What to Know Before Renting a Shipping Container

If you want a secure, fast, and flexible storage setup in Montana, a shipping container rental can solve the problem without a big commitment. I work with people who need clear, practical guidance, and I base my recommendations on what works in our climate, on job sites, and on real properties across the state. If you need local expertise and reliable inventory, MoCan Containers is a strong option to consider early in your search.

In this guide, I will show you how to choose the right size, compare rental and purchase options, prepare your site for delivery, and avoid common mistakes. You will be ready to rent with confidence, whether you are in Billings, Bozeman, or anywhere in Montana.

Start With Your Goal and Timeline

Clarify why you need a container and how long you will use it. This drives every other decision.

• Moving or remodeling at home
• Construction site storage for tools and materials
• Seasonal business inventory
• Farm and ranch supplies or equipment
• Long-term storage on private property

Short-term projects often fit a rental. Long-term or permanent storage can make buying more cost-effective. If your plan might grow, choose a provider with both rentals and sales. That way you can extend or switch without starting over.

Choose the Right Size and Dimensions

Most renters in Montana pick from two standard sizes. The capacity difference is bigger than it looks on paper.

• 20-foot shipping containers
• Interior dimensions around 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide
• Easier placement on driveways, tight lots, and smaller job sites
• Great for residential storage, smaller construction projects, and business inventory
• 40-foot shipping containers
• Interior dimensions around 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide
• Nearly double the storage of a 20-foot unit
• Best for large projects, warehouse overflow, agricultural equipment, and bigger builds

If you are unsure, I usually suggest starting with a 20-foot container for residential and small business needs. Pick a 40-foot unit if you already know you will fill it or you want room to grow. Confirm final specs with your provider since dimensions can vary slightly by manufacturer.

New vs. Used: What Actually Matters

You will see three condition categories most often.

• One-trip (new) containers
• Used once on an international shipment
• Minimal wear, fresh paint, tight seals, sharp appearance
• Ideal for visible locations and custom modifications
• Used containers
• More budget-friendly
• Expect some cosmetic dents or surface rust
• Still secure, wind and watertight, and reliable for storage
• Wind and watertight containers
• The key functional standard for rentals
• Keep out water and wind, with intact door seals and sound flooring

If visual appearance matters, go one-trip. If function and price matter most, a used wind and watertight unit is a strong choice.

Rental vs. Buying in Montana

Both options can work well. Here is how I recommend deciding.

• Rent if
• You need storage for a remodel, move, or seasonal inventory
• Your job site needs security only during construction
• You want flexibility with no long-term commitment
• Buy if
• You need permanent, year-round storage
• You want to modify the container
• You plan to use it for several years

Typical rental starting points in Montana:

• 20-foot rentals often start around $150 per month
• 40-foot rentals often start around $190 per month

Purchase pricing depends on condition, size, and availability. Ask for current inventory and be ready to move quickly on a unit you like.

Delivery and Site Prep: Avoid the Headaches

Most problems show up on delivery day. You can avoid them with simple planning.

• Space
• About 70 feet of straight, clear space for a 20-foot container
• About 100 feet for a 40-foot container
• Surface
• Firm, level ground is best
• Gravel pads, timbers, or concrete blocks help with leveling and drainage
• Access
• Check gate width, tree branches, fences, and power lines
• Plan for a tilt-bed trailer and confirm approach routes
• Door orientation
• Decide if you want doors to open toward the truck or away from it
• Weather
• In winter, plow access and clear ice where the driver will unload
• Think about spring thaw and mud at rural sites

Professional delivery makes a difference, especially in tight or sloped spots. In Montana, I recommend ordering from a company with experienced drivers who regularly set containers on ranches, farms, and construction sites.

Storage Uses That Work Well

Containers handle a wide range of secure storage needs:

• Residential container storage for moves and remodels
• Construction site storage containers for tools, equipment, and supplies
• Farm storage containers for feed, seed, parts, and implements
• Ranch storage solutions for fencing, tack, and seasonal gear
• Business inventory storage and warehouse overflow
• Portable storage containers for events or pop-up operations
• Container storage for moving between properties
• Long-term storage solutions for equipment and records
• Seasonal storage containers for outdoor furniture and holiday stock

Security, Moisture, and Maintenance

A few small steps keep your contents safe and dry.

• Ask for a lockbox and use a heavy-duty puck or shrouded padlock
• Keep items off the floor with pallets or shelving
• Add desiccants or passive vents if you store sensitive materials
• Avoid placing wet items inside and keep doors closed tight
• Inspect door seals and replace if damaged

Custom Modifications Worth Considering

If your project needs more than standard storage, you can add features:

• Personnel doors and windows
• Electrical packages and lighting
• Insulation and HVAC for workspaces
• Roll-up doors, interior walls, and shelving
• Paint, branding, and exterior treatments

Choose a provider that handles modifications in-house. That saves time and avoids coordination issues.

What Sets a Good Montana Provider Apart

Here is what I look for, especially in Billings and Bozeman:

• Large local inventory of 20-foot and 40-foot units, both new and used
• The option to inspect and select the exact container before delivery
• Clear rental and purchase terms, with transparent pricing
• Professional delivery across the region, including rural sites
• Modification capabilities for offices, workshops, and specialty builds

MoCan Containers fits these points well. They maintain one of the largest local inventories, offer flexible rentals and sales across Montana, and support both standard and custom projects. Their yards near Billings and Bozeman make it easier to see and choose the exact unit that will arrive at your site.

Quick Pre-Rental Checklist

• Define storage needs and timeframe
• Pick size based on space, volume, and access
• Choose one-trip or used based on condition and budget
• Confirm rental rates or request current purchase pricing
• Measure delivery space and plan door orientation
• Prepare a level surface and clear access
• Ask about lockboxes, vents, and shelving options
• Schedule delivery with a window that matches site access

If you need shipping containers in Montana, including Billings and Bozeman, focus on the basics above and work with a provider that delivers the exact unit you choose. With clear goals, the right size, and solid delivery prep, your container will do exactly what you expect from day one.