At K & K International, every shipping container is carefully inspected and assigned a grade based on its condition, prior usage, and suitability for storage, modification, or shipping. Our transparent grading system helps you select the right container for your application and budget. Here’s what each grade means for your purchase:
New, 1-Trip Containers
Our best condition grade container.
These containers have only been shipped one time and have excellent exterior and interior appearance. They are ideal for storage or modification applications, requiring the cleanest and most structurally sound container.
Appearance:Minimal to no dings or dents, paint in exceptional condition. Only shows minor wear from one shipment.
Condition: Wind, watertight, & structurally sound; seals, doors, and floors are in top condition; suitable for projects where reliability matters.
Recommended For:Retail spaces, offices, homes, high-value storage, or conversion projects requiring a clean look.
New, 1-Trip, Cosmetic Blemished
Our second best condition grade container.
These containers have only been shipped one time and have excellent exterior and interior appearance. These units may have areas of denting or scraping when they were used once but have no structural damage. They are ideal for storage or modification applications, requiring the cleanest and most structurally sound container, while saving a few dollars.
Appearance:Minimal dings or dents, interior/ exterior paint may show some scraping. Shows minor wear from one shipment.
Condition: Wind, watertight, & structurally sound; seals, doors, and floors are in top condition; suitable for projects where reliability matters.
Recommended For:Retail spaces, offices, homes, high-value storage, or conversion projects requiring a clean look; while saving a few dollars.
Grade A (Light Use)
Our most popular used container.
These containers have some prior use and have a very good exterior and interior appearance. They are ideal for most modification projects, commercial or residential storage, and heavy duty storage applications. These can also be certified for shipping at an additional cost.
Appearance:Some dings & denting, minor surface rust, and minor repairs.
Condition: Wind, watertight, & structurally sound; seals, doors, and floors are in top condition; suitable for projects where reliability matters.
Recommended For:Commercial or residential storage storage, heavy equipment storage, or environmentally conscious conversion projects.
Grade B (Moderate Use)
Our best value used container.
Grade B containers show regular wear from shipping and handling, including surface rust, dings, and some faded paint—but they remain wind and watertight and fully functional. These are a cost-effective choice for reliable storage, general modifications, or business inventory.
Appearance:Noticeable exterior wear—moderate denting, exterior surface rust, some patchwork to steel and/or floor, and possible rippling.
Condition:Wind, watertight, & structurally sound; all door seals and flooring remain intact; doors operate smoothly.
Recommended For:Businesses, contractors, temporary site storage, workshops, overflow inventory, bulk storage, or economically-minded buyers seeking good value.
Grade C (Heavy Wear)
A budget-friendly choice.
C-grade containers are structurally sound but display heavy wear and tear, including extensive rust, deep dents, patched repairs, and obvious aging. Though not as visually appealing, they are perfect for tough environments where looks aren’t critical.
Appearance:Heavy wear—multiple dents & rippling present, extensive rust, significant fading to paint, and patchwork repairs to steel and floors.
Condition:Floors and doors may be worn but remain functional and secure; wind and watertight for basic storage needs.
Recommended For:Construction sites, industrial or remote locations, farm storage, bulk storage, or buyers who want low-cost functional storage rather than aesthetics.
Choosing the Right Grade
Select Grade New/1-Tripfor visible installations, creative conversions, or long-term investment.
Select Grade New, 1-Trip, Cosmetic Blemished for the same reasons as new, but with a more economically minded price.
Select Used Grade Afor best possible used container, heavy duty applications, environmentally conscious conversions .
Select Used Grade Bfor cost-effective, everyday business and job-site storage.
Select Used Grade Cfor rugged, remote, or industrial uses where budget is the main priority.
Contact our team for inspection reports, container photos, or expert advice so you can choose the container grade that best fits your project.
