Shipping Container Condition Grades Explained
From factory-fresh One-Trip units to budget-friendly As-Is containers — understand exactly what each grade delivers so you can pick the right fit for your project.
Condition Grades at a Glance
One-Trip
Age: 6-18 months
Nearly new containers that made a single voyage from the factory overseas to the US. Minimal cosmetic wear, original …
Cargo Worthy
Age: 5-15 years
Inspected and certified as structurally sound for international ocean transport. May show cosmetic wear such as surface …
Wind & Water Tight
Age: 15+ years
Sealed against wind and rain but no longer certified for ocean transport. Visible signs of use including dents, surface …
As-Is
Age: 18+ years
Budget-friendly containers sold in current condition without warranties. May have significant cosmetic issues including …
One-Trip Containers
Nearly new containers that made a single voyage from the factory overseas to the US. Minimal cosmetic wear, original paint, and fully functional doors and seals. The premium choice for visible builds and living spaces.
What to Expect
- Factory-fresh paint and finish
- No dents, minimal surface marks
- Original rubber door seals intact
- Pristine marine-grade plywood flooring
- Full manufacturer warranty
- ISO/CSC certified for shipping
Best Suited For
- Tiny homes and ADUs
- Home offices and studios
- Retail pop-up shops
- High-visibility commercial projects
- Container homes
Cargo Worthy Containers
Inspected and certified as structurally sound for international ocean transport. May show cosmetic wear such as surface rust, minor dents, and patched areas, but fully weatherproof and structurally solid. The most popular grade for conversion projects.
What to Expect
- ISO/CSC certified for ocean shipping
- Passed structural inspection
- Weatherproof doors and seals
- Solid marine-grade plywood floor
- Minor cosmetic wear (surface rust, small dents)
- Best balance of price and quality
Best Suited For
- Workshop and garage conversions
- ADU and guest suite builds
- Secure equipment storage
- Farm and ranch storage
- Construction site offices
Wind & Water Tight Containers
Sealed against wind and rain but no longer certified for ocean transport. Visible signs of use including dents, surface rust, and floor patches. A solid budget option for storage, workshops, and projects where the shell will be clad or heavily modified.
What to Expect
- Fully weatherproof — keeps out wind and water
- Structurally sound frame and walls
- Functional doors with working locks
- Floor may have patches or repairs
- Visible cosmetic wear (dents, rust, paint fade)
- NOT certified for ocean shipping
Best Suited For
- General storage
- Workshop and studio conversions
- Projects with exterior cladding
- Farm and agricultural storage
- Seasonal inventory storage
As-Is Containers
Budget-friendly containers sold in current condition without warranties. May have significant cosmetic issues including heavy dents, rust, and small holes. Ideal for DIY enthusiasts, fencing, and non-critical storage where cost is the primary factor.
What to Expect
- Lowest price point available
- May have dents, rust, or small holes
- Doors may need adjustment
- Floor may need repair or replacement
- Sold as-is, no condition warranty
- Structurally intact frame
Best Suited For
- DIY projects and experimentation
- Non-critical dry storage
- Fencing and barriers
- Art installations
- Budget workshop shells
Shop by Condition
As-Is
As-Is
20ft High-Cube As-Is Shipping Container
As-Is
From $1,300
Cheapest 20ft high-cube container in Denver. Sold as-is for non-weatherproof storage, barriers, or creative builds.
CWO
Cargo Worthy
20ft High-Cube Cargo-Worthy Shipping Container
Cargo Worthy
From $1,750
20ft high-cube cargo-worthy container for sale in Denver. Extra headroom, certified structural integrity, and a fair price.
1-Trip
Like New
20ft High-Cube One-Trip Shipping Container
One-Trip (Like New)
From $3,350
Buy a 20ft high-cube one-trip container in Denver. Extra ceiling height in like-new condition for workshops, offices, and premium storage.
WWT
Wind & Water Tight
20ft High-Cube Wind & Water Tight Shipping Container
Wind & Water Tight
From $1,450
Save on a 20ft high-cube WWT container in Denver. Tall interior, sealed against weather, and priced for value-conscious buyers.
As-Is
As-Is
20ft Standard As-Is Shipping Container
As-Is
From $1,100
Lowest price 20ft standard shipping container in Denver. Sold as-is for budget storage, barriers, or DIY projects.
CWO
Cargo Worthy
20ft Standard Cargo-Worthy Shipping Container
Cargo Worthy
From $1,450
Affordable 20ft standard cargo-worthy container for sale in Denver. Inspected and certified for transport or storage with years of service left.
1-Trip
Like New
20ft Standard One-Trip Shipping Container
One-Trip (Like New)
From $2,850
Buy a 20ft standard one-trip shipping container in Denver. Nearly new condition with minimal use, ideal for secure storage or conversion projects.
WWT
Wind & Water Tight
20ft Standard Wind & Water Tight Shipping Container
Wind & Water Tight
From $1,200
Budget-friendly 20ft standard WWT container in Denver. Sealed against the elements and perfect for on-site storage needs.
Not Sure Which Grade Is Right?
Describe your project and our team will recommend the ideal condition grade and size for your build.