The Ultimate Shipping Container Buyer’s Guide
Purchasing a shipping container is an important investment, whether you’re looking for secure storage, a mobile workspace, a custom container home, or a commercial solution. At Target Box Container Sales, we believe informed customers make better decisions. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you choose the right container with confidence.
From understanding container grades to preparing your site for delivery, this guide explains everything you need to know before making your purchase.
1. Understanding Shipping Container Grades
Not every shipping container is in the same condition. At Target Box Container Sales, we categorize our inventory into three primary grades to help you select the best option based on your project, budget, and long-term requirements.
One-Trip (New)
Condition
Manufactured overseas and used for a single international cargo shipment before arriving in Canada.
Best For
- Container homes
- Modern offices
- Retail spaces
- Restaurants
- Premium commercial projects
- Long-term investments
What to Expect
- Excellent exterior appearance
- Minimal dents or scratches
- Smooth operating cargo doors
- Nearly new condition
- Long service life
Cargo Worthy (CW)
Condition
Professionally inspected and structurally certified for continued cargo transportation.
Best For
- Commercial storage
- Equipment storage
- Construction sites
- Agricultural operations
- International shipping
What to Expect
- Structurally sound steel construction
- Fully operational doors
- Cosmetic wear from previous shipping use
- Excellent durability
Wind & Watertight (WWT)
Condition
Guaranteed to protect your belongings from weather by providing a dry, secure interior.
Best For
- Residential storage
- Workshops
- Seasonal equipment
- Farms
- Construction projects
What to Expect
- Surface rust and cosmetic dents
- Solid structural condition
- Leak-free roof and walls
- Dry interior
- Functional locking doors
Each WWT container undergoes a detailed inspection before delivery to ensure it meets our quality standards.
2. Choosing the Right Container Size
Selecting the correct container size depends on your available space, storage requirements, and future plans.
| Container |
Exterior Dimensions |
Best For |
| 10ft Standard |
10′ × 8′ × 8’6″ |
Small storage, tools, residential use |
| 20ft Standard |
20′ × 8′ × 8’6″ |
General storage, workshops, businesses |
| 40ft Standard |
40′ × 8′ × 8’6″ |
Commercial storage, inventory, industrial use |
| 40ft High Cube |
40′ × 8′ × 9’6″ |
Large equipment, conversions, container homes |
| 45ft High Cube |
45′ × 8′ × 9’6″ |
Maximum storage capacity and commercial projects |
Pro Tip
If you intend to insulate your container, install interior finishes, or convert it into a home or office, a High Cube container provides an additional 12 inches of interior height, offering greater comfort and flexibility for custom projects.
3. Preparing Your Site for Delivery
Proper site preparation helps ensure a smooth and efficient delivery experience. Before your container arrives, make sure the delivery location is ready and accessible.
Recommended Foundation
We recommend placing your container on:
- Concrete pads
- Gravel base
- Asphalt
- Railway ties
- Pressure-treated timber blocks
- Level compacted ground
Site Access
Please ensure:
- Clear access for delivery trucks
- Adequate turning space
- No low-hanging tree branches
- No overhead utility lines
- Stable, level ground
Our logistics team will work with you before delivery to verify that your site is suitable and discuss any special placement requirements.
4. Our Comprehensive Quality Inspection
Every container supplied by Target Box Container Sales is carefully inspected before it leaves our facility.
Our inspection includes:
- Floor integrity and condition
- Cargo door operation
- Locking mechanisms
- Door seals and weatherproofing
- Roof condition
- Side panels and corner posts
- Structural integrity
- Interior cleanliness
- Exterior condition
Our goal is to ensure every customer receives a durable, secure, and dependable container that is ready for immediate use.
5. Transparent Pricing & Delivery
At Target Box Container Sales, we believe buying a shipping container should be straightforward, with clear pricing and no surprises.
What You Can Expect
- Competitive and transparent pricing
- No hidden fees
- Detailed quotations before purchase
- Professional delivery coordination
- Clear communication throughout the ordering process
If your delivery requires specialized equipment such as crane-assisted placement or unique site access arrangements, our team will discuss all options and associated costs before your order is finalized.
6. Our Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
We stand behind the quality of every shipping container we supply.
Each container is carefully inspected before delivery to ensure it meets our standards for structural integrity, security, and overall condition.
If you have any questions after delivery, our customer support team is available to assist you with product information, maintenance guidance, and general after-sales support.
Our commitment is to provide reliable products, honest service, and a positive buying experience from your initial inquiry through final delivery.
Ready to Find the Right Shipping Container?
Whether you’re purchasing your first storage container or planning a large commercial project, Target Box Container Sales is here to help.
Browse our inventory or contact our knowledgeable team for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quotation.
Contact Information
Target Box Container Sales
📞 Phone: +1
📧 Email: sales@targetboxcontainersales.com
📍 Address: 650 Hazelhurst Rd, Mississauga, ON L5J 2Z7, Canada