Container Equipment

The majority of used containers are typically 10-15 years old when sold by the international shipping interests that originally owned and operated the equipment in international trade. Most are sold as they are considered to have reached the end of their practical working life. This does not however mean that containers are valueless or without new productive applications. Therefore we have our grading system that addresses the important aspects depending upon the intended use: 

  • New (brand new or one trip)
  • Premium or IICL-5 (2 to 8 years old): Excellent condition, meets specific repair standards suitable for regular cargo use. 
  • CW - Cargo Worthy (Over 8 years old): Structurally sound, suitable for project or single move shipping. 
  • WWT - Wind and watertight (over 8 years old): Suitable for storage. 
  • AS IS: Minor damage, should be inspected prior to purchase. 
  • Handyman: Needs work, damage to the container could be expensive to repair. 

By default, Gateway sales used containers in Cargo Worthy condition

We guarantee any container you buy from us will be delivered in wind and watertight condition unless specified otherwise.
Before containers are released to you they are inspected at our depot to give you extra peace of mind.

Generally all used containers have been used in the shipping industry for over 10 years, so there will be some level of physical obsolescence such as minor dents and exterior rust. We inspect every one of our units and will warrant them to be structurally sound and watertight. We are known for quality used cargo containers.

Every shipping line has different policy for shippers owned containers; the booking or customer service departments will have the information you need. If you are not familiar with the procedure for shipping a container to overseas, it is best that you let a freight forwarder handle this for you. If the shipping line requests you to provide the  "container condition survey report",  we can provide that too for an additional cost.

Yes, very. Shipping containers are made for transporting goods across the oceans – often on decks of ships. They have heavy duty rubber door seals which keep out the elements. Used shipping containers sold into the storage and the re-use market can have damaged door seals or damage to the steel roof or sides but most companies selling used containers will ensure that they are inspected and repaired before they are delivered or released. There are low-grade containers around which have usually been sold and used before and then sold on again. These containers will often be at least 15 to 20 years old and whilst some of this age can be in very good condition there is a risk that there may be corrosion or damage to doors, sides, roof etc. It is a case of ‘let the buyer beware’ and ‘you get what you pay for’. There is a strong market for new and used shipping containers so expect to pay a fair market price for a good wind and watertight container.

Shipping containers – especially more recent ones which are of high manufactured quality – are very robust and well over-specified for use as storage. Storage is unlikely to submit a shipping container to the rigours of sea transport with cargo. A new shipping container put directly into storage use could be expected to last up to 50 years. Obviously this depends on many factors such as the type of use they are put to or if the original structure or paint work has been disturbed as a result of modifications. A used container will last less time because it will already have had a life at sea and in transport but they will still give very good service and there is no reason why a good standard used container cannot last 20 years. Life expectancy of a used container will depend mainly on the condition of the doors and the roof.

Normally, the delivery term is "released by random in cargo worthy condition". 

If you don't order the survey service, Firstly, you need to confirm the condition when pick-up, Secondtly, you may get the condition in Grade C, B, or A. because of the random release.

If you order the survey service, Firstly, the conditon of the container has been pre-surveyed and you will get all the pictures.  The container No.s will be locked only for your order. With a profesional survey,  it is more safety for cargo transportation. Secondly, Our default survey criteria is Grade B, You may get the condition in Grade B or A, Grade C is avoided.

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Gateway Container International Limited, a subsidary of Gateway Logistics, specialized in container trading, and container one way leasing . The main service area is Eurasia.

Get In Touch

RM.419-421, Tianda Business Centre, No.203, Moling Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China. P.C.:200070

+86(21) 6393-1256

  sales@gatewaycontainer.com

 www.gatewaycontainer.com

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