What are shipping container grades explained (UK guide)?
Shipping container grades are a simple way to describe a container’s condition and what it’s suitable for. In the UK, grades usually range from new one-trip (near-new, best appearance) to cargo-worthy/CSC-plated (fit for shipping) to wind and watertight (best value for secure storage), down to as-is/handyman (needs repairs). Grades affect price, lifespan, and usability.
Shipping Container Grades in Plain English (Quick List)
- New / One-Trip – near-new, minimal marks, best lifespan and resale
- IICL / “Multi-trip” – high-grade used, very tidy for a used unit
- Cargo-Worthy (CW) – inspected/repair standard suitable for shipping (often needs a valid CSC to ship)
- CSC-Plated – has a valid CSC plate (time-limited), eligible for international shipping
- Wind & Watertight (WWT) – no holes/leaks, ideal secure storage, not usually for shipping
- Refurbished – used container repaired/repainted (varies by supplier)
- As-Is – unknown condition, no guarantees, buyer takes the risk
What Shipping Container Grades Actually Mean
When UK customers search shipping containers for sale UK, “grade” is really shorthand for three things:
- Weatherproofing (does it stay wind and watertight?)
- Structure (is it straight, doors work, floor solid?)
- Use case (storage only, or shipping/export too?)
Important: grading is not perfectly standard across every supplier. Two “WWT” containers can look different. That’s why photos (or a viewing if possible) matter.
Why Container Grades Matter (Problems They Solve)
Choosing the right grade avoids the classic mistakes buyers make when they buy shipping container UK:
- Paying one-trip money when you only need basic storage
- Buying “cheap shipping containers UK” that end up needing repairs
- Assuming WWT means “pretty” (it doesn’t)
- Buying a container for export without the right paperwork (CSC)
- Choosing the wrong grade for container conversions and ending up with extra fabrication cost
A good grade match saves you money, hassle, and delivery delays.
Grade vs Best Use (Snippet-Friendly Table)
| Grade / Term | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| New / One-Trip | High-visibility sites, long-term storage, conversions | Near-new look, straight panels, minimal marks |
| IICL (Multi-trip) | Premium used storage, tidy conversions | Clean for used, repaired to high standards |
| Cargo-Worthy (CW) | Export/shipping (when paired with valid CSC) | Structurally sound, may have patches/dents |
| CSC-Plated | International shipping eligibility | Valid CSC plate (date-limited), more versatile |
| WWT (Wind & Watertight) | Storage on farms, yards, sites | No holes/leaks, dents/paint wear normal |
| Refurbished | Storage where appearance matters | Repaint/repairs vary; ask what’s included |
| As-Is | Projects, repairs, very rough storage | Cheapest; risks leaks, floor issues, door trouble |
Key Terms UK Buyers Get Caught On
“Wind and Watertight” (WWT)
This means the container keeps out rain and draughts: no holes, no daylight showing through, doors shut properly. It’s the most common grade for steel storage containers.
“Cargo-Worthy”
This usually means inspected and repaired to a level acceptable for sea transport. It does not automatically guarantee the container currently has a valid CSC plate.
“CSC-Plated”
The CSC plate is the shipping certification plate. A “CSC-plated” container has a valid plate (time-limited). If you’re exporting, this matters.
“Refurbished”
This can mean anything from a quick paint touch-up to major repairs. Always ask:
- What repairs were done?
- Was it repainted fully?
- Was the roof checked and sealed?
- Are door seals replaced?
If appearance matters, refurbished or new containers may suit better. If value matters most, used containers win.
Which Grade Should You Buy?
Here’s the simplest decision framework:
- Choose WWT if you want the best value for secure storage and don’t care about dents/paint.
- Choose One-Trip if the container is customer-facing, you want maximum lifespan, or you’re doing modified shipping containers or a clean conversion.
- Choose Cargo-worthy + valid CSC if you’re shipping/exporting goods internationally.
- Choose Refurbished if you want a tidy look without paying one-trip prices.
- Choose As-is only if you’re comfortable repairing containers.
Why Bosh Boxes Is the Best Choice
At Bosh Boxes, grading is explained in plain English so you can choose with confidence — not guess.
- Guidance for conversions and custom container builds
- Honest advice on the right grade for your use
- Clear expectations (cosmetics vs performance)
- Quality checks to confirm wind and watertight condition
- Support for buyers choosing between new and used shipping containers
- UK-wide container delivery UK planning to avoid failed drops
- Options across 10ft shipping containers, 20ft shipping containers, and 40ft shipping containers
How to Get Started
- Decide your use: storage, conversion, or shipping
- Pick a grade that matches (WWT, one-trip, CW/CSC)
- Confirm size: 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft
- Check access and ground before booking delivery
- Request photos of the example units (smartest step)
For a fast quote and delivery date, contact Bosh Boxes today — your trusted UK shipping container supplier.
