Sea Cans, Storage Containers & Answers Canadians Are Searching For
Canadians widely use shipping containers, also called sea cans, seacans, C-cans, marine containers, intermodal containers, or storage containers, for storage, construction, and portable work spaces. From Toronto and Ottawa to Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton and Edmonton, Canadians rely on steel shipping containers in nearly every industry.
This FAQ guide answers real questions people search about shipping containers in Canada, including container sizes, storage use, durability, and modification options. Stay tuned for our next blog where we will focus specifically on container pricing, rentals and buying advice.
What are shipping containers used for in Canada?
Across Canada, people use shipping containers for secure storage, construction projects, equipment housing, job site offices, event staging, municipal storage, and custom applications like workshops, pop-up shops, mobile clinics, and cafés. Containers are especially popular in industries that require portable, lockable and weather-resistant storage. Businesses commonly use refrigerated containers to store temperature-sensitive goods, and they use dangerous goods containers when regulations require specialized storage.
What is the difference between a shipping container and a storage container?
There is no physical difference between a shipping container and a storage container. In Canada, both terms describe the same steel container. The phrase shipping container is typically used for overseas transportation while storage container is used site-to-site or long-term storage. Sea can, seacan, C-can, marine container, intermodal container and ISO container all refer to the same structure. The terminology changes depending on usage but the container does not.
Are shipping containers weatherproof in Canadian winters?
Shipping containers withstand severe weather conditions, including snow, freezing temperatures, high winds, and heavy rain. Manufacturers build them with corrosion-resistant corten steel that performs well in Canadian climates. When you place a container on a stable base such as gravel or concrete, it stays reliable year-round, even in colder regions like Edmonton and Northern Ontario. While cold weather does not damage steel containers, proper ventilation is important to reduce condensation buildup.
Do shipping containers get condensation inside?
Condensation can occur inside containers when warm air contacts cold metal, which is common during seasonal temperature changes in Canada. Moisture may form without circulation, especially in the spring and fall. This can be controlled with proper airflow, added ventilation, moisture control products and insulation if required. Condensation is a climate-based issue rather than a defect in the container itself.
How long does a shipping container last?
Most shipping containers last between 25 and 40 years depending on weather exposure, physical use and maintenance. Containers used for stationary storage may last much longer with roof maintenance, repainting and corrosion control. Even older used containers often remain structurally sound for decades when properly maintained.
What sizes of shipping containers are available in Canada?
The most common shipping container sizes in Canada are 10-foot, 20-foot and 40-foot containers. High cube containers are popular when extra interior height is required. Other available container types include mini containers, side-door containers, double-door containers, refrigerated (reefer) containers, flat racks and dangerous goods containers. Choosing the right size depends on storage volume, site constraints and access requirements.
For exact measurements, interior dimensions and door clearances, visit our shipping container dimensions guide.
What condition is a used shipping container in?
A used shipping container simply means it has previously been in service and remains structurally sound and ready for continued use. Most used containers are sold as wind-and-watertight or cargo-worthy, both of which are suitable for long-term storage or transport. If you want to compare available inventory, conditions and styles, you can browse our selection of used shipping containers.
One-trip containers are also available and are nearly new, having completed only one overseas shipment. You can also learn more about the benefits of purchasing a one-trip container compared to used units.
Overall, used containers remain the most popular and cost-effective storage solution in Canada.
Are shipping containers safe for storage?
Shipping containers offer excellent security due to heavy steel walls, reinforced doors and lock systems. Compared to sheds and trailers, containers provide superior protection against theft and weather exposure. They are also a cost-effective portable storage solution. For this reason, construction companies, municipalities, and industrial operations across Canada use containers widely.
What should you not store in a shipping container?
Avoid storing certain materials in standard shipping containers unless you plan properly. Explosives, flammable liquids, perishable food and chemicals require specialized containers with ventilation or refrigeration. Store moisture-sensitive items with climate protection or insulation to prevent damage. Dangerous goods containers and refrigerated containers are designed for regulated storage needs.
Do shipping containers have ventilation?
Standard containers include passive vents to help control air movement. Refrigerated containers use sealed systems, while dangerous goods containers use engineered ventilation designs. Additional ventilation can be added when increased airflow is required.
Can you customize shipping containers?
Shipping containers can be modified for nearly any application. Customization options include added doors, windows, insulation, electrical systems, heating and cooling modifications, lighting and exterior painting. Businesses commonly convert containers for commercial and industrial use, including offices, mobile workspaces, and storage units.
We also offer professionally built container modifications including doors, offices, insulation and electrical systems.
What else can you use shipping containers for besides storage?
Beyond storage, people often convert containers into offices, classrooms, retail spaces, cafés, clinics, training facilities, and emergency shelters. Their strength, portability and modular design make them suitable for long-term infrastructure projects.
How are shipping containers delivered?
Delivery teams use tilt-bed trucks, flatbeds, or step-deck trailers based on site access and container size. Delivery requirements vary based on terrain, slope and clearance.
Learn more about scheduling, preparation and truck types on our container delivery services page.
What kind of surface should you place a storage container on?
Place containers on stable ground such as gravel, concrete, asphalt, or engineered pads. Placing containers directly on soil can lead to uneven settling and moisture exposure over time.
How much space do you need to deliver a container?
- A 20-foot container requires approximately 65 feet of straight-line clearance
- A 40-foot container typically requires around 110 feet.
Plan for about 18 feet of overhead clearance.
If site access is restricted, you can use a boom truck (truck-mounted crane) or a mobile crane to simplify container placement and offloading. This type of lifting service is generally more expensive than standard delivery because it requires specialized equipment and additional logistics.
Can you move a container after you place it?
You can relocate a container when it is empty and delivery equipment can access it. Site conditions and clearance must allow safe reloading.
Are shipping containers built to Canadian standards?
Manufacturers build shipping containers to international ISO standards. Units certified for ocean transport include a CSC plate that verifies safety and structural integrity. These standards meet Canadian commercial use requirements.
Can you ship shipping containers overseas from Canada?
International carriers can ship containers internationally when the containers meet inspection and certification requirements. Used containers may require a marine inspection before export approval.
Canadians rely on shipping containers as one of the most dependable space solutions because they perform reliably in real conditions. Whether used for storage, job sites, or custom applications, their strength, longevity, and adaptability make them a practical choice in every season and industry.
