§ 02 Decision: Condition ISO 9096 Standards
New or Used?
Know the Trade-off.
New containers guarantee weather protection for expensive equipment. Used containers cost 40–60% less but vary in durability. Let's break down what each grade means in practice.
Understanding Container Grades
Shipping containers are graded by their remaining useful life. These grades are industry-standard, though exact naming varies by seller.
New / One-Trip
Effective Lifetime: 20+ Years
Manufactured overseas, sailed once, then sold. Effectively brand-new with zero rust and perfect seals.
→ Tom · John Deere protection
Cargo Worthy (CW)
The Sweet Spot · 15+ Years
Certified structurally sound for shipping. Looks worn (surface rust, dents) but function is equivalent to new for storage.
→ Best Value for Farm Use
Wind & Water Tight (WWT)
Budget Option · 10+ Years
Retired from shipping. Still keeps weather out, but expect heavy cosmetic wear and more maintenance over time.