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Plain-English guide

IICL, CWO, WWT.
What these letters actually mean.

Every seller in this space throws around grade acronyms like everyone should already know them. Here’s what they actually mean, which one you should buy, and how to tell when a vendor is upselling.

IICL

IICL Certified · One-Trip

The strictest grade. Manufactured within the last 12-18 months, one paid ocean voyage, near-pristine condition.

Good for
  • Container homes / ADUs where appearance matters
  • Retail pop-ups, offices, customer-facing builds
  • Modification projects with factory-straight panels
  • Buyers who want color options (tan, grey, blue, green, red)
Skip if
  • Pure storage where no one sees it
  • Budget-first purchases
Most expensive, expect 40–80% over WWT
See options
CWO

Cargo Worthy

Certified for another international ocean voyage. Structure is sound, doors work, no holes, some cosmetic wear is normal.

Good for
  • Export shipping (required by most ocean carriers)
  • Heavy-duty storage with periodic inspection
  • Modification projects where you'll repaint anyway
Skip if
  • Pure aesthetic use
  • Situations where rust warranty matters
Middle tier, typically 10–25% over WWT
See options
WWT

Wind & Watertight

The workhorse. Dry, sealed, doors operate, roof doesn't leak. Expect visible surface rust and cosmetic dings.

Good for
  • On-site storage where appearance is secondary
  • Backyard / acreage / job-site storage
  • Agricultural use (hay covers, equipment, tack)
  • Modification projects where you'll replace panels anyway
Skip if
  • Retail / customer-facing use
  • International export (use CWO instead)
Entry point, our most popular grade
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AS-IS

As-Is

Below WWT. We don't warrant cosmetic or functional condition. Typically has holes, failing doors, or structural issues.

Good for
  • Heavy structural modifications where you cut panels anyway
  • Scrap / parts / artificial reef projects
Skip if
  • Storage, water will get in
  • Export, will fail inspection
  • First-time buyers, you likely need WWT minimum
Cheapest, typically 30–40% under WWT
See options
FAQ

Grade questions we get every week.