Shipping containers can be classified into four categories based on their quality. It is important to understand the clasiffication of shipping containers according to their quality.
Condition of sea containers
New or OneWay
The vast majority of shipping containers, especially standard shipping containers, are manufactured in China. Therefore, new containers available at any port in the world have already been transported by sea, road or rail.
In order to reduce distribution costs, most containers are transported as One Way. This means that the journey is made in one direction only, with cargo inside, to its final destination.
There are some exceptions of containers that do not travel in oneway conditions, but have to travel empty from China, since, due to their size or characteristics, logistics operators do not accept them in oneway conditions. This is the case of minisets, and increasingly Open Side containers, as well as any reefer, offshore or special containers.
First trip containers are the closest thing to new containers, although it is possible that they may show some scuffs or scratches as a result of the transport, loading and unloading of the goods that have been transported to their destination. These containers comply with the CSC standards valid for shipping containers. Their CSC plate is valid for 5 years from the date of manufacture, and they are normally no more than 2 years old, as the process of moving them to the port of destination takes several months, or even more than a year depending on the destination.
Semi-new or IICL5
These containers are between 2 and 8 years old. They are in good general condition, so they do not usually fall into the category of second-hand containers. They are suitable for any use, whether for sea transport or for storage. However, as they have generally been on several trips, they are often battered and repaired, and aesthetically they are always expected to be in worse condition than a first trip, although there can always be good surprises. Their CSC plate is valid from 6 months to 2.5 years.
Cargo-Worthy Containers (CW)
These are containers that are generally more than 8 years old and fall into the category of second-hand containers. They are the most common and have generally formed part of the container fleet of a shipping company that renews its fleet after several years. It is normal for these containers to have undergone repairs over the years and to be visible. Their condition is generally good, from a structural point of view, but aesthetically they may have many knocks, scratches and traces of rust. They are suitable for maritime transport. They can also be called last voyage containers, although they can be useful for transport for years. Their CSC plate is valid for at least 6 months.
Wind and Watertight (WWT) Containers
These containers are no longer suitable for international shipping, but are still in good condition and can be used for other purposes, such as storage or conversion into a modular building.
CSC plate
This plate indicates that the container has been designed, tested and approved in accordance with the appropriate standard and has undergone a periodic examination to verify its safe condition for sea transport.
The CSC plate is usually 10X20 cm and is part of a larger plate reflecting other regulations, such as approval for carriage under the customs seal plate. This plate is located on the rear door of the container.
The purpose of the CSC is to ensure that containers are safe for transport. If the container is unsafe, damaged or has been modified the original CSC plate is not valid and the container must be repaired to an acceptable condition and then apply for re-approval or the CSC plate must be removed.
This plate indicates that the container has been designed, tested and approved in accordance with the appropriate standard and has undergone a periodic examination to verify its safe condition for sea transport.
The CSC plate is usually 10X20 cm and is part of a larger plate reflecting other regulations, such as approval for carriage under the customs seal plate. This plate is located on the rear door of the container.
The purpose of the CSC is to ensure that containers are safe for transport. If the container is unsafe, damaged or has been modified the original CSC plate is not valid and the container must be repaired to an acceptable condition and then apply for re-approval or the CSC plate must be removed.
