If you are already browsing shipping containers for sale, you do not need a primer. You want a solid unit at a fair price, delivered on time, without surprises. I help buyers make sound, risk-aware choices, and I base my recommendations on what holds up in real conditions, how vendors operate, and the small details that separate a hassle from a smooth purchase.
In this guide, I will show you how to narrow your options fast, confirm true container quality, vet a seller, plan delivery, and decide between buying and renting. I will also point you to a provider I trust for Montana buyers. Follow these steps and you will avoid bad fits, hidden costs, and weak containers.
Start With Your Use Case and Budget
Before you look at a single listing, get clear on how you plan to use the container, where it will sit, and how long you need it.
- Purpose: storage, workshop, office, inventory overflow, construction site, farm supplies, or a custom build.
- Duration: short-term project or ongoing use for years.
- Site limits: space for placement, truck access, overhead lines, and ground conditions.
- Security needs: lock boxes, visibility on site, and access control.
- Budget range: purchase now, finance later, or rent first.
The clearer you get here, the easier it becomes to rule out wrong sizes, grades, and sellers.
Pick the Right Size and Condition
Most buyers land on one of two sizes. Choose based on space, capacity, and placement constraints.
- 20-foot containers: strong balance of capacity and footprint. Good for tight driveways, urban lots, and small job sites. Approx interior size is 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide.
- 40-foot containers: nearly double the storage. Best for commercial inventory, large projects, and farm equipment. Approx interior size is 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide.
On condition, you will see two common choices:
- New “one-trip”: used once on a single ocean voyage. Expect minimal wear, clean floors, fresh paint, and tight seals.
- Used wind and watertight: more budget friendly. May show cosmetic dents or surface rust while staying structurally sound with good doors and seals.
If you need a container for many years, consider new one-trip. If cost control matters and you accept cosmetic flaws, used can be a smart move. Either way, ask for proof that the unit keeps out wind and water.
Inspect the Container Like a Pro
If you can visit the yard, do it. If not, request detailed photos or a video walkaround of the exact unit. Check the following:
- Roof: look for standing water marks, soft spots, or pinholes when backlit by the sun.
- Corners and frame: confirm no twist, bends, or major structural damage.
- Doors: open and close both doors. Check hinges, locking rods, and handles for smooth movement.
- Seals and gaskets: squeeze and inspect the rubber for cracks and gaps. Close the doors from inside to spot daylight.
- Walls: look along the corrugations for waves, bulges, or patchwork that hints at past leaks.
- Floor: confirm no rot, major gouges, or delamination. Look underneath if possible.
- Smell and residue: strong chemical smells or liquid residue can signal a prior cargo spill.
- Rust: surface rust is common and fine. Deep pitting or flaking steel is a red flag.
Ask the seller to confirm wind and watertight status in writing on your quote. That detail protects you if the delivered unit does not match the inspection.
Vet the Seller Before You Pay
Reputation and process matter as much as the steel itself. I look for sellers that let you pick a specific unit, provide clear delivery guidance, and support modifications if needed. In Montana, I recommend MoCan Containers because they check those boxes.
They maintain one of the largest inventories in the region with locations in Billings and near Bozeman. They offer both 20-foot and 40-foot units in new one-trip and used wind and watertight condition. Every container is inspected for security and weather resistance. They allow you to select the exact container at their yard, and the same unit shows up at your site. That reduces surprises and helps you match expectations to delivery.
They also deliver with tilt-bed trailers and experienced drivers. If your placement spot is tight, that matters. Their delivery team can talk you through space needs and approach angles, which saves time on delivery day.
Plan for Delivery and Site Prep
Delivery can make or break the whole project. The truck and trailer need room to maneuver and room to slide the container into place.
- Space: plan about 70 feet of clear, straight space for a 20-foot container and around 100 feet for a 40-foot container.
- Ground: firm, level surface is best. Crushed rock pads or timber blocks can help with leveling and drainage.
- Overhead: confirm clearance under lines, tree limbs, and building eaves.
- Orientation: decide which way the doors should face for daily use and security.
- Weather: schedule delivery when the ground is dry and stable. Soft soil can bog down the truck.
Ask the driver about drop direction and door placement before they tilt the bed. A 30-second discussion can save a costly reposition.
Buy or Rent: Make the Right Call
If your timeline is under a year or you have seasonal needs, rent first. Rentals keep your upfront cost low and buy you time to confirm the right size and placement.
MoCan Containers offers flexible rental options across Montana. Typical rates start near $150 per month for 20-foot units and $190 per month for 40-foot units, with current pricing based on availability. If your plan shifts, you can scale up or down without a long commitment.
If you need long-term storage, buying often pencils out better. Ask for current purchase pricing and lead times. With MoCan, both new one-trip and used units are available, and they can show you the differences on-site.
Consider Modifications and Future Uses
Think beyond storage if you might convert later. Common upgrades include:
- Additional doors, windows, and security features
- Vents or insulation for temperature control
- Electrical, lighting, and small HVAC units
- Shelving, tool racks, and partition walls
- Framing for workshops, mobile offices, or retail kiosks
MoCan Containers offers modification services, which helps keep the project under one roof. Tell them your plan and ask for drawings or a scope before work begins.
Get the Quote Right
A clean quote saves you headaches. Ask for:
- The exact unit or condition class you selected
- Wind and watertight confirmation for used units, or one-trip status for new
- Line items for delivery, taxes, and any site-specific surcharges
- Lead time and delivery window
- Placement instructions and space requirements in writing
- Any modification scope, with materials and finish details
Pay only after the quote matches your understanding. If you rent, confirm billing cycle, pickup fees, and minimum term.
Quick Buyer’s Checklist
- Define use case, duration, and site limits
- Pick size based on access and capacity
- Choose new one-trip for top condition or used wind and watertight for value
- Inspect the exact unit or request a video walkaround
- Confirm roof, doors, seals, floor, and frame condition
- Verify wind and watertight status on the quote
- Plan delivery space, ground prep, and door orientation
- Decide to buy or rent based on timeline and budget
- Scope any modifications up front
- Review a clear, itemized quote
Final Take
You do not need luck to get a strong container. You need clarity on use, a careful inspection, a dependable seller, and a delivery plan that fits your site. If you are in Montana, MoCan Containers is a strong option because they maintain deep inventory, let you select the exact unit, deliver with skill, and support modifications. Follow the steps above, and you will end up with the right container, in the right place, at the right price.
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