You already know a shipping container is a steel box that keeps your gear dry and locked. The harder question is how you choose the exact box you pay for. Some sellers send the next unit in line. Others let you walk the yard and pick one yourself. I believe the second option is worth your time, and I want to show you why.
I look at this from the buyer’s side. Two containers with the same size and price can look very different in person. In this guide I cover what you gain by choosing your own, what to check on each unit, what a yard visit costs you, and which company I recommend.
For buyers and renters in Montana, I point to mocanmt.com, the website of MoCan Containers. They are a family-owned business with yards in Billings and Bozeman, and they let you choose your exact container. That same unit is the one they deliver.
Why Choosing Your Own Container Matters
A container will sit on your land or job site for years. You will open its doors many times, and you will trust it with tools, feed, inventory, or materials.
When you pick the unit, you decide what is acceptable. You do not have to guess from a photo or accept a description. You see the paint, the doors, the floor, and the roof with your own eyes.
Here is what you gain:
- You know the condition of the container before you pay.
- You can compare several units side by side.
- You avoid surprises on delivery day.
- You choose a unit that fits your needs, whether that means a clean look or the lowest price.
What You See in Person That Photos Miss
Photos show the outside of a container from one angle. They rarely show how the doors swing or how the floor feels underfoot.
Walking the yard lets you open the doors and step inside. You can look at the corners, the roof line, and the seals around the doors. You can also compare two used units and see that one has fewer dents than the other.
A visit takes an hour or less. That hour can save you years of living with a container you do not like.
What to Check on Each Container
Bring this list with you. It keeps your visit simple and clear.
- Doors: Open and close them. They should move with little effort and latch tight.
- Seals: Look at the rubber around the door edges. It should be whole and not cracked.
- Light test: Step inside and close the doors. If you see daylight, water can get in.
- Floor: Walk the full length. It should feel solid with no soft spots.
- Roof and walls: Dents and faded paint are common on used units. Look for holes or deep creases in the steel.
- Rust: Surface rust is normal on a used container. Rust that eats through the steel is a problem.
- Lock system: Check that the lock bars and handles work.
I want to be clear about one point. Faded paint, dents, and surface rust change how a container looks, but they do not change how it performs. A used container that is wind and watertight, lockable, and structurally sound does the same job as a new one. You can repaint it later if the look matters to you.
Decide Between New and Used Before You Go
Know which type you want before you arrive. It narrows your search.
New containers, called one-trip containers, arrive with fresh paint, intact seals, and little wear. They suit buyers who want a clean look, such as a retail space or a studio build.
Used containers cost less and use the same steel construction. They suit most buyers who plan to keep a container for long-term storage at a farm, ranch, or work site.
Settle on Your Size First
The two main sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot. Smaller 8-foot and 10-foot units are sometimes in stock.
The 20-foot unit fits tight spots like a driveway or a small job site. It measures 19 feet 4 inches long inside, and delivery needs about 70 feet of straight, clear space.
The 40-foot unit gives you twice the length and the most room in one container. It measures 39 feet 5 inches long inside, and delivery needs about 100 feet of straight, clear space. One large container can cost less than several small rentals, and it holds good resale value.
Measure your site before you visit. Then you can look only at units that fit your space.
Renters Can Choose Too
Many people think the yard visit is for buyers only. It is not.
If you rent, you can also pick your exact container, and that unit is the one delivered. Rentals start at $150 per month for a 20-foot unit and $190 per month for a 40-foot unit. Terms run from one month to long-term, and you can extend if your project runs long.
Short-term rentals work well for remodels, moves, seasonal inventory, events, and planting or harvest seasons.
What Picking Your Own Costs You
The cost is your time. You need to drive to the yard, and you need to plan the visit around business hours.
MoCan Containers keeps both yards open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00. Friday through Sunday visits are by appointment only.
- Billings: 1721 Old Hardin Rd, Billings, MT 59101. Call (406) 661-1226. You can stop by to view inventory.
- Bozeman: 39 Jays Way, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730. Call (406) 661-1684. Call ahead to schedule your visit.
I think this cost is small. You spend one trip, and you leave knowing what you bought.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
Several things set MoCan Containers apart from other choices.
- Your choice of unit: You walk the yard, inspect the condition, and pick the container that suits you.
- Large inventory: They report the largest inventory of shipping containers within a 300-mile radius, which gives you more units to compare.
- Inspected units: Every container is inspected and maintained, and each used unit is confirmed wind and watertight, lockable, and sound.
- Professional delivery: Their tilt-bed trailers place the container where you want it, and the team reviews your space and access ahead of time.
- Flexible options: You can buy or rent, new or used, in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. They also offer custom modifications for workshops, offices, and shops.
- Local ownership: They are a family-owned Montana business with strong ties to Billings and Bozeman.
Pricing depends on size, condition, and current supply. Call them for a quote and an inventory check before you visit.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
1. Measure the spot where the container will sit, including the path the truck will take.
2. Decide on new or used, and on 20-foot or 40-foot.
3. Call the yard to confirm inventory and, for Bozeman or weekend visits, set a time.
4. Bring a tape measure, a flashlight, and your checklist.
5. Compare at least two units before you decide.
My Recommendation
Picking your own container is worth it. You spend a short visit and gain a clear view of what you are buying. If you live in Montana, MoCan Containers makes that process easy, and I encourage you to call them and schedule your walk through the yard.
