After manufacture overseas, containers are shipped around the world to an array of shipping lines that use containers over a leased period of time to ship cargo.  When these new containers are shipped it is cost effective for the manufacturer and the country of origin to load the containers with cargo before heading to their respective destinations.  By doing this the cargo helps pay for the shipping costs of these containers.  These brand new containers are noted as “1-Trip” Shipping Containers as they’ve made one sailing and most likely carried 1 load of cargo on its maiden voyage. 

This grade of shipping container is a used container, in most cases 10 years old or newer and hasn’t had much use or wear and tear.  Very minimal rust is also a trait of an IICL Shipping Container.

Cargo worthy containers are normally within 10-15 years of age and have been actively used in the intermodal industry.  However just because they are used doesn’t mean they aren’t any good!  Cargo worthy containers must still meet US Coast Guard guidelines.  Which means they cannot have any holes or leaks, the marine grade plywood flooring must be in good condition, the container doors must open and close properly, the door seals and container vents must be in good condition and any dents in the shipping container cannot be more than 1.5″ deep.  There will be slightly more rust areas on cargo worthy containers than on IICl containers but even in this condition, it’s kept to a minimum.