What "new" really means
A "new" shipping container in the U.S. is almost always a one-trip container — built overseas (usually in China or Vietnam), loaded with cargo for a single voyage to North America, and then sold as effectively new. Paint is clean, doors operate perfectly, and there's little to no surface rust.
Used container grades, explained
- Cargo-Worthy (CW): Certified to ship internationally again. Structurally sound, doors and gaskets in working order, minimal rust.
- Wind & Watertight (WWT): Sealed against wind and rain. Perfect for storage even if it can't ship cargo anymore. This is what most Knoxville buyers want.
- As-Is: Cheapest tier. May have holes, doors that don't seal, or significant rust. Only worth it for scrap or modification projects where you'll cut it up anyway.
Pricing snapshot (Knoxville)
| Size | Used (WWT) | New (one-trip) |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | From $2,550 | From $3,750 |
| 40ft Standard | From $3,000 | From $4,950 |
| 20ft High Cube | From $3,400 | From $3,950 |
| 40ft High Cube | From $3,250 | From $5,450 |
When new is worth it
- • You're building a container home, office, or anything visible to customers.
- • You want a specific color (tan, gray, green, blue, red).
- • You're planning extensive modifications and want a clean shell to start from.
When used is the smart pick
- • You need straightforward storage and don't care about cosmetics.
- • You're tucking it behind a barn, shop, or fence line.
- • You want maximum value per cubic foot.