Understanding Container Types, Quality & Inspection Standards
Last updated: 21 September 2026
At AGM Container and Towing Service (operated by AGM CONTAINER & TOWING SERVICE PTY LTD; ABN: 79 120 688 548, ACN: 120 688 548), we understand that purchasing a shipping container is different from purchasing an ordinary retail product. Containers can vary significantly depending on their age, previous use, storage conditions, transportation history, and overall condition.
This page explains the container types we offer, how condition should be understood, what customers can expect when purchasing from us, our mandatory quality and pre-delivery inspection protocols, and what information customers should consider before placing an order.
Our goal is to provide customers with clear, accurate, and realistic information so that they can make an informed purchasing decision.
1. About Our Shipping Containers
We supply shipping containers across Australia for purposes including:
Storage
General goods storage
Commercial use
Agricultural use
Construction-site storage
Workshop or project use
Temperature-sensitive storage, where applicable to the product’s specifications
Other lawful storage or operational purposes
Our product range includes different types and conditions of shipping containers, including new one-trip containers, used shipping containers, refurbished shipping containers, standard shipping containers, refrigerated shipping containers (reefers), and insulated shipping containers.
Our range may also include specialised, modified, or converted container products, such as office containers, offshore containers, site office containers, and other purpose-configured container units.
The suitability of a particular container depends on its type, condition, specifications, and the customer’s intended use. Specialised or modified containers may have different specifications, configurations, features, or intended uses from standard shipping containers. Customers should review the individual product description carefully before purchasing.
2. Our Container Types & Grading Standards
We offer containers in different types, sizes, and conditions, depending on product availability. The specific container type, size, condition, and features applicable to each product are stated on the relevant product listing.
New / One-Trip Containers
A new or one-trip container refers to a container manufactured overseas for international cargo transportation and used for a single journey to Australia before being offered for sale.
Condition Expectation: Near-pristine structural and cosmetic condition. Minor transit scuffs, light frame scratches, or small cosmetic marks from shipping line handling may be present.
Used Shipping Containers
Used containers have previously been deployed in international shipping or domestic transport networks.
Condition Expectation: Fully functional and structurally sound, but with visible signs of prior service including surface rust, paint fading, scratches, minor dents, cosmetic marks, wear to door components, and floor scuffs. Cosmetic wear does not indicate structural failure or a product defect.
Refurbished Shipping Containers
Refurbished containers are previously used units that have undergone maintenance, structural repair, rust treatment, neutral priming, and exterior repainting to extend their operational service life.
Condition Expectation: Structural defects are repaired, though minor underlying cosmetic marks or panel variations from its previous service life may remain.
Cargo Worthy (CW / CWW) Containers
Containers certified as structurally sound and meeting CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) criteria, making them suitable for international maritime transport and heavy cargo.
Wind and Watertight (WWT) Containers
Containers ideal for secure, static on-site storage. Guaranteed to prevent wind, rain, and pest intrusion, featuring solid flooring, intact rubber door gaskets, and fully operational locking bars.
Refrigerated Shipping Containers (Reefers)
Temperature-controlled containers built with integrated cooling units for chilled or frozen cargo storage.
Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) Guarantee: Prior to dispatch, all operational refrigerated containers undergo a mandatory Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) conducted by qualified technicians. This verifies that the compressor, cooling system, electrical controls, and airflow systems function reliably across target operational temperature ranges.
Insulated Shipping Containers
Non-operational refrigerated containers or purpose-built units featuring insulated internal walls, ceiling panels, and sealed doors designed to maintain stable ambient temperatures without active machinery.
Inspection Standard: Inspected prior to sale to confirm thermal lining panels, interior stainless/aluminium walls, and door gaskets are intact and free from severe moisture intrusion or thermal breakdown.
Specialised, Office, Offshore & Converted Containers
Purpose-configured containers (e.g., site offices, modified workshops, offshore units). These products feature specific modifications such as personnel doors, windows, insulation, electrical fittings, or specialized lifting lugs. Customers should review individual listings to confirm inclusions and verify local site, safety, or planning approvals prior to purchase.
3. Mandatory Delivery & On-Site Inspection Protocol
To ensure total transparency and protect your purchase, all container deliveries follow a strict inspection process upon arrival at your designated site:
On-Site Visual Inspection: Upon arrival of the transport vehicle, the buyer (or designated site representative) must visually inspect the exterior, interior, roof, floor, and door seals of the container prior to completing offloading.
Reefer & Equipment Verification: For refrigerated or specialized machinery units, the buyer must verify electrical connections, control panel displays, and physical features match the agreed order specifications upon offloading.
Signing the Delivery Receipt / Bill of Lading (BOL): Once you confirm the container matches the ordered condition grade, you will sign the transport driver’s delivery docket or Bill of Lading (BOL). Signing without written notation confirms full acceptance of the unit in its delivered condition.
Pre-Purchase Depot Inspections: Where available and by prior appointment, customers may request to physically inspect inventory at our depot location (740 Ingham Rd, Bohle QLD, Queensland 4818, Australia) prior to placing an order.
4. Rejection & Dispute Resolution Protocol
We stand behind our condition ratings and grading standards. If a delivered unit fails to meet the ordered condition grade (e.g., a unit ordered as Wind & Watertight exhibits structural roof leaks or an operational reefer fails to run):
Notate the Receipt Immediately: The buyer must immediately inform the transport driver and write a clear, detailed description of the discrepancy directly on the driver’s delivery docket / Bill of Lading before the transport vehicle leaves the site.
Photo & Video Documentation: Take clear, high-resolution photographs or videos documenting the specific defect, the container’s unique serial/BIC number, and the signed delivery docket.
Notify Support Within 48 Hours: Submit your photo evidence, order details, and explanation to our compliance team within 48 hours of delivery at [email protected]
Resolution Remedy: Upon verification of a valid inspection discrepancy, AGM Container and Towing Service will arrange an on-site repair, a unit replacement swap, or a refund in accordance with our Returns & Refund Policy, at no additional delivery expense to the customer.
5. Cosmetic Wear vs. Material Defects
It is important to distinguish between normal cosmetic characteristics and material defects that affect a container’s structural integrity or intended utility:
Cosmetic Characteristics (Not Defects): Surface rust, minor scratches, faded paint, localized panel dents, cosmetic repairs, minor floor discoloration, or minor marks associated with normal handling and shipping service.
Material Defects: Structural frame failures, floor collapse, major holes permitting light/water entry in a WWT/CW unit, completely non-functional locking bars preventing secure closure, or undisclosed mechanical failure in a pre-tested reefer unit.
The customer’s statutory rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) are not affected by whether an issue is categorized as cosmetic or structural.
6. Container Photographs
Where product listings show the actual container, the photographs represent that specific unit. Where stock or representative photographs are utilized, this will be indicated on the listing.
Representative images show the general appearance, color, and grade of the product line, but natural variations in paint fade, small dents, and handling marks will occur between individual used containers.
7. Container Dimensions and Specifications
Dimensions, tare weights, and internal volumes stated on listings are approximate industry averages and may vary slightly depending on the original manufacturer and production series.
Where exact millimeter dimensions, internal clearances, or floor load capabilities are critical to your application, customers must contact us to confirm exact measurements prior to dispatch.
8. Doors, Lockboxes, and Flooring
Doors: Heavy-duty marine doors require proper leveling on-site to operate smoothly. Used containers may show seal aging or door bar resistance, but doors remain fully functional for securing goods.
Flooring: Standard containers feature marine-grade plywood or bamboo flooring. Used containers may show surface scratches, scuffs, or minor oil stains from previous cargo operations. Refrigerated units typically feature T-bar aluminium flooring designed for airflow.
9. Rust, Corrosion, and Weatherproofing
Surface rust is a natural characteristic of Corten steel containers exposed to marine air and weather. Minor surface corrosion does not indicate structural failure. Containers graded as Wind and Watertight (WWT), Cargo Worthy (CW), or One-Trip are guaranteed to keep wind and water out under normal weather conditions.
10. Intended Use & Modifications
Customers are responsible for determining whether a container is suitable for their intended purpose. General storage containers are not automatically certified for human habitation, chemical/dangerous goods storage, or structural architectural builds without appropriate professional modification, ventilation, electrical installations, and local council permits.
Modifying a container after delivery (e.g., cutting steel walls, welding, or drilling) may impact structural integrity, weather resistance, and warranty coverage.
11. What Customers Should Check Before Ordering
Dimensions & Placement: Confirm site space and height clearance for delivery equipment.
Site Access: Ensure ground conditions are firm, flat, and accessible for heavy tilt-tray or side-loader delivery trucks.
Container Grade: Review whether One-Trip, Used, Refurbished, WWT, or Reefer specs meet your requirements.
Power Requirements: Ensure correct 3-phase power supply is available on-site for refrigerated containers before ordering.
Policies: Review our Shipping & Delivery Policy and Returns & Refund Policy prior to checkout.
12. Contact & Business Details
If you have questions regarding container grades, technical PTI reports for refrigerated units, depot inspections, or delivery logistics, please contact our team:
Legal Business Name: AGM CONTAINER & TOWING SERVICE PTY LTD
Trade Name: AGM Container and Towing Service
ABN: 79 120 688 548
ACN: 120 688 548
Depot Address: 740 Ingham Rd, Bohle QLD, Queensland 4818, Australia
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 489 995 853