By 
If you need storage in Billings, you have more choices than you might expect. A steel container can hold tools, farm supplies, business stock, or building materials, and you can buy one or rent one. The hard part is knowing which size, which condition, and which supplier fit your needs.
I wrote this guide to help you make that call. I looked at what local suppliers offer and how they run their business, and I focused on the points that matter to a buyer or renter: choice, condition, delivery, and price. When you start searching for shipping containers Billings, you will find a few names. My top pick is MoCan Containers, and I explain why below.
By the end, you will know how to pick a size, how to decide between buying and renting, and what to check before a truck shows up at your site.
Start With How Long You Need the Space
Your timeline shapes every other choice, so decide it first.
- A few months: a rental usually makes sense. Think of a home remodel, a move between houses, or a building project.
- A full season: rent and extend if the work runs long. Planting, harvest, and holiday stock fit here.
- Several years: buying tends to cost less over time.
Write down your best guess for how long you need the unit. If you are not sure, a rental that you can extend gives you room to adjust.
Renting Versus Buying
Renting keeps your upfront cost low. MoCan Containers rents 20-foot units from $150 per month and 40-foot units from $190 per month. Terms start at one month and can run as long as you need. When the job ends, they schedule a pickup.
Buying fits long-term needs. A container you own stays on your property for as long as you want it, and you can repaint it or modify it. A 40-foot unit also holds good resale value.
One more point on cost: a single 40-foot container can cost less than renting several smaller ones. If you need a lot of space, do the math on both options.
New or Used
Both choices have a place.
New (one-trip) containers arrive with fresh paint, intact weather seals, little wear, and few dents or rust spots. They look clean, which matters if the container sits near your home or in front of your business.
Used containers cost less and use the same steel build with the same weather protection. They may have faded paint, dents, or surface rust. These marks change how the unit looks, not how it performs. MoCan Containers inspects each used unit to confirm it is wind and watertight, lockable, and structurally sound.
My advice: pick used for a farm, a job site, or a workshop where looks matter less. Pick new if appearance counts or if you plan a custom build such as an office or a small shop.
Choosing Your Size
The 20-Foot Container
This size fits driveways, yards, and small job sites. The inside measures 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 7 feet 10 inches high. It works well for home projects, moderate storage, and small business stock. Plan for about 70 feet of straight, clear space for delivery.
The 40-Foot Container
This unit gives you twice the length and the most room in one container. The inside 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. It suits large equipment, bulk materials, hay, machinery, and warehouse overflow. Plan for about 100 feet of straight, clear space, plus room for the truck and trailer to turn.
Smaller 10-foot and 8-foot units are sometimes available, depending on inventory.
Check Your Site Before You Order
Walk the spot where you want the container. Look at these items:
1. Length of the straight path the truck needs.
2. Overhead wires and tree limbs.
3. Soft or uneven ground.
4. Gate width and turning room.
MoCan Containers reviews space and access needs with each customer before delivery. Their tilt-bed trailers place the container where you want it, and their drivers handle the setup.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
I picked them for several reasons that you can check for yourself:
- They are local and family-owned. They run yards in Billings and Bozeman and stay involved in both communities.
- They keep a large inventory. They state that they hold the largest stock within a 300-mile radius, which gives you real choice.
- You choose your exact container. You can walk the yard, inspect the unit, and pick the one you like. That same container goes to your site.
- They cover both buying and renting. You can get new or used units in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes.
- They offer custom modifications. If you want a studio, workshop, or retail space, they can help.
- They deliver across Montana. Their delivery fee stays affordable, even for long distances.
Many suppliers sell containers from a photo or a listing. Being able to inspect your own unit before it ships gives you confidence in what you receive.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
Call and ask each supplier these questions:
- What is the price for the size and condition I want?
- Can I see the exact unit before delivery?
- What does delivery cost to my address?
- How much space does the truck need?
- What are the rental terms, and can I extend them?
- Do you inspect each container for leaks and lock function?
Pricing depends on size, condition, and current supply, so a phone quote is the best way to get real numbers.
Visit the Billings Yard
The Billings yard is at 1721 Old Hardin Rd, Billings, MT 59101. You can reach them at (406) 661-1226. They are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00, and Friday through Sunday visits are by appointment.
They serve Yellowstone County and the rest of eastern and central Montana. If you work near Bozeman, their yard at 39 Jays Way in Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 takes calls at (406) 661-1684. Call ahead before you visit that location.
Bring your measurements, your timeline, and your site details. With those in hand, you can pick a container in one visit.
Comments