Storage Made Easy.

“New” or “1-Trip” Shipping Containers

If you want the best condition and the nicest looking container - this is it! These shipping containers have made a single journey overseas to the United States before being offloaded and transferred to the private market. They are perfect for applications where a clean, neat outside appearance is important or for storage of sensitive personal items such as household furniture or valuble inventory, etc. The design and features of containers have been constantly improving in recent years and many New units now come standard with multiple air vents (10 or more vs 2-4 for the older units), easy open waist-high door handles and theft-resistant lock shrouds. Even though these units have only made one overseas trip. they have still been moved or handled by cranes, forklifts and trucks a dozen times or more. Scratches, dings and even small dents are to be expected in a New / 1-Trip container.

“Used” Shipping Containers

Used shipping containers can vary widely in condition, appearance and age. These containers have been owned or leased by the steamship lines and logistics companies and have been maintained and repaired until they are replaced by newer containers. For a container to be utilized in overseas commerce or the shippment of goods it must be inspected and certified that it meets CSC (Convention of Safe Containers) and IICL (Institute of International Container Lessors) standards. This is known as a “Cargo Worthy” (CWO) or “Seaworthy” container. For most private storage applications however this is an unnecessary and unneeded expense (Marine Surveyors charge fees to certify a container). Furthermore, “Cargo Worthy” DOES NOT always mean better condition or better appearance - oftentimes non certified containers are in better condition and cost less than a CWO unit.

A container lacking a “Cargo Worthy” certification is generally classified by the industry standard term of “Wind & Watertight” (WWT). This simply means exactly what it says; it is structurally sound and will protect stored goods from the weather. If you are looking for a cost-effective storage solution, then this is the answer. While extremely durable and long-lasting, WWT shipping containers have been..….used! They have been scratched, rusted, dented and repaired & repainted in various places. These containers range from 8-20 years old and could have made from 5 to 30 overseas journeys. At Q3 we offer three grades of shipping containers based upon individual condition and appearance: Grade A+, Grade A, and Grade B.