Shipping containers from Vancouver to Calgary may seem simple — but optimizing for speed, price, and security takes planning. Whether you’re a business moving freight or a homeowner relocating, this guide covers everything about Vancouver to Calgary container delivery in 2025.
Vancouver to Calgary Freight Shipping: Overview
The Vancouver–Calgary corridor is one of Canada’s busiest inland freight routes. Spanning nearly 1,000 km, it connects the Port of Vancouver — Canada’s largest — with Alberta’s commercial hub.
There are several ways to approach Vancouver to Calgary freight shipping:
- Truck (FTL or LTL)
- Rail (intermodal)
- Hybrid truck + rail solutions
Each option varies in terms of cost, speed, and flexibility — and we’ll break them down below.
Vancouver to Calgary Drayage Services
If your container is arriving at the Port of Vancouver or a rail terminal, you’ll likely need drayage services to move it locally before starting the long-haul.
Vancouver to Calgary drayage services typically include:
- Port pickup and chassis provisioning
- Drayage to rail yards or transload facilities
- Container repositioning and empty returns
Efficient drayage reduces delays and ensures your freight leaves the city promptly.
Intermodal Container Delivery (Vancouver to Calgary)
For many shippers, intermodal container delivery from Vancouver to Calgary is the ideal blend of cost and control.
| Mode | Transit Time | Cost (CAD, est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rail Only | 2–4 days | $1,600–$2,100 | Reliable for bulk or long lead time |
| Truck Only | 1–2 days | $2,300–$3,200 | Fast, best for urgent freight |
Intermodal shipping uses the rail network for the long leg, and trucks for first/last mile — balancing economy and flexibility.
Logistics Company for Vancouver to Calgary
Looking for a logistics company Vancouver to Calgary? Choose a provider that offers:
- Container pickup at origin
- Secure transport and tracking
- Drayage and intermodal coordination
- Experienced handling of customs and permits (if cross-border)
Metropolitan Logistics offers all-inclusive container shipping packages with transparent pricing and real-time updates.
20ft and 40ft Container Shipping Vancouver to Calgary
Depending on your cargo, you’ll choose between:
20ft Container:
- Ideal for small moves or LCL (less-than-container-load)
- Volume: ~33 m³ | Max weight: ~25,000 kg
40ft Container:
- Great for full household or commercial freight
- Volume: ~67 m³ | Max weight: ~27,000 kg
20ft container shipping Vancouver to Calgary is cost-effective for smaller shipments, while 40ft container transport Vancouver Calgary suits bulk or high-volume loads.
Heavy Cargo Transport Vancouver to Calgary
Need to move oversized or dense cargo?
Heavy cargo transport Vancouver to Calgary requires special planning:
- Weight distribution compliance
- Axle-load limits on highways
- Specialized chassis or permits
Metropolitan Logistics handles heavy haul coordination, including over-dimensional route planning and escort vehicles (if required).
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Container from Vancouver to Calgary?
| Container | Mode | Est. Cost (CAD) |
| 20ft | Rail | $1,600–$2,100 |
| 20ft | Truck | $2,300–$3,000 |
| 40ft | Rail | $1,900–$2,600 |
| 40ft | Truck | $2,700–$3,400 |
Factors affecting cost:
- Container size and weight
- Transport mode (rail vs truck)
- Time of year (peak vs off-season)
- Fuel surcharges and tolls
Best Way to Transport Container from Vancouver to Calgary
So what’s the best way to transport container from Vancouver to Calgary?
- Choose truck if: you need fast, direct delivery
- Choose rail if: you want lower cost and longer lead time
- Choose hybrid if: you need flexibility and moderate speed
For most commercial clients, intermodal rail offers the best balance of cost and reliability.
Vancouver to Calgary Container Delivery Time
Here’s how long it usually takes:
| Mode | Transit Time |
| Rail | 2–4 days |
| Truck | 1–2 days |
| Hybrid | 2–3 days |
Vancouver to Calgary container delivery time depends on pickup/drop-off locations, availability, and weather — but early booking guarantees better results.
Secure Container Transport Between Vancouver and Calgary
Security is non-negotiable when transporting high-value or time-sensitive goods.
Secure container transport between Vancouver and Calgary includes:
- Sealed and locked containers
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Verified drivers with background clearance
- Insurance and compliance checks
At Metropolitan Logistics, all our shipments include monitoring and documentation from pickup to delivery.
✅ Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics?
We handle:
- Local drayage + cross-province delivery
- 20ft, 40ft, high-cube, and reefer containers
- Business relocations, warehousing, and freight consolidation
- Express truckload or scheduled rail service
With boots on the ground in Vancouver and Calgary, we make your container shipping simple and predictable.
📦 Ready to Book Your Vancouver to Calgary Delivery?
We offer:
- Flat-rate container pricing
- Fast quotes (under 1 hour)
- Port, rail, and city pickup options
