Cost of Shipping Containers – Everything You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying a shipping container in Canada, the first question is almost always the same: what does the cost of a shipping container actually come to?

In Canada for 2026, you can expect to pay roughly $2,500-$4,000 for a used 20-foot unit, and up to $10,000 for a new 40-foot container, before delivery and any custom work.

Below, we break down the full cost of a shipping container by size and condition, what drives costs up or down, the differences between container grades, and whether it makes more sense to buy or rent.

We’ll also show what delivery runs look like here in Ontario, along with any hidden costs to budget for.

2026 Shipping Container Cost in Canada (At a Glance)

Here’s a quick snapshot of what shipping containers cost in Canada in 2026. 

Size and Type	Used (Wind & Water Tight / Cargo Worthy)	New (One-Trip)
20 ft Standard	$	$$
40 ft Standard	$$	$$$$
40 ft High Cube	$$$	$$$$

Prices vary by supplier, location, and the day’s market, so treat these as planning ranges rather than firm quotes. 

As a rule, a used container costs less than a new one, a 40-foot unit costs more than a 20-foot, and anything specialty, like a side-door model or a high cube, carries a premium. 

Also, the figures above are for the container only. Delivery, custom modifications, and extra site preparation can add to the total, but we cover each of those further down, so there are no surprises. If you’re thinking about PODS Ottawa or other alternatives, read our article.

For an exact, current price for the size and grade you need, the quickest way is to request a quote or give us a call. 

What Impacts the Cost of a Shipping Container?

No two containers are priced exactly alike. Here are the main factors that move the number up or down.

Condition & Grade

Condition is the single biggest factor. 

A used, as-is container that has spent years at sea costs the least. A wind-and-watertight, or cargo-worthy, unit in solid shape costs more. A one-trip container, which has made only a single voyage and looks nearly new, sits at the top. 

We explain the container grades in detail further down.

Size & Height

A 20-foot container holds about 1,360 cubic feet, and a 40-foot container roughly doubles that. High cube containers add a foot of height for tall or bulky loads, and that extra steel adds to the price.

If you’re unsure which size fits your project, our guide to shipping container size and dimensions walks through the measurements.

Material & Modifications

Containers are built from heavy corten steel, so the price of steel feeds straight into the price of the box. 

Modifications add up quickly, too. Doors, windows, insulation, shelving, paint, and electrical all raise the cost. Plenty of buyers turn containers into workspaces or even tiny homes, and the more you customize, the more you spend.

Delivery Location

How far the container has to travel, and how easy your site is to reach, affect the final number. We cover Ontario delivery costs in their own section below.

Market Factors

Shipping container prices move with the wider economy; shipping containers are made of steel, so rising steel costs push prices up. In fact, Statistics Canada reported that the price of Canadian-made industrial goods rose 7.8% year over year as of March 2026. 

Most containers are also priced in US dollars, so the exchange rate matters. At the time of publishing, the Canadian dollar is trading near $1.40 to the US dollar, so imported containers cost Canadian buyers more. 

Seasonal Factors

Demand is seasonal as well, with spring and summer the busiest and tightest months for availability. 

If your timing is flexible, shopping during the slower fall and winter stretch can mean better selection and (sometimes) better prices.

Container Grades Explained (As-Is vs WWT vs Cargo Worthy vs One-Trip)

One of the most confusing parts of buying a container is the grading. 

Here is what the common terms actually mean.

As-Is

Sold in the condition it sits, with no guarantees. It may have dents, surface rust, or a stiff door. Best for buyers who want the lowest price and don’t mind cosmetic wear.

Wind and Water Tight (WWT)

Guaranteed to keep wind and water out, even if the exterior shows its age. A solid middle ground for on-site storage where appearance isn’t the priority.

Cargo Worthy (CW)

Certified structurally sound enough to still ship cargo by sea. Stronger and more dependable than WWT, and the right pick if you might move the container or want a longer service life.

One-Trip (New)

Has made a single trip from the factory carrying one load. It arrives in near-new condition, comes in more colour options, and is the most expensive grade. 

Here is how the grades compare side-by-side for 20ft containers:

Grade	Condition	Best For	Relative Cost
As-Is	Sold as-is. Possible dents and surface rust	Lowest-budget on-site storage	$
Wind & Water Tight (WWT)	Keeps out wind and water, shows its age	Everyday static storage	$$
Cargo Worthy (CW)	Certified sound enough to ship by sea	Storage you may relocate	$$$
One-Trip (New)	Near-new, single voyage, more colours	A clean look or a build project	$$$$

Buying vs Renting a Shipping Container

Whether to buy or rent depends on how long you need the container and whether you want to own it at the end.

Factor	Renting	Buying
Cost	Lower, around $200 per month	Higher, about $2,500-$10,000 or more
Customization	Limited, since the container isn’t yours	Unlimited, modify it however you like
Maintenance	Handled by the rental company	Your responsibility
Term length	Best for short-term needs	Best for long-term or permanent use
Ownership & Resale	None, you return it	You own it and can resell it later

As a rough guide, renting a newer container costs around $200 a month in Canada, making it the smart choice for a renovation, a seasonal need, or a job site. 

If you’ll use the container for years, buying almost always wins on cost, because you stop paying monthly and end up with an asset you can resell.

Shipping Container Delivery Costs in Ontario

Delivery is one of the easiest costs to overlook when you’re comparing container prices.

Across Ontario, local delivery for a container typically runs about $200 to $400 for hauls under roughly 100 kilometres, and more for longer distances or harder-to-reach sites.

At Cassidy’s, delivery is included on container orders throughout Ottawa and the Upper Ottawa Valley, so the price we quote is much closer to the price you pay. 

Included delivery is a much bigger deal than it sounds. 

With many sellers, the sticker price is only the starting point, and a delivery fee, a fuel surcharge, and a tilt-bed charge get tacked on before the container ever reaches your driveway. 

Since we operate our own trucks and know this region inside and out, we can work the delivery into your quote and place the container exactly where you want it the first time, without the guesswork from an out-of-town hauler.

A few things affect any delivery:

• Distance: From the depot to your site.
• Site access: A tilt-bed truck needs roughly 100 feet of straight, clear space to set a container down level.
• Ground conditions: Soft, sloped, or snow-covered ground can complicate placement.
• Obstacles: Low wires, fences, and gates, as well as tight corners.

We’ve been navigating Valley roads, rural laneways, and Ottawa neighbourhoods since 1908, from Pembroke and Petawawa to Renfrew, Arnprior, Carleton Place, Kanata, and Barrhaven.

Hidden & Additional Costs to Budget For

Beyond the container itself, a few extra costs can catch buyers off guard.

• Remote-site delivery surcharges: Sites well outside a normal service area may incur an additional haul charge.
• Modifications: Doors, windows, insulation, shelving, paint, and electrical all add to the base price.
• Maintenance: Repainting and minor rust treatment every few years keep a container in good condition, especially through Ontario winters.
• Permits and compliance: Many Ontario municipalities have zoning rules about placing a container on residential property, including setbacks, time limits, and whether a permit is required. Rules vary, so check with your local by-law office before delivery.
• Site preparation: A level base of gravel, patio stones, or railway ties protects the container and helps it drain. Budget for these materials if your site isn’t already prepared.

And wherever you decide to purchase, always buy from a trusted shipping container company to avoid scams, especially with online listings that ask for full payment upfront before you’ve even seen the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 20ft shipping container cost in Canada?

In 2026, a used 20-foot container generally costs about $2,500 to $3,000. Meanwhile, a new (one-trip) 20-foot container runs around $4,500. Condition, grade, and delivery distance all influence the final price, so the best way to know your number is to ask for a free, no-obligation quote.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy a shipping container?

For short-term needs, renting is cheaper, often around $200 a month. If you need the container for more than a year, buying is usually the better value, because you stop paying monthly and own an asset you can resell.

Do I need a permit to put a shipping container on my property in Ontario?

It depends on your municipality. Many Ontario towns and cities regulate container placement on residential lots, including permit requirements, setbacks, and the length of time a container can remain. Always check with your local by-law office before you order.

What’s the difference between WWT and Cargo Worthy containers?

A wind and water tight (WWT) container is guaranteed to keep out wind and water, but isn’t certified for shipping. A cargo worthy (CW) container is inspected and certified as structurally sound for carrying cargo by sea, making it stronger and a better choice if you plan to move a shipping container.

How long does delivery take?

Once your order is confirmed, delivery in the Ottawa area usually takes a few business days, depending on stock and your site’s readiness. Rural Ottawa Valley addresses or custom and specialty units can take a little longer, and we’ll always give you a realistic timeline when you order.

Work With Cassidy’s

Since 1908, we’ve helped Ottawa and Ottawa Valley families and businesses move and store what matters most. When you buy or rent a container from Cassidy’s Moving & Storage, you get more than just a steel box:

• 118 years of experience in moving, storage, and freight.
• Free, no-obligation estimates.
• Delivery is included across Ottawa and the Upper Ottawa Valley.
• No deposit required.
• Payment on delivery, not months in advance.

Ready for an exact price on the right container for your project? Request a quote online or call us at 613-836-4225. 

We’ll help you choose the size and grade that fit, and take the stress out of the rest.