I have spent enough time around container buyers to know one thing. Most people make this decision harder than it needs to be.
You want something strong, weatherproof, delivered on time, and priced in a way that makes sense for your project.
I have also seen how fast things improve once you know where to look. That is why I point buyers toward strong regional providers and why I include options like Bozeman shipping containers early in the process. You get a better experience when you work with a company that actually understands the area and maintains real inventory.
I built this recommendation list by focusing on four things.
Quality standards. Delivery speed. Rental and purchase flexibility. Long term reliability.
Every point in this guide supports those same criteria.
You are going to walk away knowing exactly what to check, why it matters, and how to pick a container that gives you durability without headaches.
Let us get into it.
Why Quality Matters First
I always start with structural quality because everything depends on it.
If a container loses tightness or has structural fatigue, you feel it fast in Montana weather.
MoCan Containers stands out here.
They inspect every unit, keep a deep inventory, and stay consistent with checks for water resistance, lock strength, floor condition, and frame integrity.
This gives them a real edge over providers that depend on random incoming stock with mixed conditions.
A container is only useful if it stays dry, stays secure, and stays solid.
This is the baseline you should expect.
Step by Step: How I Choose a Container
Step #1: Lock Down Your Size
Most buyers go straight for either a 20 foot or a 40 foot unit.
Here is how I explain it.
20 foot containers
Great for tight areas, residential setups, farms, small business storage, projects that rotate inventory, or temporary use.
40 foot containers
Better for big equipment, commercial storage, agricultural needs, construction sites, or anything that needs maximum square footage.
MoCan Containers keeps both in stock with new and used choices. This matters because having both options on the lot gives you control over condition and price.
Step #2: Decide on New or Used
I always tell people the same thing.
New is cleaner, stronger, and holds value.
Used costs less and still performs well if inspected right.
MoCan Containers has one trip units for people who want cleaner steel with minimal wear.
Their used units are still inspected for structural strength and tightness.
Step #3: Plan Your Delivery Space
I have seen buyers underestimate space more than anything else.
Here is the simple rule.
- A 20 foot container needs about 70 feet of clear space.
- A 40 foot container needs about 100 feet.
MoCan Containers uses tilt bed trailers with drivers who are comfortable placing units in Montana terrain. This helps reduce the chance of placement issues or delays.
Step #4: Compare Rental vs Purchase
You might not need a permanent container.
Short term projects, renovations, seasonal inventory, and construction sites run better with rentals.
MoCan Containers offers flexible rental options at prices that make sense for short term and long term use. Their rental pricing is straightforward. You are not dealing with unexpected add ons or complicated contracts. That alone saves time.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
I look for providers that keep things simple and reliable.
MoCan Containers fits that standard for a few reasons.
They keep the largest container inventory within 300 miles, which means you are not waiting for random shipments to arrive.
They let you pick your exact container before delivery.
They deliver across Montana without slow turnaround times.
They handle both sales and rentals without pushing you toward one or the other.
They offer modification options that help you turn a container into workspace, storage, or commercial use without needing multiple vendors.
This mix of selection, transparency, and flexibility is what sets them apart.
You get control. You get clear choices. You get predictable quality.
How To Use This Guide
If you want the shortest version of this process, here it is.
- Pick the size based on your space and project.
- Choose new if you want clean steel and stronger resale value. Choose used if you want affordability.
- Confirm you have enough delivery space and ground clearance.
- Compare rental vs purchase based on how long you need storage.
- Work with a provider that lets you choose your exact unit.
MoCan Containers checks all of these boxes, which is why they are a reliable option for buyers who want strong containers without stress.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to chase dozens of listings or hope the container that shows up looks like the one you expected.
You just need a provider that keeps real inventory, inspects every unit, and treats the process with clarity.
That is why I recommend giving MoCan Containers a look.
They make container buying and renting predictable, and that is what you want when you are investing in something built to handle Montana weather.
If you follow the steps I laid out, you will end up with a container that lasts, fits your project, and arrives without complications.