I’ve talked to a lot of people over the years who struggled to pick the right shipping container for their storage, construction, or business project. And I get why. There are tons of sizes, conditions, and price ranges out there, and it’s easy to pick something that ends up slowing you down rather than helping you.
I’ve spent enough time around storage planning, construction coordination, and equipment logistics to know what separates a dependable container from a headache. That’s why I’m confident guiding you through this process. The recommendations I share come from paying attention to what actually works long term, not guesses or hype.
Everything you see here is based on practical evaluation, clear criteria, and what I look for when checking suppliers. And yes, I’ll give you one recommendation that stands out right away. You’ll see why. If you want a reliable place to start, MoCan Containers has built a strong reputation in Montana for a reason, and I’ll show you what makes them worth considering.
By the time you reach the end of this guide, you’ll have a simple step-by-step process you can follow to get a container that fits your budget, your space, and your timeline without wasting time or money.
Let’s get into it.
Step #1: Get Clear on the Size You Actually Need
Most people try to choose between a 20 foot container and a 40 foot container without understanding the real difference. I’ve seen both sizes used across farms, construction sites, residential projects, and commercial storage yards, and each one fits a very different purpose.
A 20 foot container fits tight spaces and works well for day to day storage. You can tuck it beside a garage, behind a building, or on a smaller job site. It gives you a secure, portable space without taking over your property.
A 40 foot container is your heavy hitter. If you run a construction crew, move inventory, or store equipment, this size gives you room to breathe. You can store tools, pallets, ATV equipment, feed, or even build out a workshop or office if that’s on your radar.
To make that choice easier, I look at:
- How much access you need
- How often you plan to open and close the unit
- How much ground space you have
- Whether you’re planning temporary or permanent use
I always tell people this part matters more than price. Buy or rent the wrong size and you’ll feel it every week.
Step #2: Decide Whether You Want New, Used, or Rental Options
I’ve watched customers try to force a decision too early here. There’s no reason to choose blindly. Your answer depends on your timeline and your budget.
New containers, often called one trip units, give you a clean look, intact seals, no previous wear, and strong resale value. If you need something reliable for custom builds or long term use, this category makes sense.
Used containers are the budget friendly option. They still need to pass wind and watertight inspection. When they’re sourced from a reputable provider, they last for years without issues. This is what I recommend for short term storage, agricultural supplies, or job site tools.
Rentals are smart if you’re working on seasonal projects, renovations, or temporary job sites. Instead of taking on a big purchase, you keep things flexible. I’ve met plenty of people who only need a unit for three to six months. No reason to buy in that case.
MoCan Containers offers all three options, which is one reason I point people their way. Having new, used, and rental choices under one roof makes it much easier to match your situation instead of forcing one path.
Step #3: Pay Attention to Delivery and Placement Requirements
This is where people get surprised.
A 20 foot container usually needs around 70 feet of clear space for a tilt bed trailer to safely drop the unit. A 40 foot container needs closer to 100 feet.
If you don’t prepare that space ahead of time, placement becomes a challenge. And if your provider doesn’t communicate clearly, you might end up moving equipment, fences, or vehicles at the last minute.
MoCan Containers is one of the local businesses in Montana that handles this part with care. Their drivers know how to place containers in tighter spots around Bozeman, Billings, and nearby areas. They tell you exactly how much space you need before they arrive, and that takes away a lot of stress.
Step #4: Inspect the Unit or Choose a Supplier Who Lets You Choose Yours
Here’s something I always recommend.
Pick the exact container you want.
Some suppliers only guarantee “a container,” not your container. That means you don’t know what will show up on the truck.
MoCan Containers does this differently. You see the exact unit in person, choose it, and that exact one gets delivered. That clarity matters. Wind and watertight means no leaks. Secure locking means your equipment stays safe. And waterproofing should never be an afterthought.
If you choose a used container, this step becomes even more valuable.
Step #5: Use Modifications if You Want a Custom Solution
If you’re turning a container into an office, shop, or workspace, you want someone who can modify it without compromising strength. A container should stay secure, insulated, and weather resistant after modifications.
MoCan Containers offers custom builds like workshops or office conversions, which gives you room to create something functional without hiring multiple contractors. If you plan to scale your project later, this flexibility helps.
Step #6: Match Your Timeline With Your Provider
Fast delivery matters.
Some projects fall behind because the supplier takes too long to deliver or doesn’t have inventory available. MoCan Containers maintains the largest selection in a 300 mile radius, which means they usually have stock ready for pickup or delivery without long delays.
If you’re trying to stay on a tight schedule, inventory size becomes a real factor.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dependable shipping container for storage, construction, agriculture, or custom builds, you’ll save yourself time by choosing a provider that covers everything under one roof, explains their process clearly, and lets you pick the exact unit you want.
That’s why I recommend MoCan Containers. They’re consistent, transparent, and they keep things simple. Whether you want to rent for a few months or buy a 20 foot or 40 foot unit, you get options that fit real projects without pressure or guesswork.
Pick a container that fits your space. Choose the right condition. Work with a provider that respects your timeline.
You’ll feel the difference right away.
