The labels are a starting point
Condition terms describe roughly where a unit sits on a scale from factory-fresh to end-of-service. They are genuinely useful for narrowing a shortlist, and they are not a substitute for knowing about the specific unit you are buying. Two containers sold under the same label can differ substantially. Always move from the label to the particular unit before you commit.
New and one-trip
A one-trip container has been manufactured and used for a single loaded voyage. In practice it looks close to new: sound paint, clean interior, square doors, minimal marking. It is the right choice where appearance matters, where the unit will be converted, or where you want the longest service life from the purchase. It costs the most, and for a conversion it is usually money well spent, because you are not building a finished interior around compromised steel.
Cargo-worthy and wind-and-watertight
Cargo-worthy means the unit has been inspected as fit to carry cargo in international shipping, with a valid CSC safety-approval plate. Wind-and-watertight describes a unit that keeps weather out but may no longer be certified for shipping. Both are sensible for storage. Expect honest cosmetic wear — surface rust, dents, patch repairs, repainting — and judge it on whether the shell, the floor, the doors and the seals are sound.
As-is
As-is means what it says: the unit is sold in its current state, with its faults, and without a voluntary condition warranty beyond what the law requires. It can be good value if you have seen it, you understand what is wrong with it, and the intended use tolerates the defects. It is a poor choice sight-unseen, and a poor base for a conversion.
What to ask about the specific unit
Current photographs of that unit, not a category image. The state of the roof, which is where water collects and where corrosion hides. The floor, including any soft spots or previous repairs. The doors: do they close square, do the locking bars operate, are the seals intact. Any repairs or patches and where. And whether the CSC plate is present and valid, if that matters for your use.
Condition and warranty
Existing wear and any defects disclosed in the order or condition report are not warranty defects — they are part of what you agreed to buy. Any warranty on used or refurbished equipment has to be stated in the accepted order. Read the condition report as carefully as the price.
Matching condition to use
Long-term storage of valuable contents, or any conversion: buy the best condition you can. General storage of robust equipment: cargo-worthy is usually the sensible balance. Short-term or low-stakes use where you can inspect first: as-is can be good value. Decide the use first, and let it set the condition rather than letting the price do it.
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