Housing affordability is a real issue in Australia. The price of homes just keeps on climbing, leading many people to look at alternative and often less traditional dwellings. The shipping…
Container Conditions
New, one-trip, CW, WWT, as-is, customised… what do shipping container grades mean? And which is the right grade for you? Read on to find out.
12+ years on the market
3,000+ Satisfied Clients
Features + Specs
Compact, tough and customisable
Shipping container dimensions
Shipping container durability
- Waterproof and weatherproof steel construction, new or used.
- Choose any container grade – new, used, as-is – from vetted suppliers.
Shipping container extras
- Order your container with ventilation, lockboxes or secure floors.
- Our modification partners can customise your container your way.
Container grades
What do different container conditions mean?
1. New/one-trip
What:
Containers that have made a single trip from the manufacturer and are in as-new condition.
Best for:
Long-term use, high-visibility projects, premium storage, or a high quality working/living space.
2. Cargo-worthy (CW)
What:
CSC-plated, structurally sound containers that meet international shipping standards.
Best for:
Overseas freight or long-term, secure storage of high value goods.
3. Wind & watertight (WWT)
What:
A step down from CW, these containers can keep out wind and rain but lack shipping certification.
Best for:
On-site storage, domestic transport, or conversion projects where aesthetics aren’t critical.
4. As-is/damaged
What:
Containers sold in their current state, which may include rust, dents, cracks, leaks or damage
Best for:
Budget projects, parts recovery, repurposing where full weather protection isn’t required.
5. Refurbished/customised
What:
Containers that have been repaired, repainted or modified for specific uses.
Best for:
Those on a budget who want a fresh looking container, or who are repurposing a container.
New or used
New vs used: which container is right for you?
3,000+ Satisfied Clients
best for business
New shipping container
Single-trip containers in as-new condition.
Ideal for long-term use or prominent, high visibility locations.
Available in multiple colours and fully customisable.
Can be supplied complete with factory lockbox and vents.
Budget pick
Used shipping container
Choose your rating: As-is/project-grade, wind & watertight (WWT) or CSC-plated/cargo-worthy.
Ideal for budget storage and remote/low visibility sites.
May have cosmetic wear and (protective) external rust.
Limited colours, but cost-effective and fully customisable.
3,000+ Satisfied Clients
About container grades
What are container conditions? And why do they matter?
Shipping containers are strong, robust and built to last. But between knocks, wear and exposure to the elements, they gradually degrade over time. Container grades are designed to group containers by their condition: brand new, damaged, and a number of levels in between.
Container grades give customers a quick idea of the quality of a container and its suitability for different uses. In some situations a new/one-trip container is required, such as for high visibility projects or premium tiny homes. In others a used CW, WWT or as-is container will be ideal.
Why choose our shipping containers?
- Strong and protective: Built from corten steel with a weather-resistant, sealed construction, plus optional lockboxes and vents.
- Easy to modify: Add insulation, windows, doors, plumbing and electrical to turn it into a living/working space.
- Readily available: Connect with vetted local suppliers across the country, and get a container delivered to your door.
- Great for tight spaces: Place your container in a driveway, on a construction site, or outside your commercial premises.
Got questions? Let’s chat.
Hello! I’m Sophie – Container Specialist, how can I help you?
We’re here to make container buying simple.
Talk to a real expert, get advice, and find your perfect fit – fast.
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FAQs
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers
All you need to know about shipping container grades.
01
The perfect container for your situation will depend on a few different factors. You should first consider what you’re using the container for: if you’re transporting goods on a container ship, for example, you’ll need a one-trip or CW container. If you’re storing valuable goods, a WWT container is more than capable, while an as-is container might provide enough protection for basic or hard-wearing items. You’ll also need to consider your budget, and you should check the age and appearance of any container that you are considering investing in.
02
At shipping-containers.com.au we connect you with vetted container suppliers, giving you access to containers that come pre-graded, including CSC-plating to confirm cargo-worthiness. If you’re checking a container over in-person, tips for inspecting a used container include:
- Checking for rust, dents and scrapes (FYI: corten steel is designed to form a protective layer of rust)
- Checking the integrity of the floor, doors, hinges, seals and lockboxes.
- Asking for inspection reports and relevant certifications.
03
CW stands for cargo-worthy. Containers given CW status are approved for use on container ships. They are weatherproof and structurally sound, and can be identified by the presence of a container safety convention (CSC) plate attached to the exterior of the container. Another common acronym is WWT, which refers to ‘wind & watertight’ containers that aren’t rated as cargo-worthy.
04
DC stands for ‘dry containers’. Dry containers are the standard type of shipping container, constituting around 90% of all containers in use across the globe. They are used for general cargo, and are distinct from specialised options like dangerous goods (DG) containers and refrigerated (reefer) containers.
05
Shipping containers are intermodal: they can be transported on sea, rail and road. This means that they can be delivered almost anywhere in Australia. And by accessing our sprawling network of local container suppliers, delivery of your ideal container can be completed in quick time.
06
Not only is it possible to customise a shipping container, these simple metal boxes are perfect for modification. Storage, site offices, pop-up retail spaces, workshops, garages, garden sheds, galleries, tiny homes; if you can think of a use, there’s probably a way to make it happen. In fact, someone has probably already done it. And our modification partners are ready to help bring your container dreams to life.
07
As a container platform, we connect you with vetted local suppliers. Some exclusively sell containers, others also offer leasing and rental services. Renting can make sense for short-term use, while purchasing may be more suitable for longer-term or customised projects. Because pricing and availability vary by region and supplier, we recommend submitting your requirements to receive options tailored to your situation.