One trip shipping containers are one of the 5 shipping container conditions that are available in the market. This one is the highest container condition for several reasons, followed by cargo worthy, wind-and-water-tight, refurbished, and then as-is.
To know the specification of each container condition, find out in this article!
Contents
What is a One-Trip Shipping Container
One-Trip shipping Containers are containers that have been used only once to transport cargo. This is also called a new container, as they have no differences. A one-trip container is a new container that has only been used once, usually from the manufacturing factory, often in China, to its destination country.
After that single journey, it’s sold as “new” or “like-new” in the local market.
This is the perfect container condition if you are looking for a container that looks and feels nearly new.
Is One Trip Container the Best Container Condition?

If you care about durability, appearance, and long-term value, a one-trip container is the best condition you can buy.
To help you decide the best shipping container condition, we provide the characteristics of a one-trip shipping container here:
Price
The one-trip shipping containers are more expensive than any other container conditions. They are ideal for long-term projects with high standards. Later, when you no longer need them, you can still get a high price if they are still in 90% good condition.
Usage History
The brand new container’s usage history is typically less than 1 year old. In other words, they were only used once when shipped from the manufacturer.
Physical Condition & Durability
The new shipping containers are very durable and free from production defects. Their physical condition is in perfect condition according to industry standards.
They also have excellent structural integrity, like the frame, walls, doors, and floor, which are in pristine condition. They are fully capable of heavy stacking and loading for shipping or construction use.
CSC Certification
All of the new shipping containers come with a valid CSC plate (Container Safety Convention). Therefore, they are suitable and certified for international shipping for 5 years or more (from the date of manufacture).
Ease of Modification
You can modify the new shipping containers for any space. However, it is rarely done since the price is higher. You can just use any other container conditions if you want to modify them.
Contamination Risk
When using a brand-new shipping container, you will have no risk of contamination because it has not been used before. This means that the container is free from toxic spills, strong odors, or chemical residues.
Other Shipping Container Condition

Cargo-Worthy Container Characteristics
Most of the cargo-worthy containers have been used for about 8-15 years old. At this age, they already have multiple overseas trips, heavy use of freight transport.
Therefore, they are more affordable than the new ones, making them suitable for businesses with limited budgets.
Despite that, their physical condition will remain sturdy and weatherproof, as they are made of corten steel. However, there may be dents, rust, or signs of use that need repair. No major damage to the frame, corner posts, rails, or cross-members.
For overseas use, cargo-worthy containers may be issued a valid CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate.
Wind and Water Tight
A WWT shipping container is a used shipping container that is no longer certified for international shipping but is still structurally sound and completely sealed against the elements.
It is structurally sound, free from holes or leaks, and capable of keeping out wind, rain, dust, and pests. These containers have also passed a visual inspection but may not be certified for international shipping, making them ideal for food storage.
However, not every type of goods can be stored in this container, including perishable food. This is because they do not have insulation or a refrigerator system. You need to avoid using them for perishables, frozen items, and items that are sensitive to heat or humidity unless modified.
As-Is
An As-Is shipping container refers to a used container sold in its current condition, with no guarantees of structural integrity or weatherproofing. The unit may have structural issues such as holes, broken doors, or significant rust.
These containers are often the lowest-cost option, typically retired from active service due to age, damage, or failure to meet cargo-worthy or watertight standards.
This type of container is usually used for non-structural projects, scrap metal, parts recovery, or creative repurposing. On the other hand, it is not suitable for shipping, watertight storage, and load-bearing construction without repair.
Before buying an as-is container, you need to inspect the roof, corners, and doors for severe rust or twisting. Then, plan for repairs if you intend to restore or repurpose the unit.
Refurbished / Repainted
A refurbished or repainted shipping container is a used container that has undergone inspection, minor repairs, and cosmetic restoration, often including surface rust removal, patching, and a new paint coat.
These units strike a balance between affordability and good appearance/structural integrity, making them ideal for storage, on-site offices, or conversion projects.
This container is fully wind and watertight (WWT), but it may or may not carry a valid CSC plate. You can use a refurbished or repainted unit for secure storage, workshops, modified structures, or general site use. However, it can not be used for overseas shipping unless it has a valid CSC plate.
Shipping Container Recommendation

Dry Container
The Dry Container is our most popular and common type of shipping container for sale. The unit is manufactured according to ISO specifications. It makes the container suitable for intermodal transport of freight.
It also has several features that guarantee the safe transport of your cargo. For example, rubber-sealed doors, lashing rings, corner castings, and forklift pockets.
With their sturdy construction and security features, these containers are ideal for intermodal transportation in any weather conditions. They are popular for transporting and storing a variety of dry cargo, including electronics, vehicles, apparel, and industrial equipment.
High Cube Container
High Cube Container is very multifunctional and can be used for various applications. The main difference between Standard and High Cube Containers is their height. A High Cube Container measures 9’6″, while a Standard Container is 8’6″.
This height difference increases the storage capacity of a high-cube container. It allows you to store an additional 344 cubic feet.
High Cube Container has additional features like extra air vents, forklift pockets, lashing rings, locking bars, and corner castings. It is highly practical to deliver a range of goods, such as industrial equipment, raw materials, apparel, and vehicles.
Side Opening Door Dry Containers
The side-opening container is a practical container that differs from a standard container for its has side doors on one side of the container. The side doors are normally two wing doors that open in two sections, one to the left and one to the right.
This is a highly practical solution for situations where you need space quickly, such as a pop-up store. It has essential features like air vents, lashing rings, locking bars, a lockbox, corner castings, and forklift pockets.
Refrigerated Container
If you’re looking for a reefer container that requires a lower temperature to store your products, the Refrigerated Container is a suitable solution. This reefer provides ample space to store and ship many products like food, pharmaceuticals, or other perishable goods.
This container will come with various refrigerator types that can be set to temperatures ranging from below freezing to just above ambient. Following the standards of the ISO, this refrigerated container is also built with durable Corten steel, a lockbox, T-bar floors, corner castings, forklift castings, and a CSC plate.

Insulated Container
Unlike a refrigerated container, insulated shipping containers do not have a refrigeration system. This kind of container is perfect if your need is just controlling temperature fluctuations and preventing condensation due to moisture buildup.
It offers optimal protection for a variety of goods, such as biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and several perishables. They ensure that your valuable items remain in a controlled environment throughout storage and transportation.
High Cube Side Open Dangerous Goods Containers
The High Cube Side Open Dangerous Goods Shipping Container is suitable for the safe and secure transport of hazardous materials. This container has a system that can prevent any spills or leaks from hazardous materials from escaping the container and contaminating the surrounding environment.
You can use it in industries that handle hazardous materials, such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing. It also has a side opening mechanism, allowing for easy loading and unloading of hazardous materials that may be too large for standard end doors.
Half-Height Container
A half-height container is half the height of a standard shipping container. Its special height makes it ideal for transporting dense cargo, as it maximizes the container’s weight capacity while ensuring stability during transport. It is compatible with a variety of transportation modes, such as container ships, trucks, and trains.
Designed to handle heavy-duty materials, these containers are perfect for construction sites, mining operations, and other demanding environments.
Open Top Container
Open-top container with a soft top or open top is suitable for transporting cargo that is higher than standard containers. This includes pipes, chains, cables, and steel poles or mine products such as iron ore and coal.
With the open top, this container has an opening at the top, and this unit is also equipped with a standard door on the back to facilitate the goods loading process. However, you can properly cover the top of the unit with a piece of tarp.
Flat Rack Container
The Flat Rack Container is capable of transporting large and bulky items, like machinery, vehicles, pipes, and even boats. The container’s collapsible ends make it easy to store when not in use, taking up less space than regular containers.
Moreover, the design makes it possible to load cargo from the top, bottom, or sides, which provides greater flexibility in how the container is used. In addition, you can also raise the collapsible ends when necessary to provide additional stability and containment for the cargo.
Tank Container
Tank Container is designed to transport various materials such as liquids, gases, and powders. These tanks have a stainless steel structure, which makes them weather-resistant, can be used for a long time, and are perfect for protecting your product.
There are also food-grade tank containers with special features for transporting food in liquid or powder form.
Conclusion
One-trip containers are the right choice if you need a reliable container for domestic and international shipping goods at an affordable price.
Buy any condition of shipping containers from Tradecorp. Tradecorp is a reliable provider of storage container sales, purchase, rental, and modification services. Tradecorp provides modification and custom shipping container services by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!
