Phil Cambridge has graded and sold containers for 30+ years. Here's the honest trade-off.
New (one-trip) containers have made a single voyage from Asia and are effectively brand new — clean, tight seals, near-perfect paintwork. Used containers have had working lives of 10–15 years and come in Grade A, B or C condition. For storage, a Grade A used container is usually the best value. For conversions, new is often worth the extra.
A 'new' or 'one-trip' container is shipped from a manufacturing plant in Asia containing goods — typically electronics, textiles or machinery — and sold on arrival rather than returned for reuse. It has made exactly one voyage. The condition is effectively factory new: clean interior, original paintwork, tight door seals, no dents.
One-trip containers carry a price premium of roughly 30–50% over a Grade A used container of the same size. That premium is worth paying when the starting condition matters — particularly for conversions where you're fitting out the interior or where it's going to be visible.
Not all sellers grade honestly. Phil has 30 years in the industry and grades every container himself. What you're quoted is what gets delivered.
| Grade | Condition | Typical uses | Price (20ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Excellent — minor surface rust, tight seals, good appearance | Conversions, visible storage, residential areas | From £1,150 |
| Grade B | Good working order — some dents, weathering, older paintwork | General storage, commercial use | From £950 |
| Grade C | Wind and watertight — cosmetic wear, possible surface rust | Budget storage, temporary use | From £750 |
| New (one-trip) | Effectively brand new — one voyage only | Conversions, cafés, high-spec offices | From £1,550 |
All prices include HIAB delivery. Phil grades containers honestly — what you're quoted is what you get.
Grade A used is the sweet spot for most storage needs. It gives you 90% of the protection of a new container at around 70% of the price. For tools, stock, equipment, building materials — that's the right call. See used containers for sale for current stock and pricing.
Grade B or C are worth considering if you're on a tight budget and the container won't be visible from a road or neighbour's property. Everything Phil sells is wind and watertight — the grade affects appearance, not protection.
New (one-trip) is Phil's recommendation for offices, classrooms, cafés, and kiosks. The cleaner interior and tighter structure make a better starting point — especially if insulation is going in and you don't want to seal around surface imperfections.
That said, Grade A used containers convert well. If budget is a factor, Phil will tell you whether the specific container in stock is suitable for what you're building. See the full conversions range.
"I'll tell you which grade suits your use — I'm not in the business of selling you new when used will do the job just as well. If you want storage for your tools or stock, Grade A used is what I'd put at my own place. If you're building a proper office or café, then yes, start with one-trip — it makes the fit-out cleaner and the result looks better. Call me and I'll tell you what's in stock and what I'd actually recommend."
Phil Cambridge — 020 8226 0007