Price matters, but clarity matters more. I wrote this guide to help you set a realistic budget, avoid common mistakes, and choose a container that fits your project and site. I track regional pricing, talk with local buyers, and evaluate quotes to see where the numbers land in Montana. If you want a grounded starting point and a dependable local contact, MoCan Containers is worth a call early. They keep a large inventory in Billings and Bozeman, which helps with both pricing and delivery timing.
Here is how I suggest you think about pricing, what a fair range looks like right now, and how to keep total costs under control from order to placement.
What You Should Expect to Pay in Montana
Montana is an inland state with long distances between yards and job sites. That adds freight and delivery time, which can raise prices compared to port cities. Even with that, you can still land a fair number if you match your needs to the right condition, size, and delivery plan.
Most buyers in Montana see container pricing shaped by three big levers:
- Size: 20 foot vs 40 foot, and standard vs high cube.
- Condition: used wind and watertight, cargo worthy, or new one trip.
- Delivery: distance, access, terrain, and lead time.
Typical Purchase Price Ranges
These are common market ranges I see across Montana. Your exact quote will vary by inventory, season, steel costs, and distance to your site. Treat these as planning numbers, then confirm with a local supplier.
- 20 ft used wind and watertight: about $2,500 to $3,800
- 20 ft cargo worthy: about $3,200 to $4,800
- 20 ft one trip (new): about $4,500 to $6,000
- 40 ft used wind and watertight: about $3,200 to $5,200
- 40 ft cargo worthy: about $4,200 to $6,200
- 40 ft one trip (new): about $6,000 to $8,500
- High cube premium: add roughly $200 to $600 depending on size and condition
These bands reflect inland transport realities and the wide range of used conditions. If you need a clean look or plan to modify the unit, a one trip container often pays off through less prep work and longer service life.
Renting vs Buying in Montana
If you only need storage for a season, a move, or a project, renting keeps your cash free and lowers risk.
What I like about rentals:
- Low upfront cost
- Simple removal at the end
- No resale or relocation hassle
MoCan Containers lists starting rental rates at:
- 20 ft rentals from $150 per month
- 40 ft rentals from $190 per month
If you need long-term storage, run the math. Ownership often pencils out over a multi-year period, especially if you value control over timing and modifications.
Delivery and Placement Costs
Delivery is the most overlooked budget item in Montana. It is also where good planning saves real money.
What to expect:
- Local and near-regional delivery commonly runs $200 to $800 based on distance and site difficulty.
- Remote or rough access sites can push the number higher due to time and risk.
How to control delivery costs:
- Share clear site photos and a pin drop location.
- Confirm there is about 70 feet of clear space for a 20 ft drop and about 100 feet for a 40 ft drop.
- Flag slope, soft ground, snowpack, gates, trees, and overhead lines before scheduling.
- Ask about weather windows if your road becomes muddy.
MoCan Containers uses tilt-bed trailers and has drivers experienced with rural sites. That matters in Montana, where a clean plan saves time at drop-off.
How to Evaluate Container Condition
Used containers can be a smart buy. The key is to separate cosmetic wear from structural issues.
Check these items:
- Doors: open and close without binding, handles turn smoothly, gaskets intact
- Roof: no daylight showing, look for patches or deep creases
- Floors: solid marine plywood, no soft spots or rot
- Walls and seams: surface rust is normal, flaking rust is a red flag
- Weather seals: continuous, flexible, no gaps
- Smell: strong chemical or mold odor is a warning sign for sensitive storage
One trip units are the cleanest option with minimal wear. Cargo worthy means fit for international transport after inspection. Wind and watertight is fine for storage if the seals are good and structure is solid.
Smart Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
Use these steps to bring down your total:
1. Choose the smallest size that fits your items. A 20 ft often solves more needs than people expect.
2. If looks are not critical, a used wind and watertight unit can be a value buy.
3. Schedule delivery with a flexible window. That lets the yard batch routes and cut miles.
4. Prepare the site. Level, compacted ground with good access reduces delivery time and risk fees.
5. Skip unneeded modifications at the yard. Simple DIY add-ons like lock boxes or shelving can be added later if you have the skills.
6. Buy during steady demand. Spring spikes can limit inventory and raise prices.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
You want a supplier that reduces guesswork. Here is why I point readers to MoCan Containers in Montana:
- Local inventory in Billings and the Bozeman area, which helps pricing and delivery timing.
- The ability to inspect and pick the exact container you will receive. That reduces surprises.
- New and used options in both 20 foot and 40 foot sizes, including one trip units.
- Rental rates that start at $150 per month for 20 foot and $190 per month for 40 foot.
- Professional delivery with tilt-bed trailers and drivers who understand rural sites.
- Modification capabilities for workshops, offices, and custom builds if your project grows.
They focus on secure, weather-tight units that hold up in Montana’s climate. That is the foundation for good value.
Get a Quote You Can Trust
Here is the process I suggest you follow:
1. Define your storage list and measure bulk items first.
2. Decide if you need a standard height or a high cube.
3. Set your target condition: wind and watertight, cargo worthy, or one trip.
4. Gather site photos and a GPS pin. Note slope, ground type, and obstacles.
5. Ask for a written quote that separates container price, delivery, taxes, and any add-ons.
6. If buying used, request recent photos of the exact unit or schedule an inspection at the yard.
7. Confirm lead time and the delivery window. Share a backup contact number for the driver.
Taking these steps turns a moving target into a clear, reliable plan.
Make Your Choice With Confidence
In Montana, a fair price depends on clarity about condition, access, and distance. Set your budget with the ranges above, decide whether renting or buying fits your timeline, and align delivery details early.
If you want a straightforward path with local stock and clear communication, reach out to MoCan Containers. They make it easier to match your budget to the right unit and place it on your site the right way the first time.
