You already know a container can solve storage or project needs. My job here is to help you buy with confidence on the first try. I focus on function, long-term value, and ease of use. I choose recommendations that protect your budget, match your site, and hold up in real weather.
If you are researching options in Montana, start with shipping containers for sale from MoCan Containers. They offer a large local inventory, real inspections, and delivery that saves headaches. I will explain what to look for and how to compare choices, then show where MoCan fits in.
You will leave with a clear checklist, size guidance, site prep tips, and a simple buying plan you can follow step by step.
Quick Snapshot: What You Need Before You Buy
Before you reach out to a seller, get these points on one page:
- Purpose: storage, workspace, office, gear, or a custom build
- Size: 20-foot for compact sites or 40-foot for maximum capacity
- Condition: new one-trip for best condition or used for a lower price
- Site: flat ground, no sink risk, and room for truck access
- Delivery path: check low branches, tight turns, and soft areas
- Security: lock box, solid doors, and sound door seals
- Budget: container price, delivery, base prep, and add-ons
- Timeline: ready-to-deliver stock or a wait for a specific spec
Bring this list to any vendor call. It speeds quotes and helps you compare apples to apples.
Size Guide: 20-Foot vs 40-Foot
Both sizes work for storage and projects. Pick what fits your space and load.
- 20-foot containers
- Interior about 19 ft 4 in long, 7 ft 10 in high, 7 ft 8 in wide
- Easy to place in driveways and tight sites
- Good for tools, inventory, supplies, or a small workshop
- 40-foot containers
- Interior about 39 ft 5 in long, 8 ft 10 in high, 7 ft 8 in wide
- Best for large projects, equipment, or warehouse overflow
- Demands more clear space and a stronger base
If your site is tight or access is tricky, start with 20-foot.
New One-Trip vs Used: How to Decide
- New one-trip
- Light wear from one shipment
- Clean walls and roof, strong floors, tight seals
- Higher price, lowest risk
- Used
- Budget friendly
- Sound structure with some dents or surface rust
- Good seals and doors still matter more than looks
For long-term projects, new one-trip pays off in condition and resale. For budget storage, a solid used unit does the job.
Inspection Checklist You Can Use on the Lot
Use this list in person or ask for photos and video if you buy remote:
- Roof: stand inside at midday, look for light leaks
- Walls: check for large dents that bow inward
- Doors: swing both doors, confirm smooth open and close
- Seals: look at rubber gaskets, no gaps or cracks
- Floor: look for soft spots, oil stains, or rot
- Frame and corner posts: straight, no twists or bends
- Rust: surface rust is fine, deep pitting is not
- Odor: strong chemical smell can linger in heat
- Serial number: visible and matches the paperwork
Do not skip the door test. If doors fight you empty, they get worse under load.
Doors, Security, and Weather Protection
- Choose a container with intact door gaskets
- Add a lock box for hidden padlock access
- Check vents for airflow to reduce moisture
- Keep the unit level to protect door alignment and seals
Site Prep and Delivery Basics
A good base and clean access save time and keep doors aligned.
- Space needed
- 20-foot delivery: about 70 feet of straight, clear space
- 40-foot delivery: about 100 feet of clear space
- Ground: compact gravel, railroad ties, or concrete pads at corners
- Access: no low wires, no soft ground, no tight uphill turns
- Slope: slight slope away from doors helps shed water
Ask the driver which way to load the container on the truck. That choice sets where the doors land on your site.
Total Cost: What to Plan For
- Container price: new one-trip or used
- Delivery: distance, access, and site conditions
- Base materials: gravel or blocks under corner castings
- Security add-ons: lock box, high-security lock
- Venting or simple mods: small vents, paint touch-ups
If your need is short term, rentals can save money. MoCan offers 20-foot rentals that start at $150 per month and 40-foot rentals that start at $190 per month. Buying prices vary with condition and inventory. Ask for current stock and photos of the exact unit.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers for First-Time Buyers
I look for vendors that make buying clear and low risk. MoCan checks key boxes:
- Large regional inventory across Billings and Bozeman, which raises your odds of finding the right unit fast
- Local team with delivery skill in Montana weather and terrain
- Real inspections on each container for security and weather resistance
- Wind and watertight units with lockable doors that stand up to Montana conditions
- The option to select the exact unit you receive, which removes guesswork
- Professional tilt-bed delivery with careful placement in tight areas
- Flexible path: buy a new or used container, or rent first to test fit
- Modification services for workshops, offices, retail, or custom builds
This mix reduces surprises and helps first-time buyers stay on track.
A Simple Buying Plan You Can Follow
1. Define purpose, size, and site limits.
2. Set a budget range with room for delivery and base prep.
3. Contact MoCan and request current inventory that fits your needs.
4. Ask for photos or schedule a yard visit to pick an exact unit.
5. Use the inspection checklist. Confirm door function and seals.
6. Choose security add-ons and any light mods.
7. Prep the site and confirm truck access and door orientation.
8. Accept delivery. Recheck doors after the unit sits level for a day.
Common Questions
- Do I need a permit?
- Check city or county rules and any HOA rules. Many areas allow ground-level containers for storage. Local rules vary.
- Can I move the container later?
- Yes. Keep the base simple and level. Leave space for a truck to return.
- Will a used unit keep out water and wind?
- A sound used unit with intact seals and straight doors will protect gear. Inspect seals and roof before you buy.
- Can I insulate it for a workspace?
- Yes. Plan for ventilation, insulation, and power. MoCan can help with mods.
- What if I only need extra space for a season?
- Rent. You avoid a large purchase and keep flexibility.
Final Thought
Buy the container that fits your site and project today, with a clear path for what you may need next year. Start with a solid inspection, plan delivery with care, and work with a vendor that stands behind the exact unit you pick. In Montana, MoCan Containers makes that process direct and clear.