Conditions & Grading

Shipping Container Conditions, Grades & Selection Options

At Northpark Containers, we believe that transparency is the foundation of trust. Choosing the right shipping container requires a clear understanding of industry grading standards. Whether you are seeking a factory-fresh unit for a modular home or a budget-friendly box for secure job-site storage, our grading system ensures you receive an asset that meets your exact structural and aesthetic requirements.

 

1. NEW / ONE-TRIP CONTAINERS

The Gold Standard of Shipping Assets

  • Condition: These units are manufactured in high-tech facilities overseas and shipped to the United States with a single cargo load to offset positioning costs.

  • Structural Integrity: Built with high-grade Corten Steel, these units feature factory-fresh paint, pristine marine-grade plywood flooring, and easy-to-operate high-security locking rods.

  • Best For: Residential container homes, high-visibility retail pop-ups, and long-term industrial assets.

  • Northpark Containers Guarantee: 100% Wind & Watertight with a valid CSC safety plate.

 

2. IICL (PREMIUM USED)

Elite-Grade Certified Inventory

  • Condition: Units that meet the stringent inspection requirements set by the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL).

  • Specifications: These containers are in the top 5% of used inventory. They have a higher book value due to minimal structural wear and superior cosmetic condition compared to standard used units.

  • Best For: International export, projects requiring high structural “stacking” capacity, and customers who want a “like-new” look at a used price point.

 

3. CARGO WORTHY (CW)

Certified for Northpark Containers Logistics

  • Condition: Cargo Worthy units are structurally sound and deemed safe for international transport by sea, rail, or road.

  • Attributes: While they will show signs of maritime use (surface rust, minor dents, and original shipping line markings), the frame and corner castings are guaranteed to meet ISO safety standards.

  • Best For: Cross-border shipping and heavy-duty industrial storage.

  • Note: If you require this for export, we can coordinate a valid CSC inspection sticker upon request.

 

4. WIND & WATERTIGHT (WWT)

The Industry Favorite for Secure Storage

  • Condition: WWT containers are “retired” from international shipping but remain 100% leak-proof.

  • The Lease Lane Light Test: Before any WWT unit leaves our Raleigh hub or regional depots, we perform a manual “Light Test”—checking for any pinholes or floor gaps to ensure your inventory stays bone-dry.

  • Best For: Construction site storage, farm equipment housing, and residential workshops.

  • Aesthetics: Expect original paint, varied color schemes, and “character” marks (dents and abrasions) that do not affect the unit’s storage performance.

 

5. REFURBISHED UNITS

A New Lease on Life

We offer three tiers of refurbishment at our Mt Olive, NC  facility to extend the lifespan and aesthetic appeal of your container:

  1. Standard Refurbish: Exterior is wire-brushed to remove loose rust, spot-primed, and repainted with high-quality industrial enamel.

  2. Premium Refurbish: Includes full exterior repainting plus an interior floor sand and reseal.

  3. Custom Refurbish: Full “Factory Style” overhaul including new gaskets, new interior paint, and custom branding options.

 

6. “AS-IS” CONTAINERS

Budget-Friendly / Project-Ready

  • Condition: These units have been inspected and found to have structural damage or holes that would cost more to repair than our standard WWT units.

  • Use Case: Ideal for scrap metal, non-sensitive storage, or for experienced fabricators who plan to “cut and weld” the unit into a new structure.

  • Caveat: Generally, we do not recommend “As-Is” for sensitive inventory storage.

 

Lease Lane Comparison Table

Grade Water-Tight? Structural Warranty Best Use Case
One-Trip Yes 30 Days Homes / Retail
IICL Yes 30 Days Export / High-End Storage
Cargo Worthy Yes 30 Days Shipping / Stacking
WWT Yes 30 Days General Storage

 

The Lease Lane Inspection Protocol

Every container, regardless of grade, undergoes our 5-Point Raleigh Inspection:

  1. Floor Integrity: Check for delamination and weight-bearing strength.

  2. Seal Verification: Inspection of rubber door gaskets to ensure they are pliable and airtight.

  3. Frame Alignment: Ensuring the unit is square for easy door operation.

  4. Roof Scan: Manual light-test for pinholes.

  5. Locking Mechanism: Lubrication of rods for smooth, secure closure.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding your order, please reach out to us directly:

  • Business Name: Northpark Containers 

  • Phone: +1 (984)

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Address: 198 Davis St Mt Olive, NC 28365