Buying a steel container looks simple until the truck arrives and the unit does not fit your driveway, or the doors face the wrong direction. I have studied how Montana buyers choose containers, and most problems start with decisions made before the purchase.
This guide walks you through size, condition, site space, delivery, and price. I judged sellers on five points: inventory, inspection standards, delivery method, price clarity, and local roots. If you are shopping for cargo containers for sale in Montana, these points will help you compare your options and spend your money with confidence.
By the end, you will know what to measure, what to ask, and why I point Montana buyers toward MoCan Containers.
Start With What You Plan to Store
Before you look at any container, write down what will go inside. Your list decides the size, the condition, and the budget.
Montana buyers use containers for many jobs:
- Extra storage at home during a move or remodel
- Tools, equipment, and supplies at a construction site
- Feed, seed, and machinery on a farm or ranch
- Seasonal inventory for a business
- Workshops, garages, studios, and small retail shops
If you plan to turn the container into a space you will work in, tell the seller. Some sellers offer custom changes, and it is easier to plan those before you buy.
Choose the Right Size
Two sizes cover most needs: 20-foot and 40-foot. Smaller 10-foot and 8-foot units may be available, depending on inventory.
The 20-Foot Container
This size fits in tight places such as driveways, yards, and small job sites. It suits moderate storage, home projects, and small business inventory.
- Inside length: 19 feet 4 inches
- Inside height: 7 feet 10 inches
- Inside width: 7 feet 8 inches
- Delivery space needed: about 70 feet of straight, clear room
The 40-Foot Container
This is the largest single unit you can buy. It fits large equipment, bulk materials, and high-volume storage for businesses and farms.
- Inside dimensions: 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, 7 feet 8 inches wide
- Outside dimensions: 40 feet long, 9 feet 6 inches high, 8 feet wide
- Door opening: 7 feet 8 inches wide by 8 feet 5 inches high
- Tare weight: about 8,600 pounds, which may vary
- Height options: 9 feet 6 inches, or 8 feet 6 inches when available
- Delivery space needed: about 100 feet of straight, clear room, plus space for the truck and trailer to turn
I tell buyers to compare the cost of one 40-foot unit with the cost of several small ones. A single large container can cost less than renting multiple small ones, and it holds good resale value.
Decide Between New and Used
New containers are called one-trip containers. They arrive with fresh paint, intact weather seals, minimal wear, and limited rust and dents.
Used containers cost less and share the same solid steel build. A good seller inspects each used unit to confirm it is wind and watertight, lockable, and structurally sound. Expect some faded paint, dents, or surface rust. These marks change the look of the unit, but they do not change how well it protects your belongings.
You can repaint a used container or modify it later, which improves its look and extends its life. Most buyers who plan to keep a container for a long time choose used.
Measure Your Site First
Walk your property and measure the path the truck will take. Check the drop spot, the turning room, and any gates, trees, or power lines on the way in.
Remember that delivery space is longer than the container itself. A 20-foot unit needs about 70 feet of clear room, and a 40-foot unit needs about 100 feet. A seller who reviews these details with you before delivery will save you time and trouble.
Consider Renting Before You Buy
If your need is short, renting makes sense. Rentals start at $150 per month for a 20-foot unit and $190 per month for a 40-foot unit. Terms can run from a single month to a long-term arrangement, and many sellers let you extend if a project runs long.
Renting works well for:
- Home remodeling and renovation
- Storage during a move between homes
- Seasonal business overflow
- Events, festivals, and fairs
- Construction sites for the length of a project
- Planting and harvest seasons on a farm
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
I recommend MoCan Containers because they meet each point on my list.
Local ownership. They are a family-owned business with yards in Billings and Bozeman. They are invested in both communities, and you deal with a local team.
Large inventory. They keep what they describe as the largest inventory of shipping containers within a 300-mile radius. More choices give you a better chance of finding the right size and condition.
You pick your container. You can walk the yard, inspect each unit, and choose the one you want. That same container is delivered to your site. This step removes the guesswork that comes with buying from a photo.
Inspection and quality. They inspect and maintain every container to a high standard. Their units are waterproof, leakproof, lockable, and made of durable steel.
Careful delivery. They deliver across Montana with tilt-bed trailers, which place the container where you want it. They review your space and access needs with you before the drop-off, and they schedule pickup when a rental ends. They describe their delivery fee as affordable, even over long distances.
Flexible options. They sell and rent new and used units, and they offer custom modifications for buyers with specific plans. Pricing depends on size, condition, and supply, so you call for a quote and an inventory check.
Visit the Yard
Both locations are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00. Friday through Sunday visits are by appointment only.
- Billings: 1721 Old Hardin Rd, Billings, MT 59101. Call (406) 661-1226. You can stop by to view inventory. This yard serves Yellowstone County and eastern and central Montana.
- Bozeman: 39 Jays Way, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730. Call (406) 661-1684. Call to schedule a visit. This yard serves the Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley, and southwest Montana.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay
Bring this list when you call or visit:
1. Is the container new one-trip or used?
2. Can I walk the yard and choose the exact unit?
3. Has the unit been inspected for wind and water tightness?
4. Do the doors lock and seal?
5. What is the full price, including delivery?
6. How much space does the truck need at my site?
7. Can the seller make changes if I need them?
Make Your Decision
Know your use, pick the size, measure your site, and see the container before you buy. If you follow those steps, you will make a sound purchase. When you are ready, call MoCan Containers, ask for a quote and an inventory check, and visit the yard that is closest to you.
