1. Acceptance of terms
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) apply to everyone who uses thecontainertrader.com and related services operated by Container Trader LLC (“Container Trader,” “we,” “us” or “our”). By creating an account, browsing listings, requesting a delivery estimate, buying, selling, applying for a seller plan, using the wholesale exchange, joining the referral program, arranging transportation or otherwise using the marketplace, you agree to these Terms, our Privacy Policy and any other policies or agreements expressly incorporated by reference.
If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the marketplace or any related services.
2. Our role in the marketplace
Container Trader operates an online marketplace that connects buyers with independent dealers, sellers, suppliers and transportation providers. Container Trader also sells containers from its own inventory.
When an independent dealer or seller is the seller
Classified listings and Dealer Pro Buy It Now listings are offered by independent dealers and sellers. For those transactions the dealer or seller is the seller, and Container Trader is not a party to the sale, the transportation contract or any other agreement between marketplace participants.
When Container Trader is the seller
Container Trader is the seller for Container Trader stock, including Container Trader Managed Deals and wholesale items offered under the Container Trader account, and for any other order where we are identified in writing as the seller. For those orders, the terms in the listing, the order confirmation and these Terms apply.
Except where we are the seller or have expressly agreed in writing, Container Trader does not take title to containers or equipment, does not take possession or control of inventory, does not inspect every container, does not supervise transportation providers and does not guarantee the performance of any marketplace participant.
Each marketplace participant is solely responsible for its own listings, representations, contracts, taxes, insurance, permits, legal compliance and performance of its obligations.
3. Eligibility and accounts
You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter into a binding contract to use Container Trader. If you act for a business or other entity, you confirm that you have authority to bind it to these Terms.
You can browse listings without an account. An account is required to message sellers, post listings, buy, request wholesale stock, apply for a seller plan or join the referral program.
- Provide accurate, current and complete information, and keep it up to date.
- Keep your login details confidential. You are responsible for all activity under your account.
- Tell us promptly about any unauthorized use or suspected compromise of your account.
- Unless we approve otherwise in writing, one account is allowed per individual or business, and accounts may not be transferred, sold or shared.
We may suspend, restrict or close an account for false information, suspected fraud, unlawful conduct, repeated policy violations, non-payment or other conduct that may expose the marketplace or its users to risk.
4. Seller plans and dealer accounts
Sellers can list containers on the Free Classified plan or apply for a paid plan: Verified Seller, Dealer Growth or Dealer Pro. Current prices, setup fees, listing limits and features are shown on our seller plans page.
Applications and approval
Applying for a paid plan is free. We review each application and may approve or decline it at our discretion. Dealer Pro is for established businesses with a physical business location. We may ask for information such as a business address, business license, resale certificate or EIN, website or Google Business Profile, and the type of location, and we may decline home-based or online-only resellers.
Billing
After we approve your application, we email you a secure Stripe payment link. Your first payment is the one-time setup fee plus your first month. Your plan then renews monthly at the plan price until you cancel. You authorize Container Trader and its payment processors to charge your payment method for these amounts.
The setup fee covers account review, plan configuration and onboarding. Except where required by law or agreed in writing, setup fees and monthly payments already made are not refunded. If you cancel, your plan stays active until the end of the billing period you have paid for and does not renew.
Listing limits and features
- Listing limits count active listings only. Drafts and closed listings do not count, and closing a listing frees a slot.
- “Unlimited” listings remain subject to our inventory quality, accuracy, availability and fair-use standards.
- Advanced tools, including Buy It Now, delivery estimates, purchasing links, lead access and wholesale buying, are turned on per seller after their setup is reviewed and approved.
- Your plan is assigned by Container Trader. A plan change request is not effective until we approve it and update your account.
Changes to plans
We may change plan prices, features or limits. Price increases apply only to future billing periods, and we will give you notice before they take effect. Any separate written terms we agree with a seller, such as a grandfathered plan, control where they conflict with this section.
Dealer Pro Buy It Now
Active Dealer Pro sellers may publish Buy It Now listings once their payout details are set up. The dealer is the seller for those orders and must fulfill each order, including any delivery sold with it, at the price and on the terms shown at checkout. Container Trader collects the buyer’s payment and pays the dealer the order total less the applicable marketplace fee. Where delivery is sold with the container, the fee is calculated on the container price plus delivery.
5. Listings and marketplace content
Sellers, dealers and suppliers are solely responsible for making sure their listings are accurate, complete, current and not misleading.
Listings must accurately describe, as applicable, the container size, type, condition or grade, location, quantity, price, major features and any known material defects or limitations.
Representative photos may be used to show a container’s general grade or condition, but the container released or delivered must be consistent with the advertised specifications and condition.
Listings may not contain false, deceptive, manipulated, unlawful, infringing or otherwise prohibited content. We may, but are not required to, edit, reject, remove, suspend or restrict any listing or account that violates these Terms or may harm the marketplace or its users.
6. Container condition standards
Shipping containers are commercial industrial equipment and may show characteristics consistent with age, handling, repair history and prior freight service. Unless a listing says otherwise, cosmetic appearance should not be confused with structural condition.
One Trip
One Trip containers have completed at least one international cargo shipment after leaving the manufacturer. They are generally in excellent condition but are not factory new. Minor dents, scratches, scuffs, labels, handling marks and paint imperfections are normal.
IICL
IICL containers have been inspected to the Institute of International Container Lessors standard at or near the time they came off lease. They are generally in very good used condition but show normal signs of prior service.
Cargo Worthy (CW)
Cargo Worthy containers are structurally sound and suitable for continued cargo transportation at the time of sale, but typically show normal commercial wear, including dents, surface rust, repairs, faded paint, decals and floor wear consistent with years of service.
Multi-Trip
Multi-Trip containers have completed several cargo shipments. They are typically newer than Cargo Worthy containers but show more wear than One Trip containers.
Wind & Water Tight (WWT) and Refurbished
Wind & Water Tight containers are intended to provide weather-resistant storage with functional doors, walls, roof and floor that keep out ordinary wind and water. They may not meet certification standards for international shipping. Refurbished containers have been repaired or repainted and meet at least the Wind & Water Tight standard unless the listing says otherwise.
As-Is
As-Is containers are sold in their present condition with known or unknown defects and may need repairs. Unless expressly stated otherwise, As-Is containers may not be wind and water tight or suitable for cargo transportation.
7. Buying, pricing and payment
Before buying, review the listing, container grade, condition, specifications, price, location, pickup or delivery requirements and any fees or taxes.
Prices, inventory and availability may change. A listing is not a binding offer to sell until the seller has confirmed inventory and pricing and accepted the order, or until a Buy It Now checkout is completed and paid.
Buy It Now checkout
Eligible Container Trader and Dealer Pro Buy It Now listings can be bought online by card. When delivery is available, it is recalculated from your delivery ZIP code and site type at checkout and added to the same payment, so one card charge covers the container and delivery.
Payment
Full payment must be received and approved before a container is released for pickup or delivery, unless otherwise agreed in writing. You authorize Container Trader and its payment processors to charge the payment method you provide for authorized purchases, delivery, fees, adjustments, collection costs permitted by law and other amounts due under these Terms. If a checkout is not completed, any authorization on your card is released.
Pricing errors
If an order is affected by an obvious pricing error, typo, incorrect inventory information or system malfunction, Container Trader and the seller may decline or cancel it and refund amounts paid for the canceled order.
Returns
Buy It Now container sales are final and cannot be returned or exchanged. This does not affect your right to report a container that materially differs from its listing, as described below, or any right that cannot be waived under applicable law.
If a container differs from its listing
Unless otherwise stated in writing, container sales are FOB at the selling depot, and transportation is a separate service even when it is paid for in the same checkout. If a container released or delivered to you materially differs from its advertised grade or specifications, notify the seller or Container Trader promptly and, where reasonably possible, before removing it from the depot or accepting delivery, so the issue can be evaluated.
Normal cosmetic wear, variations in color, markings, manufacturer, age, repairs, dents, decals, floor wear, rust and similar characteristics consistent with the advertised condition are not, by themselves, a material defect.
8. Delivery estimates and transportation
Delivery estimates
Some listings offer an instant delivery estimate based on road distance from the container’s location to your ZIP code, your site type and the rate profile set for that listing by Container Trader or the dealer. Delivered totals shown online are estimates, exclude taxes and are confirmed before dispatch. Long-distance deliveries and difficult sites may require approval or a custom quote and may not get an instant price.
Distances shown in ZIP code search results are approximate straight-line distances to help you find nearby containers. They are not delivery quotes.
Site access
Delivery uses a large truck and trailer. You are responsible for clear, level, firm and legal road access and placement space at the delivery site. For flatbed deliveries, you must provide equipment capable of safely unloading the container. Drivers may refuse delivery if they reasonably decide that site conditions are unsafe, inaccessible, unlawful or likely to cause damage.
Additional charges may apply for waiting time, failed delivery, redelivery, storage, permits, route restrictions, inaccessible sites or other conditions that were not disclosed when the delivery was priced.
Transportation providers
Transportation providers are independent parties and are solely responsible for their equipment, licenses, operating authority, insurance, safety compliance, scheduling, cargo securement and service performance. Unless Container Trader is specifically identified in writing as the transportation provider, Container Trader does not transport containers and is not responsible for carrier performance, transit delays, site access problems or damage while a container is in a transportation provider’s custody or control.
9. Third-party financing
Container Trader may show links to third-party financing providers, such as Affirm. Container Trader is not a lender, does not arrange or guarantee credit and does not decide financing applications. Financing is offered solely by the provider under its own terms, and approval is not guaranteed. A financing link on our site is not an offer of credit, and financing is not available as a checkout payment method unless shown at checkout.
10. Dealer Pro wholesale exchange
The wholesale exchange is a private area where approved suppliers offer containers to active Dealer Pro members. The public site shows only the total number of wholesale containers available.
Access
- Only active Dealer Pro members in good standing may browse wholesale stock or submit purchase requests. Access ends if the Dealer Pro plan ends, is suspended or is downgraded.
- Suppliers must be approved by Container Trader and may manage only their own stock. Suppliers do not need a Dealer Pro plan.
- We may approve, decline, suspend or remove any supplier, dealer or wholesale item at our discretion.
Confidentiality
Wholesale prices, inventory, supplier references and request details are confidential. Dealers may resell containers they buy at their own retail prices, but may not publish, share, sell or copy wholesale prices or stock lists, or give their access to anyone else.
Purchase requests
A wholesale purchase request is an offer to buy. It holds the requested quantity while the supplier or Container Trader reviews it, but it is not a binding sale until it is accepted. Payment, release and pickup are arranged as stated in the accepted request and are not processed through card checkout unless we say so. Listed locations show the general area. Exact depot details and release information are provided after a request is accepted.
Quantities and prices can change, and wholesale items are not guaranteed to be available until a request is accepted. Condition standards and the process for reporting a container that differs from its listing apply to wholesale purchases.
Who you are buying from
Some wholesale items are offered under the Container Trader account, and Container Trader is the seller of those items. Other items are offered by independent suppliers, who are the sellers. To protect the exchange, the identities of dealers and suppliers may be withheld, and request messages use role labels instead of names.
Supplier responsibilities
Suppliers must keep their stock, prices, quantities, condition and pickup terms accurate and current, mark items sold or paused when they are no longer available and honor requests they accept. Items with an accepted or pending request may be locked against changes.
11. Messages, photos and files
You may use marketplace messaging only for legitimate questions and transactions on Container Trader. Photos and files shared in wholesale request threads are private to the participants in that request and Container Trader administrators. Container Trader may review messages and attachments to operate the marketplace, prevent fraud, resolve disputes and enforce these Terms.
Do not use messages to send spam, harass others, share malicious files or move a transaction off the platform to avoid fees.
12. Referral program
The referral program lets partners earn commissions for referring buyers and businesses to Container Trader. Any account holder can get a referral link and code from the referral dashboard.
How referrals are credited
- A referral is credited when the person creates a Container Trader account through your referral link or enters your referral code at signup. A business referred to a paid seller plan may instead name you in the “Referred by” field of its application.
- If someone uses more than one partner’s link or code, the last link or code used before the purchase gets the credit.
- Referrals must come from your own link, code or application referral. We decide credit based on our records.
Container commissions
You earn $150 one time per container bought from Container Trader stock by a buyer or Dealer Pro member you referred, for purchases made within 90 days after the referral is credited. Commissions are paid net 30 days after the delivery is completed. No commission is paid on containers bought from another dealer or on transactions taken off the Container Trader platform.
Seller plan commissions
When a business you referred signs up for a paid seller plan, you earn 20% of its setup fee and of each monthly plan payment it makes in its first 90 days, while its plan stays active. If the plan is canceled or refunded, commissions stop or are reversed for the affected payments.
Program rules
- Partners are independent and are not employees, agents or representatives of Container Trader. Do not make promises about prices, availability, condition or delivery on our behalf.
- Do not refer yourself, your own business or accounts you control, and do not create accounts to earn commissions.
- Promote your link honestly and lawfully. Do not send spam, use misleading claims or bid on Container Trader brand terms in paid search.
- We may withhold, reverse or recover commissions connected to fraud, cancellations, refunds, chargebacks or a breach of these Terms.
- We may require tax information, such as a Form W-9, before paying commissions. You are responsible for your own taxes on commissions.
- We may change or end the program at any time. Commissions earned before a change take effect will be paid under the rules that applied when they were earned.
13. Seller, supplier and transportation provider responsibilities
Sellers, dealers, suppliers and transportation providers confirm that they hold all licenses, permits, registrations, operating authority, approvals and insurance required for their activities.
Sellers, dealers and suppliers confirm that they own, or are legally authorized to sell, the containers and equipment they list, and that they will not knowingly list inventory subject to undisclosed ownership disputes or liens that would prevent lawful transfer.
Transportation providers confirm that their operating authority, safety compliance and insurance remain in good standing while they provide services arranged through the marketplace.
All marketplace participants must comply with all applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations.
14. Taxes
Sellers, dealers and suppliers are solely responsible for determining, collecting, reporting and paying all sales, use, excise and similar taxes on their sales, unless applicable law requires Container Trader to collect and remit them as a marketplace facilitator.
Buyers are responsible for all taxes, governmental charges and fees on their purchases. Delivery estimates and listed prices do not include taxes unless stated.
Transportation providers and referral partners are solely responsible for their own tax reporting and obligations.
Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, employment or agency relationship between Container Trader and any marketplace participant.
15. Insurance
Sellers, dealers, suppliers and transportation providers are solely responsible for maintaining all insurance required by law and prudent industry practice, including, where applicable, commercial general liability, commercial auto liability, motor truck cargo and workers’ compensation coverage.
Buyers are responsible for any insurance they consider necessary after risk of loss transfers or after delivery.
Except where stated in a separate written agreement, Container Trader does not provide insurance coverage for buyers, sellers, dealers, suppliers, transportation providers, containers, shipments, vehicles or cargo. We may request proof of insurance at any time and may suspend access for failure to maintain required coverage.
16. Intellectual property and branding
The Container Trader name, logo, trademarks, website content, marketplace design, software, graphics, text and other intellectual property are owned by Container Trader LLC or its licensors and may not be copied, modified, distributed, reproduced or used without authorization, except as permitted by law or with our prior written consent.
You may not use Container Trader branding in any false, misleading, defamatory, confusing or unauthorized way. Approved dealers and referral partners may describe their relationship with Container Trader only as allowed by our branding guidelines or written permission.
17. Prohibited conduct
You may not:
- Provide false, misleading or deceptive information.
- List inventory you do not own or are not authorized to sell.
- Upload unlawful, infringing, offensive, discriminatory, defamatory or malicious content.
- Engage in fraud, payment abuse, chargeback abuse, referral abuse, identity misuse or other dishonest conduct.
- Manipulate listings, pricing, availability, reviews, search placement, referral credit or transaction records.
- Copy, collect or extract listings, wholesale data or user information by automated means without our written permission.
- Interfere with marketplace security, website functionality or other users’ lawful use of the platform.
- Use the marketplace to violate applicable laws or regulations.
- Intentionally circumvent the marketplace to avoid fees or policies.
We may investigate suspected violations and suspend, restrict, close, report, remove or take other action we reasonably consider appropriate to protect the marketplace and its users.
18. Non-circumvention
Container Trader invests significant time, technology and resources to connect buyers, dealers, suppliers and transportation providers. Parties introduced through Container Trader, including dealers and suppliers introduced through the wholesale exchange, agree not to intentionally bypass the marketplace to avoid fees on substantially the same transaction that arose from contacts made through the platform.
For twelve (12) months after the first introduction through the marketplace, any transaction involving substantially the same parties and substantially the same containers, equipment, transportation services or opportunity sourced through the marketplace may remain subject to the marketplace fees that would have applied had it been completed on the platform, to the extent permitted by law.
We may invoice unpaid fees arising from a violation of this section and may pursue lawful collection remedies, including suspension or closure of accounts and recovery of reasonable enforcement costs where permitted by law. This section does not prohibit independent business that is unrelated to introductions made through Container Trader.
19. Communications and electronic consent
You consent to receive communications from us electronically, including notices, disclosures, invoices, payment links, records and transactional messages, to the extent permitted by law.
By creating an account, clicking an acceptance button, submitting an application, order or request, or otherwise using the marketplace, you agree that electronic signatures, records and communications satisfy legal requirements for writings and signatures to the fullest extent permitted by law.
You are responsible for keeping your email address and other contact information accurate so you receive these communications.
20. Disclaimer of warranties
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the marketplace and all related services, including delivery estimates, search results, financing links and the wholesale exchange, are provided “as is,” “as available” and “with all faults,” without warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise.
Container Trader disclaims any warranties or representations about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, legality, quality, condition, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, availability, security, uninterrupted operation or non-infringement of the marketplace, listings, containers, transportation services or the conduct of marketplace participants, except as expressly stated in a written agreement signed by Container Trader.
No oral or written statement, advice or information from Container Trader creates any warranty not expressly stated in these Terms or a separate written agreement signed by Container Trader. Nothing in this section excludes or limits any warranty or right that cannot be disclaimed under applicable law.
21. Limitation of liability
Container Trader makes reasonable efforts to maintain a secure and reliable marketplace but does not guarantee the accuracy of listings or delivery estimates, the availability of inventory, the performance of marketplace participants, uninterrupted website operation or the successful completion of any transaction.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Container Trader is not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary or punitive damages, including lost profits, lost revenue, lost business opportunities, loss of data, business interruption or loss of goodwill, arising out of or relating to the marketplace, any transaction between users, transportation services, container condition, delivery delays, pricing errors, listing inaccuracies or the acts or omissions of third parties.
Except for liability that cannot be limited under applicable law, and subject to the exceptions below, Container Trader’s total liability arising out of or relating to the marketplace or any transaction will not exceed the greater of (a) the marketplace fees actually paid to Container Trader for the transaction giving rise to the claim or (b) where Container Trader is the seller, the amount you paid Container Trader for that order.
These limitations do not apply to liability arising from Container Trader’s fraud, intentional misconduct, gross negligence resulting in physical injury or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.
22. Indemnification
You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Container Trader and its owners, officers, directors, employees, contractors, affiliates, successors and assigns from any claims, demands, actions, liabilities, damages, judgments, losses, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or relating to: (a) your breach of these Terms; (b) your listings, content, representations, products, services, acts, omissions, negligence or misconduct; (c) your violation of law or the rights of a third party; or (d) disputes between you and other marketplace participants.
Container Trader may, at its option and expense, assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification, and you will cooperate reasonably in that defense.
23. Dispute resolution and governing law
The parties will make a good-faith effort to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to the marketplace, these Terms or any transaction before starting formal legal proceedings.
If a dispute cannot be resolved through direct negotiation, the parties will participate in non-binding mediation with a mutually agreed mediator before filing a lawsuit, unless immediate legal action is reasonably necessary to protect legal rights, preserve evidence, prevent irreparable harm or pursue provisional remedies.
These Terms and any dispute arising from use of the marketplace are governed by the laws of the State of Wyoming, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, subject to any mandatory laws that apply where a transaction occurs or where rights cannot be waived by agreement.
Unless otherwise required by law, any lawsuit or legal proceeding arising out of these Terms or use of the marketplace must be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Sheridan County, Wyoming, and each party consents to the personal jurisdiction and venue of those courts.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the prevailing party in any legal proceeding arising out of these Terms is entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, expert fees, collection costs and other litigation expenses, in addition to any other relief awarded.
Nothing in this section limits Container Trader’s right to seek temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, attachment or other equitable or provisional relief to protect confidential information, wholesale data, intellectual property, payment rights, marketplace integrity or other legal interests.
24. Changes to these terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The date at the top of this page shows when they were last updated. Updated Terms take effect when posted or on any later date stated in them.
Continued use of the marketplace after updated Terms take effect means you accept them, except where applicable law requires additional notice or consent. Changes to plan prices are handled as described in Seller plans and dealer accounts.
25. General terms
Force majeure
Container Trader is not liable for any delay, interruption or failure to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, severe weather, natural disasters, fire, flood, earthquakes, pandemics, labor disputes, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government action, utility failures, internet or communication outages, cyber incidents, transportation disruptions, equipment shortages or supplier shortages.
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force. Any such provision will be limited only to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving the parties’ intent as closely as possible.
Entire agreement
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any policies or agreements expressly incorporated by reference, are the entire agreement between you and Container Trader about use of the marketplace and replace all prior or contemporaneous understandings on that subject.
No waiver
No waiver of any breach is a waiver of any other breach. A waiver is effective only if made in writing by an authorized representative of Container Trader.
Assignment
You may not assign, transfer, delegate or sublicense any rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. Container Trader may assign these Terms, in whole or in part, in connection with a merger, acquisition, restructuring, sale of assets, financing or by operation of law.
26. Contact us
Questions about these Terms can be sent to Container Trader LLC at support@thecontainertrader.com.