When it comes to purchasing or renting a shipping container, understanding the grading system is key to making an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for Aurora shipping containers, shipping containers for rent in Aurora, or shipping containers for sale in Aurora, knowing the condition and classification of a container ensures you get the best value for your investment.
Shipping containers are graded based on their structural condition, appearance, age, and watertight integrity. These grades help buyers and renters determine whether a container is suitable for international shipping, long-term storage, or creative repurposing like container homes or mobile offices.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common shipping container grades—A, B, and C—and what they mean for your project or business needs.
Shipping containers are not one-size-fits-all. Their condition, structure, and integrity vary based on age, prior use, and weather exposure. Grades offer a standardized way to assess the quality of the container before you commit to a purchase or rental.
Shipping container grades are a way of classifying the condition of shipping containers. They are typically based on the container’s age, condition, and cosmetic appearance. There are a number of different grading systems used by different companies, but the most common system uses three grades: A, B, and C.
Each grade serves different purposes. If you’re searching for shipping containers for rent in Aurora for temporary storage or looking to buy a new one for modification, it’s important to know the differences.
Grade A containers are the highest quality shipping containers available for sale or rent. They are often referred to as “One-Trip” containers because they’ve only been used once—typically for a single shipment from their point of manufacture (often China) to the U.S.
Nearly new, in top condition, having made only one trip from China. These are the best available!
Ideal for:
Grade A containers are the ones that have the best quality in the grading system. They normally have a clean interior, are rust-free, with no major dents, are wind and watertight, and prevent the entrance of any kind of insects or rodents. They may have a few scratches on the outside but are perfectly functional. Additionally, they normally have a CSC (convention for safe containers) plate, which allows them to be used for overseas shipping. Besides shipping, they are also good for storing delicate items or for building a home, an office, a shop, etc., that needs to be impeccable but, at the same time, cost-effective.
If you need a premium unit in great condition, check out our One-Trip Shipping Containers in Aurora.
Grade B containers are widely used for domestic storage needs. While not as pristine as Grade A, they still provide strong structural integrity and security from the elements.
These are normally a little older than grade-A containers. They may have some dent scratches and some rust, but they still are wind and water tight and also prevent any vermin’s presence. On the outside, they may not look as new or intact as grade-A containers but they still look good. They’re mostly used for storing items that don’t need as many care measures as items that need to be stored in class-A containers.
Ideal for:
These units are perfect for customers looking for shipping containers for rent in Aurora at an affordable price point, without compromising on basic protection.
Check out our Wind and Watertight Container Rentals.
Grade C containers are the most affordable, but they come with more wear and potential damage. These are typically not suitable for items that require protection from the elements.
The storage containers in this category are normally the oldest. They can have some corrosion and dents and are not windy and watertight. They are used for storing items. that don’t need to be away from moisture or vermin, such as building materials, car parts, and tools that won’t get rusted, among others.
Ideal for:
If you’re working on a budget and need shipping containers for sale in Aurora for non-sensitive storage, this is a practical solution.
It is important to note that the grading system is not an exact science. There can be some variation in the quality of containers within each grade. It is always a good idea to inspect a container before you buy it to make sure that it is in the condition that you expect.
To make the right choice, consider:
At Great Lakes Kwik Space, we serve businesses and individuals throughout Aurora, Illinois, with high-quality shipping containers for rent and for sale. Our inventory includes all three grades in standard 10′, 20′, and 40′ sizes.
Secondhand or used shipping storage containers for sale are a great option for those who don’t need a brand-new container. Their price is considerably lower and they can be adapted to fulfill virtually any purpose. There is a vast variety of these containers, differing in size, shape, age, aesthetic conditions, and, of course, price. And, since the shipping industry is all about efficiency, there is a grading system to classify these containers. Understanding these grades will facilitate the entire buying process of a container.
Below, you will find the description of each container grade, so next time you’re looking for storage containers for sale, you will have a solid basis to make an educated and accurate decision.
We deliver to Aurora and nearby cities such as Naperville, Montgomery, Oswego, and Batavia. Whether you’re looking to lease a container for temporary use or purchase one for long-term storage, we have a solution that fits your needs.
Choosing the right shipping container grade is essential to ensuring you get the right value, performance, and lifespan from your investment. Whether you need a brand-new one-trip container or a weathered unit for scrap or parts storage, we have an option that fits your project and budget.
Looking for Aurora shipping containers now?
Call us on (866) 524-6603 or visit our Aurora Container Sales Page to get started!
