Focus keyphrase: how much does it cost to transport a shipping container
If you’re planning a move by truck, rail, or intermodal, you’re probably asking the same thing everyone asks first: how much does it cost to transport a shipping container in Canada today? The short answer is that pricing changes by route, equipment, timing, and accessorial fees. However, you can estimate it accurately when you know which cost drivers matter.
In this 2026 guide, you’ll learn how much does it cost to transport a shipping container on common Canadian lanes, what raises the price, and how to avoid the most expensive “surprises” (detention, demurrage, chassis days, and waiting time).
How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Shipping Container in Canada (2026 ranges)
To answer how much does it cost to transport a shipping container, you need two numbers: the linehaul (truck or rail) and the accessorials (equipment and terminal time). Therefore, treat any quote that lists only “base rate” as incomplete.
Here are realistic 2026 ranges for container shipping rates on typical domestic lanes.
Example container shipping rates (Canada, 2026)
| Route | Mode | Container | Approx. distance | Typical all-in range (CAD)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Montreal | Truck | 20ft | ~540 km | $1,050 – $1,650 |
| Vancouver → Calgary | Rail | 40ft | ~970 km | $1,250 – $1,950 |
| Halifax → Toronto | Truck | 20ft | ~1,800 km | $1,600 – $2,450 |
| Saskatoon → Winnipeg | Truck | 20ft | ~780 km | $950 – $1,550 |
*These ranges typically include base transport plus a standard fuel component. They may exclude storage/demurrage if a container sits at the terminal.
Moreover, long-haul moves often look cheaper “per km” than short drayage. That happens because fixed costs (chassis, terminal time, appointment windows) hit short moves harder.
What affects the answer to “how much does it cost to transport a shipping container?”
1) Container size and equipment choice
A 20ft usually costs less to move and easier to schedule for local work. A 40ft often gives better value for larger volumes because the price does not double.
In addition, equipment type matters:
- Dry container works for most freight.
- Reefer container costs more because it needs power planning and monitoring.
- Overweight containers can trigger permits, special chassis, and routing limits.
2) Route type: drayage vs. intermodal vs. long-haul truck
Route style changes pricing fast.
- Local drayage (port/rail ramp to consignee) depends on appointment availability, traffic, and chassis days.
- Intermodal rail often reduces long-distance cost, but it adds ramp drayage on both ends.
- Long-haul truck provides direct control, but it usually costs more across provinces.
Therefore, always compare “door-to-door” scope, not just the linehaul mode.
3) Timing and seasonality
Rates usually rise in peak periods. For example, capacity tightens when import volumes spike and when winter weather slows terminals. As a result, the same lane can price differently month to month.
4) Cargo details
Your cargo changes the operational plan.
- High-value cargo increases insurance expectations.
- Hazmat adds compliance handling and documentation.
- Heavy freight can exceed axle limits, which increases cost.
5) Terminal time and accessorials
This is where budgets break.
- Detention: you keep carrier equipment too long.
- Demurrage: the terminal holds the container past free time.
- Chassis rental: you pay per day.
- Waiting time / detention (driver): appointments run late.
Consequently, two shipments with the same distance can have very different final totals.
Domestic vs. international: how container transport costs differ
Domestic container transport in Canada
These moves usually include pickup, drayage, rail or truck linehaul, and final delivery. As a result, you handle fewer documents and fewer currency risks.
International container shipping
International quotes often show port-to-port pricing. Next, you add pickup, delivery, terminal handling, documentation, customs brokerage, and currency exposure.
So, when you compare shipping container shipping rates, make sure both quotes include the same scope.
Real cost breakdown example (Canada intermodal)
Here’s a practical way to estimate how much does it cost to transport a shipping container when you ship intermodally.
A customer moved a 40ft container from Mississauga, ON to Halifax, NS.
- Pickup and drayage to ramp: $275
- Rail linehaul: $1,250
- Final delivery and zone/access: $375
- Fuel and cargo coverage: $200
Estimated total: ~$2,100 CAD
Importantly, this total stays stable only when the container meets free-time windows. Otherwise, demurrage and extra chassis days can push the number up quickly.
Hidden fees that change container shipping rates
Even solid quotes can miss these items. So, confirm them before you book.
Chassis and equipment days
Chassis days can add up fast. For example, if a terminal appointment slips, you may pay extra days even when the move itself stays short.
Demurrage and detention
Demurrage applies at the terminal. Detention applies to carrier equipment. In other words, you can pay both if planning breaks down.
Terminal appointments and waiting time
Appointments create real costs. When a terminal runs behind schedule, drivers wait. As a result, invoices often include waiting time.
International ocean adjustments
On ocean shipments, carriers may apply fuel and adjustment factors. Therefore, confirm how the carrier calculates those adjustments.
How much is a shipping container in Canada (buying vs transporting)
People often mix two questions:
- How much does it cost to transport a shipping container? (a logistics service)
- How much does it cost to buy a container? (a piece of equipment)
In most shipments, you pay for transport and use carrier-owned equipment. However, if you buy a container, pricing varies by condition and availability.
How to get an accurate quote in 2026
To get a reliable answer to how much does it cost to transport a shipping container, provide complete details upfront:
- Pickup city + delivery city (and postal codes if available)
- Container size (20ft / 40ft)
- Cargo type and approximate weight
- Ready date + delivery window
- Any special needs (reefer, overweight, time-specific appointments)
Next, ask for a quote that clearly lists:
- Base transport rate
- Fuel component
- Free-time terms (demurrage/detention)
- Chassis terms and daily rates
- Waiting time rules
Finally, request the quote in writing. That one step prevents most pricing disputes.
Quick answers (2026)
How much does it cost to transport a shipping container on a short move?
Short drayage often lands in the $900–$1,700 CAD range for common 20ft moves, depending on terminal time, chassis days, and appointment windows.
How much does it cost to transport a shipping container across provinces?
Interprovincial intermodal moves commonly land in the $1,250–$2,450 CAD range for many lanes, depending on equipment, rail capacity, and accessorials.
What is cheaper: rail or truck?
Rail often wins on long distances. However, truck can win on short lanes or when you need strict delivery timing.
Recommended internal resources
If you need a quote or you want a team to plan the route, use these pages:
- Container transport company: https://metropolitanlogistics.ca/services/drayage-intermodal/container-transport-company/
- Drayage services Canada: https://metropolitanlogistics.ca/services/drayage-intermodal/
- Intermodal logistics Canada: https://metropolitanlogistics.ca/services/drayage-intermodal/intermodal-logistics/
Helpful external references
For additional context on ports, rail networks, and shipping operations, these references help:
- Transport Canada: https://tc.canada.ca/
- Port of Vancouver: https://www.portvancouver.com/
- Port of Halifax: https://www.portofhalifax.ca/
- CN (network overview): https://www.cn.ca/
- CPKC (network overview): https://www.cpkcr.com/
Final thoughts
So, how much does it cost to transport a shipping container in 2026? It depends on your lane, mode, timing, and—most importantly—terminal time and equipment days. Therefore, the best way to control cost is to define scope clearly, confirm free-time rules, and plan appointments before the container reaches the ramp.
Metropolitan Logistics supports container moves across Canada with transparent quotes, practical routing, and active coordination from pickup to delivery. Request a quote
📞 Call: +1 (365) 829 5000
📧 Email: service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
