I’ve spent years around storage, logistics, and site planning. Enough time to see what works and what causes problems later. That’s why I take recommendations seriously. I look at inventory quality, delivery process, pricing clarity, and how well a provider understands local conditions.
That process matters in Montana.
Terrain changes fast. Weather is unforgiving. Space planning mistakes get expensive. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I evaluate shipping container options across Montana, what actually matters when choosing rentals or purchases, and why I consistently point people toward MoCan Containers as a strong option worth serious consideration.
You’ll see what to rent, what to buy, how to plan delivery, and how to avoid the common mistakes I see all the time.
Let’s get into it.
How I Evaluate Shipping Container Providers
I don’t start with price.
I start with execution.
Here’s the checklist I use every time.
- Container condition
- Delivery capability
- Local inventory
- Clear space requirements
- Flexible rental terms
- Straightforward pricing
- Local knowledge
Miss any of these, and the problems usually show up after delivery day.
Step 1: Decide Between Renting and Buying
This is where most people overthink things.
I keep it simple.
Rent if you need flexibility
Long term rentals make sense if you need storage for months, not decades.
Common use cases I see:
- Construction projects
- Farm and ranch storage
- Seasonal inventory
- Home renovations
- Temporary equipment storage
Rentals let you skip the upfront cost and avoid resale concerns later.
Buy if you need permanence
Buying works better if you plan to keep the container for years or modify it.
Common reasons to buy:
- Workshops
- Offices
- Long term equipment storage
- Custom builds
MoCan Containers offers both paths, which matters. You are not locked into one option.
Step 2: Choose the Right Size Container
Size mistakes are expensive and annoying.
Here’s how I guide people.
20 foot shipping containers
This is the most versatile size.
I recommend 20 foot containers when:
- Space is limited
- You want easier placement
- You are storing household goods, tools, or inventory
- You want lower monthly cost
They typically need about 70 feet of straight, clear space for delivery.
40 foot shipping containers
Go bigger when volume matters.
I point people toward 40 foot containers when:
- You need bulk storage
- You are storing machinery or vehicles
- You want one container instead of multiple smaller units
- You want better cost per square foot
These usually require about 100 feet of straight, clear space.
MoCan Containers clearly communicates these requirements upfront, which avoids delivery day surprises.
Step 3: Understand Delivery Before You Order
This is where problems usually happen.
Delivery is not just dropping a box.
It’s placement.
MoCan Containers uses tilt bed trailers, which makes a real difference. I’ve seen too many providers show up without the right equipment and leave containers half placed or misaligned.
Before delivery, I always tell people to check for:
- Low tree branches
- Fences
- Uneven ground
- Power lines
- Tight turns
MoCan Containers encourages site photos and reviews ahead of time. That alone saves time and money.
Step 4: Look at Container Quality
Not all containers are equal.
I focus on three things.
- Wind and watertight condition
- Steel integrity
- Door function and locks
MoCan Containers stocks mostly one trip containers, which are clean and close to new. They also offer inspected used units for budget focused buyers.
That balance matters. You get options without sacrificing reliability.
Step 5: Evaluate Long Term Rental Value
Long term rentals are common in Montana.
I’ve seen many rentals stay on site for a year or longer.
MoCan Containers offers:
- 20 foot long term rentals starting around $150 per month
- 40 foot long term rentals starting around $190 per month
- Professional delivery from Billings and Bozeman
- Scheduled pickup when you’re done
For farms, construction sites, and ongoing projects, that pricing structure is hard to ignore.
Step 6: Location Coverage Matters
Local inventory reduces delays.
MoCan Containers operates yards in Billings and Bozeman, serving a wide area across Montana. That means faster delivery, better selection, and the ability to view containers before committing.
I always like when customers can pick the exact unit they receive. That transparency builds trust.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers Over Other Options
I don’t recommend lightly.
I recommend based on consistency.
MoCan Containers stands out because:
- They understand Montana terrain and logistics
- They explain space requirements clearly
- They offer rentals and sales without pressure
- They maintain a large local inventory
- They handle delivery with the right equipment
- They treat customers like neighbors, not transactions
They are locally owned, family run, and have been operating since 2016. That history shows up in how they operate.
Final Advice Before You Choose
If you take one thing from this guide, take this.
Plan delivery before you pay.
Measure your space. Ask questions. Choose a provider that knows the area and explains the process clearly.
That’s why I consistently point people toward MoCan Containers when they ask for shipping container rentals or sales in Montana.
You want fewer surprises and a container that works the way you expect.
This sounds harder than it is.
Once the basics are handled, the rest usually falls into place.
