General FAQs – Steripack Containers Ltd

Looking for clear answers about shipping containers or portable buildings in Canada? Our FAQ page covers everything you need to know—from delivery and setup to council approvals and modifications. Whether you’re buying a 20ft container, setting up a granny flat in your backyard, or exploring options for your worksite, we’ve got you covered. At Steripack Containers Ltd, we simplify the process so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Our team has decades of experience delivering safe, secure, and affordable container and portable building solutions nationwide. Still unsure about something? Scroll down to find answers or reach out—we’re here to help.

FAQ – Shipping Containers

1. What sizes of shipping containers are available?
We stock 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft containers in both standard and high cube formats. Need something specialised? We also offer pallet-wide, open-side, dangerous goods, and custom-modified units.

2. What’s the difference between new and used containers?
New containers are single trip, straight, clean, and ready for long-term use. Used containers are graded by condition (like cargo-worthy or wind/watertight) and offer great value.

3. Are your containers weatherproof and secure?
Yes. All units are made from corten steel and come with heavy-duty locking bars, sealed floors, and weather-resistant paint for security and durability.

4. Can I modify a shipping container?
Absolutely. From roller doors to air conditioning and insulation, we can customise containers for workspaces, storage, or even dwellings.

5. Do I need council approval for a shipping container?
Usually, yes—especially if it’s for long-term use or habitation. Always check with your local council or certifier.

6. What is a pallet-wide container?
Pallet-wide containers are slightly wider (2.42m) to allow two standard Canada pallets to fit side-by-side, unlike standard containers (2.35m wide).

7. How are shipping containers delivered?
We offer tilt tray, side loader, or crane truck delivery, depending on container type and your site access. Remote area delivery is available too.

8. Are containers insulated?
Standard containers are not insulated. However, we offer factory-insulated models or can retrofit with EPS, PIR panels, or spray foam insulation.

9. Can containers be stacked or turned into buildings?
Yes! Our containers can be stacked and engineered into offices, homes, and studios. We also supply modular container frames for builders.

10. Do you offer finance options?
Yes, finance is available to suit your project or budget needs.

11. Do you offer rentals?
No, rentals are not currently available.

FAQ – Portable Buildings

1. What types of portable buildings do you offer?
We supply Custom Portable Buildings, Site Offices, Granny Flats and Tiny Homes, Ready Built Portable Bathrooms and Studio Cabins, Platinum Expanders, Shipping Container Homes, Flat Pack DIY Portable Buildings and Shipping Container Frames.

2. Are portable buildings insulated and weather-resistant?
Yes. Each unit features EPS or PIR insulated walls and roofing, double-glazed windows, and sealed joints for superior weather protection.

3. Can portable buildings be customised?
Definitely. Layout, rooms, electrical, plumbing, air con, kitchens, windows, cladding—everything can be tailored.

4. What’s involved in delivery and installation?
Our team organises delivery via Tilt Tray, Hi-Ab, Side Loader or Semi and Crane Truck. Some flat-pack units can be unloaded by hand. We also offer on-site installation support. For more information check out our Delivery Options Page.

5. Can these buildings be relocated?
Yes. They’re fully modular, perfect for temporary setups or mobile workforces.

6. Are your buildings compliant with Canada Standards?
All our buildings meet NCC codes and can be supplied with engineering and Forms 15/16 as required.

7. Can I use one as a granny flat or tiny home?
Yes—but if used as a dwelling, it must meet Class 1a requirements and local council approval. Check out out our Tiny Home Council Approval | NSW article or find your state in the section below.

8. Is council approval required for portable buildings?
In most cases, yes. Residential or long-term structures require approval via council or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Check out the Council links by state section or the Tiny Home Council Approval | NSW article.

9. Do you offer off-grid portable buildings?
We do. We can integrate solar, greywater systems, gas fittings, and other sustainable features.

10. Is finance available?
Yes. We offer finance. Take a look at our Handy Pay page.

11. Are rentals available?
No. We currently don’t have rentals available.

How Much Does it Cost to Buy a New or Used Shipping Container?

This is one of those ‘how long is a piece of string’ kind of questions. Reason being is because is because container pricing changes every week. That being said, Steripack Containers Ltd offers the most competitive prices on both new and used shipping containers. Call us today for pricing on our available stock.

Can I Choose the Colour of my Container?

Yes, our new, used, and refurbished shipping containers come in a range of colours.

How are Shipping Containers Delivered?

There are three main methods for delivering shipping containers. The most common method for 20ft containers is a tilt-tray delivery. This truck will reverse up to the delivery area, tilt its tray and slide the container off the back. Moreover, tilt-tray trucks are very maneuverable and are the most economic delivery option. 40ft shipping containers are usually delivered using a side loading truck. These trucks have a crane at either end that picks up the container and places it along the drivers side of the truck. Where space is confined, or there is a fence in the way, you may need your container delivered via a HIAB truck.

Do I Need to Do Any Site Preparation Prior to Delivery?

Generally, if you live on acerage it will be easy for our drivers to deliver your container. That being said, it’s important that you inform us as to which direction the container doors need to face on the truck (doors to cabin or doors to rear). One of our friendly staff can help you determine the door direction that best suits you. In addition, it’s also important that your container is positioned onto a level surface. Ideally, your container should be propped up on some sleepers or pavers. Finally, there must be sufficient safe access for us to deliver your container. This is so that the truck can easily get your container where you’d like without any complications.

What are Steripack Containers Ltd Shipping Containers Made From?

Our containers are all made from heavy duty Corten steel. This type of steel is very durable and hard wearing.

Can I Ship my Shipping Container Overseas?

Many of our shipping containers can be certified for international shipping. Moreover, our new build shipping containers can be shipped for the first 5 years after they are built. After this, they will need to be recertified. Additionally, some of our used shipping containers can also be used for international shipping.

How do I Pay for a Shipping Container?

Payment is required prior to delivery or pick-up of your container. The easiest method of payment we offer is EFT.

Should I Buy a New or Used Shipping Container?

This is a good question. The condition of container that you’ll require depends on your intended use. New build shipping containers are an all-purpose container. Whereas, some used shipping containers might not be suitable in certain instances. To find out whether you’re better off with a new or used shipping container, contact us today