Certification & Safety
New & Used Shipping Containers
Buy high-quality shipping containers for storage, business, construction, agriculture, and custom projects. We offer fast nationwide delivery across the United States with competitive pricing and exceptional customer support.
Quality, Safety & Container Standards You Can Trust
At Universal Containers LLC, we understand that a shipping container is more than a storage product. It is a steel structure designed to withstand demanding environments, transportation, handling, and long-term use.
We are committed to providing customers with accurate product information and clearly identifying the condition, specifications, and applicable certifications of the containers we offer.
Whether you need a container for storage, transportation, construction, agriculture, commercial use, or a custom project, our team can help you select a unit appropriate for your intended application.
Our Approach to Container Quality
Every container should be evaluated according to its intended use.
Depending on the specific container, available documentation, and intended application, relevant standards and classifications may include:
- ISO container specifications
- CSC safety approval
- Wind & Watertight (WWT) condition
- Cargo Worthy (CW) condition
- Structural and physical condition
- Manufacturer specifications
- Container identification and markings
Certification and condition classifications vary by individual container. Customers can contact our sales team to confirm the documentation available for a particular unit before purchasing.
ISO Container Standards
International shipping containers are commonly manufactured according to internationally recognized ISO standards governing dimensions, handling compatibility, identification, and structural requirements.
Relevant standards may include:
ISO 668
Defines container classifications and principal external and internal dimensions.
ISO 1496
Addresses specifications and testing requirements for freight containers, including structural performance.
ISO 6346
Establishes the identification, coding, and marking system used for intermodal freight containers.
These standards help maintain compatibility between containers and transportation equipment used across road, rail, and maritime logistics.
CSC Safety Approval
Convention for Safe Containers
The CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) framework establishes safety requirements for containers used in international transport.
Where applicable, a container may carry a CSC safety approval plate containing information such as:
- Manufacturer information
- Date of manufacture
- Maximum gross weight
- Allowable stacking weight
- Racking test information
- Identification information
- Inspection or examination details
If you require a container for active international shipping, we recommend confirming that the specific container has the appropriate current CSC documentation before purchase.
CSC status should always be verified for the individual container rather than assumed from the container type alone.
Wind & Watertight Containers
Designed for Storage Protection
For customers purchasing containers primarily for storage, Wind & Watertight (WWT) condition can be an important consideration.
A WWT container is generally evaluated for its ability to protect stored contents from normal exposure to wind and rain.
Inspection considerations may include:
- Exterior walls
- Roof condition
- Door operation
- Door seals
- Visible openings
- Floor condition
- Significant corrosion
- Structural condition
WWT suitability does not mean that every container is completely new or cosmetically perfect. Used containers can show normal signs of previous use while remaining suitable for storage.
Cargo Worthy Containers
Suitable for Transport Applications
Customers who intend to use a container for cargo transportation may require a Cargo Worthy (CW) container.
Depending on the applicable inspection and certification requirements, evaluation can include:
- Corner castings
- Structural frame
- Roof and sidewalls
- Doors and locking mechanisms
- Flooring
- Undercarriage
- Overall structural condition
Cargo Worthy classification should be confirmed for the specific container and intended transportation requirements.
Container Construction
Built for Demanding Environments
Shipping containers are designed for demanding transportation and outdoor environments.
Typical construction features include:
Corten / Weathering Steel
Many standard shipping containers are manufactured using weather-resistant steel designed to provide durability in demanding outdoor conditions.
Heavy-Duty Flooring
Container floors are designed to support substantial cargo loads. Exact flooring material and condition vary by container.
Corner Castings
Standardized corner castings allow containers to be handled using compatible lifting and transportation equipment.
Reinforced Structural Frame
The frame and corner posts provide the primary structural support required for handling, stacking, and transportation within the container’s rated specifications.
Container Inspection
Quality Checks Before Delivery
Universal Containers LLC strives to provide customers with accurate information regarding the condition and specifications of available containers.
Depending on the container and purchase arrangement, inspection may include:
Exterior
- Roof condition
- Side panels
- End walls
- Corner posts
- Visible corrosion
- Structural condition
Doors
- Door alignment
- Locking bars
- Handles
- Hinges
- Door seals
Interior
- Floor condition
- Wall condition
- Roof condition
- Evidence of light penetration
- Signs of water ingress
Identification
- Container number
- Manufacturer markings
- CSC plate, where applicable
- Applicable inspection documentation
New & Used Container Conditions
Clear Information Before You Buy
We offer containers in different conditions, including new/one-trip and used units.
New / One-Trip Containers
These containers have typically been manufactured for cargo transportation and used for a limited number of trips. They generally offer a newer appearance and condition.
Used Containers
Used containers may show normal signs of previous transportation and handling, including:
- Surface scratches
- Dents
- Paint fading
- Minor corrosion
- Cosmetic imperfections
The exact condition varies by unit and inventory availability.
Product descriptions should always be reviewed carefully before purchase.
Safety First
Shipping containers can be used for many applications, but their installation and modification must be appropriate for the intended purpose.
Customers should consider:
- Local zoning requirements
- Building codes
- Foundation requirements
- Electrical regulations
- Fire safety requirements
- Structural modifications
- Local permits
- Transportation regulations
For permanent structures, offices, homes, workshops, or heavily modified containers, consult the appropriate licensed professionals and local authorities.
Our Quality Commitment
Accurate Information
We aim to provide clear product descriptions, specifications, dimensions, condition information, and available documentation.
Responsible Sales
We do not want customers purchasing a container without understanding its intended application and condition.
Documentation
Where certification or inspection documentation is available for a specific container, customers can request the applicable information before completing their purchase.
Customer Support
Our team can help you determine which container type and condition is appropriate for your project.
Need a Certified or Specific Container?
If your project requires a particular certification, condition, or specification, let us know before ordering.
Our sales team can help you identify available containers based on:
- Container size
- New or used condition
- Storage requirements
- Cargo transportation
- CSC requirements
- WWT requirements
- CW requirements
- Delivery location
- Quantity
- Intended application
Frequently Asked Safety Questions
Are all Universal Containers LLC containers CSC certified?
Not necessarily. CSC applicability and documentation depend on the specific container and its intended use. Customers requiring CSC approval should request confirmation for the specific unit before purchase.
Are used containers wind and watertight?
Condition varies by unit. Where a container is advertised as WWT, the product description should identify that classification or condition.
Can I use a container for international shipping?
Containers intended for active international transportation must meet the applicable requirements for that use. Confirm the specific container’s CSC status and other applicable requirements before purchase.
Can I use a container as a building?
Containers can be modified for offices, workshops, retail spaces, homes, and other structures, but modifications and installations may be subject to local building codes, permits, zoning requirements, and professional engineering requirements.
Can I request inspection documentation?
Yes. If documentation is available for the specific container, contact our sales team before purchase.