Shipping Container Rental Costs in Montana Explained
You already know a rented container can solve a storage problem quickly. What you may not know is how the monthly price is built and which parts of the bill you can control. I looked at how rental pricing works across Montana and at what local providers offer, and I want to give you a clear way to plan your budget before you pick up the phone.
When you start comparing shipping container rental options, the starting price is only one number. Size, condition, delivery distance, and rental length all change what you pay. I will walk through each one, show you what to ask, and explain why I recommend MoCan Containers as a first call.
What You Can Expect to Pay Each Month
Start with the base rates. MoCan Containers lists rentals from $150 per month for a 20-foot container and from $190 per month for a 40-foot container.
Look at the gap between those two numbers. A 40-foot unit costs $40 more per month and gives you twice the length. If you need a lot of room, one large container often costs less than two small ones.
Those are starting prices. Your final rate depends on the details below, and the company asks you to call for a quote and an inventory check.
What Changes the Price
Four things shape your monthly rate:
- Size: A 40-foot container costs more than a 20-foot container.
- Condition: New containers cost more than used ones.
- Supply: Prices move with the number of containers in stock at the time you call.
- Rental length: Short and long terms can carry different rates.
Delivery distance adds to your total as well. I cover that further down.
New or Used: Which One Should You Rent?
New containers are called one-trip containers. They arrive with fresh paint, intact weather seals, and little wear. Used containers cost less and use the same steel construction.
Each used unit from MoCan Containers is inspected to confirm it is wind and watertight, lockable, and sound in structure. You may see faded paint, a few dents, or surface rust. These marks change the look of the container. They do not change how well it protects your belongings.
Here is how I would decide:
- Rent used if you store tools, lumber, or equipment at a job site or on a farm.
- Rent new if customers will see the container, such as at a shop or event.
- Ask about both, because the price gap may be smaller than you expect.
Delivery and Pickup Fees
Delivery is part of your total cost, and Montana has long distances. MoCan Containers delivers across the state and keeps the fee affordable for long trips. They use tilt-bed trailers, which place the container where you want it. At the end of your term, they schedule a pickup that fits your calendar.
Ask for the delivery fee with your quote. A low monthly rate with a high delivery fee can cost more than a fair rate with a fair fee.
Check Your Site Before You Book
A site that does not fit the truck can add cost or delay your project. Measure your space first.
- A 20-foot container needs about 70 feet of straight, clear space for delivery.
- A 40-foot container needs about 100 feet of straight, clear space, plus room for the truck and trailer to turn.
The MoCan Containers team reviews your space and access needs before the drop-off. Have photos or measurements ready when you call, and the conversation will move faster.
Short Term or Long Term
You can rent for a single month or for a long period. You can keep the container as long as you need and return it when the work is done. If your project runs long, the rental can be extended.
Short rentals fit these needs:
- Home remodels and renovations
- Storage between moves
- Seasonal business inventory
- Events, festivals, and fairs
- Construction site storage
- Planting and harvest seasons on a farm
Long-term renters get mostly one-trip, like-new containers that look clean and are inspected before delivery. If you know you will need space for a year or more, ask for both short-term and long-term rates and compare them.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
I recommend MoCan Containers for four reasons.
First, they are a local, family-owned business with yards in Billings and Bozeman. You deal with people who live in your community.
Second, you choose your exact container. You can walk the yard, look at the condition of each unit, and pick one. That same container is the one they deliver. You know what you are getting before you pay for it.
Third, their inventory is large. They report the largest stock of shipping containers within a 300-mile radius, which helps you find the size and condition you need.
Fourth, they offer rentals, sales, and custom modifications. If your rental turns into a long project, you can talk to them about buying the unit or turning it into a workshop or office.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
Use this list when you call:
1. What is the monthly rate for the size and condition I want?
2. What is the delivery fee to my address?
3. What is the pickup fee at the end of my term?
4. Can I extend my rental if my project runs long?
5. Can I visit the yard and choose my container?
6. Is the container wind and watertight and lockable?
Your Next Step
Decide on a size, measure your site, and set a rough length for your rental. With those three facts, you can get a clear quote in one call.
The Billings yard is at 1721 Old Hardin Rd, Billings, MT 59101, and the number is (406) 661-1226. The Bozeman yard is at 39 Jays Way in Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, and the number is (406) 661-1684. Both yards are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00. Friday through Sunday visits are by appointment. In Billings, you can stop by the yard. In Bozeman, call ahead to schedule a visit.
A rental should fit your budget and your site. Gather your numbers, ask the questions above, and choose the container that fits your plan.
