A storage container delivery service transports a shipping container (usually 20ft or 40ft) to your property and places it on the ground, where you can use it for storage, a job-site office or a move. Delivery is normally done with a tilt-bed or roll-off truck; tight sites may need a crane truck.
Key takeaways
- Most common sizes: 20ft for home and small-business storage, 40ft for construction, farms and commercial inventory.
- Plan the site first: firm, level ground and enough straight access for the truck.
- Check permits: many Canadian municipalities regulate containers on residential lots and streets.
- Price depends on distance from the depot, truck type, access difficulty and whether you rent or buy.
Which container size do you need?
| Size | Outside dimensions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft | ~3.0 × 2.44 m | Small household items, tools, seasonal equipment |
| 20ft | ~6.06 × 2.44 m | A 1–2 bedroom home, renovation storage, small inventory |
| 40ft | ~12.19 × 2.44 m | 3–4 bedroom homes, construction materials, commercial stock |
| 40ft high cube | ~12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | Tall items, shelving, converted offices |
For exact inside dimensions and weights, see our 40ft container guide and 20ft delivery guide.
New, one-trip or used?
- New / one-trip: carried cargo once from overseas. Clean, watertight, higher price.
- Cargo-worthy used: still certified for shipping. Good balance of price and condition.
- Wind-and-watertight (WWT): no longer certified for shipping but sound for storage. Lowest price.
Always inspect doors, seals, the floor and the roof for rust holes before accepting delivery.
How delivery works
- Book the container and delivery date and confirm the door direction.
- Prepare the site (see below).
- The truck arrives and backs up to the spot. A tilt-bed raises its deck and the container slides off as the truck pulls forward.
- Levelling. The driver places the container on the prepared base; you may need blocks under the corners.
- Pick-up (rentals). The container must be empty and accessible when the truck returns.
Site preparation checklist
- Straight access: about 30 m (100 ft) for a 20ft and about 50–55 m (170–180 ft) for a 40ft with a tilt-bed.
- Width and overhead clearance: at least 3.5 m wide and 4.5 m high. Watch for power lines and branches.
- Ground: gravel, asphalt, concrete or compacted soil. Soft ground in spring thaw can trap the truck.
- Base: timber, railway ties or concrete blocks under the four corners keep the container level and let air flow underneath.
- Winter: clear snow and ice from the route and the pad.
Permits and rules
Rules vary by city. Some municipalities allow a temporary container on a residential driveway for a set number of days, while others require a permit or ban them on the street. Commercial and construction sites often have fewer restrictions. Check with your city before delivery.
What storage container delivery costs
| Cost factor | Notes |
|---|---|
| Distance from the depot | Often a flat rate for a zone plus a per-km charge beyond it |
| Truck type | Tilt-bed is standard; crane or boom truck costs more |
| Site difficulty | Tight access, soft ground or long reversing can add time |
| Rental vs purchase | Rentals include pick-up; purchases are one-way |
| Relocation | Moving a container on site or to a new address is billed separately |
Storage containers vs. shipping containers
A storage container sits on the ground and doesn't move. An import or export container stays on a chassis and moves through ports and rail terminals, which is the job of a drayage carrier. If you are importing goods in a container, see shipping container delivery across Canada and our drayage directory by city.
Choosing a provider
Look for a provider that owns tilt-bed trucks, serves your area, gives a written quote with all fees and has good reviews. For containers coming from a port or rail terminal, compare carriers in your city, for example Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton or Winnipeg.
Frequently asked questions
How much space is needed to deliver a 40ft storage container?
Plan for roughly 50–55 m (170–180 ft) of straight access with a tilt-bed truck, plus 3.5 m of width and 4.5 m of height clearance.
Do I need a permit for a storage container in Canada?
It depends on your municipality. Many cities regulate containers on residential property, so check local bylaws before delivery.
Can a storage container be placed on grass?
It can, but grass and soil may sink, especially during spring thaw. Put the container on blocks or a gravel pad.
Are storage containers waterproof?
A good cargo-worthy or wind-and-watertight container is watertight. Check the door seals and roof before delivery.
Can a storage container be moved later?
Yes. The same type of truck can pick it up and move it, as long as it is empty or lightly loaded.