SHIPPING CONTAINER GRADES

ONE TIME USE

(OTU)
  • Like New - Only Used Once (One Trip)
  • Perfect for Residential Storage
  • Secure, Rodent Proof & Watertight
  • Valid CSC Certification for Ocean-Vessel Shipment
  • Very Few Dents (if any) and/or Scratches
  • Won’t Require Paint for Years
  • Surface Rust is Minimal (if any)

Many local municipalities or inspectors require the use of OTU condition containers for varying reasons such as assurance that no hazardous materials were shipped in the container during it’s maiden voyage from China or for cosmetic reasons. Available in neutral colours.

For modifications, engineers often require OTU condition containers in container-based structures to ensure previous damage has not affected the container structure.

If your wife is involved in the buying decision, you will be going home with a OTU container. If you live in a nice neighbourhood, this is the condition you want.

CARGO WORTHY

(cw)
  • Perfect for Seasonal or Industrial Storage
  • Secure, Rodent Proof, and Watertight
  • Eligible for CSC Certification for Ocean-Vessel Shipment
  • Noticeable Dents, Scratches, and Surface Rust
  • May Require Painting or Pressure Washing
  • May Have Residual Odor
  • Doors Stiffer and Harder to Operate than OTU

Cargo Worthy containers are typically 7 to 12 years old and have spent much of their life in active shipping fleets. They show more wear than one-time-use units, including dents, scratches, and some rust, but remain structurally sound and safe for storage.

While they can be recertified (IICL) for export, customers often find that choosing an OTU container for overseas shipping is easier and more cost-effective. For ground storage, CW units are an excellent balance of durability and value. Many shipping line and leasing company containers were originally built to a heavier specification than OTU containers, which can be an advantage when reusing them.

WIND & WATER TIGHT

(WWT)
  • Budget-Friendly Storage Option
  • Guaranteed Rodent Proof and Watertight
  • Structurally Sound for Ground Storage
  • Does Not Qualify for Overseas Shipping
  • Noticeable Dents, Scratches, and Surface Rust
  • Will Require Repairs and Paint Sooner for Cosmetic Appeal

WWT containers are the most affordable option for customers who simply need secure ground storage. These units have been used in shipping fleets for many years and show clear signs of age, including dents, scratches, and surface rust. While no longer certified for ocean transport, they are still structurally sound and guaranteed to keep your contents safe, dry, and rodent-free.

They are perfect for farms, acreages, industrial yards, and job sites where appearance is less of a concern. If price matters most, this is the condition you want.

Condition One Time Use
(Like New)
CWO
(Cargo Worthy)
Wind and Watertight As Is
Wind and Watertight YES YES YES Not guaranteed
Floors Free of Holes YES YES YES Not guaranteed
Doors Fully Functioning YES YES YES Not guaranteed
Suitable for Storage YES YES YES With repairs
Suitable for Exports YES YES Only with repairs NO
Suitable for Modifications YES YES YES Yes, with repairs
Paint Fresh paint Faded paint acceptable Faded paint acceptable Faded paint acceptable
Dents and Scratches Minor dents & scratches acceptable Some dents, repairs and surface rust acceptable Many dents, repairs and surface rust acceptable Significant dents acceptable
Floors Appearance Like new Some scratches, gouges and patches acceptable Many scratches, gouges and patches acceptable Many scratches, gouges and patches and potential holes
Condition The best condition available on the market Good condition, meets all shipping requirements Not ready for shipping, but good for storage or conversion No guarantees, only suitable if you can repair yourself