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Useful articlesReading time ~3 minPublished 08.10.2026

How to choose a used shipping container

10 things to check before buying — so you don’t end up with a container that leaks or is rusted through.

In brief

  • For storage, a WWT or CW grade container is enough; for conversion and insulation, one-way is the better choice.
  • Key checks: the light test, roof, floor and door seals.
  • The container number on the doors must match the CSC plate details.
  • Inspect the actual container in person or ask for photos of it.

Why used containers vary so much in condition

Used shipping containers have spent years carrying cargo around the world, so two containers of the same size can be in completely different condition. The price difference is often just a few hundred euros, but a poor container can start leaking after its first winter. Here’s what to check before you pay.

Lietots 20 pēdu jūras konteiners MIIU 2905742
Used 20ft shipping container at our yard in Riga

Condition grades: IICL, CW, WWT

Grades from best to worst condition

One-way (new)Has made just one trip from the factory, with virtually no wear.
IICLThe best used grade, with minimal damage.
CW (Cargo Worthy)Fit for carrying cargo by sea and structurally sound.
WWT (Wind and Water Tight)Wind- and watertight, good for storage, but with visible signs of use.
As IsSold as seen; may have holes — cheap but risky.

For storage, WWT or CW is enough. For conversion and insulation, it’s better to choose a one-way container.

10 things to check before buying

Lietots 20 pēdu jūras konteiners MIIU 2905742 — foto 2
Doors and locking bars
Lietots 20 pēdu jūras konteiners MIIU 2905742 — foto 5
Door seals
Lietots 20 pēdu jūras konteiners MIIU 2905742 — foto 6
Floor and walls from inside
  1. Light test. Step inside and close the doors. If you can see light anywhere, water will get in there too.
  2. Roof. Check for dents where water pools, and for rust — the roof rusts fastest.
  3. Floor. The plywood should be dry and solid, with no soft spots, cracks or oil stains.
  4. Doors. Both doors should open and close without much effort, and the locking bars should engage.
  5. Door seals. The rubber should be supple and untorn — it’s what keeps the container watertight.
  6. Rust. Surface rust is normal; rust-through (a hole or thin metal) is not. Look especially at the corners and bottom rails.
  7. Dents in the walls. Small ones are normal, but large dents can reduce internal space or point to an impact.
  8. Smell. A chemical or mouldy smell can be hard to air out.
  9. CSC plate and number. The number on the doors must match the plate details; the plate also shows the year of manufacture.
  10. View in person or ask for photos. A good seller shows you the actual container with its number, not a ‘similar’ one.

Common mistakes

  • Buying from a single photo without knowing the container number.
  • Not checking the roof — that’s exactly where leaks start.
  • Not factoring in delivery costs and access.
  • Buying a 40ft container when there isn’t enough space or access for it — see the dimensions.

How buying from Kontiks.lv works

Every used container in our catalogue has its own page with real photos, the container number, specifications and price. All containers are in Riga and can be viewed before you buy. Current prices: shipping container prices.

View used containers

Frequently asked questions

IICL is the top grade for used containers — minimal damage, fit for carrying cargo. CW (Cargo Worthy) — fit for sea transport. WWT (Wind and Water Tight) — wind- and watertight, suitable for storage, but may show visible damage and rust.

A good used container doesn’t leak. To check, close the doors during the day and look for any light inside — wherever light gets in, water can too.

With regular maintenance — cleaning and repainting rust spots, looking after the door seals and hinges — a used storage container will last for many more years.

A container number consists of 4 letters and 7 digits (e.g. MIIU 290574 2). It appears on the doors, sides and roof. The last digit is a check digit, and the number must match the CSC plate.

For storage or a building site, used is enough. If you’ll insulate or convert the container, or want a longer service life and a good look, a one-way container is better value.

Contents
  1. Why condition varies
  2. Condition grades: IICL, CW, WWT
  3. 10 things to check
  4. Common mistakes
  5. How buying from Kontiks.lv works
  6. Frequently asked questions

Used containers in stock in Riga

Every container has its own page with real photos, its number and price. All can be viewed before you buy.

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