Shipping Containers-what is watertight, cargo worthy & one trip?

In my industry, we have some jargon that can be a little confusing. You might wonder what he heck we are talking about. I hope this article helps. :)

We will cover the three main grades commonly available for resale.


WWT/Weathertight/Watertight/Storage Container:

Atlas Weathertight Storage Containers

* a used container suitable for storage
* they are the original color the ship line painted it-colors vary
* they may have large logos
* will have varying amounts of surface rust
* usually about 14 years old, can be newer or older
* doors might be firm, but operational
* floors should be firm
* may have been patched
* no visible holes
* have usually been recently offloaded with cargo and might be cargo worthy if inspected

I also hear the term, "air tight". That's not an accurate description. I have not seen any airtight containers. All containers have some capped of vents for a bit of air circulation. They also have floors mage of marine grade plywood. Some air does pass through.

Cargo Worthy or CW:

Atlas Certified Cargo Worthy Containers

Another term I hear often, is "cargo worthy". This is the most abused word in the resale industry. If you are told that a company only sells "CW" or "cargo worthy containers". Cargo worthy units should mean that you can load and ship a used or new shipping container. You may ask, how do we know it's cargo worthy? Glad you asked! We hire an independent inspector. He passes or fails units for cargo use. He also provides an inspection sticker and paperwork in your name certifying that the unit is indeed cargo worthy. Beware of sellers that throw this term around.

What a CW or Cargo Worthy unit is:

* weathertight-please see definitions listed above
* inspected in your name by a certified marine surveyor-even one trip/new units must have an inspection to ship
* good for cargo use-structurally sound
* recommended for some types of building/container architecture
*recommended for those that will use forklifts or store heavy loads

One Trip/One Tripper/One Time Use/New Shipping Container:

All shipping containers are manufactured in China. One trip containers are loaded with cargo and shipped to us. They are as new as we see shipping containers in the United States. This is where we get the name "One Trip Container".

What a One Trip container is:

Atlas One Trip/New Containers

*weathertight and pristine when compared to used units
* usually tan or gray with no advertising or logos
* usually have factory installed lock boxes for extra security
* often have additional vents (more than most used)
* usually have forklift pockets
* Often manufactured within the last year-be sure to ask
* doors open like butter when compared to used units
* often available in special configurations, like ope side containers, double doors and more
* are rated to last 20 years for shipping, will last much longer for storage

Other grades we sell:

Painted containers-we offer custom paint services in our metro Atlanta shop. Painted units are acid washed, decals removed and sprayed with industrial enamel paint. Atlas will match your custom color or offers our stock gray or tan. 

Atlas Custom Painted Containers

Refurbished containers-used units that are prepped and painted inside and out. We start by buffing down surface rust, removing all logos and markings. Power washing with acid is next. Once the shipping container is clean and dry, we prime it. We finish by paint the inside and outside.

Atlas Refurbished Used Shipping Containers

Custom shipping containers-we specialize in custom metal work. Atlas offers doors, windows and more. Please call on us for a price quote. 678-380-9980, ask for Addie Turner. We are located in Lilburn, GA-just outside of Atlanta.

Atlas Custom Shipping Conex