Shipping containers offer a convenient means of stowing and moving goods. Also, they require little upkeep and are impervious to the elements, pests, and rodents. As a result, their usage has skyrocketed in recent years. But how and where do you buy large storage containers in Toronto?

Purchasing a large shipping container in Toronto can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time. Therefore, understanding the specifics, dynamics, and procedures of procuring a large storage container is very important. In this blog, we’ll provide step-by-step, hassle-free purchase guidance. Also, we’ll list where you can buy large storage containers in Toronto.

Let’s get into it.

Best Places to Buy Large Storage Containers In Toronto

Determining who to get your container from and where to acquire it can be challenging. This challenge is primarily due to the wide variety of storage containers available and many container sellers.

Furthermore, the quality of previously used storage containers varies widely. As a result, it’s essential to do your research to ensure you’re obtaining a sturdy and reliable one.

Now, where to buy large storage containers in Toronto. Purchase options for storage containers are the same as those for any B2B goods or services online or in person.

Online

Rentals and purchases of storage containers online have become common nowadays. Buyers may now easily compare prices and features before settling on a purchase, thanks to the convenience of online shopping.

There’s an abundance of options for purchasing storage containers on the internet. They include:

• The National Seller Websites
• Websites for regional vendors
• Online marketplaces such as Craigslist and eBay and aggregators provide information on several suppliers in one place.

Advantages

Online shopping has several benefits. They include:

• Finding a reasonable price with some digging around. To obtain a container at a price that is reasonable for you, you can make use of the many resources available online nowadays.
• Buying online also often affords more convenience and less time spent shopping. You don’t have to leave your house or office to do some shopping, investigate, and purchase.

Disadvantages

There are times when online shopping has its drawbacks. These setbacks include:

• Inspecting the storage unit in person is impossible before buying it online. Sellers may be forthright, honest, and precise in their descriptions of their containers, but you won’t know what you’re buying until it arrives.
• There’s no method to verify quality and condition through third-party resellers, such as those found on Craigslist and eBay. The last thing you want is for your container to arrive with unforeseen damage.

We recommend picking a trusted provider if you are going to buy online.

Face-to-Face

Additionally, you can purchase a storage container in Toronto by visiting a storage container lot and selecting a container personally.

Schedule a visit to one of the many lots where local and national container merchants keep their containers. The method is not as common as it once was. But it’s still a viable option for locating the best container for your purposes.

Advantages

Buying a large storage container in your locality gives you the advantage of:

• Knowing that you’re getting what you want in terms of condition and quality.
• Seeing the container in person and inspecting it will give you peace of mind that you are receiving the correct storage unit.

Disadvantages

On the other hand, going to a container lot and selecting a container can be:

• Time-consuming: Nowadays, it’s common for consumers to choose online stores because they can make purchases without leaving their houses.
• There’s a restriction on what may be provided by a storage container lot. But the options are practically limitless when shopping online.

Regardless, you should know that some aspects of shopping remain constant no matter where you do it. Consider the shipping cost as an example (except if you have transportation means).

You can buy the large storage container online or in-store, but the shipping cost will likely be similar. Therefore, be careful of websites with meagre container delivery fees. They are likely faux or scams.

Who’s the Ideal Person to Buy a Large Storage Container from in Toronto?

So, you can get a storage unit locally or virtually, but from whom? There are national, regional, and secondary markets to buy and sell large storage containers in Toronto.

So, let’s talk about the most common places where people acquire storage containers.

The National Distributors

You may already be aware that WilScot and Pac-Van are just two of many national providers of storage containers. In addition, across the United States and Canada, several distributors have established local offices staffed by agents who can assist you in selecting the most suitable container.

You can make direct purchases through the online storefront of a national distributor. Some companies may have a storage container lot nearby if you want to see the containers in person.

The containers sold by national dealers will be of the highest quality and security. But this doesn’t come cheap. However, going with excellent quality is always a good idea because the storage containers will house your significant assets and things.

Local Vendors

Across the United States and Canada, you can find many dealers for storage containers. Quite a few of these establishments are mom-and-pop shops serving neighbourhood residents.

Once again, most regional distributors have online stores where you may be able to make a direct purchase. In addition, numerous sellers will maintain a storage container lot in their neighbourhood.

Picking a dealer in your immediate area has several advantages. Quality-wise, local dealers’ storage containers are on par with those sold by national ones. And their prices and shipping fees are often lower as well.

You get the bonus of supporting the local economy by patronizing a small business. Also, you had the opportunity to build a long-term bond with the local manufacturer by going with a neighbourhood dealer.

Auctions and Other Secondary Market Sellers

Also, auctions and independent vendors both sell and rent storage containers. You can get a storage container for sale at an auction, either in person or online, saving you a lot of money. There are also many places online, including eBay, Craigslist, and others, where you can buy a large storage container at a discount.

Although containers from this source typically cost the least, there are some dangers you should know about them. Issues with quality and condition are one possibility. They also don’t have any renting or rent-to-own alternatives and won’t aid you through the buying process.

Finally, resellers usually won’t help you get the necessary licenses for your container, and you’ll have to arrange for delivery on your own. This position means that although the container is inexpensive, the transport costs will be high because of the lack of a permit.

Other Options

In and around most major seaports, you can find various container vendors. So, that’s one option if you’re looking for where to buy large storage containers in Toronto. Thanks to their extensive regional connections, local brokers can help you locate the required containers.

But there are also drawbacks to locating the containers near the ports. There’s a correlation between the ease of access and the ability to conduct opaque arrangements, which can lead to higher prices.

You won’t have much opportunity to learn about the justifications for the pricing and any extra charges. Regardless, that’s one option for exchanging shipping containers.

Another option is spending a lot of time sending emails to people in your network, hoping that one of them knows someone selling containers.

Related Article: The Cost of Containers for Rent: Understanding the Benefits and Budget Considerations

How to Buy Large Storage Containers

There are several factors to consider when looking for a new storage container.  For instance, you’re to consider renting a container or buying one; however, this depends on your needs.

Also, you should consider what you need the container for. This will determine the size of the container you purchase.

Here are some factors to consider when buying containers in Toronto:

Should I Purchase or Rent a Shipping Container?

First, you must know if you should buy or lease the shipping containers. After that, whatever you do depends on your circumstances.

Let’s take a look at a few of the potential outcomes so you can start planning.

Sometimes, just a couple of containers may do the trick for extra storage. Buying them outright is a reasonable option under these circumstances.

• Leasing or renting containers is more cost-effective than buying them if you require them for an extended period. It’s also economical to rent containers if you use them frequently without an adequate supply.
• Buying large storage containers is a big commitment, so ensure you need them. The requirement of an upfront payment can also drain already limited resources.

But there are times when you need to borrow just a few containers. For example, you can specify a high container demand in one direction. Or you may only need the storage units for a short time. If you find yourself in any of these situations, container leasing may be your best option. However, you should also consider a one-way lease.

Renting a container is more cost-effective in the short term than buying one. Since the only expense here is the rent rate, the decision is ideal. However, renting a container for an extended period can outstrip the cost of purchasing a used one.

Determining the Right Kind of Container for Your Needs

Once you’ve decided whether to buy or rent the containers, you can determine the specific kind of container you’ll require. Again, this may seem like a maze of options and details. But it depends on the type of items you need to transport.

Ask yourself, “Do I need a normal container, or does my shipment have particular requirements?” before you begin your search for containers.

Shipping paper or common dry cargo is often best handled using a conventional container. The standard 20- and 40-foot containers and their higher sibling, the high cube, are available to pick from for this storage.

However, a wide selection of specialized containers is available for use in the event of bulkier shipments. For example, consider a reefer or insulated container if you transport perishable goods such as food, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals. These two storage containers help keep their contents at a consistent temperature.

Select the Container’s Condition and Grade

Once you’ve decided on a container type, you’ll need to select a container grading appropriate for its contents. Again, your shipping content will determine your container’s proper condition and grade.

Here’s when things can start to get murky. And that’s because there isn’t a standardized method for rating shipping containers.

Many acronyms, such as WWT, CW, F, and B, describe the state of the container. Unfortunately, these acronyms also contribute to the overall information chaos.

• There are also cargo-worthy and wind- and watertight containers (abbreviated CW and WWT, respectively). The CSC determines that the container’s condition is acceptable for transporting cargo.
• The grading system also has abbreviations such as F, A, B, and C. An F-graded container is brand new and a food-safe container. This feature makes it possible, for instance, to transport edible items using the container.
• Grade A containers are brand new, refurbished, or previously owned, while grade B containers are suitable for transporting freight. A C-grade container is known to be watertight and windproof. C grade is also known as a cargo-worthy container.

Engage a Container Surveyor

You should contact a surveyor if you plan to lease your shipping containers.

Before a corporation leases a container, a surveyor must check, inspect, and examine it. This examination is to ensure the container is in satisfactory condition.

Leasing firms frequently take this precaution as a form of insurance.

How Much Does a Cargo Hold Cost?

Many decisions you’ve made up to this point affect how much a container will cost. Specify both the type and quality of containers you require, as well as their final destination. This need is due to the inherent container shortage in international trade.

For example, the cost of buying a large storage container from outside Canada will be greater than if you were to make the same purchase in Toronto, Canada.

However, look at some median costs:

You should expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000 for a used cargo container. In this case, the location is also a significant factor in determining the cost. On the other hand, new and one-way containers can cost as much as US$3,000 to US$5,000.

Comparatively, a brand-new or one-trip 40-foot shipping container can cost over US$3,500, while a secondhand container is often around US$1,400.

Moving the Container

In other words, you can now proudly call yourself a “container owner.” But now you have to figure out how to move those shiny new metal boxes around. First, you must make time slots on the ship, truck, and rail transport arrangements.

Also, if you want to ship your container down empty, please rethink. You shouldn’t have to pay to relocate your empty new containers if you can get someone to do it for you for free.

It would help if you considered turning your container into a one-way one. For example, take the hypothetical scenario of shipping your box from Alberta, Canada, to Toronto, Canada.

A user needing a container for transporting goods between those locations can rent your shipping container. And in that case, you are the biggest winner.

You get your container delivered to your desired location, and the container user can have their cargo transported. Furthermore, the customer that rents the container bears the transportation cost for you.

This eventuality means there are zero delivery costs for moving your container to its final destination. And you also make some money off it.

Location for the Container

Another factor many people often overlook when buying large containers is the location where you intend to place or use the container. The location plays a significant role in determining the type of container you should purchase.

It’s essential to consider the following

• Local Regulations and Zoning Laws: Different regions have varying regulations and zoning laws regarding using shipping containers on private property. Before purchasing a container, it’s crucial to research and understand the local laws and regulations. Some areas may require permits or limit container usage to specific zones or time frames.
• Climate and Environmental Factors: The location’s climate and environmental conditions can affect the container’s durability and longevity. For instance, if you plan to place a container in a coastal area with high humidity, you should opt for containers with special rust-resistant coatings.
• Foundation and Ground Preparation: The condition of the ground at your chosen location is another critical consideration. Ideally, you should place containers on a level surface to ensure the doors open and close smoothly. You may need to invest in foundation work like concrete slabs to create a suitable base for your container.
• Security: Think about the security of the location. If you plan to use the container for storage or as a workshop, you’ll want to ensure it’s in a secure area. Accessibility is also important. Place the container in a way that allows for easy loading and unloading of goods.
• Neighbours: In residential areas, the appearance of the container can be a concern for both you and your neighbours. Be mindful of how the container’s appearance may impact the overall aesthetic of your property and its reception by neighbours.

Modifying Your Container

Modifying shipping containers before using them is a common practice. While shipping containers are designed to transport goods safely, their original design may not always align perfectly with your specific needs and requirements.

Below are some reasons you may modify your containers

• Climate Control: Standard shipping containers aren’t usually climate-controlled. Modifications like insulation, air conditioners and ventilation are essential for applications that require temperature or humidity control. These changes ensure that the container maintains a comfortable and stable interior environment.
• Enhanced Security: Cargo containers have built-in security features, which may not be sufficient for specific uses. Modifying containers to include additional locking mechanisms, security windows, and reinforced walls can better protect valuable contents.
• Handling: When you frequently move your container or are in challenging locations, you may need modifications. Some of these modifications may include reinforced corners, lifting points, and additional structural support to ensure safe handling and transportation.

Related Article: The Advantages of Using Storage Units during a Household Move

Get Storage Containers in Toronto

It would help if you were extra careful when buying a large storage container in Toronto. As we’ve explained, there are several places and persons from which you can buy your personal or commercial storage containers. However, you can’t be too careful about purchasing these boxes. That’s why we offer the best place to buy large storage containers.

You can check out our online catalogue of storage containers in different sizes. We at Toronto Trailers aren’t only reputable in quality. But we’re also renowned for giving the best storage container prices.

Contact 416-477-5488 to get yours today.