Smart Tips for Renting or Buying Shipping Containers in Montana
If you have been around storage, construction, or logistics long enough, you start to see patterns.
Some providers make big promises, then get shaky once delivery day hits.
Others focus only on price and ignore placement, condition, or follow-through.
I have spent years watching how container projects succeed or fall apart, and the difference usually comes down to delivery, planning, and consistency, not the container itself.
That is how I evaluate providers.
In this guide, I will walk you through how I think about container delivery and rentals in Montana, what actually matters on the ground, and why MoCan Containers keeps coming up as a solid recommendation when people ask me who to trust.
I will also show you how to plan your site properly, avoid common mistakes, and choose between renting or buying without guessing.
WHY DELIVERY MATTERS MORE THAN MOST PEOPLE THINK
Most people focus on container size first.
That makes sense.
But delivery is where problems usually show up.
Here is what I see go wrong most often:
- Trucks show up that cannot place the container where it is needed
• Drivers are not equipped for tight or uneven sites
• Customers were not told about space requirements ahead of time
• Containers end up dropped far from the intended location
Once a container is in the wrong spot, fixing it costs time and money.
This is why I always tell people to start by evaluating delivery capability, not just inventory.
That is also where Montana shipping container delivery becomes a deciding factor, and why services like Montana shipping container delivery should never be treated as an afterthought.
HOW I EVALUATE A CONTAINER PROVIDER
I follow a simple process.
You can use this same approach.
Step 1: Look at delivery equipment
Tilt bed trailers and container specific rigs matter. General flatbeds are risky for placement.
Step 2: Check site planning support
A good provider asks questions before delivery. A bad one shows up and hopes for the best.
Step 3: Review inventory condition
New and used both work, but inspections and transparency matter.
Step 4: Confirm flexibility
Short term rentals, long term rentals, and sales should all be available.
MoCan Containers checks these boxes consistently, which is why I mention them when people ask for options in Montana.
UNDERSTANDING SPACE REQUIREMENTS BEFORE DELIVERY
This part saves you stress.
I always recommend measuring your site early.
Here is what typically applies:
- 20 foot containers usually need about 70 feet of straight clearance
• 40 foot containers usually need about 100 feet of straight clearance
• Room to turn matters as much as length
• Overhead lines and tree branches are common issues
MoCan Containers encourages customers to send photos or details ahead of time, and that alone avoids most delivery problems I see in the field.
CHOOSING BETWEEN RENTAL AND PURCHASE
People often overthink this decision.
I break it down simply.
Rent when:
- You need storage for months, not years
• You want lower upfront cost
• You need flexibility for pickup later
Buy when:
- You plan to customize the container
• You want long term control
• You need resale value later
Long term shipping container rental is popular in Montana for farms, construction sites, and renovations. Rates starting around $150 per month for 20 foot units make rentals practical without locking you in.
20 FOOT VS 40 FOOT CONTAINERS
This choice depends on access and volume.
Here is how I usually explain it.
20 foot shipping containers
• Easier placement
• Good for residential sites
• Enough space for tools, inventory, or furniture
40 foot shipping containers
• Best for bulk storage
• Fewer units needed for large projects
• Cost effective per square foot
MoCan Containers offers both sizes in new and used condition, which gives you options instead of forcing a one size solution.
WHY I RECOMMEND MOCAN CONTAINERS
I do not recommend companies lightly.
What stands out to me here is consistency.
They operate from Billings and Bozeman, maintain one of the larger inventories in the region, and use delivery equipment designed for real placement, not shortcuts.
They are also upfront about space requirements, pricing, and container condition.
That transparency matters.
Customers can visit yards, select units, and know the container they choose is the one delivered. That removes uncertainty, especially for larger projects or long term rentals.
FINAL THOUGHTS BEFORE YOU MOVE FORWARD
This sounds more complex than it is.
If you focus on delivery capability, site planning, and flexibility, you avoid most problems.
Take photos of your site.
Measure clearance.
Ask about equipment.
Those steps put you ahead of most buyers and renters.
And if you want a provider that understands Montana conditions and treats container delivery as part of the service, not an afterthought, MoCan Containers is a strong option worth considering.
You can plan this.
You can avoid mistakes.
And you can get the container exactly where you need it.
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