No-Surprise Condition Guarantee

Understand Container Grades & Inspect on Delivery

The Four Condition Grades Explained

Not all shipping containers are created equal. The industry uses four standard condition grades. Understanding them is critical because sellers often misrepresent condition to justify higher prices or hide defects.

One-Trip Container

Premium Price: 20-40% above cargo-worthy

A one-trip container has made exactly one ocean voyage and then been taken out of service. It has the fewest hours of use and is cosmetically near-perfect.

Minimal surface rust or corrosion

No dents or major cosmetic damage

Roof in excellent condition, no leaks

Doors seal properly and lock smoothly

Interior walls clean and dry

Flooring intact with minimal wear

Best for: Customers who want a container that looks as new as possible or plan to resell it.

Cargo-Worthy Container

Standard Market Price

A cargo-worthy container is still actively used to ship cargo internationally. It's watertight, structurally sound, and fully functional—but shows cosmetic wear from years of use.

Structurally sound and safe

Weathertight (passes water tests)

Surface rust, dents, paint fading acceptable

Some interior staining or wear marks

Doors operate smoothly and seal

Flooring may have wear or minor damage

Best for: Most storage, office, or residential uses. Great value and still fully functional.

Cargo Worthy (CW)

20-30% Below Cargo-Worthy

A CW container has been taken out of shipping service but remains weathertight. It may have cosmetic or minor structural damage that doesn't affect functionality or weather protection.

Weathertight (will not leak)

May have dents, rust, damaged paint

Doors may require more effort to operate

Interior walls may have stains or damage

Flooring may have significant wear

No holes or structural failure

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a working container but don't mind cosmetic imperfections.

As-Is Container

30-50% Below Cargo-Worthy

As-is containers may have cosmetic OR functional issues. They might leak, have dents that need repair, or other problems. Buyer assumes all risk unless inspected and approved in person.

May have leaks or weather issues

Doors may not seal or operate properly

Significant rust or structural corrosion

Interior damage or staining

Flooring may have holes or major damage

Still usable with repairs or patches

Best for: Experienced buyers with repair skills or those willing to invest in restoration.

Critical Point: Any seller who can't clearly identify which grade their container is, or won't let you inspect before paying, is a red flag for bait-and-switch scams.

Prime's No-Surprise Condition Guarantee

How It Works

We send photos of your exact container before loading. If it shows up materially worse than those photos, you can refuse it on the spot, pay nothing, and we take it back. This is a conditional guarantee that attacks the biggest fear: getting a rust bucket that leaks.

The Process

We Clearly Define Condition & Send Photos

Before you buy, we specify exactly which grade the container is: one-trip, cargo-worthy, cargo worthy, or as-is. We send photos of YOUR exact container so you know precisely what condition you're getting. No stock photos. No surprises.

Inspect on Delivery

When the container arrives, you have the right to inspect it thoroughly. Check the doors, look for leaks, inspect the roof, interior walls, and flooring. You see what you're getting before anything is final.

Accept or Reject - Your Choice

If the container matches the pre-delivery photos and agreed condition, you approve and pay. If it shows up materially worse than the photos, you reject it on the spot—pay nothing, and we take it back. No penalties. No arguments. No exceptions.

What to Look For During Inspection

Exterior Check

Roof & Seams: Look for rust, holes, or leaks. Check the corners and seams where water infiltration happens. Run your hand over roof panels to feel for dents or structural issues.

Doors: Open and close both doors smoothly. Check that hinges aren't bent. Listen for grinding noises. Verify the locking mechanism works. Doors are the #1 source of leaks.

Floor Level: Inspect the corrugated steel floor for rust, holes, or significant wear. Stand on different sections to check for soft spots.

Side Walls: Check for dents, rust through (holes), or damage to the corrugation. These are cosmetic if the container still functions, but they matter for your use case.

Interior Check

Moisture & Smell: Does it smell musty? Are there water stains on the walls or floor? These indicate leaks or moisture history.

Structural Integrity: Look for holes in the floor, gaps in the walls, or bent support beams (the vertical ribs inside).

Light Check: Turn off lights and look for holes or gaps. You should see no daylight unless the door is open.

Why Pay-On-Delivery Matters

The biggest scam protection is this: you don't pay until you've inspected the container. Our pay-on-delivery policy means:

Zero Upfront Risk: You're not sending money to an unknown seller and hoping a container shows up.

Full Inspection Rights: You see exactly what you're buying before any money changes hands.

Rejection Authority: If the container doesn't match the agreed condition, you say no and we handle it—no argument.

Get a Container That Matches Your Expectations

Prime Container's Condition Guarantee and pay-on-delivery protection ensure you get exactly what you paid for. No surprises. No scams.

(469) 999-4187

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Shipping Container Condition Grades