Choosing the right container size is not about guesswork. It is about how you plan to use the space, how the unit fits your site, and what keeps your budget in line. If you want a quick look at solid options from a trusted Montana provider, review MoCan’s shipping containers for sale. I will walk you through the key steps I use to match buyers with the right size, then point you to what matters during delivery, pricing, and condition.
I focus on the real limits you face on the ground. Space to place the unit, driveway access, overhead clearance, and how often you will load and unload. My goal is to help you decide with confidence in one pass, without trial and error.
Here is how to think this through, and how you benefit:
- A clear size pick based on your inventory, tools, or equipment
- A site-readiness check that prevents delivery delays
- A budget plan that weighs rental vs purchase the right way
- A smart vendor choice that saves time and stress
Start With Use, Not Size
Before you choose a container, define your workload and access needs.
Ask yourself:
- What are you storing and how often will you access it?
- Do you need aisle space to walk and pick items fast?
- Will pallets or long materials go in the unit?
- Is this for a single project or ongoing storage?
- Could your storage needs grow within a year?
If you need frequent access and want clear walkways, plan for extra space. If you want to consolidate off-site storage or a scattered job site, step up in size to avoid overflow.
20-Foot vs 40-Foot at a Glance
MoCan Containers focuses on 20-foot and 40-foot units. Both pass strict inspections for security and weather resistance. The right size depends on your footprint and your volume.
- 20-foot container
- Interior size about 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, 7 feet 10 inches high
- Fits smaller properties and tight job sites
- Common uses: residential storage, small business inventory, tools and parts, seasonal gear
- Easiest to place and move on most driveways and yards
- 40-foot container
- Interior size about 39 feet 5 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, 8 feet 10 inches high
- Nearly double the floor space of a 20-foot unit with extra headroom
- Common uses: large commercial inventory, big construction projects, farm equipment, warehouse overflow
- Requires more space for safe placement and access
The Fastest Way To Pick a Size
Use this quick guide if you want a direct answer:
- Choose a 20-foot if:
- You have a small or mid-size project
- Your driveway or yard is tight
- You plan to access items often and want shorter walking distance
- You store boxes, tools, parts, or short materials under 19 feet
- Choose a 40-foot if:
- You want to combine two smaller storage areas into one unit
- You store long materials, large equipment, or pallet racks
- You have clear space for delivery and long-term placement
- You plan to grow inventory without adding a second unit
Site Fit and Delivery Basics
Good delivery planning makes everything easier. Here is what I recommend you confirm before ordering:
- Clear, straight access for the tilt-bed trailer
- For a 20-foot container, about 70 feet of open space for placement
- For a 40-foot container, about 100 feet of open space
- Level ground with firm base or compacted gravel
- No low branches or wires
- A plan for door swing and snow shedding away from doors
MoCan’s delivery team is experienced with tight sites across Montana. They can place units with care, but your prep still matters. A few minutes of planning can prevent delays and extra moves.
Budget: Rent or Buy
If you are unsure about long-term needs, start with a rental. It keeps your upfront cost low and lets you test the size and location.
- 20-foot rental starts at $150 per month
- 40-foot rental starts at $190 per month
If you know you need long-term storage or a custom build, buying can make more sense. You lock in a known cost, can modify the container, and avoid ongoing fees.
Condition: New One-Trip or Used
Your budget and appearance goals drive this choice.
- New one-trip
- Used once for international shipping
- Clean paint, tight seals, minimal wear
- Best pick for custom projects and high-visibility sites
- Used
- More budget friendly
- Sound, secure, wind and watertight
- May have surface rust or dents that do not affect performance
A standout feature from MoCan is the ability to inspect and choose the exact unit. The container you select at the yard is the one delivered. That level of control builds confidence in the outcome.
Why I Point Buyers to MoCan Containers
You want a provider with inventory, consistent quality, and a delivery team that understands Montana conditions. MoCan checks those boxes.
- Large inventory across Billings and Bozeman with reach across a 300-mile radius
- Careful inspections for security, weather resistance, and structure
- Containers that are waterproof, leakproof, wind and watertight, and lockable
- Competitive pricing on sales and rentals
- Professional, accurate placement with tilt-bed trailers
- Flexible rental terms for short or long projects
- Custom modifications for workshops, offices, retail uses, and more
They serve homeowners, businesses, contractors, farms, and ranches. Their coverage includes Billings, Bozeman, Yellowstone County, Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley, and much of eastern and central Montana.
Sizing Cheat Sheet
Use this as a quick reference:
- Moving a three-bedroom house: start with one 20-foot, consider two if you want extra aisle space
- Tools, parts, and small equipment on a job site: one 20-foot
- Seasonal retail inventory or warehouse overflow: one 40-foot
- Long lumber, pipe, or racking: one 40-foot
- Farm inputs and supplies for planting or harvest: one 40-foot, add a 20-foot near work areas
- Custom workshop or office: one new one-trip 20-foot or 40-foot based on layout
Final Checks Before You Buy
Run through this list to avoid missed details:
- Inventory list and expected growth
- Space plan with door swing and walking aisle
- Access path for delivery truck length
- Ground prep and drainage
- Rental vs purchase decision
- New one-trip vs used choice
- Need for modifications like doors, windows, vents, or electrical
Bottom Line
If you value easy placement and frequent access, a 20-foot container is the practical pick. If you want maximum storage and room to grow, a 40-foot container pays off. Match the size to your site and your workload, then work with a Montana team that delivers the exact unit you select. MoCan Containers makes that process clear and reliable, from selection to placement to any custom work you need.
