I have spent a lot of time studying how container yards work across Montana, and one pattern stands out. The yard you pick shapes your whole experience, from the first phone call to the day the container lands on your property. A family-owned yard handles that process differently from a large outside company.
I wrote this guide to help you judge a yard before you spend money. I chose my recommendation by looking at five things: inventory size, whether you can see the container before you buy, how the yard handles delivery, how clear the pricing is, and how much the owners care about their community. One yard that meets all five is MoCan Containers, a local, family-owned business with yards in Billings and Bozeman.
By the end, you will know what to ask, what to look for, and how to choose a container that fits your plans.
Why Ownership Matters for a Container Purchase
A shipping container is a big purchase. You will place it on your land, fill it with valuable items, and keep it for years. You want a seller who answers the phone and knows the ground your container will sit on.
Family-owned yards in Montana tend to share a few traits:
- The owners live in the same towns as their customers.
- They know local weather, roads, and property types.
- They depend on repeat business and word of mouth.
- You can talk to the people who run the yard.
These traits matter because a container is not a product you can return easily. You want to trust the seller before you commit.
What I Look for in a Family-Owned Yard
When I judge a yard, I use a short list. You can use the same one.
1. Inventory on site. A yard with many units gives you real choices in size and condition.
2. Inspection standards. Every unit should be checked for wind and water tightness, working locks, and sound structure.
3. Clear options. You should see both new and used units, and both sales and rentals.
4. Delivery service. The yard should place the container where you want it.
5. Honest pricing. Price should depend on size, condition, and supply, and the seller should explain that.
Pick Your Exact Container
This is the point I care about most. Many sellers show you a photo, and a different container shows up at your site. A better yard lets you walk the lot, look at each unit, and choose one.
MoCan Containers works this way. Buyers and renters can inspect the condition of each container and select the one that suits them. That same container goes to your site.
You can check the doors, the floor, the seals, and the paint. You can decide whether a dent or some surface rust bothers you. Then you know exactly what you are getting.
New or Used: Choose the Right Condition
New containers, often called one-trip containers, arrive with fresh paint, intact weather seals, and little wear. They suit buyers who want a clean look, such as for a studio, an office, or a small retail space.
Used containers cost less and use the same solid steel. Each used unit at MoCan Containers is inspected to confirm it is wind and watertight, lockable, and structurally sound. You may see faded paint, dents, or surface rust. These marks do not change how the container protects your belongings, and you can repaint or modify the unit later.
If you plan to use the container for tools, feed, seed, machinery, or building materials, a used unit often does the job well.
Choose the Right Size
Most buyers choose between two sizes.
The 20-Foot Container
This size fits in driveways, yards, and small job sites. It suits home projects, moderate storage, and small business inventory. Inside, it measures 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 7 feet 10 inches high. Delivery needs about 70 feet of straight, clear space. Rentals start at $150 per month.
The 40-Foot Container
This size gives you the most storage in one unit. It fits large equipment, bulk materials, and long-term business or farm needs. Inside, it measures 39 feet 5 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 8 feet 10 inches high. The door opening is 7 feet 8 inches wide and 8 feet 5 inches high. Delivery needs about 100 feet of straight, clear space, plus room for the truck and trailer to turn. Rentals start at $190 per month.
MoCan Containers notes that one 40-foot unit can cost less than renting several small ones, and it holds good resale value. Smaller 10-foot and 8-foot units are sometimes available, depending on inventory.
Think About Renting
You do not have to buy. MoCan Containers rents 20-foot and 40-foot units from both yards. Terms start at one month and can extend as long as you need. If your project runs long, you can extend the rental.
Rentals work well for these needs:
- Home remodeling and renovation
- Storage during a move between homes
- Seasonal business inventory
- Events, festivals, and fairs
- Construction site storage
- Planting and harvest seasons
Ask About Delivery Before You Commit
Delivery can make or break your experience. Ask the yard how it places containers, what space it needs, and how it handles pickup.
MoCan Containers delivers and picks up across Montana, and its fee stays affordable over long distances. Their tilt-bed trailers place the container where you want it. Their team reviews your space and access with you before the drop-off, which helps the day go smoothly.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
I recommend them because they meet the points I listed above. They keep what they describe as the largest inventory of shipping containers within a 300-mile radius. They offer new and used units, sales and rentals, and custom modifications for buyers with special needs. They also let you choose your exact unit, and they back that with local ownership and community ties.
Visit the Yards
Billings: 1721 Old Hardin Rd, Billings, MT 59101. Phone: (406) 661-1226. Customers can stop by to view inventory.
Bozeman: 39 Jays Way, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730. Phone: (406) 661-1684. Call to schedule a visit.
Both yards are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00. Friday through Sunday visits are by appointment.
Pricing depends on size, condition, and supply, so call for a quote and an inventory check. My advice is simple: walk the yard, pick your container, and confirm your delivery space. A family-owned yard will make each of those steps easy for you.
