WWT — The Most Misunderstood Container Term on the Internet
You’ve found the perfect container listing. It’s not new, but it’s “WWT certified.”
Great! Or… is it?
Wind and watertight container? (WWT) is one of the most used — and misused — phrases in the shipping container world. It sounds technical, official, and reliable. But here’s the truth: WWT is not a legal standard. It’s a description. And one that’s open to… interpretation.
At Containerlift, we’ve seen WWT containers that were practically showroom condition — and others where “windproof” seemed to mean “only mildly breezy inside.” So, what should you actually expect from a wind and watertight container? What’s included? What’s not? And how do you make sure your container doesn’t leak like a colander when the first storm hits?
Let’s get into it.
What Does “Wind and Watertight” Really Mean?
In practical terms, a WWT container should:
- Be structurally sound
- Have no holes or cracks in walls, roof, or doors
- Seal properly when doors are closed
- Keep out wind, rain and daylight
- Have a solid, undamaged floor
It does NOT mean:
- The container is new
- The container is free from dents, scrapes, or rust
- The container is insulated
- That it’s pest-proof, condensation-free or pretty
Think of WWT as the “MOT pass” of the container world. It’s functional, legal, but not necessarily beautiful.
How WWT Compares to Other Grades
Here’s how WWT stacks up against other typical container classifications:
| Grade | Condition Summary |
| One-Trip/New | Near-perfect, minimal wear, suitable for conversions and visual presentation |
| WWT (Used) | Fully weatherproof but with cosmetic wear, surface rust, repaired dents |
| Cargo Worthy (CW) | Structurally certified for shipping — includes WWT but may be tested/recertified |
| As-Is | No guarantees — may leak, have floor damage or structural issues |
Important: WWT and CW are not the same — CW containers can be WWT, but not all WWT are CW.
⚠️ Disclaimer: WWT containers are not always tested under standardised conditions — what’s watertight in Essex may fail in the Highlands.
What a WWT Container Should Include (Checklist)
If you’re buying or renting a WWT container from a reputable provider (like, ahem, Containerlift), you should expect:
✅ Doors that open and close fully
✅ Door seals in good condition — no cracks, warping, or gaps
✅ Interior shows no signs of water ingress
✅ Roof free from pinholes or impact damage
✅ Floor free from rot, holes, or daylight
✅ Locking gear operational
Top Tip: Always ask for photos inside and out, including the roof and door seals. Or better — visit the depot if you can.
What WWT Doesn’t Include (But You Might Think It Does)
We get customers saying:
“I thought it was WWT, so why is there condensation?”
Here’s what WWT doesn’t cover:
❌ Condensation: Containers are steel boxes — moisture build-up is common unless ventilated or insulated
❌ Pest-proofing: Rats can chew through rubber seals; WWT doesn’t mean rat-proof
❌ Cosmetics: Expect dents, scratches, minor rust — it’s a used steel box
❌ Internal fittings: No shelving, electrics, vents — unless added as a modification
❌ Insulation: WWT containers are not temperature controlled
Common Misconceptions (And How to Avoid The
“WWT = Looks Like New”
Nope. A WWT container might be 15 years old. It just still does its job.
“WWT Includes a Lockbox”
Not by default. That’s an add-on.
“All Sellers Use the Same WWT Standard”
Also wrong. Some sellers stretch the definition — or apply it to as-is stock. Always buy from a trusted supplier with real photos.
How Containerlift Defines and Inspects WWT Containers
At Containerlift, our WWT containers undergo a thorough inspection process:
🔍 Structural Check – Frame integrity, no major warps
🔍 Roof Test – Inspected from above and below for pinholes
🔍 Door Seal Inspection – Ensuring watertight seal all round
🔍 Floor Check – No daylight, rot, or loose boards
🔍 Locking Bar Functionality – All open and close without excessive force
🔍 Leak Test – Internal daylight test and/or hose test (on request)
We photograph every unit, so customers know what they’re getting. No surprise rust buckets here.
The Problem with Buying WWT from Dodgy Dealers
Unfortunately, the rise in online marketplaces has brought with it a flood of misleading listings. “WWT” on eBay sometimes translates to “painted over the holes and hoped for the best.”
Red flags:
🚩 No photos of the roof or floor
🚩 No depot location to view
🚩 Too good to be true price
🚩 “Cosmetic wear only” — but doesn’t explain what
🚩 Pressure to buy fast
🧠 Tip: Always buy from a company that offers delivery and post-sale support.
Extras That Improve WWT Containers
If you’re planning to use your container long-term, consider these add-ons to boost its lifespan and comfort:
| Add-On | What It Does | Cost Estimate |
| Lockbox | Protects your padlock from tampering | £50–£90 |
| Repainting | Improves visual appeal, slows rust | £250–£500 |
| Ventilation | Reduces condensation | £30–£100 |
| Insulation Kit | Adds comfort for tool/equipment storage | £500–£1,200 |
| Shelving | Makes use of vertical space | £200–£600 |
⚠️ Disclaimer: These are estimated costs for used containers in the UK market and may vary by supplier and container size.
Case Study: The “WWT” Disaster That Wasn’t
Client: Independent eBay buyer in Norfolk
Purchase: 20ft container listed as “Wind and Watertight, great condition”
Problem:
- Container delivered with no roof photos
- Leaked during first heavy rain
- Floor warped and discoloured
- Seller disappeared post-sale
Solution:
Client contacted Containerlift for a genuine WWT container
We:
- Collected the faulty one
- Delivered a verified WWT unit with photos
- Added ventilation and lockbox
Result:
Client got what they paid for — no surprises, no leaks, no vanishing act.
“Wish I’d gone with you guys from the start. You saved me twice the stress and money.”
Don’t get caught out by vague container listings.
At Containerlift, WWT means fully sealed, fully inspected, and fully fit for purpose — with photos and support to back it up.
📞 Call now or request a quote online for genuine WWT containers delivered where you need them.
👉 Get a WWT Quote today
