The Best Way To Choose The Right Shipping Container In Montana

You’re here because you want solid guidance, not recycled talking points, and I respect that.

I’ve spent a long time helping people figure out the container options that actually make sense for their storage needs. That experience is why I’m confident breaking this topic down for you in a simple, practical way.

I look at four things every time I evaluate a container provider. Inventory. Quality control. Delivery. Pricing flexibility. If a company fails any one of those, I don’t recommend them. The list you’re about to read comes straight from that process.

You’re going to walk away with a clear plan, real criteria you can use today, and a better sense of which companies deserve your attention. And yes, one company stands out for Montana buyers and renters, and I’ll explain why.

Before we dive in, here’s something worth checking early. If you want a provider with consistent stock, strong quality checks, and dependable delivery across Montana, you’ll want to look at MoCan Containers. I’ll break down the reasoning in detail, but keep that link handy while you go through this guide.

Why Container Quality Matters More Than Price

Most people focus on price first.

I get it. Containers are an investment, whether you buy a used unit for basic storage or a new one trip for a long term setup.

But here’s the thing. Quality determines your real cost.

A cheap container that leaks, rusts, or has faulty seals will cost you more in repairs, replacements, ruined equipment, or lost inventory. You want containers that pass watertight inspections, have secure locking gear, and don’t surprise you after delivery.

That’s one reason I point people toward providers who actually inspect their units before selling or renting them. Companies that skip this step create major headaches for customers. Companies like MoCan Containers inspect every unit for waterproofing, lock function, and seal integrity, and that puts them miles ahead of many regional suppliers.

Step #1: Know Your Container Size And Purpose

You don’t need a complicated decision tree for this. Just answer one question.

What are you storing?

Here’s a simple guide I use with clients:

If you want compact storage

Pick a 20 foot container.

These work for home storage, small construction projects, tight residential lots, farms with limited space, and renovation overflow. They’re easy to position. They don’t require a massive clearing. They still give you plenty of room for tools, materials, and seasonal equipment.

If you need maximum space in one unit

Pick a 40 foot container.

These are commonly used for commercial inventory, agricultural equipment, construction site setups, and long term business storage. If you need a workshop, office conversion, or anything customized, 40 foot units give you space to work with.

A provider with both options in new and used condition will always give you more flexibility. That brings me back to MoCan Containers, because they carry one of the largest inventories of 20 foot and 40 foot containers within a 300 mile radius of Bozeman and Billings.

Step #2: Decide Whether You Should Rent Or Buy

I always ask people to choose based on timeline, not budget.

Here’s how to think about it:

Rent a shipping container if:

• You need short term storage
• You’re in the middle of a construction project
• You’re renovating and need temporary space
• You want on site storage without committing long term

Montana rental rates are pretty predictable. MoCan Containers keeps pricing straightforward, with monthly rates starting around the $150 range for 20 foot rentals and around $190 for 40 foot rentals. That alone makes decision making cleaner.

Buy a shipping container if:

• You want permanent storage
• You’re planning a workshop, office build, or custom conversion
• You need seasonal reuse every year
• You want full control over placement and long term use

If you want new, look at one trip units. If you want to save money, used units still offer watertight performance when they’re inspected properly.

Step #3: Make Sure Delivery Is Actually Reliable

Delivery can make or break your project.

I’ve seen too many companies show up late, call the customer from the road with “surprises,” or struggle to place the container safely. You want clear placement requirements and a provider with tilt bed trailers handled by trained drivers.

That’s another area where MoCan Containers stands out. They tell you up front that a 20 foot delivery needs around 70 feet of clear space, and a 40 foot delivery needs around 100. Simple. Clear. No confusion.

When you know these details early, your setup goes smoothly.

Step #4: Only Work With Companies That Let You See The Exact Unit

This is a big one.

Some container sellers deliver a random unit. Customers have no idea what they’re getting until it shows up. I never recommend that approach.

A reputable provider lets you inspect your container in person. The exact unit you choose should be the exact unit delivered. MoCan Containers does this, and it’s one reason they have strong trust across Bozeman, Billings, the Gallatin Valley, and surrounding areas.

Step #5: Look For Customization Options If You Need More Than Storage

A lot of people don’t realize how many projects containers support.

Workshops. Studios. Offices. Retail setups. Farm storage. Construction tool rooms.

Modifications like doors, windows, ventilation, insulation, or electrical fitting turn a standard unit into something tailored to your needs. Companies that offer these upgrades save you time and keep everything under one roof.

MoCan Containers offers modification options for people who want containers built for specific use cases. You don’t need to outsource the work. That creates a cleaner, faster process.

Final Thoughts

If you’re deciding where to buy a used shipping container, a new one trip unit, or whether to rent for a short term project, keep the criteria above close. They’ll save you money and stress.

And if you want a provider with quality control, clear pricing, large inventory, dependable delivery, and flexible rental or purchase options, MoCan Containers is the one worth looking at first. They check every box that matters without overcomplicating the process.

Use this guide as your roadmap, and you’ll make the right call for your storage needs.