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You might be surprised to learn that there is no official global standard for grading shipping containers. In intermodal transport, containers are evaluated based on criteria that either preserves longevity for lessors (IICL-6) or ensures seaworthiness (CSC surveys<\/a>). But for domestic storage and general resale, the industry relies on widely accepted measures including age, condition, structural integrity, and service history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Terminology can also vary by region. In the U.S. market, five container grades are commonly available, listed here from newest to oldest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is a breakdown of each grade and what it means for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage-spec containers are made for domestic use and are easy to access and secure from the ground\u2014they include features like a lockbox, easy-open door handles, and forklift pockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shipping-spec containers are built for intermodal shipping and may not include all of the same features. However, the steel is slightly thicker in shipping-spec units (1.6\u202fmm versus 1.2\u202fmm for storage-spec), making them better suited for repeated transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/chs-containergroup.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Shipping-Container-Grades-With-Examples-410x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNew Shipping Containers (\u201cOne-Trip\u201d)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What they look like<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One-trip containers are the newest available for sale. Most are manufactured in beige (RAL 1015), though colors like dark blue, red, and grey are also common. They usually do not carry shipping-line logos\u2014though it is a possibility. And while they are in excellent condition, minor scuffs or small dents from their single ocean journey are normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFeatures and build<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One-trip containers come in two subcategories: storage-spec (also known as \u201ctrading-spec\u201d) and shipping-spec (also called \u201cleasing-spec\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy they\u2019re called \u201cone-trips\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Because almost all containers are manufactured in China, they must make at least one loaded voyage before being sold in the U.S. This avoids the cost and footprint of shipping an empty unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New containers are suitable for any storage, shipping, or building application. They are the only grade we recommend for multi-story construction and are commonly used in the creation of modular self-storage facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGrade Examples<\/small>
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNew Shipping Containers for Sale\t\t<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t