Shipping Container Grades

Understanding Shipping Container Grades: Which One is Right for You?

When buying or hiring a shipping container in northern NSW or beyond, it’s important to understand the different container grades available. Each grade reflects the age, condition, and best use of the container. At Inverell Container Hire & Sales, we supply a wide range of container options — from cargo worthy through to new build single trip containers — so you can choose the right fit for your needs and budget.

Below is a simple guide to help you compare container grades.

Cargo Worthy Containers

  • Age: Usually over 12 years old

  • Condition: Weather and vermin proof at the time of release, but expect visible corrosion, dents, scratches, and repair patches. Floors may be scuffed and doors can be difficult to open or close.

  • Best Uses:

    • Storing machinery

    • Garden sheds

    • General storage where presentation is not important

  • Not recommended for storing furniture or delicate items.

Cargo worthy containers are the budget option and provide secure, practical storage at the lowest price point.

B Grade Containers

  • Age: Typically over 10 years old

  • Condition: Still weather and vermin proof, presenting better than cargo worthy containers. You may notice some corrosion, dents, scratches, and scuffs. Doors can still be stiff, and signs of repair are possible.

  • Best Uses:

    • Machinery storage

    • Garden sheds

    • Furniture storage

B Grade containers are an affordable step up from cargo worthy, with a cleaner appearance suitable for a wider range of storage needs.

A Grade Containers

  • Age: Usually under 10 years old

  • Condition: Above average presentation, with only minor cosmetic wear. May have small amounts of corrosion and very few dents or scratches. Generally, no signs of major repair and floors are solid.

  • Best Uses:

    • Machinery storage

    • Garden sheds

    • Furniture storage

    • Container modification projects (ideal low-cost base)

A Grade containers are great when you need a cleaner, more reliable unit without the higher cost of a new build.

New Build / Single Trip Containers

  • Age: Manufactured in the current or previous year

  • Condition: “As new” condition, with only minor scuffs from the one trip they’ve made from China to Australia. Weather and vermin proof, clean interiors, and available in cream or dark grey.

  • Best Uses:

    • All forms of storage

    • Furniture storage

    • High-value equipment or inventory

    • Container modifications such as offices, workshops, or tiny homes

If presentation and longevity are important, single trip containers are the best choice. They look professional and offer the longest lifespan.

Choosing the Right Container in Inverell

The right container depends on your budget, storage requirements, and future plans. If you’re after a low-cost, functional shed, cargo worthy or B grade might suit you. If you need clean, solid storage for furniture or plan to build a container project, A grade or single trip containers are worth the investment.

At Inverell Container Hire & Sales, we can help you choose the right container grade for your needs. We sell 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft shipping containers in both general purpose and high cube sizes, and hire out 20ft units. Based in Inverell, we deliver across northern NSW and interstate.

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