Container quality gradations and how they affect the price.

In container trade, the same wording or codings are generally used worldwide for the container types, categories and quality descriptions, but sometimes different words or codes are used. An example of this is the description of the dry box; According to the official bodies, the description should be General Purpose, the code G, Type code GP, but often the following names are also used, Dry box/Dry Van.

Wilbert Trading BV basically keeps the description as described in ISO 6346 Amendment 3, but because we also offer containers that deviate even in terms of description from what is described in the ISO standard, we have adjusted our codes ourselves. We use a 6 digits code, based on ISO 6346, but with customisations. For example, C22GP1 stands for a 20ft general purpose container with wooden floor with us, while C22GP2 stands for a 20ft general purpose container with steel floor.

Quality gradations - Category = Condition

The condition or category specified for a container usually indicates the current condition of that container. Other factors affecting the condition include; container ageing, deepsea or shortsea use, damage and repair history, and the weather conditions under which the container was used. Most second-hand containers are depreciated shipping containers, which is why user damage can be expected.

It is important to mention that containers are not all produced to the same standard.

Newer = Better ?

A new container does not necessarily mean that it is of better quality. An older container could even be in better condition as a 'in new condition' container that may have already travelled a long distance, or has been in a location in all weather conditions.

Shipping- or Storage- ?

Many of the gradations/categories used to describe the condition of containers are also used in the transport. Terms such as “Cargo worthy” and “Windproof & Watertight” are descriptions such as those given to the containers by container conveyors.

New- and one-time used containers.

New containers are produced for 98% in China and to keep the price as low as possible, some types are used by shipping companies for cargo shipping. These are then called once-used containers. Other types of containers are never loaded, this has to do with any damage that the cargo could cause. The price of these containers is higher because then the sea freight and the like have to be incorporated into the selling price.

Used containers.

Below we do a statement of the gradations we use for used cargo-worthy containers, from the highest quality to lowest quality;

IICL - quality

These containers are 2 to 8 years old and in excellent condition. They meet all repair requirements and are suitable for regular use for shipping. These cost less than a new container, but more than the WWT-A quality that are older.

WWT - A

These containers are usually older than 8 years and have little rusting or damage. The containers are CSC certified for up to 30 months of validity.

WWT - B

These containers are older than 8 years and have rust formation and small dents and the like, The containers are CSC certified, but with a limited validity of 12 months.

Hobby - C

These containers are no longer suitable for loading, and are offered for local storage purposes. You can also use these containers to make adjustments yourself, the certification of these containers has expired, and can therefore no longer be shipped.

ASIS -

These containers are in the condition as they were returned to our depots. These are usually containers that we have destroyed due to high repair costs.

You want to purchase a container ?

Our advice is always that you personally inspect the container you want, and see if the container meets the requirements you expect. If you are unable to do this personally, you can also appoint independent container inspectors for this, who will view the container(s) for you.