An In-Depth Look at the Varying Condition Levels of Containers
There are two important considerations when choosing which kind of shipping container you need: appearance condition and shipping grades. Today we will go into detail about the condition grades of all our new and used shipping containers.
Your shipping container provider should be honest and upfront with you about the condition of your desired unit. Here at Transocean Equipment Management, you can always count on our transparency!
New/One Trip
New containers were built within the last two years and at the most may have been used only once for international shipping. All parts of the container are considered to be in excellent condition. This is the best condition you can get.
A Grade
A grade containers will feature minimal rust, with doors and gaskets that are in very good condition. There will be no major dents, floors in good condition, and few (if any) patches in the roof. This is also an excellent quality container that looks aesthetically pleasing but that can still be painted if you wanted to.
B Grade
With B grade, you can expect some rust, but overall the corrosion is minor and superficial, and any areas of rust that are present won’t be bigger than six inches in diameter. There is little to no rust around doors, gaskets, hinges and seals, but there could still be a few patches on the roof and floor. Side walls may feature some deflections, but overall, this is a good quality unit, best used for general storage purposes.
C Grade
Rust is present but not overwhelming, with most of it being superficial. Areas of rust could be larger than six inches in diameter. Doors are functional but there may be some light rust on gaskets, hinges or tops of doors. There will likely be many patches in the roof and floor with delamination present on the floor. This is not the prettiest option but it’s one of the more popular grades due to its affordability and structural soundness.
D Grade
Rust will be structural and predominant, with doors that are difficult to open and close. It’s likely that the unit has loose gaskets with severe delamination occurring on the floor (which may also be loose). You will see medium to severe rust around seals. Sides could have large deflections or dents. These units are likely 20 years old or more. They’re the cheapest option and pretty ugly, but they are still wind and water tight and perfectly fine for storing four-wheelers, lawnmowers, and other similar equipment.
Overall, there are many things that will dictate which grade you choose, from budget to intended usage. You can get the best deal with used or recycle containers, which can cost you about $3000, while a new one will cost you $5,000 or more.
Checking the Condition Before Buying
Before settling on a container, always check the condition to make sure its condition has been properly presented to you by the rep. Here are some tips when searching.
Look at Photos
Photos will help you determine the container’s condition and dimensions, but don’t neglect the details. Be aware that there are scams out there, so make sure the photos add up to the one you’re seeing in reality.
Check the Exterior
Walk around the outside to check on overall condition. Pay attention to corner castings, paint, and seals. While small dents can be expected here and there, large sections of denting and rusting are a cause for concern.
Inspect the Interior
Now head inside. Do the doors show any signs of significant damage? They should be able to lock and seal correctly. Next, take a look at all door fittings, seals, locks and gaskets for damage. Do you smell mold? Musty smells may mean there’s a leak somewhere.
Ask About Delivery Fees
Find out what the terms and conditions are when it comes to your container’s delivery.
How far away does the container have to come? What circumstances would arise that would necessitate an increase in pre-purchase quote? Who is responsible for the container while it’s in transport? What if it is damaged when being dropped off by the truck?
There are all crucial questions to ask before you take ownership of the shipping container.
Contact Transocean Equipment Management
To learn more about the many grades of storage container we offer and which one would be right for you, contact us today for a free quote.
