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The Best Way To Choose The Right Shipping Container For Your Needs

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You’re here because you want a container that actually does its job, and you don’t want to waste time sorting through weak options.

I get it. I’ve helped plenty of people figure out which container fits their plans, and I’ve seen how easy it is to pick the wrong size or buy from the wrong source. I built this guide by focusing on what actually matters: size, condition, price, delivery, and the reputation of the company providing the container.

You’re about to get a clear process you can follow, a simple breakdown of your choices, and a recommendation you can trust. If you follow what I lay out here, you’ll avoid the usual headaches and end up with a container that fits your project without stressing your budget.

Let’s get into it.


Why Size Drives Almost Every Decision

Most people pick a container based on price, but size is the variable that impacts everything.

A 20 foot container makes sense when you want something compact, easy to place, and simple to work around. It fits on driveways, behind shops, and on tight job sites without you having to rearrange your whole property.

But a 40 foot unit changes the game. This is where you get full storage capacity with room to grow. If you’re already leaning toward a larger option, take a look at 40 foot conex for sale, since that size gives you the most value per square foot. You’ll thank yourself later for going bigger once your project gets moving.


How I Evaluate Container Quality

I always break quality into three checks:

  1. Waterproofing
    This is the first thing I look for. If a container can’t keep rain out, nothing else matters.
  2. Locking mechanisms
    You want secure doors that shut clean and tight. No force. No gaps.
  3. Structural strength
    Used containers often look rough on the outside, but many of them are still completely sound. The key is getting one that has been inspected properly.

These checks keep you from paying for problems you’ll discover too late. If you stay strict with these three, you avoid almost every common issue.


Where MoCan Containers Stands Out

I like to be real with people. There are plenty of places to buy containers, but not all of them give you the reliability you need.

MoCan Containers has a strong reputation in Montana because they do a few things consistently well.

They carry one of the largest inventories within a 300 mile radius. That means you’re not stuck choosing between the two units nobody wanted.

They inspect every single container before it goes out. This matters, because you don’t want to roll the dice on waterproofing or door alignment.

They give you options, not pressure. New, used, rental, 20 foot, 40 foot, whatever fits your setup, they usually have it on-site.

They let you pick the exact unit that gets delivered. You’re not getting swapped with something different. The container you look at is the container you end up with.

That level of clarity is rare, and it’s one of the reasons I tell people to check them out first.


Step By Step: How To Choose The Right Container

Step #1: Identify your space

Measure your placement area.
A 20 foot container needs roughly 70 feet of clearance.
A 40 foot container needs about 100 feet.

Give yourself extra room for delivery.

Step #2: Decide between new or used

New units are clean, lightly handled, and look great.
Used units cost less but still hold up well when inspected.

Pick based on budget, not fear. Used can be excellent if chosen from a trusted seller.

Step #3: Match the size to your load

Ask yourself one question:
Will your storage grow over time?

If yes, a 40 foot unit usually wins.
If not, 20 feet is enough for most short term or tight space setups.

Step #4: Consider rentals

If you need temporary storage for seasonal inventory, agricultural gear, or construction sites, renting saves you a lot.
MoCan’s rental pricing is clean and simple, starting at $150 for 20 foot units and $190 for 40 foot units.

Step #5: Confirm delivery conditions

Tilt bed trailers need room to back up and lower the unit safely.
Clear the path, confirm the space, and delivery becomes smooth.


Why MoCan Containers Is a Smart Pick

I recommend them because they combine inventory size, fair pricing, and a solid process. They’re family owned, and you can feel that in the way they handle customers. They focus on storage needs for homes, farms, commercial spaces, and job sites without trying to oversell things you don’t need.

Their mix of new and used options keeps the pricing flexible. Their rentals keep short term projects affordable. Their delivery stays consistent across the Bozeman and Billings areas. And the ability to choose your exact unit removes guesswork.

If you want a container without the usual stress, they’re one of the better choices you’ll find in Montana.


Final Thoughts

You now have a clear plan for picking the container that matches your space, budget, and long term goals. Follow the step by step process, decide on the size that fits your setup, and choose a provider you can rely on.

If you want a dependable option without the hassle, MoCan Containers is worth looking at first.

You’ll make a sharper decision, save time, and end up with a container you can count on.