Buying a shipping container in British Columbia doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you need storage for your business, a workshop for your hobby, or you're planning a container home project, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Choose Valleyview Containers?
As BC's premier shipping container dealer, we've helped thousands of customers find the perfect storage solution. Our containers undergo rigorous inspection and we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Container Sizes & Dimensions
Choosing the right container size is crucial for your project. Here's a detailed breakdown of the most popular sizes available in BC:
20ft Container
- External: 20' L × 8' W × 8'6\" H
- Internal: 19'4\" L × 7'8\" W × 7'10\" H
- Floor Area: 160 sq ft
- Volume: 1,172 cubic feet
- Weight: 5,070 lbs (empty)
- Best For: Small storage, workshops, offices
40ft Container
- External: 40' L × 8' W × 8'6\" H
- Internal: 39'5\" L × 7'8\" W × 7'10\" H
- Floor Area: 320 sq ft
- Volume: 2,385 cubic feet
- Weight: 8,270 lbs (empty)
- Best For: Large storage, retail spaces, homes
40ft High Cube - Most Popular Choice
The 40ft High Cube container is our most popular option, offering an extra foot of height (9'6\" interior) compared to standard containers. Perfect for:
- Container offices and living spaces
- Workshops requiring overhead clearance
- Storage of tall equipment
- Retail and commercial applications
New vs Used Containers: Making the Right Choice
New Containers (One-Trip)
Advantages:
- Pristine condition, like-new appearance
- No dents, rust, or structural issues
- Ideal for customer-facing applications
- Longest lifespan (25+ years)
- Best for modifications and conversions
Best For:
- Container homes and offices
- Retail and commercial spaces
- Food service applications
- Premium storage needs
Used Containers (Cargo Worthy)
Advantages:
- Significant cost savings (30-50% less)
- Still structurally sound and watertight
- Great value for basic storage
- Environmentally friendly choice
- Suitable for most applications
Best For:
- General storage and warehousing
- Construction site storage
- Farm and agricultural use
- Budget-conscious projects
Shipping Container Pricing Guide for BC
Pricing varies based on size, condition, location, and market conditions. Here are our current price ranges in British Columbia. For the live price list, see our homepage price selector.
| Container Type | Used Price Range | New Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | $2,500 - $3,000 | $3,700 - $4,200 |
| 20ft Double Door | — | $4,800 - $5,500 |
| 20ft Side Door | — | $6,600 - $9,000 |
| 40ft Standard | $3,000 - $3,300 | — |
| 40ft High Cube | $3,500 - $4,000 | $6,200 - $7,100 |
| 40ft HC Side Door | — | $10,000 - $12,000 |
| 20ft Refrigerated (Reefer) | — | $27,000 - $30,000 |
Pricing Factors to Consider
- Delivery costs: vary with distance and site accessibility — get a quote with your postal code
- Site preparation: gravel pads, blocks, or piers (see Site Preparation below)
- Modifications: doors, windows, insulation, vents — see our modifications guide
- Permits: $100 - $500 depending on your municipality
Container Delivery Across BC
We deliver shipping containers throughout Interior and Northern BC. Here's what you need to know about our delivery service:
Professional Delivery
Our experienced drivers use specialized tilt-bed trucks for safe, precise placement.
Wide Service Area
We serve Kamloops, Prince George, Williams Lake, Quesnel, and surrounding areas.
Fully Insured
Complete insurance coverage protects your investment during transport and placement.
Delivery Requirements:
Access Requirements:
- 12-14 feet wide access road
- Overhead clearance of 16+ feet
- Firm, level ground for truck stability
- Straight-line access preferred
Site Preparation:
- Level pad (gravel or concrete)
- Proper drainage around container
- Clear 40+ feet of placement space
- Mark utility lines before delivery
Ready to Buy Your Shipping Container?
Get a free quote from BC's most trusted shipping container dealer. We'll help you choose the perfect container for your needs.
Site Preparation Essentials
Proper site preparation ensures your container will last decades. Follow these guidelines:
Foundation Options
Concrete Piers
Most popular option. Elevates container, allows airflow, prevents moisture.
Gravel Pad
Cost-effective solution. Provides drainage and level surface.
Concrete Slab
Premium option. Perfect for permanent installations and heavy use.
Inspection Checklist
Whether you're buying new or used, run through this checklist before signing off. For used cargo-worthy units the items marked with an asterisk are non-negotiable.
Doors & seals*
Doors should swing freely, latch firmly on all four corners, and seal against the gaskets all the way around. Test with the doors closed and locked — daylight through any gap means a water leak. Hinge bolts should turn without grinding.
Roof & seams*
Walk the roof if you can — feel for soft spots, check for standing water indents, and look for surface rust at the weld seams. Look up at the roof from inside with the doors closed. Pinholes show as bright dots of light.
Floor*
Containers ship cargo on plywood (or bamboo) floors over steel cross-members. Check for soft, swollen, or oil-soaked boards. Light surface staining is fine; rot or sagging is not. Smell matters too — chemical or pesticide odours can be a deal-breaker for food, residential, or sensitive storage.
Corner castings & corner posts
The 8 corner castings are how the container gets picked up and stacked. They should be straight, square, and free of major rust or impact damage. A bent corner means the unit was dropped — walk away.
Exterior rust & paint
Surface rust is cosmetic and easily painted. Bubble-rust, scale rust, or rust that flakes off in sheets is structural — it's eating through the CORTEN steel. A used 20ft with one or two rust patches the size of your palm is fine. A unit covered in scale is not.
CSC plate & unit number
Every cargo-rated container has a CSC plate (door end) and a unique unit number. Confirm the number matches the bill of sale and the marine grade marking. Missing plate = container can't legally be shipped internationally; fine for static storage but should affect price.
Every container we sell is inspected against this list before it leaves our yard. If you're buying from a less-reputable dealer, ask to inspect in person before delivery and document anything you're concerned about with photos.
Modifications & Customization
One of the reasons sea cans are so versatile is that almost any modification you can do to a building, you can do to a container — and most of it without losing the structural integrity that makes them so valuable in the first place. Common modifications we can quote:
Doors
Personnel doors (man-doors), roll-up garage doors, double-doors on the side or end, secondary lockboxes. Most common addition by far.
Windows
Sliding, fixed, or insulated windows, with or without bars/shutters. Choose location carefully — keep windows clear of corner posts.
Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam is standard for BC climates — wins on R-value and condensation control. Fibreglass batts with a vapour barrier are cheaper but need careful detailing.
Electrical
Panel, outlets, lighting, exterior service connections. Always done to BC Safety Authority standards by a licensed electrician. We can connect you with trade partners.
Vents
Passive whirlybird vents, louvred wall vents, or powered exhaust. Critical for any unit that'll see temperature swings — prevents condensation damage to contents.
Paint & branding
Custom RAL colours, vinyl wraps, and full repaints. Worth doing before delivery — easier and cheaper in a yard than on your site.
Partitions & shelving
Interior framing, drywall or plywood partitions, fixed shelving. Common for tool storage, office conversions, and retail builds.
Combining units
Cutting walls between adjacent containers to create larger workshops or office space. Requires structural reinforcement — best done by experienced fabricators.
For a deeper dive into office, workshop, and retail conversions, see our modified containers guide. For quotes on any of the modifications above, call us — most are priced as add-ons to a base container purchase.
Service Areas in British Columbia
Valleyview Containers proudly serves communities throughout Interior, Northern, and Kootenay BC. Click your nearest community for local delivery info and quotes: