Montana Shipping Container Dealers Worth Knowing About
Buying or renting a shipping container in Montana looks easy until you start comparing sellers. Prices differ, distances are long, and online photos do not show you the dents, the door seals, or the floor. A poor choice can leave you with a container you did not want, set down in the wrong spot.
I wrote this guide to help you sort through your options. I looked at what matters most to a buyer or renter: the size of the inventory, the condition of the units, how delivery works, how clear the pricing is, and whether the dealer has roots in the community. One dealer that meets those points is MoCan Containers, a family-owned business with yards in Billings and Bozeman.
You will leave this article knowing what to look for, what to ask, and why a local dealer with a large yard is a strong place to start.
How I Judge a Container Dealer
Before I name any company, you need a way to measure them. Here is the list I use.
- Inventory size. A bigger yard gives you more units to compare.
- Choice of unit. You should be able to pick the exact container you will get.
- Condition standards. Every unit should be inspected, and the dealer should say what that means.
- Delivery method. The driver and the equipment decide where your container lands.
- Pricing and terms. You want clear answers on sale prices, rental rates, and length of rental.
- Local presence. A dealer in your region can answer questions and fix problems fast.
If a dealer meets most of these, you are in good hands. If a dealer cannot answer them, keep looking.
Why a Local Yard Matters in Montana
Montana is large. A container that ships from another state costs more to move, and a mistake costs more to fix. A dealer with a yard near you cuts down on both.
A local yard also lets you walk the lot. You can open doors, check the floor, look at the roof, and see the seals for yourself. A photo cannot show you that. If you plan to store tools, feed, or business stock for years, a short visit is worth your time.
MoCan Containers: What They Offer
MoCan Containers is a local, family-owned business that serves Montana from Billings and Bozeman. They say they keep the largest inventory of shipping containers within a 300-mile radius. For you, that means more units to compare and a better chance of finding the right fit the first time.
They sell and rent new and used containers, mainly in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. Smaller 10-foot and 8-foot units may be available depending on inventory. They also build custom modifications for buyers with specific needs.
You Choose Your Exact Container
This point sets them apart from many dealers. At MoCan Containers, buyers and renters can walk the yard, inspect each unit, and pick the one that suits them. That same container goes to your site.
In Billings, you can stop by the yard to view inventory. In Bozeman, they ask you to call ahead and schedule a visit. Both yards are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00. Friday through Sunday visits are by appointment.
New and Used Units
Their new containers are one-trip units. They arrive with fresh paint, intact weather seals, minimal wear, and limited rust and dents.
Their used containers cost less and use the same steel construction. Each one is inspected to confirm it is wind and watertight, lockable, and structurally sound. A used unit may have faded paint, dents, or surface rust, but those marks do not change how well it protects your contents. You can repaint or modify it later to improve the look.
Picking a Size
The 20-foot container fits tight spots such as driveways, yards, and small job sites. Inside, it measures 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. Delivery needs about 70 feet of straight, clear space. Rentals start at $150 per month.
The 40-foot container gives you twice the length and the most storage in one unit. Inside, it measures 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. The door opening is 7 feet 8 inches wide by 8 feet 5 inches high. Delivery needs about 100 feet of straight, clear space, plus room for the truck and trailer to move. Rentals start at $190 per month.
MoCan Containers notes that one 40-foot unit can cost less than renting several smaller ones, and that it holds good resale value. Call them for a quote on a new unit.
Renting Instead of Buying
Some jobs do not need a container for years. MoCan Containers rents 20-foot and 40-foot units from both yards. Terms start at one month and can run as long as you need. If your project runs long, you can extend the rental.
Common short-term uses include:
- Home remodeling and renovation
- Storage during a move between homes
- Seasonal business inventory
- Events, festivals, and fairs
- Construction site storage
- Planting and harvest seasons
Every rental unit is wind and watertight, lockable, and made of heavy-duty steel. Their long-term rental fleet is mostly one-trip, like-new containers.
Delivery and Placement
Delivery decides whether your container sits where you want it. MoCan Containers delivers across Montana, and they say the fee stays affordable for long distances. Their tilt-bed trailers place the container where you want it. Their team reviews your space and access needs ahead of time, and they schedule pickup when your rental ends.
Where to Find Them
- Billings: 1721 Old Hardin Rd, Billings, MT 59101, (406) 661-1226. This yard serves Yellowstone County and eastern and central Montana.
- Bozeman: 39 Jays Way, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, (406) 661-1684. This yard serves the Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley, and southwest Montana.
Questions to Ask Any Dealer
Use these when you call, whether you call MoCan Containers or another seller.
1. Can I see the exact container before you deliver it?
2. How do you inspect each unit?
3. What size space does delivery need?
4. What does delivery cost to my address?
5. What are the rental terms, and can I extend them?
6. Can you modify a container for my project?
Where to Start
Start with your need. Decide on the size, the length of time, and the spot where the container will sit. Then call a dealer that lets you see the yard and answers each question with clear terms. MoCan Containers fits that description, and a call to either yard will get you a quote and an inventory check.
