A used shipping container can be a fantastic value — if you know what to look for. The difference between a great buy and a costly mistake comes down to a careful inspection. Use this checklist whether you are viewing a unit in person or buying from a reputable dealer who inspects on your behalf.
1. Structural Integrity First
The frame, corner castings, and rails are what give a container its strength. Look for:
- Major dents or bowing in the walls and roof.
- Cracks or heavy corrosion at the corner castings and welds.
- A roof that holds standing water (a sign of damage or poor drainage).
Surface rust is normal and cosmetic; structural rust that has eaten through steel is a dealbreaker.
2. Check the Floor
Container floors are usually marine-grade plywood on steel cross-members. Step across the entire floor and check for:
- Soft spots, rot, or delamination.
- Holes, gaps, or daylight showing through.
- Rusted or sagging cross-members underneath.
3. Test the Doors
Doors are where wear shows first. Open and close both fully:
- They should swing freely and latch securely — binding suggests a racked (out-of-square) frame.
- Inspect the rubber gaskets for cracks or gaps that let water in.
- Confirm the locking rods and handles operate smoothly and a lockbox is present.
4. The Watertight Test
Step inside and close the doors. Any daylight you see is a leak. Pinholes in the roof or walls let in water and ruin stored goods. A genuine wind & watertight (WWT) unit should be dark and dry inside.
5. The Smell Test
Trust your nose. A strong chemical or musty odor can mean the container previously hauled hazardous cargo or has trapped moisture and mold. Lingering smells are hard to remove and may matter for sensitive storage.
6. Verify the Grade and Paperwork
Confirm the condition grade matches the price — cargo-worthy and WWT mean specific things (see our new vs. used guide). For units intended to ship again, check for a valid CSC plate.
Inspection Checklist
- ✓ Frame, corners, and welds sound
- ✓ Floor solid, no rot or holes
- ✓ Doors open, close, and seal
- ✓ No daylight / leaks inside
- ✓ No chemical or musty odor
- ✓ Grade and CSC plate verified
Skip the Guesswork
Every used container Atlas sells is quality inspected before it ships and backed by our 30-day return policy — so you get the grade you paid for. Browse inspected used units in our catalog or ask our team for condition details on any model.