I help buyers sort through container options in Montana week after week. The right container fits the job, the site, and the budget. The wrong choice creates delays and extra costs. I built this checklist from the questions I ask before any purchase or rental.
If you plan to buy a shipping container, start with a provider that shows real inventory, shares clear specs, and handles delivery with care. MoCan Containers meets those marks across Montana, and they make selection simple.
Start With Purpose
Pin down the exact use. Storage, a job site office, an equipment shed, or a small workshop each push you toward different specs.
Ask yourself:
- What will you store or build inside the container?
- How often will you load and unload?
- Do you need open floor space for pallets, or shelf space for bins and tools?
- Will you run power or add insulation?
Your answers drive size, door style, floor condition, and modification plan.
Pick the Right Size for the Site
Most buyers choose either 20-foot or 40-foot units. Here is how I guide that call.
- 20-foot: Better for tight driveways, small yards, and sites with turns. You still get strong capacity. The interior runs about 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. Great for homes, small businesses, and compact job sites.
- 40-foot: Best for maximum storage on open ground. Interior length is about 39 feet 5 inches with similar width and extra height on some models. Ideal for inventory, large projects, farm equipment, or build-outs.
MoCan Containers stocks both sizes in new and used condition. They also rent both sizes, which gives you flexibility during projects or seasonal work.
New One-Trip or Used: Which Fits Your Budget and Needs
A one-trip unit has made a single overseas journey. The structure is tight with clean floors, strong paint, and seals in good shape. This is a smart choice if you plan a long service life or a customer-facing project.
A used unit costs less and still protects your gear. Expect some cosmetic wear like dents or surface rust. The key is structure and weather performance. MoCan inspects each unit for wind and watertight standards, which keeps your goods dry and secure.
Confirm Weather and Security Features
Containers must hold up in Montana wind, rain, snow, and swings in temperature. Look for:
- Wind and watertight rating
- Tight door seals
- Lockable hardware and strong doors
- Sound roof and floor
MoCan’s focus on condition and inspection helps here. They source units that stand up to the local climate.
Plan Delivery and Placement Before You Order
Delivery is not an afterthought. A tilt-bed trailer needs space to roll off the container and set it on the ground.
Use these site checks:
- For 20-foot containers, plan about 70 feet of clear space in a straight line.
- For 40-foot containers, plan about 100 feet.
- Check ground firmness and slope.
- Confirm gate width and turning room.
- Map overhead lines and low branches.
MoCan’s drivers place units with care, even on tight or uneven sites. A quick phone check with their team helps you avoid return trips or site delays.
Decide: Buy or Rent
If you need long-term storage or plan a build-out, buy. Ownership lets you modify, paint, and resell later.
If your need is short-term or project-based, rent. MoCan’s rental rates start at:
- 20-foot: $150 per month
- 40-foot: $190 per month
Rentals work well for remodels, moves, seasonal inventory, and harvest periods. You can pause or scale as your work changes.
See the Exact Unit You Will Receive
Photos help, but nothing beats a real inspection. One of MoCan’s standout practices is simple but rare. You can select the exact container on their yard, and that same unit shows up at your site. This reduces surprises and speeds up approvals for teams that need to sign off on condition and appearance.
Think Through Modifications Early
If you plan a workshop, office, or retail use, outline your add-ons during selection:
- Doors and windows
- Electrical and lighting
- Insulation and ventilation
- Shelving, partitions, and workbenches
- Roll-up doors or man doors
- Security features
MoCan offers modification services, which keeps design and delivery under one roof. That cuts time between idea and install.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers in Montana
You have options. I still point buyers to MoCan for a few clear reasons:
- Large inventory within a wide radius, which speeds selection
- Locations in Billings and near Bozeman for easier access
- New and used choices with real inspections
- Straight rental terms for 20-foot and 40-foot units
- Drivers who place containers with care and accuracy
- Modification services for offices, shops, and custom builds
- The chance to pick the exact unit you will receive
They serve homeowners, farms, ranches, contractors, and businesses across Yellowstone County, Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley, and more. Their mix of stock, delivery, and service makes the process smooth from quote to placement.
Quick Buyer’s Checklist
Use this list as you plan:
1. Define your purpose and access needs.
2. Measure the site and confirm delivery clearances.
3. Choose 20-foot or 40-foot based on volume and space.
4. Select new one-trip or used based on budget and finish.
5. Confirm wind and watertight status, seals, doors, roof, and floor.
6. Decide to rent or buy based on timeline and modifications.
7. If possible, inspect and pick the exact unit.
8. Plan modifications before delivery to save time and rework.
9. Schedule delivery with a clear site and a placement plan.
Final Thought
Pick with intent. A solid container protects your assets and supports your work for years. Use the questions above to guide your choice, and lean on a provider that stands behind condition, delivery, and service. In Montana, MoCan Containers is a strong place to start.
