What to Expect From a New (Once-Used) Shipping Container
Friday 7 November 2025
Updated: Friday 28 November 2025
Filed in: General
In shipping container terms once used containers are referred to as new or one trip containers. They are manufactured in China and shipped over to the UK for sale loaded with cargo. Transporting the container filled with cargo lowers costs, which is passed on in the retail price. Find out what the typical condition of one-trip shipping container will look like.
Why chose a new shipping containers?
Although second hand shipping containers offer great value for money, you may wish to consider a new shipping container if you are looking for extended years of trouble free use and a superior condition. But bear in mind a new shipping container will have made one transportation trip, so there will be some evidence of handling – slight scuff marks and maybe the odd dent, but they will be in a far superior cosmetic condition to used containers, and completely structurally sound. Check out some of the pictures below of our once used container stock.
The condition of new containers
In the UK, new shipping containers are defined as 'one trip containers' and shipped over with cargo, so the odd dent or scuff mark from handling is to be expected. But other than some evidence of handling, a one trip container will be as new. A shipping container is a very large metal object, so it's no mean feat to move around, so a container lift truck is usually involved. This is what causes the scuffing along the corner posts, but these can be easily touched up using a small quantity of container paint. Because shipping containers are made from very tough, rust retardant Corten steel, small scrapes and dents are insignificant to the functionality and life span of the container. Below are some examples of minor cosmetic wear and tear:
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