Buy a 20-foot Shipping Container in Canada: Costs, Sizes, Condition and Best Suppliers

A 20-foot shipping container is the best option for a lot of Canadians who are looking to buy a storage unit. A 20′ container is big enough to store tools, inventory, equipment, or household items, yet small enough to fit in most driveways, job sites, and tighter lots.

Whether you’re buying a 20′ shipping container for storage, a workshop, a portable site office, or a future container building, the four things you’ll need to consider are:

1. Size/Specs (standard vs. high cube, door options)
2. Cost (including delivery)
3. Condition (new vs. premium used vs. used)
4. Supplier quality (warranty, delivery support, transparent grading)

What are the dimensions of a 20-foot shipping container?

A standard 20′ ISO shipping container is the most common size rented and purchased by business and residential customers. Here are the specifications of the 20’ shipping containers rented and sold by BigSteelBox:

Standard 20-foot Shipping Container:

• External length: 20’
• External width: 8’
• External height: 8’ 6″
• Internal space: roughly 1,172 cubic feet (varies by manufacturer)
• Door opening: typically about 7′ 8″ wide x 7′ 5″ high

20-foot High Cube Shipping Container

(A good option if you want extra headroom for shelving, a workshop, or modifications)

• Same footprint (20’ x 8’), but taller:
• External height: 9’ 6”
• External width: 8’
• Interior ceiling height: 8’10”
• Internal space: roughly 1,323 cubic feet (varies by manufacturer)
• Door opening: typically about 7′ 8″ wide x 7′ 5″ high

20′ Open Side Shipping Container

BigSteelBox sells 20′ Open Side Shipping Containers. Open Side Containers allow contents to be loaded through a much wider opening on the side of the container.

• External length: 20’
• External width: 8’
• External height: 8’ 6”
• Internal space: roughly 1,172 cubic feet (varies by manufacturer)
• Door opening: 9’ 2” wide x 8’ high

Tip: If you’re planning to store taller items (ATVs, stacked pallets, racking systems), ask suppliers specifically about internal height and door opening height, not just the external size.

How much does a 20-foot shipping container cost in Canada?

The honest answer: it depends on condition, service location, and delivery distance.

In Canada, the sticker price is only part of the story. Unless the quote you’re getting includes the container AND delivery, you should also factor in the cost of freight for the delivery of your shipping container.

Here are the standard 20′ shipping container conditions offered by most shipping container companies, including BigSteelBox:

Used 20’ Shipping Containers (lower-cost tier)

Price ranges by region*:
BC Pacific Coastal: $2,590 – $2,790
BC Interior: $2,850 – $3,890
Prairies: $2,690 – $3,490
Ontario: $3,090 – $4,290

Used 20′ BigSteelBoxes are containers that have been used for international shipping for 8-10 years. They come in three condition grades: high, mid, or low. They feature:

• A variety of different colours including brown, red, green, or yellow.
• Structurally sound and wind & weather-proof exterior (unless otherwise specified).
• Visible wear signs, including dents, surface rust, and faded or mismatched paint.
• D-Rings every 4′ along inside walls for tie downs or shelving.

Premium Used 20’ Shipping Containers (mid to higher tier)

Price ranges by region*:
BC Pacific Coastal: $3,340 – $3,840
BC Interior: $3,040 – $4,350
Prairies: $3,270 – $4,340
Ontario: $2,290 – $2,840

Premium Used 20′ BigSteelBoxes were once “one trip” containers that have been used in our Canadian moving and storage rental fleet for several years. They feature:

• A neutral-coloured exterior, likely with minor cosmetic damages and large BigSteelBox decals.
• Easy-to-use, waist-height door handles.
• Lock boxes to provide additional security.
• D-Rings every 4′ along inside walls for tie downs or shelving.

New, One-trip 20’ Shipping Container (highest tier)

Price ranges by region*:
BC Pacific Coastal: $3,790 – $4,290
BC Interior: $3,490 – $4,800
Prairies: $3,690.00 – $4,790
Ontario: $3,090.00 – $4,290

New 20′ BigSteelBoxes are “one-trip” containers that have come, loaded with cargo, from another country before being delivered to our yard. They feature:

• A clean, neutral coloured exterior.
• Easy-to-use, waist-height door handles.
• Lock boxes to provide additional security.
• D-Rings every 4′ inside walls for tie downs or shelving.

*All prices are subject to change without notice and do not include taxes or freight. Please contact us for a full quote.

Delivery Freight Costs

When you purchase a shipping container, you’ll need to factor delivery into the final cost, unless you have the equipment to pick up and move the container yourself. Delivery costs to consider are:

• Your distance from yard holding the shipping container.
• Timeframe you want to receive the container.
• Permits (if required).
• Accessibility on the delivery site and offloading needs: Tight driveways, soft ground, or steep grades can pose a challenge to tilt-deck delivery trucks and in some cases you may need a crane for final placement, which will cost extra). BigSteelBox delivery trucks require at least 70’ of space in a straight line, 15’ of height, and 10’ of width to safely place a 20’ storage container.

Choosing the right condition: New vs. Premium Used vs. Used

1. New / “One-trip” Shipping Containers

If you’re buying for long-term storage on your property, you probably want a container that seals well, opens easily, and is rodent and weather-proof. If your property is in a highly visible area, you’ll likely also want a clean, good looking storage container.

A New 20’ Shipping Container is best if you want:

• Cleanest appearance
• Smooth doors and locking bars
• Minimal rust/dents
• Highest security (i.e. inclusion of a lockbox that protects the padlock)

What’s the downside of buying a new, one-trip container? They cost more.

In recent years there have been many online scams regarding selling shipping containers, so if you receive a quote that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Learn more about how to spot a shipping container scam.

2. Premium Used Shipping Containers:

BigSteelBox also sells Premium Used shipping containers. These are containers that were once “one trip” containers that have been used in our Canadian moving and storage rental fleet for several years.

Buying a premium used BigSteelBox would be a good option for:

• Farm storage
• Tools and equipment
• Seasonal storage
• Job-site storage

Premium used containers offer great value for many customers as long as you’re ok with some cosmetic flaws such as minor dents, scrapes, company decals, and possible surface rust, but no leaks.

3. Used Shipping Containers

Buying a used shipping container is obviously the least expensive option, but can still be a good investment. Used BigSteelBoxes are containers that have been used for international shipping for 8-10 years. They come in three condition grades: high, mid, or low.

A used shipping container can be a good option if:

• You’re not concerned with the exterior look of a storage container
• You’re ok with a storage container with some internal and external wear and tear
• You’re ok with patching if be needed
• You don’t need extra security (i.e. a lockbox)

Standard Features to Look for Before You Buy a Shipping Container

Regardless of the grade or condition of the shipping container you choose to buy, there are still things you should look for and test before committing to the sale. Here are some things to consider:

Test the Doors & Security

• Do doors open smoothly?
• Are gaskets intact?
• Are locking bars straight?
• Does it include a lockbox?

Inspect the Floors

Most containers have marine-grade plywood floors. Check for:

• Soft spots
• Oil stains (common in used units)
• Delamination

Check for Rust and Structural Integrity

Surface rust is normal for all grades of steel shipping containers, but there are still aspects you’ll want to avoid, such as:

• Deep rust holes
• Major bent corner posts (can affect stacking and door alignment)
• Significant roof dents that can pool water

Learn more tips for buying a new or used shipping container.

Does the shipping container have proper venting?

Canada’s freeze-thaw cycles mean condensation can become a real issue for storage units, so if you’ll be storing items that need to stay dry, you’ll want to make sure you buy a shipping container with proper ventilation.

BigSteelBoxes come equipped with four small vents (two on each side) near the top to promote airflow and prevent issues with mold or mildew. And, because new and premium used shipping containers seal almost completely (which makes them weather and rodent-proof), there may not be enough ventilation to safely store flammable materials, such as gas, solvents, and other chemicals. Learn more about shipping container safety.

Depending on what you’ll be using your shipping container for, here are some things to consider in your purchase decision:

• Will you need extra vents? (BigSteelBox can add additional vents before delivery)
• Have a basic moisture plan (desiccants, airflow, shelving) just to be safe
• Add insulation if you’ll be inside it regularly and want to eliminate the risk of condensation (BigSteelBox can add spray foam insulation to the walls and ceiling of your shipping container before delivery)

Best suppliers in Canada: what “best” should mean

If you’re in the market to buy one or more shipping containers, it’s important to choose a supplier you can trust. Instead of chasing the lowest advertised price, be sure to look for suppliers who do the basics really well:

A great shipping container supplier should offer:

• Consistent customer support – ability to speak to a real representative on the phone
• Clear grading definitions (new vs. premium used vs. used)
• Photos of the actual unit
• Delivery options and offload support
• Straightforward invoice terms
• Warranty (even a short one) for leaks/doors
• Transparent policies on returns/changes
• Payment options such as Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit). Most companies WILL NOT ask for the deposit or full payment via an E-Transfer or Paypal. If they are asking for that, beware that it could be a scam.

Questions to ask any shipping container supplier:

1. Is the listed price pickup or delivered?
2. What’s included: lockbox, vents, paint touch-ups, door service?
3. Can I choose colour?
4. Can I add modifications before delivery?
5. Can I inspect or get photos of the exact container?
6. What’s the timeline for delivery?
7. How will it be offloaded – tilt-bed or crane?
8. What site requirements do you have (access width, turning radius, ground firmness)?

Not all shipping container companies are created equal, and unfortunately, there are a number of scams happening all the time. You should always be able to speak to a real person at the company you’re working with, in addition to communicating by email. Texting or communicating through portals such as Facebook Messenger, should not be the only ways to reach the company.

You should also be able to visit their yard to view the container in person before buying. Many online scams will send fake photos and give false addresses, so be sure to confirm the unit you’re planning to buy really exists. It’s also a good idea to check the company’s online reviews such as Google Reviews or Yelp.

At BigSteelBox, customer service is our highest priority. We have staff onsite at our locations across Canada, plus we have a Canadian Call Centre who is also ready to answer any questions you might have. Give us a call to see if we can help you with the purchase of a shipping container at 1-800-373-1187 or request your quote online.