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Shipping Container Grading

Find out how we grade our containers

At Brendo's, we understand that every shipping container is unique, and grading them isn't always a cut-and-dry process. It's more of an art form that may yield different results depending on the assessor. However, we've established a robust and reliable framework to grade each container that passes through our depot, ensuring consistency and fairness.

We photograph every container on arrival, offering you a clear picture of what you're considering. Upon request, these images are available for you to peruse. And, if it's convenient, we highly recommend visiting our depot to personally inspect any container you're contemplating buying. This not only gives you the full picture but also safeguards you from potential missteps.

In today's digital age, it's unfortunate that scammers are on the rise, offering unrealistically low prices to entice and dupe unsuspecting buyers. We urge caution when dealing with online operators who may not provide the same level of transparency that we do at Brendo's. Rest assured, our team is dedicated to providing a safe, honest, and professional container purchasing experience.

Our Container Grades

The containers at Brendo's Budget Boxes are split into 10 separate categories for grading, with 10 being the best and 1 being the worst. Click on a section in the table below to navigate to the relevant page section and find out more about each grade.

Brendo's RankConditionTypical Age
10New Build - Choice0 - 3 years
9New Build - Benchmark
8New Build - Base
7Older Build - Premium3 - 10 years
6Older Build - Standard
5Used - Premium10+ years
4Used - Top Grade
3Used - Standard
2Used - Budget
1Used - As Is

New Build Shipping Containers

These containers are typically less than 3 years old and are in the best condition you can get a container in, however this quality generally comes at a higher cost than the lower grade containers. These containers are recommended if you need something that looks good and you need it to last a particularly long time.


New Build - Choice

Grade:
10

Grade 10 containers are as good as they come. These are so new, you can almost see your reflection in the shine on the paint.

  • Very little or no scuffs or dents
  • No damage to the container

Here are some images of grade a 10 container:
Outside of a grade 10 20ft shipping container
Outside of a grade 10 20ft shipping container
Inside of a grade 10 20ft shipping container
Inside of a side opening shipping container


New Build - Benchmark

Grade:
9

Grade 9 containers are the second best containers we supply. They may have minor visual problems, but are still essentially the same as a grade 10.

  • Very little or no scuffs or dents
  • Very minor visual problems such as touch up paint on the outside

Here are some images of a grade 9 container:
Outside of a grade 9 20ft shipping container
Outside of a grade 9 20ft shipping container
Inside of a grade 9 20ft shipping container
Inside of a grade 9 20ft shipping container


New Build - Base

Grade:
8

Grade 8 containers are perfect for people who want a great looking container but don't want to pay top dollar. These containers come with a couple bumps here and there but are essentially the same as a grade 9 or 10

  • Very minor scuffs or dents
  • May have touch up paint or other very small visual problems

Here are some images of a grade 8 container:
Outside of a grade 8 20ft shipping container
Inside of a grade 8 20ft shipping container
Outside, at the back of a grade 8 20ft shipping container
Dents on the outside of a grade 8 20ft shipping container

Older Build Shipping Containers

Older build containers usually come from our ex-hire fleet. These containers are in relatively good condition, are wind and water tight. If you give them a hose down and some paint, they can look almost as good as our new builds, for a lower cost.


Older Build - Premium

Grade:
7

Grade 7 containers are the top of the range when it comes to older builds. These containers are good for people who just need a box to store furniture or transport goods, but don't care as much about shiny paint.

  • Minor scuffs or dents
  • Very minor surface rust
  • Paint may be faded

Here are some images of a grade 7 container:
Outside of a grade 7 20ft container.
Floor on the inside of a grade 7 20ft container.
Back corner of a grade 7 20ft container, slightly rusted.
Back corner of a grade 7 20ft container, slightly rusted.


Older Build - Standard

Grade:
6

Grade 6 containers are in relatively good condition. These are the lower end of our older builds, however are still a great option if you're looking for a container to store or transport goods.

  • A couple of dents and scuffs here and there
  • Paint will most likely be faded
  • Minor surface rust
  • Inside may have some wear and tear, but will still be in relatively good condition

Here are some images of a grade 6 container:
Outside of a grade 7 20ft container.
Floor on the inside of a grade 7 20ft container.
Back corner of a grade 7 20ft container, slightly rusted.
Back corner of a grade 7 20ft container, slightly rusted.

Used Shipping Containers

Used shipping containers are second hand containers. These containers may have been used by shipping lines or businesses and can come with distinct odours, worn paint, rust, bad floors, dents and scuffs.


Used - Premium

Grade:
5

These containers are the best you can get of our used containers. They have some problems, but are still a great option, especially for the budget conscious shopper.

  • Some scuffs and dents
  • Surface Rust
  • Visible repairs
  • Wind & water tight

Here are some images of a grade 5 container:
Back corner of a grade 5 20ft container, slightly rusted.
Outside of a grade 5 20ft container. Slightly rusted.
The top of a door of a grade 5 20ft container.
The inside of a grade 5 20ft container.


Used - Top Grade

Grade:
4

Grade 4 containers are awesome for people shopping on a budget who still want to have their furniture and goods safe from the elements.

  • Lots of scuffs and dents
  • Wind and water tight
  • Noticeable repairs

Here are some images of a grade 4 container:


Used - Standard

Grade:
3

Grade 3 containers are in pretty bad shape. They have been used a lot before and you can tell. They are still a good option for garden sheds or transporting goods, as long as you don't care what they look like.

  • Very scuffed and dented
  • Obvious repairs
  • Wind and water tight
  • Surface rust

Here are some images of a grade 3 container:


Used - Budget

Grade:
2

These containers are in very bad condition. Don't use these if you want to guarantee that your goods are safe from the elements.

  • Very scuffed and dented
  • Obvious repairs
  • Barely wind and water tight
  • Some areas may be rusted through

Here are some images of grade 2 containers:


Used - As Is

Grade:
1

These containers are in very bad condition. They may or may not keep your goods safe from the elements. These are the worst of the worst, however that is also reflected in price, so they may be the perfect option, depending on your individual needs.

  • Dents and scuffs
  • Obvious repairs
  • Not wind and water tight
  • Some areas may be rusted through
  • May have holes
  • May have structural damage

Here are some images of a grade 1 container: