Your Complete Guide to Modern Industrial Storage Solutions
Shipping containers have become essential across Canada’s construction, logistics, and industrial sectors. From portable storage at job sites to refrigerated cargo units transporting goods cross-country, these versatile steel boxes power countless operations.
At Storage Xpress Depot, we supply a full range of new and used shipping containers nationwide — serving Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
Standard Dry Containers
The most common type, standard dry containers are designed for general-purpose storage and transportation. They’re ideal for construction materials, machinery, retail stock, and any dry goods that don’t require temperature control.
Available Sizes & Dimensions
| Type | External Dimensions (L × W × H) | Capacity | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 20′ × 8′ × 8.6′ | ~33m³ | Construction tools, small equipment, retail inventory |
| 40ft Standard | 40′ × 8′ × 8.6′ | ~67m³ | Bulk materials, industrial parts, long-term storage |
| 40ft High Cube | 40′ × 8′ × 9.6′ | ~76m³ | Oversized goods, tall equipment |
Benefits
- Cost-effective and widely available
- Weatherproof and CSC-certified for transport
- Suitable for modifications such as doors, vents, or shelving
Retail
Logistics
Manufacturing
Agriculture
High Cube Containers
High Cube Containers offer an extra foot of vertical space compared to standard models, making them best for oversized cargo or when extra headroom is needed for equipment, stacking, or storage racks.
Key Dimensions
40ft HC: 40′ × 8′ × 9.6′
45ft HC: 45′ × 8′ × 9.6′
Advantages
- Ideal for modified workspaces or mobile offices
- Easier to load large machinery or tall pallets
- Great for improved ventilation and insulation installations
Construction
Energy Sector
Farming
Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers
Refrigerated or “reefer” containers maintain temperature control for perishable goods. They’re essential in Canada’s food distribution, pharmaceutical, and agriculture industries — especially where precise climate conditions are required.
Typical Specs
Sizes: 20ft & 40ft
Temperature range: -25°C to +25°C
Benefits
- Built-in cooling and insulation systems
- CSC-certified for export cargo
- Energy-efficient with modern units available in new and used grades
Agriculture
Pharmaceuticals
Supply Chain Logistics
Open-Top Containers
Open-top containers feature removable tarps or steel roofs, allowing loading from above by crane or forklift. They’re perfect for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that won’t fit through standard container doors.
Use Cases
- Heavy machinery
- Waste and scrap
- Construction debris
- Mining equipment
Advantages
- Easy top-loading access
- Weather protection with tarpaulin cover
- Stackable and CSC-certified for transport
Flat Rack Containers
Flat racks are built with collapsible sides or no sides at all, allowing maximum flexibility for heavy or wide cargo loads.
Dimensions: 20ft & 40ft
Best For
- Vehicles and machinery transport
- Industrial pipes, tanks, or large assemblies
- Oversized construction materials
Why Choose
- Durable steel deck handles extreme weight
- Available in fixed or collapsible end designs
- Can be exported worldwide with CSC certification
Double Door Containers
Double door containers (also known as tunnel containers) open at both ends for easy loading and unloading. They enhance accessibility for storage yards, construction sites, or businesses needing quick reach at either side.
Advantages
- Enhanced accessibility
- Easier product organization
- Great for modified units such as walk-through workshops
Retail Inventory
Workshops
Event Storage
Side-Opening Containers
Side-opening containers feature full-length doors along one side, offering wide access for forklifts or bulky cargo. They’re excellent for fast-paced operations that require easy loading of pallets or irregular goods.
Benefits
- Side and end doors for maximum flexibility
- Efficient interior access for storage management
- Available in new & used grades to match budget and use case
Manufacturing
Event Logistics
Equipment Rentals
Modified Containers
Modified containers turn durable steel structures into functional spaces. Popular modifications include office containers, workshops, and construction storage units.
Common Modifications
- Insulation and climate control
- Roll-up or personnel doors
- Electrical and lighting
- Windows, partitions, and ventilation
- Secure lock boxes
Applications
- Construction site offices
- Mobile job site command centers
- Retail pop-up shops
- Portable workshops
Why Choose Modified Units
- Cost-efficient alternative to traditional buildings
- Quick installation and relocation
- Custom designs available to meet site-specific needs
Container Grades and Buying Guidance
When buying new or used containers, consider grade, size, and modification needs:
New (One-Trip): Nearly brand new; used only once in transit.
Cargo Worthy (CW): Used containers that meet CSC standards for shipping.
Wind and Watertight (WWT): Ideal for secure ground storage.
As-Is Units: Economical option for non-critical or light-duty storage.
Quick Buyer Tips
- Choose CSC-certified containers for export or heavy transport
- For on-site storage, consider used or WWT containers to save costs
- Verify container dimensions match your intended use and space
- Ask about delivery options and site placement assistance
Delivery Across Canada
We proudly supply and deliver shipping containers across Canada, with a large inventory and reliable transport partners ensuring fast delivery and competitive pricing.
Service Areas
Toronto, GTA, Ottawa, Hamilton, London
Vancouver, Surrey, Kelowna
Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer
Montreal, Quebec City
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common shipping container sizes in Canada?
The most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft standard, plus 40ft high cube for taller items. Specialty dimensions can be supplied on request.
Can I buy used containers that are still cargo-worthy?
Yes — used containers classified as Cargo Worthy (CW) are fully inspected and CSC-certified for transport, making them safe and reliable for export or domestic use.
Are containers weatherproof and secure for outdoor use?
All Storage Xpress Depot containers are built from Corten steel, offering exceptional durability and weather resistance — perfect for long-term outdoor storage across Canada’s cold climate.
Can shipping containers be customized?
Absolutely. We provide container modifications such as insulation, electrical wiring, windows, and personnel doors—ideal for offices, workshops, or mobile site spaces.
Do you deliver containers across provinces?
Yes. We deliver across Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, with flexible delivery scheduling and placement assistance.
Why Choose Storage Xpress Depot
With extensive inventory, expert guidance, and a trusted reputation for quality, Storage Xpress Depot helps Canadian businesses find practical, durable, and affordable shipping container solutions.
Whether you need new or used containers, CSC-certified cargo units, or modified industrial storage containers, we’re ready to help.