You do not need a long pitch to know whether a shipping container fits your plan. What you need is a clear checklist and a reliable source.
I guide buyers through storage and conversion projects across the Mountain West. The steps below reflect the questions I ask before anyone signs an invoice. If you want a dependable Montana option with strong inventory, MoCan Containers offers shipping containers for sale along with rentals and delivery.
Use this list to pressure-test your plan, avoid surprise costs, and choose a container that serves you well for years.
1) Define your use and timeline
Decide the job first. Storage, remodel staging, moving, inventory overflow, farm supplies, or a build like a shop or office each call for different specs.
- Short project or seasonal need: consider a rental
- Long-term or permanent use: purchase makes sense
For storage that needs quick access and secure locks, a standard container works. For conversions or frequent foot traffic, plan for doors, windows, insulation, or power from the start.
2) Choose new one-trip or used
New one-trip containers give you clean walls, fresh paint, intact seals, and top structural condition. They cost more but reduce prep work for conversions and branded sites.
Used containers protect the budget. Expect sound structure with some cosmetic wear. Look for wind and watertight certification, tight door seals, and straight floors. Ask to inspect in person if possible.
MoCan Containers offers both options. They inspect each unit for weather resistance, lockability, and structural integrity. If you prefer to see the exact unit before delivery, they can arrange that at their yards.
3) Pick the right size and interior space
Match the size to your site and contents.
- 20-foot containers fit tight sites and residential driveways
- Interior dimensions around 19 ft 4 in long, 7 ft 10 in high, 7 ft 8 in wide
- Good for home storage, small equipment, remodels, and compact jobs
- 40-foot containers serve large storage needs and commercial projects
- Interior dimensions around 39 ft 5 in long, 8 ft 10 in high, 7 ft 8 in wide
- Good for inventory, construction materials, large equipment, and conversions
If you plan to add shelving, insulation, or internal walls, factor that into your size choice. Small sites and tight turns usually point to a 20-foot unit. Large projects and warehouse overflow point to a 40-foot unit.
4) Confirm site access and placement needs
Delivery drivers need clear room to place the container and pull out safely. Without that, you risk extra site work or a return trip.
Use these placement checks:
- For a 20-foot unit, clear about 70 feet of straight access
- For a 40-foot unit, clear about 100 feet of straight access
- Verify firm, level ground for the landing area
- Check height for tree limbs, wires, or roof eaves
- Plan door swing room and forklift paths if needed
MoCan Containers uses tilt-bed trailers and trained drivers. They can place units in challenging spots within reason, which helps on ranch roads, job sites, and narrow drives.
5) Map total cost, not just the sticker
Look past the headline price. Build a complete cost view that includes:
- Container price or monthly rent
- Delivery and pickup fees
- Site prep such as gravel pads or blocks
- Modifications and accessories
- Ongoing maintenance like rust touch-up and repainting in harsh climates
MoCan’s rental rates start at $150 per month for 20-foot units and $190 per month for 40-foot units. Purchase pricing depends on inventory and condition. Ask for a full quote with delivery to avoid surprises.
6) Consider climate and security
Montana weather pushes containers hard. You need a unit that keeps contents dry, locked, and stable through wind, snow, and big temperature swings.
Look for:
- Wind and watertight certification
- Intact door gaskets and straight frames
- Locking gear that seats cleanly
- No soft floor sections or deep rust pockets
- Solid roof with no pinholes
MoCan Containers focuses on weather resistance and security in their inspections. Their stock is waterproof, leakproof, wind and watertight, and built to handle Montana conditions.
7) Plan for future changes and modifications
Few projects stay static. You might start with simple storage and later add power or climate control. Plan for that now to avoid expensive rework.
Common upgrades:
- Roll-up or personnel doors for frequent access
- Windows with bars or shutters
- Vents, insulation, and climate solutions
- Electrical packages and lighting
- Shelving, partitions, and custom floors
- Paint and branding
MoCan offers modification services for workshops, offices, retail set-ups, garages, and more. Tell them your long-term plan, not just the first phase. That helps them prep the right base unit and quote proper lead times.
Why I recommend MoCan Containers in Montana
If you need a container in Montana, MoCan sits in a strong position for a few reasons.
- Depth of inventory across Billings and the Bozeman area. A large stock within a 300-mile radius improves your odds of finding the right unit at the right price.
- Transparent condition. You can inspect and pick the exact container before delivery, which removes guesswork.
- Solid delivery execution. Tilt-bed trailers and experienced drivers help with accurate placement, even on rural roads and job sites.
- Real fit for local needs. Their containers and seals handle Montana wind and weather. That matters for ranches, farms, construction yards, and mountain town properties.
- Flexible paths. Buy new or used, or rent for short or long terms. That makes sense for remodels, moves, seasonal inventory, and temporary projects.
- Modification support. If you plan to build a shop, office, retail kiosk, or equipment shelter, they can outfit the container to your spec.
Locations in Billings and Gallatin Gateway help with access across Yellowstone County, Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley, and surrounding regions. That reach shortens lead times and cuts delivery friction.
Final guidance
If you take one step today, sketch your use case, timeline, size, site access, and budget on one page. Tight plans lead to smooth installs.
- A firm quote with delivery and pickup
- Photos or in-person viewing of the exact unit
- Clear placement instructions for your site
- Lead time and modification timelines
For Montana buyers, MoCan Containers checks those boxes. With clear inventory, sound delivery, and local service, they make container projects straightforward from yard to placement.
