PUBLISHED ON:

4/22/25

Shipping Container Delivery in Alberta: What You Need to Know

20' New (One-Trip) Beige Shipping Container being delivered by StoreCan in Alberta using a tilt deck trailer and 1-ton truck at a customer site.
20' New (One-Trip) Beige Shipping Container being delivered by StoreCan in Alberta using a tilt deck trailer and 1-ton truck at a customer site.
20' New (One-Trip) Beige Shipping Container being delivered by StoreCan in Alberta using a tilt deck trailer and 1-ton truck at a customer site.

Shipping containers are becoming more popular in Alberta every year. People use them for storage, building projects, farms, and even small businesses. They are strong, weather-resistant, and can be placed almost anywhere.

But getting a shipping container delivered is not as easy as just clicking a button online. Alberta is big. Some places have wide open land. Others have small driveways or rough roads. And because shipping containers are so large and heavy, you need to plan the delivery carefully.

If you live in Alberta and want to buy a shipping container, you need to understand how delivery works. This guide will help you know what to expect and how to get ready. It will save you time, money, and stress.


Understanding Shipping Container Delivery in Alberta

When you buy a shipping container in Alberta, delivery is a big part of the process. Most people don’t have a truck big enough to move a 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container on their own. That’s why companies like StoreCan offer delivery across Alberta.

Here’s how it usually works.

After you buy your container, the delivery company will load it onto a special truck. This truck is made to carry large containers safely. The driver will bring the container right to your site. But before that happens, they need to know a few things.

First, they check if your site is easy to reach. Is there enough space for a big truck? Are there any low-hanging wires or tight corners? Is the ground firm enough to hold the container?


Second, they decide how to unload the container. Most deliveries in Alberta use one of these two methods:

Tilt Bed Truck

This is the most common way to deliver a shipping container. The truck tilts the bed backward and slowly slides the container onto the ground. It works well if you have a flat space with enough room for the truck to back up.


Crane Delivery

Sometimes, the site is too tight or uneven for a tilt bed truck. In that case, a crane may be used. The crane lifts the container and places it exactly where you want it. This method costs more but is helpful for tricky spots like backyards or farmyards with obstacles.

In Alberta, weather can also play a role. Snow, mud, or ice can make delivery harder. That’s why it’s smart to plan your container delivery during good weather if possible.


Key Considerations Before Shipping Container Delivery in Alberta

Before you order a shipping container in Alberta, you need to make sure your site is ready. This is very important. A shipping container is big. It is heavy. And the delivery truck needs space to move and unload safely.

First, check your site for accessibility. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Can a large truck get in and out easily?

  • Are the roads wide enough?

  • Are there trees, fences, or power lines in the way?

  • Is the ground level and strong enough to hold a shipping container?

If your site is small or hard to reach, tell the delivery company ahead of time. They may need special equipment like a crane or a smaller truck to complete the delivery.

Next, get your site ready. Clear the area where the container will go. Remove rocks, branches, or garbage. It is also smart to put down gravel or concrete pads. This will help keep your container dry and off the ground.


Weather and Terrain Challenges in Alberta

Alberta has tough weather. Winters bring snow and ice. Spring brings mud. And rural areas often have soft ground or uneven terrain.

If you are getting a shipping container delivered in Alberta, try to schedule delivery when the ground is dry and firm. Wet or muddy ground can cause the truck to get stuck. Snow and ice can make it unsafe to unload.

But if delivery must happen in bad weather, the driver may need extra equipment like wooden pads, chains, or a crane to complete the job safely.

At StoreCan, we know Alberta’s weather well. We help customers in cities like Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and rural areas across the province. We always recommend preparing your site early to avoid extra delivery costs or delays. If it's easier, you can also arrange your own transportation.


Cost Factors for Shipping Container Delivery in Alberta

Many people ask us how much does shipping container delivery in Alberta cost?
The answer depends on a few things:

1. Distance from Depot

If you live close to a major city like Calgary or Edmonton, delivery costs are lower. If you live far away or in a rural area, the price goes up because of fuel and time.

2. Size of the Container

A 20-foot container is easier and cheaper to deliver than a 40-foot container. Larger containers need bigger trucks and more space to unload.

3. Delivery Method

Tilt bed delivery is the cheapest option. Crane delivery costs more because it needs extra equipment and time.

4. Site Conditions

If your site is hard to reach or needs special equipment, delivery costs will be higher.


Average Shipping Container Delivery Costs in Canada

Location

Estimated Delivery Cost

Toronto, ON

$300 - $600 CAD

Calgary, AB

$250 - $500 CAD

Edmonton, AB

$300 - $500 CAD

Saskatoon, SK

$400 - $600 CAD

Winnipeg, MB

$400 - $600 CAD

Vancouver, BC

$500 - $900 CAD (varies by distance)


Choosing the Right Container for Your Needs

When it comes to buying a shipping container in Alberta, the first choice you need to make is simple. Do you want a new container or a used container?

Both options work well. But the right choice depends on what you need, how long you want it to last, and what you plan to use it for.


New Shipping Containers

New shipping containers are also called “one-trip containers.” This means they were used once to carry goods and then sold. They are clean, fresh, and almost damage-free.

A new container is perfect if you are using it for a container home, office, or a long-term storage project. The paint is in good shape. The floors are clean. And you know the history of the container.

New containers cost more. But they last longer and look better on your site.


Used Shipping Containers

Used containers are more affordable. Most of these have been in service for 10 to 15 years. They may have small dents, surface rust, or scratches.

But they are still very strong. Used containers work great for storage, job sites, farms, and equipment storage. You can save a lot of money if you do not need a perfect-looking container.

At StoreCan, we inspect all used containers before selling them. We make sure the doors work, the floors are solid, and the container is wind and watertight.


Choosing the Right Size

The next step is choosing the right size container. In Alberta, most people buy either a 20-foot container or a 40-foot container.

A 20-foot shipping container is best for small storage needs, tools, or small spaces like backyards.

A 40-foot shipping container is best for big storage projects, farms, businesses, or home builds.

High-cube containers are also a good choice if you want extra height inside. These containers are 9 feet 6 inches tall instead of the standard 8 feet 6 inches.

If you are not sure what size you need, read our full guide on shipping container dimensions for more details.


Why Choose StoreCan for Your Container Needs

At StoreCan, we help people all over Alberta find the right shipping container. We know this industry. We know Alberta’s weather, roads, and building needs. And we know how to deliver containers safely and on time.

We help you choose the right size. We inspect every container. And we deliver it right to your site, whether you live in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver or Saskatoon.

Our customers trust us because we care about service. We answer calls fast. We give clear quotes. And we make sure you know exactly what you are getting.

Here’s what our customers in Alberta are saying:

“Great experience, very professional people to deal with, from quotes to delivery. If you’re looking for a container this is the group to deal with in my experience.” — S. Leitch, Trustpilot

“On time, clean, damage free. Called from the yard to confirm can was loaded and gave me the ETA. Driver put the container where I needed it. No issues. Container was clean and damage free.” — Michael B, Trustpilot

“Customer service was really helpful, quick to address the questions. Cans are good as well.” — Hani Yakub, Trustpilot

“Communication was excellent along with their delivery. Will use again, and recommend to others.” — Andy Normey, Trustpilot

If you need a shipping container in Alberta, get a quote from StoreCan today. We will help you find the right container at the right price and deliver it fast.