Shipping container delivery in Canada means moving a 20ft or 40ft container from a port or inland rail terminal to your door, usually by a local drayage carrier. Containers reach Canada through the West Coast ports (Vancouver and Prince Rupert) and the East Coast ports (Montreal, Halifax and Saint John), then travel by rail to inland hubs where local trucks make the final delivery.
Key takeaways
- Five container gateways: Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, Halifax and Saint John.
- Inland delivery usually combines rail from the port to a terminal near you, plus a short truck move (drayage) to your door.
- Delivery cost depends on distance, terminal fees, weight, waiting time and fuel.
- Find carriers by city in the ContainerIntermodal.ca directory and request several quotes.
How container delivery works
- Ocean arrival at a Canadian port.
- Customs and carrier release. CBSA clears the goods and the shipping line releases the container.
- Rail move (if inland). The container rides CN or CPKC trains to a terminal near the destination.
- Drayage to your door. A local carrier collects it from the port or rail terminal.
- Unloading and empty return. The empty goes back to the terminal or a depot before free time runs out.
Read what drayage is if you are new to container logistics.
Container delivery by region
| Region | Main gateway | Typical inland route | Directory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Vancouver & BC | Port of Vancouver | Direct truck from terminals in Vancouver and Delta | Vancouver |
| Northern BC | Port of Prince Rupert | Mostly rail to the Prairies, Ontario and the US Midwest | Prince Rupert |
| Alberta | Vancouver / Prince Rupert by rail | Rail to Calgary or Edmonton terminals, then truck | Calgary, Edmonton |
| Saskatchewan | West Coast ports by rail | Rail to Saskatoon or Regina, then truck | Saskatoon, Regina |
| Manitoba | Both coasts by rail | Rail to Winnipeg, then truck | Winnipeg |
| Ontario | Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Prince Rupert | Rail to GTA terminals, then truck | Toronto |
| Quebec | Port of Montreal | Direct truck or short rail | Montreal |
| Nova Scotia | Port of Halifax | Direct truck | Halifax |
| New Brunswick | Port of Saint John | Direct truck | Saint John / Moncton |
Typical transit times
| Route | Rough rail + drayage time |
|---|---|
| Vancouver port to Toronto | 7–12 days |
| Vancouver port to Calgary or Edmonton | 3–6 days |
| Prince Rupert to Toronto or Chicago | 6–10 days |
| Montreal port to Toronto | 2–4 days |
| Halifax port to Toronto or Montreal | 3–6 days |
These are planning ranges. Real times depend on rail congestion, weather, customs holds and terminal appointment availability. See our lane guides for Vancouver to Toronto, Montreal to Vancouver and Vancouver to Halifax.
What container delivery costs
The price is built from:
- Base drayage rate by distance or zone from the terminal
- Fuel surcharge
- Chassis rental, if the carrier doesn't own chassis
- Waiting time at the terminal or your dock beyond free time
- Terminal storage, pre-pull and appointment fees
- Overweight, hazmat, reefer or out-of-gauge surcharges
Ask for an all-in quote and a list of accessorial rates. The cheapest base rate is not always the cheapest move once waiting time and storage are added.
Delivery for storage containers
If you are buying or renting a container to keep on site, delivery works differently: a tilt-bed or roll-off truck places the container on the ground. See our guide to storage container delivery in Canada and 20ft container delivery.
How to choose a container delivery company
- Local coverage: the carrier should serve both your terminal and your address.
- Equipment: own chassis, tri-axle chassis for heavy boxes, reefer or hazmat capability if needed.
- Terminal experience: knows the appointment systems at your port or rail ramp.
- Clear pricing: accessorials in writing.
- Communication: tracking, proof of delivery and early warnings.
Every company profile in our directory lists its cities and equipment, for example Metropolitan Logistics in Toronto, Blueway Logistics in Montreal and Olympia Transportation in Vancouver.
Frequently asked questions
How long does container delivery take in Canada?
Local delivery from a port or rail terminal usually takes 1–3 days after release. Cross-country moves take roughly 7–12 days by rail plus drayage.
Can I get a container delivered directly from the port?
Yes. A drayage carrier collects the container at the port once it is released by the shipping line and customs.
Do I need to unload the container while the driver waits?
No. Many carriers offer drop-and-pick service, which gives you more time and avoids waiting charges.
Which cities have container rail terminals?
Major container rail terminals serve Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and Vancouver, among others.
How do I get container delivery quotes?
Choose your city in the ContainerIntermodal.ca directory and request quotes from several carriers at once.