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In the end, the decision comes down to your situation. How long will you need your portable storage container? What do you need it for? Are you more concerned with keeping costs to a minimum or getting a nice looking unit?
But before trying to answer these questions outright, we first need to take a step back and discuss the basics of the six shipping container conditions: Wind & Watertight (WWT), Refurbished (Reconditioned), Cargo Worthy, Premium (IICL-5), One Trip (New) and As Is (B-Grade).
With its interior securely shielded from heavy rains, winds, and the most severe weather, a WWT container can safely protect storage items and combat corrosion from the elements. The industry standard for portable storage, containers in WWT condition have intact door seals and floorboards, dependable steel lock rods, and a durable steel frame free from holes and leaks.
While shipping containers in WWT condition are about 12-15 years when they’re retired from active use in overseas shipping, they typically remain in their WWT condition decades after for portable on-site storage.
Usually only 7-15 years old, portable storage containers in refurbished condition are repaired and freshly painted WWT units. The dents and dings in reconditioned units are removed, and when needed, their doors and floorboards are replaced.
Cargo worthy condition means the container has been given the go-ahead for shipping. Before any shipping container can leave the port on a cargo ship, it has to be thoroughly inspected by a licensed surveyor, certified cargo worthy, and given a valid Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). The condition of the doors, floor, walls, and ceiling are surveyed, as well as the container’s structural integrity and wind and water tightness.
Cargo worthy containers may have some dents, scrapes, and rust, but that doesn’t mean the container is lacking its structural integrity. The opposite is true in fact. If a portable storage container isn’t 100% in a secure WWT condition, then it’s definitely not cargo worthy.
Typically only 2-8 years old and in excellent condition, premium containers are qualified for regular cargo use. While they usually cost less than a one-trip (new) unit, portable storage containers in premium condition are relatively young units. So, needless to say, they go for more than both cargo worthy and WWT containers.
A one-trip or “new” portable storage container has only taken one trip from its point of origin in China across the ocean before it’s delivered to you. This means that one-trip containers are without a doubt WWT and certified cargo worthy. But what truly distinguishes this container condition from the rest of the pack are its clean and pristine aesthetics, nearly untouched floorboards, and easy-to-use, high locking bars.
You’re going in blind with a portable storage container in ‘as is’ or current condition. While you can definitely count on a better price for these units, bear in mind the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ can certainly hold true.
What you save going with a portable storage container in ‘as is’ condition may come at the expense of some dents, rust, chipped paint, and maybe even punctures. But if you don’t mind fixing a small leak, then this container condition may be all you need.
The value of shipping containers for on-site portable storage is undeniable–you get a strong, steel storage solution delivered on-site and ready to use. But as we’ve seen, portable storage and shipping container conditions do vary. Being able to make an informed decision will help ensure you’re getting your money's worth.
Ready for a quote? Get in touch with us today. We offer transparent, market-based pricing and quality portable storage containers in every condition.
