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, 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 shipping containers in different types, sizes and conditions, depending on product availability. The specific container type, size, condition and features applicable to each container 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:
New / one-trip containers are generally supplied in 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:
Used containers may show signs of previous service, including surface rust, paint fading, scratches, dents, cosmetic marks, wear to door components and floor scuffs. The condition of individual containers may vary. Customers should review the relevant product listing for the specific condition, specifications and features of the container offered for sale.

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 as part of the refurbishment process. Minor underlying cosmetic marks or panel variations from previous service may remain.

Cargo Worthy (CW / CWW) Containers

Cargo Worthy containers are containers certified as structurally sound and meeting applicable CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) criteria for international maritime transport and cargo use.

The specific certification status and applicable features of each container are stated on the relevant product listing.

Wind and Watertight (WWT) Containers

Containers classified as Wind and Watertight (WWT) are intended for storage and are represented as providing protection from ordinary wind and weather conditions.

The condition and features of individual containers may vary. Customers should review the relevant product listing for the specific condition, specifications and features applicable to the container.

Refrigerated Shipping Containers (Reefers)

Refrigerated shipping containers (reefers) are containers fitted with integrated refrigeration equipment for temperature-controlled storage, where applicable to the product specifications.

The refrigeration equipment, configuration and available features may vary between individual products. Customers should review the relevant product listing for the specific refrigeration equipment, condition and specifications applicable to the container.

Insulated Shipping Containers

Insulated shipping containers are containers featuring insulated internal walls, ceiling panels and sealed doors. Depending on the product, these may include non-operational refrigerated containers or purpose-built insulated units.

The construction, configuration and features may vary between individual products. Customers should review the relevant product listing for the specific insulation, panel, door and other features applicable to the container.

Specialised, Office, Offshore & Modified or Converted Containers

These are purpose-configured containers that may include site offices, modified workshops, offshore units or other converted configurations.

Specific modifications may include personnel doors, windows, insulation, electrical fittings or specialised lifting lugs, depending on the individual product.

Customers should review the relevant product listing to confirm the features and inclusions of the specific container and should verify any local site, safety or planning requirements applicable to their intended use before purchase.

3. Delivery & On-Site Inspection

Customers are encouraged to inspect the container upon delivery and, where reasonably practicable, before the delivery vehicle leaves the site.

Customers should check the container for any visible damage, discrepancy or issue that differs materially from the product ordered.

For refrigerated or specialised units, customers should review the available equipment, connections, controls and other features against the product information provided for the specific container.

Customers may be asked to sign the delivery docket or other transport documentation to acknowledge delivery. Where possible, customers should note any visible damage or discrepancy on the delivery documentation.

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

4. Delivery Discrepancies and Issues

If a delivered container appears damaged, materially differs from the product ordered, or has an issue that is apparent upon delivery, customers should notify AGM as soon as reasonably practicable.

Where possible, customers should:

  • Note any visible discrepancy on the delivery documentation;
  • Take photographs or videos showing the relevant issue;
  • Provide the order or invoice number; and
  • Provide relevant delivery information.

Customers can contact AGM at [email protected] to report a delivery issue.

AGM will review reported issues and discuss the appropriate resolution with the customer in accordance with the applicable product terms, Returns & Refund Policy, warranty terms where applicable, and Australian Consumer Law.

Failure to report an issue within a particular period does not automatically remove or reduce any rights or remedies available to the customer under the Australian Consumer Law.

5. Cosmetic Wear vs. Material Defects

It is important to distinguish between normal cosmetic characteristics and issues that may affect a container’s condition or intended use.

  • Cosmetic Characteristics: Surface rust, minor scratches, faded paint, localized panel dents, cosmetic repairs, minor floor discoloration, or minor marks associated with normal handling and previous service.
  • Material or Functional Issues: Structural frame damage, significant floor damage, major openings that permit light or water entry where the product is represented as weather-resistant, non-functional locking components, or mechanical issues affecting refrigerated equipment.

The customer’s statutory rights under the Australian Consumer Law are not affected by whether an issue is described as cosmetic, structural or functional.

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

  1. Dimensions & Placement: Confirm site space and height clearance for delivery equipment.

  2. Site Access: Ensure ground conditions are firm, flat, and accessible for heavy tilt-tray or side-loader delivery trucks.

  3. Container Grade: Review whether One-Trip, Used, Refurbished, WWT, or Reefer specs meet your requirements.

  4. Power Requirements: Ensure correct 3-phase power supply is available on-site for refrigerated containers before ordering.

  5. Policies: Review our Shipping & Delivery Policy and Returns & Refund Policy prior to checkout.

12. Contact & Business Details

If you have questions regarding container types, condition, product specifications, depot inspections, refrigerated or insulated containers, 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

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