At East Texas Container Inc, we are committed to providing high-quality new and used shipping containers supported by our Container Condition Guarantee. Because shipping containers are industrial, heavy-duty products delivered by third-party carriers, our refund and return procedures differ from traditional retail policies. The following sections outline how refunds, returns, exchanges, inspections, and guarantees are handled. Visit our General Terms and Conditions for more information.
CONTAINER CONDITION GUARANTEE-
At East Texas Container Inc, we stand behind the quality of every container we sell as noted below by condition type:
- New / One-Trip– Near-new units that have made one overseas shipment from the manufacturer to the U.S., carrying cargo a single time and showing only minimal cosmetic wear from normal handeling.
- Used Wind & Watertight (WWT)– Inspected to ensure they are leak-free and sealed against the elements and ideal for on-site storage or building purposes.
- Used Cargo Worthy (CW) & IICL– Certified for international shipping, with solid floors, sound structure, and the ability to handle heavy loads.
Cosmetic Wear Expectations– Shipping containers are engineered for global transport, and even high-quality units may display normal cosmetic signs of prior use. The level of cosmetic wear will vary based on the container’s condition and grade. New/One-Trip containers typically show the least cosmetic wear, with only minor marks from a single overseas shipment, while used WWT, Cargo Worthy, and IICL units may exhibit more visible signs of prior service, such as:
- Minor dents
- Surface rust
- Scratches
- Patches or cosmetic repairs
These cosmetic characteristics do not affect the container’s structural integrity or performance and are not covered under the guarantee. Buyers seeking a more uniform or visually consistent appearance should consider a New/One-Trip container or plan for repainting after delivery.
Door Operation Notice– Container doors are made of heavy-gauge steel and can be stiff if the ground is uneven or unprepared. Difficulty opening or closing doors is usually a leveling issue, not a container defect. Regular lubrication of hinges and locking rods is recommended. Container Sales Group is not responsible for door adjustments or site conditions after delivery.
REQUIRED SHIPPING CONTAINER INSPECTION STEPS
New/One-Trip Shipping Container
New/One-Trip containers should have minimal cosmetic wear—typically minor dents, light scratches or marks from one overseas shipment. Inspect the walls, roof, and floors to confirm the container meets expected near-new condition.
- Test the Doors
Open and close both doors to ensure smooth operation. New doors may be snug due to factory-tight tolerances. - Check for Light Leaks
Step inside the container, close the doors, and check for visible light entering through walls or roof. The interior should be fully dark. - Verify Proper Placement
All 40ft containers must be placed on level, stable ground to avoid frame twisting, which can affect door alignment. - Optional: Lubricate Hinges for Long-Term Use
Although new units typically open smoothly, applying occasional lubricant will help maintain optimal door performance over time.
Used Shipping Container (WWT, CW & IICL)
Used WWT, Cargo Worthy, and IICL containers will show visible signs of prior use, including dents, scratches, professional patch, surface rust, faded paint, and interior floor or wall wear. These cosmetic imperfections are normal and expected.
- Test the Doors
Open and close both doors to ensure they operate properly. Used containers may have stiffer doors due to age or being closed for long periods. - Check for Holes or Leaks
Step inside the container and close the doors fully. The interior should be dark with no visible light coming through the walls, roof, or floor. Any visible light indicates a potential hole or leak. - Verify Door Operation Area
Ensure the container is placed on level, solid ground. Uneven surfaces can cause the frame to twist, making doors difficult to open or close. - Verify Door Operation Area
Ensure the container is placed on level, solid ground. Uneven surfaces can cause the frame to twist, making doors difficult to open or close. - Lubricate Moving Parts (as needed)
If doors feel stiff, apply lubricant (e.g., Fluid Film or WD-40) to hinges, locking bars, and joints to improve smooth operation.
ORDER CANCELLATIONS-
- Before Delivery Is Scheduled
- Orders may be canceled for a full refund if delivery has not yet been scheduled with the trucking provider.
- After Delivery Is Scheduled
- If delivery has been scheduled, cancellation may incur a trucking dispatch fee, depending on the carrier’s policy. Once a container is loaded for delivery, refunds may be limited to the container cost only.
REFUNDS & RETURNS AT TIME OF DELIVERY-
We require that all customers inspect their container upon delivery before the driver leaves.
During inspection, the customer should confirm:
- Correct size and type of container
- Doors open and close properly
- Wind & Water Tight condition (for WWT units)
- No major structural damage beyond normal cosmetic wear for used grades
If the container does not meet the condition outlined in our Container Condition Guarantee you purchased, you must notify the driver and Container Sales Group (430-285-8413) immediately.
Upon approval of return from Container Sales Group:
- The driver will reload the unit
- You may choose a replacement container
- Or receive a refund for the container cost
Delivery fees are refundable only when the container is returned for condition issues that violates our guarantee.
REFUNDS & RETURNS AT TIME OF PICK UP-
We require that all customers inspect their container prior to being loaded. During inspection, the customer should confirm:
- Correct size and type of container
- Doors open and close properly
- No major structural damage beyond normal cosmetic wear for the different grades.
RETURNS AFTER DELIVERY-
Since containers cannot be returned after delivery or after pick-up from the depot facility, we ask that customers carefully inspect their container. Once the delivery truck leaves your site or depot facility the container is the customers responsibility.