A 20ft shipping container is delivered either on a chassis (for import and export cargo that stays on wheels) or on a tilt-bed or roll-off truck (when the container is placed on the ground for storage). Which one you need depends on whether the container is carrying freight through a port or rail terminal, or being dropped on your property to stay.
Key takeaways
- Import/export 20ft containers are moved by drayage carriers on a chassis between the terminal and your dock.
- Storage or site containers are placed on the ground by a tilt-bed, roll-off or crane truck.
- A 20ft delivery on the ground usually needs about 30 m (100 ft) of straight clearance and firm, level ground.
- Compare carriers by city in our directory, for example Toronto, Calgary or Halifax.
20ft container specs
| 20ft standard | 20ft high cube | |
|---|---|---|
| Outside (L × W × H) | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m (20' × 8' × 8'6") | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.90 m (20' × 8' × 9'6") |
| Inside (L × W × H) | ~5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ~5.90 × 2.35 × 2.69 m |
| Empty (tare) weight | ~2,200–2,300 kg | ~2,300–2,400 kg |
| Max gross weight | up to ~30,480 kg | up to ~30,480 kg |
| Capacity | ~33 m³, 9–10 standard pallets | ~37 m³ |
See how many pallets fit in a container for loading tables.
Two kinds of 20ft delivery
1. Drayage delivery (container stays on the chassis)
This is how imported and exported cargo moves. A drayage carrier collects the full container at a port such as Vancouver, Montreal or Halifax, or at a rail terminal inland, and brings it to your dock. You unload it while the driver waits (live unload) or the carrier drops it and picks up the empty later. The empty then goes back to the terminal or depot named by the shipping line.
Heavy 20ft containers are common because dense cargo like stone, steel or paper fills the weight limit before the space. For those, ask for a tri-axle chassis, which spreads the weight to stay within provincial limits.
2. Ground placement (storage, offices, job sites)
When you buy or rent a container, it is usually delivered on a tilt-bed or roll-off truck that slides the container onto the ground. For tight or elevated sites, a crane truck (boom truck) can lift it into place.
Site checklist for ground delivery
- Straight access: about 30 m (100 ft) of clear, straight space for the truck to back up and slide the container off.
- Width and height: at least 3.5 m (12 ft) wide and 4.5 m (15 ft) of overhead clearance, free of wires and branches.
- Firm, level ground: gravel, concrete or compacted soil. Place timber or blocks under the corner castings to keep the box level.
- Permits: some municipalities require a permit for containers placed on residential lots or on the street.
- Door direction: tell the driver which way the doors should face before the container is unloaded.
What affects the price of 20ft container delivery
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Distance from the terminal or depot | Most carriers price by kilometre or by zone |
| Truck type | Tilt-bed and crane trucks cost more than a standard chassis |
| Weight | Heavy containers may need a tri-axle chassis |
| Waiting time | Live unloads longer than the free time are billed hourly |
| Terminal fees | Storage, pre-pull or appointment fees at the port or rail ramp |
| Fuel surcharge | Changes with diesel prices |
| Remote or rural delivery | Extra kilometres and possible return trip charges |
Get several written quotes that list all accessorial charges. On ContainerIntermodal.ca you can request quotes from several carriers in your city at once.
Where 20ft containers move in Canada
- British Columbia: Port of Vancouver terminals and the Port of Prince Rupert. See carriers in Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
- Ontario: containers arrive by rail from the coasts to terminals around the GTA. See the Toronto directory and our Brampton container delivery guide.
- Quebec: the Port of Montreal handles most Eastern Canada container traffic. See Montreal carriers.
- Prairies: rail terminals in Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg.
- Atlantic Canada: the ports of Halifax and Saint John.
Frequently asked questions
How much space do I need for 20ft container delivery?
Plan for about 30 m (100 ft) of straight access, 3.5 m (12 ft) of width and 4.5 m (15 ft) of height clearance for a tilt-bed delivery.
Can a 20ft container be delivered to a residential driveway?
Usually yes, if the driveway is long, firm and level enough. Check local bylaws, as some cities require a permit.
How heavy is an empty 20ft container?
An empty 20ft standard container weighs about 2,200–2,300 kg.
What is the difference between a chassis delivery and a tilt-bed delivery?
On a chassis the container stays on wheels and is unloaded at a dock. A tilt-bed slides the container onto the ground where it stays.
How do I find a 20ft container carrier near me?
Browse carriers by city on ContainerIntermodal.ca and request quotes from several of them at once.