WWT vs Cargo Worthy Container Grades

Why container grades exist

Every shipping container starts life as cargo equipment. Over years of service it collects dents, rust and repairs, and at some point a shipping line retires it. From then on the container is sold on, and buyers need a shorthand for its condition. That shorthand is the grade.

The grades you will see in Australia are one-trip (or new), Cargo Worthy (CW), Wind and Watertight (WWT) and as-is. Suppliers use the terms loosely, so this guide explains what each one should mean, what it guarantees and what it does not. AAD Logistics sells used containers as inspected Wind and Watertight. We say that plainly so you can decide whether that grade suits your job.

The grades explained

One-trip and new

A one-trip container has made a single loaded voyage from the factory to its market. It is sold as new because that voyage is how the manufacturer moves the unit economically. Expect fresh paint, an unmarked floor and a current CSC plate. AAD’s new containers fall into this category and carry an 18-month warranty.

Cargo Worthy (CW)

Cargo Worthy means a surveyor has inspected the container and certified it fit to carry cargo by sea. The survey checks structure, floor, doors, seals and the CSC plate. A CW unit can be loaded, sealed and put on a ship. It costs more than WWT because of the survey and because the unit must meet a structural standard, not just a weather standard.

Wind and Watertight (WWT)

Wind and Watertight means the container keeps weather out. Doors close and seal, and the roof, walls and floor have no holes. It has not been surveyed for sea transport and may have damage that a surveyor would fail, such as a bowed panel or a de-rated corner post. For storage on land, WWT is the grade that matters.

As-is

As-is means no guarantee of anything. Holes, rotten floors and jammed doors are all possible. AAD does not sell as-is containers.

WWT vs Cargo Worthy side by side

	Wind and Watertight	Cargo Worthy
Weatherproof	Yes	Yes
Surveyed for sea transport	No	Yes
Valid for shipping without further inspection	No	Yes, while the survey is current
Cosmetic condition	Dents, rust, markings and patches expected	Similar; the survey is structural, not cosmetic
Typical price	Lower	Higher
Best use	Storage, site sheds, workshops on land	Export, one-way freight, repeated transport
Sold by AAD	Yes, used 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC	No

Why AAD’s used containers are WWT

Almost every used container bought in Australia is used for storage on land. The buyer wants a dry, lockable, tough box at a good price. A Cargo Worthy survey adds cost for a certificate that a storage buyer will never use. So AAD inspects each used unit for the things that matter on land and sells it as Wind and Watertight.

The inspection covers doors, seals, roof, walls, floor, corner castings and understructure. A unit passes if it is weatherproof, lockable and sound enough to lift and place. Cosmetic items are left as they are. See what to expect in new vs used shipping containers.

If you need a container for export, buy new. AAD’s new range carries current CSC plates and an 18-month warranty. Used AAD stock should not be presented to a shipping line without a fresh survey, and we do not arrange surveys.

CSC plates explained

CSC stands for the International Convention for Safe Containers. Every ISO container carries a metal CSC plate riveted to the left-hand door. The plate is the container’s passport for sea transport and tells you a lot even if you never ship the unit.

What is on the plate

Approval reference from the country that certified the design.
Date of manufacture, which tells you the container’s age.
Manufacturer’s identification number.
Maximum gross weight, the container plus its maximum payload.
Allowable stacking weight, how much can sit on top when stacked.
Racking test load, the transverse force the frame is rated for.
Next examination date or an ACEP number if the owner runs a continuous examination program.

What the plate tells a buyer

Date of manufacture is the most useful line for a used buyer. It gives you the age of the steel and a sense of how many years of salt air the unit has seen. Maximum gross weight confirms the rating if you plan to store heavy goods. On a 20ft that gives a payload of up to approximately 28,000 kg once you subtract the tare of approximately 2,200 kg.

Does an expired examination date matter?

Only for shipping. The examination date governs whether a container can be put on a ship without a new inspection. For a container that lives on a farm or in a yard, an expired date changes nothing. A missing plate matters more, because it can indicate the unit was de-rated or built outside the ISO system. AAD’s used containers carry their plates.

Which grade do you need?

Storage on your property, site shed, workshop or garage: Wind and Watertight is enough. This covers most buyers.
Conversion to an office or studio: WWT is a workable base if the panels you keep are sound. New is easier to work with and comes in a choice of RAL colours.
Export or transport by sea: Cargo Worthy or new. AAD’s route is new, with a current CSC plate.
Appearance in a public or customer-facing position: New. Grades do not cover cosmetics.

Questions to ask any used container seller

Whether you buy from AAD or elsewhere, these questions sort a fair listing from a vague one.

Is the container sold as WWT, CW or as-is, and was it inspected?
What does the inspection cover?
Is the CSC plate present, and what is the date of manufacture?
Are there any holes, floor damage or door faults, or is the wear cosmetic only?
What warranty applies? AAD’s used units carry a 6-month limited warranty.
Is the price in AUD including GST? AAD’s prices include 10% GST.

AAD’s used range

AAD Logistics sells three used sizes, each inspected and Wind and Watertight, each in a choice of RAL colours.

Used 20ft shipping container, delivered on a tilt tray.
Used 40ft shipping container, delivered on a side loader, Hiab, crane truck or semi trailer.
Used 40ft high cube shipping container, the largest volume in the used range.

Delivery is AUD 745 per unit within the standard service area and is shown at checkout. Payment is by bank transfer or card. Read how container delivery works and browse used shipping containers.