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

 
Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

 

Browse our comprehensive FAQ by category or search for specific topics. Can’t find your answer? Our team is one call away.

A shipping container is a standardized steel box originally designed for transporting cargo by ship, truck, and train. Beyond freight, containers are incredibly versatile — used for on-site storage, container homes, offices, workshops, swimming pools, retail pop-ups, emergency shelters, and more. Their durable corten steel construction makes them weatherproof, secure, and stackable, opening endless possibilities for both residential and commercial applications.

With proper maintenance, a shipping container can last 25+ years. New (one-trip) containers offer the longest lifespan, while used containers typically have 15-20 years of remaining service life. Containers are built from corrosion-resistant corten steel and designed to withstand harsh ocean conditions. Regular maintenance — treating surface rust, ensuring proper drainage, and elevating off ground contact — extends the lifespan significantly.

 

Yes. All our containers are certified wind and watertight (WWT), meaning they keep out rain, snow, wind, and pests. Containers feature heavy-duty marine plywood floors, secure locking door hardware, and rodent-proof seals. For added security, we offer lock boxes and high-security hasps. Whether you’re storing equipment, building a home, or creating a workspace, your container will protect your belongings in any climate.

Permit requirements vary by location, zoning, and intended use. Most areas allow containers for temporary storage without permits, but permanent placements — especially for container homes or offices — typically require permits. We recommend checking with your local zoning and building department. Our team can provide specification sheets, engineering documents, and site plans to support your permit application.

We carry 10ft, 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, and 53ft containers in various configurations. The most popular sizes are 20ft and 40ft. Standard containers are 8’6″ tall, while High Cube containers are 9’6″ tall for extra headroom. Each size is available in multiple conditions (new, used, refurbished) and types (standard, high cube, reefer, open top, flat rack, and more). See our Sizes & Dimensions guide above for complete specifications.

 

Standard containers are 8’6″ tall externally (approximately 7’10” internally), while High Cube containers are 9’6″ tall externally (approximately 8’10” internally). That extra foot of height makes High Cubes ideal for container homes, offices, workshops, and any application where people will spend time inside. High Cubes are also preferred for tall cargo and storage of oversized items.

 

All our used containers are thoroughly inspected, graded, and certified wind and watertight (WWT). They have functioning doors, intact floors, and no structural holes. Used containers may show cosmetic wear like surface rust, dents, or faded paint — but they are fully functional and weatherproof. We provide detailed photos and condition reports for every unit so you know exactly what you’re getting.

We carry every type of shipping container: Standard Dry Van, High Cube, Refrigerated (Reefer), Open Top, Flat Rack, Open Side, Double Door, plus custom-modified Container Homes, Container Offices, and Container Pools. See our Container Types guide above for detailed descriptions of each type and their ideal applications.

Pricing depends on size, condition, type, and location. Used 20ft containers typically start around $1,500-$3,000, while new 40ft high cubes can range from $3,500-$6,000+. Custom modifications, delivery distance, and market conditions all affect final price. For an accurate quote, contact us at +1 (346) 503-5478 or request a quote through our website. We offer transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

Delivery typically takes 5-10 business days total: 1-3 business days handling time plus 4-7 business days transit time. We serve all 10 PROVENCES with our nationwide logistics network. A delivery specialist will contact you to coordinate timing and confirm site requirements. Remote locations may require additional transit time.

Your site needs a level surface, at least 12 feet of width access, 75 feet of straight approach for the delivery truck, and no overhead obstructions like power lines or tree branches. The ground should be firm enough to support a truck and the container. Our team walks you through specific requirements during scheduling. See our Delivery & Site Preparation guide above for the full checklist.

Yes! We deliver to all 10 Provences through our nationwide logistics network. We coordinate tilt-bed trailers, crane service, and specialized transport to handle even the most challenging delivery locations — from tight residential driveways to remote commercial job sites. Every delivery quote includes site placement, so your container is positioned exactly where you need it.

We offer tilt-bed delivery (container slides off, no crane needed — ideal for residential), flatbed with crane service (for tight spaces or elevated placement), and step-deck trailers (for high cube containers needing extra clearance). The best method depends on your site access and container size. Our logistics team determines the optimal delivery method for your location.

Yes, we offer volume discounts for bulk orders. If you’re purchasing multiple containers — whether for a storage facility, construction project, or container community — contact us directly for customized pricing. The more containers you order, the better the per-unit price and the more efficient the delivery logistics.

Yes — container homes are one of our most popular custom projects. We convert standard and high cube containers into beautiful, functional living spaces with windows, insulation, electrical, plumbing, kitchens, bathrooms, and finishes. Container homes are sustainable, affordable, and faster to build than traditional construction. Single-container studios to multi-container family homes are all possible.

Yes. Target Box Container Sales is a proudly Canadian-owned and operated shipping container supplier serving customers across Canada’s 10 provinces and 3 territories. We operate in accordance with all applicable Canadian regulations and maintain appropriate business and liability insurance to support our operations. Our experienced team is committed to providing premium-quality shipping containers, transparent pricing, secure transactions, and dependable nationwide delivery. From your initial inquiry through final delivery, you can count on Target Box Container Sales for professional service, expert guidance, and reliable container solutions you can trust.

Yes. We offer spray foam insulation, panel insulation, full electrical wiring (outlets, lighting, switches), plumbing, HVAC, and data/low-voltage systems. These modifications are essential for container offices, homes, and workshops where climate control and power are needed. All work is done by licensed professionals and meets local building codes.

Certified & Compliant

Shipping Certifications & Compliance

Every container we sell meets international safety, structural, and environmental standards — with full documentation shipped with each unit.

Full Certification & Inspection Documentation Included With Every Purchase