Shipping Container FAQs — What Ontario Buyers Ask Most
Whether you’re buying your first shipping container or your fifth, you probably have questions. Lyonheart Containers has been selling quality containers across Ontario since 2019, and we’ve heard them all. Below you’ll find straight answers to the most common questions. Still not sure? Give us a call.
Buying Basics
What sizes do you carry?
We carry 20ft and 40ft shipping containers in both used and new (one-trip) condition. The 20ft Standard is a great fit for most residential and small commercial needs, while the 40ft High Cube gives you serious storage capacity with an extra foot of height. If you’re not sure which size makes sense for your situation, just ask — it’s an easy conversation.
What’s the difference between used and new (one-trip) containers?
A new, or “one-trip,” container has made a single journey from the manufacturer to Canada and is in near-perfect condition — minimal dents, fresh paint, tight seals. A used container has had a working life in cargo shipping and will show wear: surface rust, scuffs, dents. Both grades are fully functional and watertight. If you want something that looks sharp, go new. If you want the best value and don’t mind cosmetic wear, used is the smart call.
What does “cargo-worthy” mean?
Cargo-worthy is an inspection standard confirming a container is structurally sound and watertight — fit to carry goods by sea. Every used container we sell meets cargo-worthy grade or better, meaning it has passed a structural assessment and is free of holes, significant structural damage, or compromised doors. It’s not just a marketing term — it’s a recognized industry certification. You’re buying a container that was trusted to protect cargo on the open ocean.
Do you have prices on your website?
Yes — see our Pricing page for current starting prices. Used 20ft containers start around $1,550 and used 40ft containers start around $2,150, but your final price depends on availability and delivery location. Call or message us for a confirmed quote.
Is there a minimum order?
No minimum — you can buy a single container. Most customers order one or two at a time, though we’re happy to work with larger orders as well. Whether you need one 20ft for your backyard or several 40ft units for a job site, give us a call.
Delivery
Do you deliver across Ontario?
Yes — we deliver shipping containers across all of Ontario. From the GTA to Northern Ontario, we’ve got you covered. Delivery cost and scheduling depends on your location, but no corner of the province is off the table. If you’re close to our base in Mount Hope, turnaround can be especially quick.
How does delivery work?
We use a tilt-deck or roll-off truck to deliver your container directly to your property. The driver tilts or slides the container off the truck and sets it on the ground at your chosen spot — no crane required in most cases. You don’t need to arrange anything special beyond having a clear path and a firm, reasonably level surface for the container to sit on.
How long does delivery take?
In most cases, we can deliver within a few business days of your order. Exact timing depends on your location in Ontario and current scheduling. If you have a deadline — a move, a renovation, a job site opening — let us know upfront and we’ll do our best to make it work.
What do I need to have ready for delivery?
Make sure the delivery area is accessible for a large truck and that the spot where you want the container placed is reasonably level and firm — gravel, packed dirt, asphalt, and concrete all work well. Clear any overhead obstructions like low branches or wires along the delivery path. When in doubt, describe your setup and we’ll tell you if anything needs adjusting.
Can you place the container exactly where I want it?
Within reason, yes. Our drivers are experienced and can position containers with good precision using a tilt-deck truck. If you have a very specific placement in mind — tight against a fence, aligned with a building — let us know ahead of time so we can make sure the site setup supports it.
Do I need a crane or special equipment?
In the vast majority of deliveries, no. Our trucks are equipped to offload containers without any additional equipment on your end. A crane would only come into play in unusual situations — like placing a container over an obstacle — and we’d flag that well in advance.
What if my driveway or road is narrow or tight?
Let us know before delivery and we’ll assess it. A tilt-deck truck needs reasonable clearance to maneuver safely, so very narrow laneways or sharp turns can be a challenge. In some cases we can work around tight access. If you’re unsure, describe your property or send a photo — we’d rather sort it out before the truck shows up.
Payment
When do I have to pay?
Not until your container is delivered and on the ground. We don’t take payment upfront — you pay when the job is done. This is one of the things customers appreciate most about working with Lyonheart Containers. You take on zero financial risk before you see your container in person.
Do you require a deposit?
No deposit required. Full payment is collected at delivery. No upfront payment, no risk to you.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept e-transfer, cash, and other common payment methods. Just ask when booking and we’ll confirm what works best. Payment is collected at the time of delivery.
Quality & Condition
How do I know I’m getting a good quality container?
Every container we sell is cargo-worthy grade or higher — that’s our baseline, not a ceiling. We don’t sell junk. If a container doesn’t meet that standard, it doesn’t go out. And because you don’t pay until delivery, you’re protected: if you’re not satisfied with what shows up, we’ll make it right.
What condition are the used containers in?
Cargo-worthy grade: structurally sound, wind and watertight, with functional locking doors. Cosmetic wear is expected — surface rust, dents, and faded paint are normal for a container that’s done real work. What you won’t get is a compromised floor, a leaking roof, or doors that don’t seal.
Are the containers weatherproof?
Yes. All containers we sell are wind and watertight. That means the doors seal properly, the roof doesn’t leak, and the walls are intact. Ontario winters aren’t gentle — we wouldn’t sell a container that can’t handle the weather.
Use Cases
What can I use a shipping container for?
More than most people expect. Common uses include: on-site storage for construction or renovation, farm equipment storage, personal yard storage, workshops, retail pop-ups, offices, hunting and fishing camp storage, disaster relief staging, and container conversions for homes or commercial spaces. If you have a specific use case in mind, ask us — we’ve probably delivered containers for it.
Can I put a shipping container on my residential property?
In most cases, yes — but it depends on your municipality and zoning. Ontario municipalities vary on rules around temporary and permanent structures. Most residential customers we serve have no issues with a container on their property, but it’s worth checking with your local municipality before ordering, especially if you’re planning a permanent installation. We recommend confirming locally so there are no surprises after delivery.
What’s the difference between a standard and high cube container?
The difference is height. A standard container is 8 feet 6 inches tall on the exterior (about 7’10” inside). A high cube is 9 feet 6 inches tall (about 8’10” inside) — a full extra foot of clearance. All of our 40ft containers are high cube. That extra height makes a meaningful difference when you’re loading tall equipment, standing inside to work, or planning a conversion. For most storage applications, either works fine — high cube just gives you more room.
Still Have Questions?
Call us directly — (647) 544-1414 — or fill out our quote form and we’ll get back to you fast. No runaround, no pressure.