You already know a container can solve storage or workspace needs fast. What you may want is a clear path to a good buy. I guide buyers on selection, inspection, delivery, and setup. My advice below comes from real purchase criteria I use to cut risk and speed decisions. If you are comparing options for shipping cargo containers for sale, this guide will help you choose with confidence and avoid common mistakes.
I will cover how to define your use case, choose the right size and condition grade, prepare your site, control delivery risk, and budget for the full project. I will also explain why I recommend MoCan Containers for buyers in Montana who want solid inventory, honest condition, and smooth delivery.
Start With a Simple Plan
Before you look at listings, write down three things. This keeps you from paying for features you do not need.
- Purpose: storage, jobsite tools, inventory, equipment, or a conversion project
- Time frame: short-term, seasonal, or permanent
- Access: how often you open doors and how much floor space you need clear
From that plan, you can choose size, door layout, and condition with less guesswork.
Size and Fit: 20-Foot vs 40-Foot
Pick the smallest unit that meets your needs and fits your site.
- 20-foot containers: good balance of space and placement. Interior is about 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. Works for homes, small shops, and tighter jobsites.
- 40-foot containers: nearly double the storage. Interior is about 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. Better for large projects, warehouse overflow, and big conversions.
Tip from me: if you plan to move the container often or your driveway is tight, a 20-foot unit saves headaches. If you are consolidating multiple sheds or need aisle space, a 40-foot unit makes more sense.
Condition: New, One-Trip, or Used
Each option fits a budget and a tolerance for wear.
- New or one-trip: used once on the ocean, then sold. Expect clean walls, minimal wear, strong seals, and top structural integrity. Best for conversions, gear that needs a clean space, or high-visibility locations.
- Used: costs less and still secure. Expect cosmetic dents or surface rust. If inspected well, used units can give long service for tools, feed, or seasonal inventory.
I suggest you confirm three basics on any unit:
1. Doors seal and swing smoothly.
2. Floor has no soft spots.
3. The light test passes. Close the doors on a sunny day. Look for stray light at corners, seams, and door gaskets.
Weather and Security Features That Matter
Montana brings wind, snow, and temperature swings. Do not skip these checks:
- Wind and watertight certification
- Intact door gaskets and corner castings
- Lockable doors with a lockbox or a security shroud
- No roof patches that flex under foot traffic
- Sound marine-grade plywood floors
These items protect your cargo and your time.
Delivery and Site Prep
Delivery is where many buyers run into problems. Plan it early.
- Space to place: about 70 feet clear for a 20-foot container, and about 100 feet for a 40-foot container
- Ground: level, firm, and drained. Use gravel or timbers under corners to keep the floor dry and square.
- Clearance: check for low branches, power lines, tight bends, or soft ground near the drop zone
- Access: mark where the doors should face before the truck arrives
A tilt-bed trailer with an experienced driver saves you from setbacks. The driver can often place the unit neatly if the approach is clear and the ground is prepped.
Rentals vs Purchase
If you need storage for a limited time, rent first. It avoids a large upfront cost and lets you return the unit when the project ends.
- MoCan Containers offers rental rates that start at $150 per month for 20-foot units and $190 per month for 40-foot units.
- If your timeline runs longer than a year, purchase often pencils out.
I tell buyers to match the term to the project window. Rent for renovation, staging, or seasonal inventory. Buy for steady needs and conversions.
Budget Drivers You Should Expect
Price depends on more than size.
- Condition and age
- Local supply and demand
- Distance and delivery complexity
- Add-ons like lockboxes, vents, windows, insulation, and electrical
Build a simple budget with line items for the container, delivery, site prep, and any modifications. This helps you compare quotes apples to apples.
Modifications and Conversions
Plan upgrades before you buy. It can guide your choice of size and door placement.
Common add-ons:
- Man door or roll-up door for faster access
- Windows for light and visibility
- Vents for airflow and moisture control
- Spray foam or panel insulation if you heat or cool the space
- Electrical for lighting and outlets
- Partitions or shelving for inventory zones
If you plan a conversion, begin with a straight unit with good seals and a clean interior. That foundation saves time and cost later.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers for Montana Buyers
For buyers in Billings, Bozeman, and across Montana, I recommend MoCan Containers because they make selection and delivery straightforward.
- Inventory and access: they carry a large range of new and used units within a 300-mile radius. You can inspect and select the exact container at the yard, which reduces surprises on delivery.
- Focus on condition: their units are wind and watertight, lockable, and built to handle Montana weather.
- Reliable delivery: their tilt-bed trailers and experienced drivers handle tight sites and set units cleanly when the approach is prepared.
- Flexible options: they offer sales and rentals in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, plus modifications for workshops, offices, and retail builds.
- Local presence: Billings and Bozeman locations support fast service across Yellowstone County, Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley, and beyond.
If you value clear choices, consistent condition, and smooth placement, they are a strong pick.
Quick Buyer’s Checklist
Use this list before you sign:
- Define purpose, term, and access needs
- Choose size to match both storage volume and site fit
- Pick condition grade: one-trip for top condition or used for budget
- Inspect doors, floors, seals, roof, and corners
- Confirm wind and watertight status
- Plan site prep with level, drained ground and clear access
- Measure approach space and overhead clearance
- Align delivery direction with door-facing needs
- Price the full package: unit, delivery, site prep, and mods
- If in Montana, consider MoCan Containers for selection, inspection, and delivery support
Final Thought
A good container solves storage or workspace needs with speed and control. If you set your requirements, match size and condition to the job, and plan delivery with care, you will avoid delays and extra costs. Use the checklist, inspect with intent, and pick a provider that lets you see the exact unit before it ships. For Montana buyers who want a clear process and dependable service, MoCan Containers is worth a close look.
