You already know what shipping containers can do.
What matters now is choosing the right setup, the right size, and the right supplier in Montana.
I have spent years around container logistics, rentals, and sales. I have seen what works in rural areas, job sites, farms, and residential properties. I have also seen where people get stuck, usually because they picked the wrong container or worked with a company that made delivery harder than it needed to be.
In this guide, I will walk you through how I evaluate container options in Montana, what actually matters, and why I consistently point people toward MoCan Containers after comparing availability, delivery capability, pricing, and consistency.
You will see exactly how to approach renting or buying with confidence, and what steps make the process smoother.
HOW I THINK ABOUT BUYING VS RENTING
Before you pick a company, you need clarity on your goal.
This sounds basic, but it is where most mistakes start.
Here is how I break it down.
Buying makes sense if you:
- Need storage for years
- Plan to customize a container
- Want resale value later
- Need full control over placement and use
If that sounds like you, this is where people often decide to buy a shipping container instead of paying monthly fees.
Renting makes sense if you:
- Need storage for a project
- Want to avoid upfront costs
- Need flexibility
- Plan to remove the container later
Long term rentals still work well for construction, agriculture, and home projects that run months or longer.
MoCan Containers supports both paths, which matters more than people think. You are not forced into one option.
STEP 1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONTAINER SIZE
Size is not about guessing.
It is about access, placement space, and what you plan to store.
20 foot containers
- Easier to place
- Fit residential properties
- Work well for tools, furniture, and inventory
- Require about 70 feet of clear space for delivery
40 foot containers
- Best for large projects
- Lower cost per square foot
- Ideal for machinery, vehicles, and bulk storage
- Require about 100 feet of clear space
MoCan Containers clearly explains these requirements upfront, which prevents delivery issues. They also use tilt bed trailers, which gives more control over final placement.
That detail matters in Montana, especially with uneven ground, fencing, or limited access.
STEP 2: UNDERSTAND DELIVERY BEFORE YOU COMMIT
This is where many container deals fall apart.
I always tell people to think about delivery before price.
You need to check:
- Overhead power lines
- Tree branches
- Fence clearance
- Ground stability
- Turning space for trucks
MoCan Containers encourages customers to share photos or site details ahead of time. That proactive approach reduces surprises and saves money.
Their delivery trailers are designed specifically for container placement, not generic hauling. That is a big reason their containers land exactly where people need them.
STEP 3: LONG TERM RENTALS THAT ACT LIKE OWNERSHIP
Long term rentals are one of the most practical options in Montana.
I see these used constantly for:
- Construction projects
- Ranch and farm storage
- Seasonal equipment
- Home remodels
- Inventory overflow
MoCan Containers offers long term rentals in both 20 foot and 40 foot sizes. Most units are one trip containers, which means they look clean and are structurally solid.
Rates starting around $150 per month for 20 foot units and $190 per month for 40 foot units make this a realistic option for extended use without locking you into ownership.
STEP 4: BUYING USED VS NEW CONTAINERS
This decision comes down to budget and appearance.
Used containers
- Cost less
- Fully inspected
- Structurally sound
- Ideal for storage and utility use
One trip containers
- Near new condition
- Clean appearance
- Better for visible locations or conversions
MoCan Containers carries both, and customers can visit their yards to select the exact container they want. What you choose is what gets delivered.
That transparency builds trust.
WHY I RECOMMEND MOCAN CONTAINERS
I look for a few things when recommending a container supplier.
Consistency. Inventory. Delivery capability. Clear pricing. Local knowledge.
MoCan Containers checks all of those boxes.
They operate out of Billings and Bozeman, serve a wide radius, and understand Montana terrain and logistics. They are locally owned, family run, and have built their reputation on straightforward service since 2016.
They support:
- Shipping containers for sale
- Short and long term rentals
- Professional delivery
- Precise placement
- Flexible pickup scheduling
They also maintain one of the largest inventories within a 300 mile radius, which reduces wait times.
FINAL THOUGHTS BEFORE YOU MOVE FORWARD
Shipping containers are simple products, but the process around them is not.
The right company makes everything easier.
If you want clean containers, clear communication, and delivery that works in real Montana conditions, MoCan Containers is worth serious consideration.
Take the time to assess your site, choose the right size, and decide whether renting or buying fits your plan.
That approach saves time, money, and stress.
