Buyer’s Guide

Your Guide to Buying New & Used Shipping Containers

At SEA-CAN CONTAINERS LTD., we make it easier to choose the right shipping container for your storage, transportation, construction, commercial, agricultural, or other needs.

Whether you are purchasing your first container or adding to an existing fleet, this guide will help you understand the key factors to consider before placing your order.

1. Determine How You Will Use the Container

The first step is deciding what you need the container for.

Common uses include:

General storage
Construction-site storage
Equipment and machinery storage
Agricultural storage
Commercial storage
Warehouse expansion
Workshops
Mobile offices
Retail or commercial projects
Temporary storage
Transportation of goods
Custom container projects

Your intended use will help determine the appropriate container size, condition, configuration, and features.

2. Choose the Right Container Size

Shipping containers are available in several standard sizes.

20-Foot Container

A 20-foot container is one of the most popular choices for general storage.

It is suitable for:

Household storage
Construction materials
Tools and equipment
Business inventory
Agricultural equipment
General commercial storage

Its compact footprint also makes it easier to place on smaller properties.

40-Foot Container

A 40-foot container provides significantly more storage space than a 20-foot container.

It is ideal for:

Large inventories
Commercial storage
Construction materials
Machinery and equipment
Business warehouses
Large-scale storage requirements

40-Foot High Cube Container

A 40-foot High Cube container provides additional interior height compared with a standard-height container.

It can be a good choice when you need:

More vertical storage space
Greater internal volume
Additional clearance
Storage for larger items

Availability varies by location and inventory.

3. New vs. Used Containers

One of the most important decisions is whether to purchase a new or used container.

New Containers

New containers are generally recommended when appearance, condition, long-term use, and minimal previous wear are important.

Advantages may include:

Excellent overall condition
Minimal previous use
Clean appearance
Long service life
Fewer cosmetic imperfections

Used Containers

Used containers can provide an economical storage solution.

Used containers may show normal signs of previous use, including:

Dents
Scratches
Surface rust
Paint fading
Minor corrosion
Floor wear
Door wear
Previous repairs

These characteristics are normal for used containers and may vary between individual units.

4. Consider the Container Condition

Before purchasing a used container, consider the condition required for your intended use.

Important areas to consider include:

Doors

Check that the doors open and close properly and that the locking mechanisms operate correctly.

Roof

The roof should be inspected for significant damage, deformation, or areas that could allow water penetration.

Walls

Minor dents and cosmetic imperfections are common in used containers. Significant structural damage should be assessed carefully.

Floor

Inspect the flooring for excessive wear, damage, or deterioration, particularly if you intend to store heavy equipment or goods.

Corners and Frame

The corner posts and structural frame are important components of the container. Significant structural damage should be evaluated before purchase.

Weather Resistance

If the container will be used for outdoor storage, ensure that it is suitable for protecting your goods from normal weather conditions.

5. Think About Your Available Space

Before ordering, measure the area where you intend to place the container.

Consider:

Available length
Available width
Available height
Door clearance
Vehicle access
Turning space
Ground conditions
Overhead wires
Trees and other obstacles
Gates and entrances

Remember that the space required for delivery is usually greater than the container’s physical dimensions because the delivery vehicle needs sufficient room to access and position the container.

6. Prepare Your Delivery Location

Before delivery, make sure your site is ready.

The delivery area should generally have:

Stable ground
Adequate access
Sufficient clearance
Appropriate space for the delivery vehicle
No unnecessary obstacles
Suitable conditions for container placement

Soft ground, narrow roads, steep slopes, low overhead clearance, or restricted access may prevent delivery or result in additional charges.

7. Check Local Requirements

Depending on your location and intended use, you may need permits or approvals before placing a shipping container on your property.

Requirements can vary by:

Municipality
Property type
Zoning designation
Intended use
Length of time the container will remain on the property
Location of the container

Customers are responsible for checking applicable local requirements before purchasing.

8. Consider Delivery Costs

The purchase price of the container is not always the total cost.

Your final cost may include:

Container price
Delivery
Transportation
Crane or specialized equipment
Site preparation
Taxes
Permits
Installation or placement
Additional handling

Ask for a complete quotation before placing your order so you understand the total expected cost.

9. Ask About Availability

Container inventory can change quickly.

Before placing an order, confirm:

Container size
Container type
New or used condition
Availability
Location
Delivery options
Estimated delivery timeframe
Total price

Our team can help you identify suitable options based on your requirements and location.

10. Consider Your Budget

When comparing containers, do not look only at the purchase price.

Consider the total cost of ownership, including:

Purchase price
Delivery
Site preparation
Maintenance
Repairs
Security
Modifications
Permits

A higher-quality container may provide better long-term value depending on your intended use.

11. Security Considerations

If you plan to store valuable equipment, inventory, tools, or other goods, consider additional security measures.

Depending on your needs, you may consider:

High-security padlocks
Lock boxes
Additional lighting
Security cameras
Motion sensors
Fencing
Alarm systems

Customers are responsible for selecting security measures appropriate for their location and stored goods.

12. Container Modifications

Shipping containers can potentially be modified for specialized applications.

Possible modifications may include:

Additional doors
Windows
Ventilation
Electrical systems
Shelving
Insulation
Lighting
Flooring
Roll-up doors
Custom openings

Any modification should be properly planned and professionally installed where required.

Customers should confirm modification requirements before purchasing, particularly when structural changes are involved.

13. Inspect Your Container Upon Delivery

When your container arrives, inspect it carefully.

Check:

Doors
Locks
Roof
Walls
Floor
Corner posts
Frame
Interior condition
Exterior condition

If you notice significant transportation damage, take photographs or videos and notify SEA-CAN CONTAINERS LTD. promptly.

14. Understand Our 30-Day Return Policy

Eligible purchases may be returned within 30 calendar days of delivery, subject to our Refund & Return Policy.

Returns require prior written authorization.

Because shipping containers are large and expensive to transport, customers should contact us before arranging any return transportation.

Once an approved return has been received and inspected, applicable refunds are generally processed within 7 calendar days.

15. Questions to Ask Before Buying

Before placing your order, consider asking:

What container size do I need?
Should I buy new or used?
What condition is the container in?
Where is the container currently located?
What is included in the quoted price?
How much will delivery cost?
How long will delivery take?
Can the delivery vehicle access my property?
Do I need a local permit?
What happens if the container arrives damaged?
What is the return policy?
Are any modifications available?

Our team is available to help answer these questions before you purchase.

16. Why Buy From SEA-CAN CONTAINERS LTD.?

SEA-CAN CONTAINERS LTD. provides new and used shipping containers for customers across Canada.

We aim to provide:

Quality container options
Competitive pricing
Reliable delivery solutions
Clear product information
Professional customer service
Flexible solutions for residential and commercial customers

Our goal is to make the container purchasing process straightforward and transparent.

17. Need Help Choosing a Container?

If you are unsure which container is right for your needs, contact our team.

Please provide:

Your preferred container size
Intended use
New or used preference
Delivery city and province
Approximate delivery location
Any special requirements

We can help you identify suitable options and provide a quotation.

Contact SEA-CAN CONTAINERS LTD.

SEA-CAN CONTAINERS LTD.
11043 201 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5S 2N3
Canada

Phone: +1 343 454 2501
Email: info@seacancontainersltd.com

Your container. Your space. Our solution.