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I have spent years around storage, logistics, and container use across rural and commercial sites. I pay attention to what holds up, what causes problems later, and which providers make the process easier instead of harder. That experience shapes how I evaluate container rental options in Montana.
I look at three things first.
How the containers are maintained.
How delivery is handled.
How flexible the rental terms are over time.
I will walk you through how I think about choosing the right container, where rentals make sense, and why one provider consistently checks the right boxes for Montana conditions.
WHY RENTING A 40 FOOT CONTAINER MAKES SENSE
If you need serious storage, the 40 foot size is where most people land.
I see this option work well for construction projects, farms, long renovations, and businesses that outgrow indoor space.
Here is why the 40 foot container stands out.
- One container replaces multiple smaller units
- Lower cost per square foot
- Better layout for equipment, vehicles, or inventory
- Easier to secure with one access point
If your timeline stretches beyond a few weeks, renting usually beats buying upfront.
This is where many people decide to rent a 40 foot shipping container instead of locking money into ownership right away. You get the space without the commitment, and that flexibility matters.
STEP 1: MATCH THE CONTAINER TO YOUR SITE
Before you rent anything, I always tell people to think about placement first.
Montana properties are not flat parking lots. You deal with gravel, snow, uneven ground, trees, and tight access.
Here is what I check.
- Clear space for delivery
- Ground stability
- Overhead obstacles
- Turning room for trucks
A 40 foot container usually needs about 100 feet of straight, clear space. A 20 foot container needs closer to 70 feet.
Providers that explain this upfront save you stress later.
STEP 2: UNDERSTAND LONG TERM VS SHORT TERM RENTALS
Not all rentals are meant for quick projects.
Long term container rentals work well if you need storage for months or even a year or more. I see this often with:
- Ongoing builds
- Seasonal operations
- Farm equipment storage
- Inventory overflow
Short term rentals make sense for moves, temporary job sites, or remodels.
The key is choosing a provider that supports both without pushing you into one option.
STEP 3: WHY PROVIDER QUALITY MATTERS MORE THAN PRICE
I have seen cheap containers cause expensive problems.
Poor doors.
Leaks.
Rust.
Delivery delays.
This is where MoCan Containers stands out. They operate across Montana with yards in Billings and Bozeman, and they focus on clean, inspected units instead of volume alone.
Most of their rental fleet consists of one trip containers. These are near new units that stay wind and watertight and lock properly. That matters when weather shifts fast.
They also use tilt bed trailers for delivery, which allows accurate placement even on tighter sites. That single detail prevents many placement issues I have seen elsewhere.
STEP 4: CONTAINER SIZE BREAKDOWN
Here is how I help people choose between common options.
20 Foot Containers
- Easier placement on residential sites
- Good for tools, furniture, or small equipment
- Lower monthly cost
40 Foot Containers
- Best for bulk storage
- Fits vehicles, machinery, or large inventory
- More cost effective for long term use
MoCan Containers offers both sizes for rent and sale, which gives you room to adjust as needs change.
STEP 5: LOCAL KNOWLEDGE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Montana logistics are not generic.
Weather, distance, and terrain all affect delivery. MoCan Containers is locally owned and family run, and they understand those conditions. They serve homeowners, ranchers, contractors, and businesses who need reliable placement without guesswork.
Customers can visit the yard, select a specific unit, and know that exact container will arrive on site. That level of transparency builds trust.
STEP 6: WHEN BUYING MAKES MORE SENSE
Renting is not always the final answer.
If you plan to modify a container into a workshop, office, or long term structure, buying can be the better move. Used containers still offer solid value, and one trip units give you a clean slate for custom projects.
MoCan Containers supports both paths, which tells me they prioritize fit over pushing a sale.
FINAL THOUGHT
Choosing a shipping container rental in Montana is about reliability, placement, and flexibility.
I look for providers that explain the process clearly, deliver clean units, and understand local conditions. MoCan Containers consistently meets those standards without noise or pressure.
If you want storage that works the first time and stays secure through Montana weather, that approach matters.
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