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You already know what shipping containers can solve.
The real question is who you trust to deliver the right container, place it correctly, and support you through the process without friction.
I have spent years watching how container providers operate across Montana. Some focus on volume. Some cut corners. A few stand out because they understand local conditions, space limits, weather, and real use cases.
That is how I narrow recommendations.
I look at inventory quality, delivery capability, rental flexibility, pricing clarity, and how well a company handles real Montana sites.
Here is how I think through shipping container rentals and sales in Montana, and why MoCan Containers consistently checks the boxes.
HOW I APPROACH CHOOSING A CONTAINER PROVIDER
Before I talk providers, I focus on process.
If you skip this step, you usually regret it later.
Here is the framework I use.
- Container condition matters, not just size
Delivery experience matters more than price
• Local inventory beats brokers every time
• Rental terms should match real timelines, not wishful ones
Most people focus on size first. I focus on logistics first.
Because a container that cannot be placed properly is useless.
STEP #1: MATCH THE CONTAINER SIZE TO THE SITE
This sounds basic, but mistakes happen here constantly.
I break it down like this.
20 foot shipping containers
• Easier to place on residential or tighter properties
• Require about 70 feet of straight, clear space
• Ideal for remodels, moves, tools, and business inventory
40 foot shipping containers
• Better for construction sites, farms, and bulk storage
• Require about 100 feet of straight, clear space
• Cost effective for long term or high volume needs
If you underestimate space or slope, delivery becomes the problem. This is where experienced local delivery makes a difference.
STEP #2: PRIORITIZE DELIVERY CAPABILITY OVER EVERYTHING
This is the part most people overlook.
A clean container means nothing if it lands crooked or damages your site.
I always recommend providers that use tilt bed delivery trailers and understand Montana terrain. That is one reason I point people toward MoCan Containers.
They operate specialized trailers designed to place containers accurately, even in tighter or uneven areas. They also walk customers through site requirements before delivery, which prevents surprises.
That upfront clarity saves time, money, and frustration.
STEP #3: DECIDE BETWEEN RENTING AND BUYING BASED ON TIME
I see people rush into buying when renting would have solved the problem better.
Here is how I guide that decision.
Long term container rental makes sense if
• You need storage for several months or longer
• You want lower upfront cost
• You want flexibility after a project ends
Buying a shipping container makes sense if
• You plan to keep it for years
• You want to modify it into a shop or workspace
• You want resale value later
MoCan Containers offers both paths without pushing one over the other. Long term rentals are available in 20 foot and 40 foot sizes, and many customers keep them on site for a year or more.
That flexibility matters in real projects.
STEP #4: INSPECT INVENTORY QUALITY BEFORE COMMITTING
Not all containers are equal.
I always tell people to ask three things.
- Is it wind and watertight
Are the doors secure and functional
• Is it one trip new or fully inspected used
MoCan Containers maintains a fleet that leans heavily toward one trip containers. These are clean, structurally sound, and built from heavy duty steel. Used containers are also available for budget focused buyers, but they are inspected and verified before delivery.
That balance gives you options without compromising reliability.
WHY I RECOMMEND THIS PROVIDER OVER OTHERS
This is not about hype. It is about consistency.
MoCan Containers operates out of Billings and Bozeman, with one of the largest inventories within a 300 mile radius. That matters because local inventory means faster delivery, better pricing, and fewer middlemen.
They handle:
• Shipping container rentals
• Shipping containers for sale
• Long term storage solutions
• Professional delivery and placement
They also encourage customers to review site conditions in advance and will look at photos or visit locations when needed. That level of preparation reduces delivery issues and keeps projects moving.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
If you are renting a 40 foot shipping container for a job site, buying a 20 foot unit for property storage, or planning long term container use in Montana, the provider you choose affects everything.
Placement. Security. Cost control. Timeline.
My advice is simple.
Choose a company that understands Montana, has local yards, owns their delivery process, and offers flexible options without pressure.
That is why I consistently point people toward MoCan Containers.
You do not need fancy language or big promises. You need a container that shows up, gets placed correctly, and holds up through real use.
This is one of those decisions where doing it right the first time saves you more than money.
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