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HOW IT WORKS

How it Works

  • Step 1

    Customer Inquiry

    Customer contacts us to discuss potential needs and assist them in finding the right box

  • Step 2

    Quote

    Once the box is sourced, Xpress Containers will send the customer a quote (quote valid for 7 days)

  • Step 3

    Confirmation

    After the customer confirms, they will then continue with their order. We will ask for Contact Name, Address, Phone Number and Email

  • Step 4

    Invoice

    Upon receiving required information, we will send out the invoice

  • Step 5

    Payment

    Upon receiving payment, a release order will be issued, then we will set-up delivery

  • Step 6

    Delivery

    Xpress Containers will coordinate the delivery with customer and the driver. Once the driver confirms availability, He/She will contact the customer directly. (Please refer to our delivery guide to ensure easy access)

Shipping Container Delivery in Canada

Shipping containers are usually delivered by truck, with the type of vehicle depending on both the container size and delivery location. Most deliveries use tilt-bed trailers, which back into position and carefully lower the container to the ground without needing additional equipment.

In urban centers, tilt-bed trailers are the most common and efficient delivery method for 20-foot and 40-foot containers.

Door Position and Loading Direction

Standard containers have doors located at one end. When unloading, the position of the doors determines which end lands first:

  • If the doors face the truck’s cab, they’ll be the last part to unload.
  • If the doors face the rear, they’ll be set down first.

Selecting the proper orientation ensures easier access once the container is in place.

 

Door Position and Loading Direction

Standard containers have doors located at one end. When unloading, the position of the doors determines which end lands first:

  • If the doors face the truck’s cab, they’ll be the last part to unload.
  • If the doors face the rear, they’ll be set down first.

Selecting the proper orientation ensures easier access once the container is in place.

 

Ground Preparation

Since the combined weight of a truck and container can exceed 50,000 lbs, the delivery surface must be solid, dry, and level to prevent sinking or shifting. Suitable surfaces include concrete, asphalt, compacted gravel, or railroad ties.

Site Access Requirements

The truck must be able to enter, maneuver, and exit your property safely. Access can be challenging for 40-foot containers arriving on 53-foot trailers, as these vehicles can’t make sharp turns from narrow roads or driveways.

Before delivery, remove any obstructions such as parked vehicles, low power lines, trees, or heavy traffic.

Minimum clearance requirements:

  • Width: 15 feet
  • Height: 18 feet
  • Straight-line clearance:
  • 20-ft container: 65 feet
  • 40-ft container: 110 feet
  • 53-ft trailer (53ft containers): 120–130 feet

Deliveries to Remote or Rural Locations

When delivering outside urban centers or to remote areas, flatbed trailers are often preferred. They’re ideal for long-distance hauls but require onsite equipment, such as a crane or forklift, to unload the container.

Step Deck Trailers for High Cube Containers

High cube containers (taller than standard models) are transported on step deck or drop deck trailers, which sit lower to meet road height regulations.

Designed for tall or oversized containers

Recommended for trips longer than approximately 350 km

Requires unloading machinery at the delivery site

Minimum clearance requirements:

  • Width: 15 feet
  • Height: 18 feet
  • Straight-line clearance:
  • 20-ft container: 65 feet
  • 40-ft container: 110 feet
  • 53-ft trailer (53ft containers): 120–130 feet

Deliveries to Remote or Rural Locations

When delivering outside urban centers or to remote areas, flatbed trailers are often preferred. They’re ideal for long-distance hauls but require onsite equipment, such as a crane or forklift, to unload the container.

Step Deck Trailers for High Cube Containers

High cube containers (taller than standard models) are transported on step deck or drop deck trailers, which sit lower to meet road height regulations.

Designed for tall or oversized containers

Recommended for trips longer than approximately 350 km

Requires unloading machinery at the delivery site