses, usually yes. For plain storage, usually not.
Do specialty containers come in used grades?
Yes. Used open sides, reefers, insulated units and flat racks are graded too, though they're less common than standard boxes.
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