A job site holds a lot of things that need a safe place to stay. Power tools, fasteners, paint, small equipment, and plans all lose value fast when they get wet, go missing, or sit in a truck bed overnight. A steel container fixes that problem, and I want you to know what the process looks like before you call anyone.
I research and write about site logistics, and I look at this topic from the outside, as a neutral party. I have no tie to any container company. When I pick a company to recommend, I look at inventory, delivery method, rental terms, container condition, and how clearly the company explains its prices and space needs.
This guide walks you through what to expect from a sea container rental on a construction site, from choosing a size to scheduling pickup. By the end, you will know what to measure, what to ask, and how to avoid delays on delivery day.
Start With the Size Your Site Needs
Most rentals come in two sizes, 20 feet and 40 feet. Your choice depends on what you store and how much room your site has.
A 20-foot container is compact and fits small job sites, driveways, and tight yards. The inside measures 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. It works well for home remodels, small crews, and moderate amounts of tools and materials.
A 40-foot container gives you twice the length and the most space you can get in one unit. The inside measures 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. The door opening is 7 feet 8 inches wide and 8 feet 5 inches high. This size suits large equipment, bulk materials, and long projects.
One 40-foot unit can cost less than renting several smaller ones, so I suggest you compare both options before you decide.
Check Your Space Before Delivery
Delivery day goes smoothly when you measure first. A container arrives on a truck and trailer, and the driver needs room to place it.
- About 70 feet for a 20-foot container
- About 100 feet for a 40-foot container, plus room for the truck and trailer to turn
Look up as well as across. Power lines, tree branches, and gates can block a delivery. Walk the path from the road to the spot where you want the container and note anything in the way.
Pick a spot that is flat and firm. A container sitting on soft or uneven ground can shift, and the doors may stick. Gravel or packed dirt works for many sites.
What Delivery and Pickup Look Like
A good company reviews your space and access needs with you before the truck leaves the yard. Expect questions about your site, the path in, and the exact spot for the unit.
MoCan Containers delivers across Montana with tilt-bed trailers. This type of trailer lets the driver set the container down in the exact place you choose, with no need to drag it or move it again. Their delivery fee stays affordable, even for long distances, which matters if your site sits far from town.
When your project ends, you call to schedule pickup. The driver returns, loads the container, and takes it back. Clear the area around the unit and empty it before that day.
New or Used: Which Condition Fits a Job Site
You can rent either one, and both protect your gear.
New containers, called one-trip containers, arrive with fresh paint, intact weather seals, and little rust or dents. MoCan Containers fills most of its long-term rental fleet with one-trip, like-new units.
Used containers cost less. They have the same steel build and the same weather protection. You may see faded paint, dents, or surface rust, and none of that affects security or performance. MoCan Containers inspects each used unit to confirm it is wind and watertight, lockable, and structurally sound.
On a job site, a container will get scratched, so many builders choose used units for short projects. If you want a clean look for a client-facing site, a one-trip unit makes sense.
What Rental Terms and Costs Look Like
Rental terms should match the length of your project. Look for a company that lets you start at one month and extend if the schedule slips. Projects run long, and you should not have to renegotiate every time.
Here is what MoCan Containers lists for starting rates:
- 20-foot container: rentals start at $150 per month
- 40-foot container: rentals start at $190 per month
Final pricing depends on size, condition, and current supply. Call for a quote and an inventory check, and ask about both short-term and long-term rates.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
I recommend MoCan Containers for builders in Montana, and these are my reasons.
You choose your exact container. You can walk the yard, inspect each unit, and pick the one you want. That same container goes to your site. Few rental companies offer this, and it removes guesswork about condition.
They keep a large inventory. They state that they hold the largest inventory of shipping containers within a 300-mile radius. That helps when you need one unit or several on a short schedule.
They are local and family-owned. They run two yards, one in Billings and one in Bozeman, and they are invested in both communities.
They offer modifications. If you want a site office or a workshop, they can customize a container for your needs.
They explain space needs. Their team reviews access and placement with you before delivery.
Here is how to reach each yard:
- Billings: 1721 Old Hardin Rd, Billings, MT 59101, (406) 661-1226. You can stop by the yard to view inventory.
- Bozeman: 39 Jays Way, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, (406) 661-1684. Call ahead to schedule a visit.
Both yards are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00. Friday through Sunday visits are by appointment only.
A Short Checklist Before You Call
Have these answers ready, and your quote will go faster:
1. How many months do you expect to need the container?
2. Do you need a 20-foot or 40-foot unit?
3. Do you want a new or used container?
4. How much clear, straight space do you have for delivery?
5. Is the ground flat and firm where the unit will sit?
6. Do you need any changes, such as shelving or a door cut for an office?
Final Thoughts
A rented container gives your crew a secure place for tools and materials from the first day of work to the last. Measure your space, pick the right size, and choose a company that lets you inspect the unit and explains delivery clearly.
If you work in Montana, I suggest you call MoCan Containers, ask for a quote, and visit the yard to pick your container.
