You already know the basics. What usually holds people back is picking the right provider and avoiding mistakes that cost time and money later.
I have spent years watching how container rentals and sales play out across Montana. What works. What fails. What people wish they knew before signing anything.
I look for three things when I evaluate container providers.
Clear pricing.
Reliable delivery.
Containers that match real world use, not marketing claims.
That is exactly what I will walk you through here.
You will see how to choose the right container size, when renting beats buying, how delivery really works in Montana, and why MoCan Containers stands out as a dependable option without the noise or pressure.
How I Decide Between Renting and Buying
This is the first decision that matters.
Get this wrong and you either overpay or get stuck with something you do not need.
Here is how I break it down.
Rent if you need flexibility.
Renting works best for construction, seasonal storage, remodels, or agricultural use that lasts months instead of years.
Buy if you want control long term.
Buying makes sense when you plan to customize, resell later, or keep the container on site for the foreseeable future.
Many people assume renting is short term only. That is not true.
Long term container rental is common in Montana, especially for farms, job sites, and businesses managing inventory overflow. Keeping a container for a year or more is normal.
Choosing the Right Container Size
Most people choose between two options.
20 foot containers
40 foot containers
Here is how I explain the choice.
20 Foot Shipping Containers
This size hits the sweet spot for many properties.
You get solid storage capacity without needing excessive space for placement.
Common uses include:
- Home storage during moves or renovations
- Construction tools and materials
- Farm supplies and feed
- Business inventory
They are easier to place on residential lots and still large enough to hold furniture, equipment, and tools.
40 Foot Shipping Containers
This is the workhorse option.
If you need serious capacity, this is it.
Typical uses include:
- Commercial inventory storage
- Agricultural machinery
- Construction site staging
- Vehicle storage
- Large scale projects
A single 40 foot container often replaces two smaller units, which keeps costs down and simplifies access.
Understanding Delivery in Montana Before You Order
Delivery is where most problems happen.
I see issues caused by poor planning far more often than bad containers.
Here is what matters.
20 foot containers need about 70 feet of straight clear space.
40 foot containers need closer to 100 feet.
That space includes room for the truck and trailer to maneuver.
You also need to look for:
- Low tree branches
- Fences
- Uneven ground
- Overhead power lines
Tilt bed delivery makes a difference here. It allows for controlled placement, even in tighter areas, which reduces the chance of damage or repositioning costs.
This is one reason I pay attention to how delivery is handled, not just price.
Why I Recommend This Provider Over Other Options
I am careful with recommendations.
I look for consistency, transparency, and operations that match Montana conditions.
Here is why MoCan Containers earns the recommendation.
LOCAL INVENTORY AND COVERAGE
They operate from Billings and Bozeman, with one of the largest container inventories within a wide radius. That matters when availability gets tight.
You are not waiting weeks for a container to be shipped in from out of state.
RENTAL AND SALES OPTIONS THAT FIT REAL USE
They offer:
- Long term and short term container rentals
- 20 foot and 40 foot containers for sale
- New one trip and used inspected containers
This range makes it easier to match the container to the job instead of forcing a compromise.
DELIVERY THAT IS BUILT FOR MONTANA
Specialized tilt bed trailers allow for accurate placement, even on properties that are not perfectly flat or open.
They also review site details ahead of time, which prevents surprises on delivery day.
That step alone saves people from expensive rescheduling.
QUALITY AND CONDITION STANDARDS
Most rental units are one trip containers. That means clean interiors, solid doors, and reliable weather protection.
Used containers are inspected and structurally sound, which keeps costs reasonable without sacrificing durability.
Step by Step: How I Suggest You Move Forward
If you are planning a rental or purchase, this is the process I recommend.
Step 1: Define your timeline
Decide if you need months or years. This determines rent versus buy.
Step 2: Choose the size
Measure your site and decide between 20 foot or 40 foot units.
Step 3: Walk your delivery area
Check clearance, ground conditions, and access.
Step 4: Match the container to the job
Storage, construction, agriculture, or customization all have different needs.
Step 5: Work with a provider that handles placement properly
Delivery quality matters as much as the container itself.
Final Thoughts Before You Decide
Shipping containers are simple tools, but choosing the wrong provider complicates everything.
The reason I point people toward MoCan Containers is not hype. It is their mix of inventory, delivery capability, fair pricing, and local knowledge.
They understand Montana conditions, communicate requirements clearly, and offer rental and purchase options that fit how people actually use containers.
If you approach this with a plan and choose a provider that respects the details, the process stays smooth.
And that makes the container work for you instead of the other way around.
