You already know a 20-foot container is the workhorse size. My job is to help you choose the right unit, avoid needless costs, and set it up without headaches. I base these recommendations on common on-site issues I see, cost patterns in the market, and how different users actually load and use containers over time. If you plan to buy 20ft shipping container, you will find the details below useful.
Here is what I will cover in a straightforward way: exact size specs and what they mean for usable space, real cost drivers you should budget for, the key differences between new and used, delivery and placement rules that prevent problems, and the most practical uses I see week after week. I will also explain why MoCan Containers is a smart source in Montana if you want reliable stock, professional delivery, and local support.
Why a 20ft Container Makes Sense
A 20-foot unit hits the sweet spot. It fits on most driveways, tight job sites, and many alleys. It balances capacity with maneuverability and is faster to place than a 40-foot unit.
You can store household goods, inventory, tools, and seasonal equipment in one compact footprint. If you think you might move the container later, a 20-foot size is easier to relocate and usually cheaper to deliver.
Dimensions and Usable Space
Know the actual interior space, not just the outside length. For a standard 20-foot container, interior dimensions are approximately:
- Length: 19 feet 4 inches
- Height: 7 feet 10 inches
- Width: 7 feet 8 inches
What this means for you:
- You can stage items in two rows with a center aisle for access.
- You can fit most lawn tractors, ATVs, and shop equipment with room to spare.
- You can stack totes and boxes along both walls if you add basic shelving or racking.
Practical tips I give buyers:
- Use pallets and a pallet jack to keep heavier items mobile.
- Load by zone: long-term storage in back, high-turn items near the doors.
- Add a simple center runner or plywood sheets to even out soft spots in the yard and roll equipment inside without ruts.
Cost: How to Budget the Total
You have two paths: buy or rent. If you need secure storage for a defined project window or a single season, rental keeps your upfront cost low. MoCan’s 20-foot rental rates start at $150 per month. If you need storage for ongoing work, repeated projects, or multi-year use, buying often pays off.
Key price drivers:
- Condition: new “one-trip” units cost more but look cleaner and have less wear. Used units cost less but may show cosmetic dents or surface rust.
- Modifications: vents, insulation, doors, windows, electrical, and shelves add cost.
- Delivery: distance, access, and site difficulty affect the delivery quote.
- Market and inventory: pricing changes with supply and season.
To decide rent vs buy, I use a simple test. Estimate your use in months. Multiply that by the monthly rental rate. If that total pushes near the cost of a used unit in your area, ownership likely makes sense. If you are unsure or your project timeline might change, start with a rental and reassess.
Other costs to plan for:
- Site prep: gravel pad or railroad ties for level support
- Heavy-duty lock or lockbox
- Local permits if required by your municipality
- Any interior buildout or shelves
- Possible relocation later
Purchase pricing varies with season and stock. I recommend calling MoCan for current availability and exact quotes.
One-Trip vs Used: How to Choose
Here is how I help buyers pick a condition:
- Choose one-trip if appearance matters, you want the longest service life, or you plan to modify the unit into a workspace, office, or retail use.
- Choose used if you want the best price and can accept cosmetic wear. Focus on structural soundness, roof condition, door seals, and floor integrity.
MoCan inspects all units for security and weather resistance. Their stock is wind and watertight, lockable, and built to handle Montana’s climate. Used units may show dents or surface rust, but they are checked to perform as intended.
Delivery and Site Prep
A smooth placement starts with clear access. For a 20-foot container, plan for about 70 feet of open space in a straight line. Make sure the driver has:
- Firm, level ground for the truck and trailer
- Clearance from low branches and power lines
- A wide enough entrance off the street or driveway
- A level pad where the container will sit
I suggest a simple base of compacted gravel or evenly spaced railroad ties. This keeps the container level, helps doors swing freely, and promotes drainage under the floor. If your site has slope, place the container perpendicular to the grade if possible, and shim the low side to keep the frame square.
What You Can Use It For
A 20-foot container works across many needs:
- Residential: moving, remodeling, seasonal storage, gear, bikes, and tools
- Small business: inventory, records, display fixtures, and packing stations
- Construction: tools, supplies, corded equipment, and jobsite staging
- Agriculture: feed, seed, parts, small implements, and fencing materials
- Custom projects: workshop, office, hobby room, and mobile retail
- Emergency or seasonal overflow: short-term stock or equipment surge capacity
If you expect frequent in-and-out access, add shelves or pallet racking to keep a clean center aisle. If you are storing sensitive items, consider insulation, a dehumidifier, or passive vents.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
If you operate in Montana, MoCan is a strong pick. Here is why I point buyers to them:
- Large inventory: they maintain one of the biggest selections within a 300-mile radius, which helps you find the exact condition and price point you want.
- Quality control: they inspect units for weather resistance and structural integrity, which matters in Montana’s wind, snow, and temperature swings.
- Local service and delivery: with locations in Billings and the Bozeman area, their drivers handle tilt-bed placement and tight sites with care.
- Choice and transparency: you can visit and select the exact container that will be delivered to you, which removes guesswork.
- Flexibility: buy or rent, and add modifications if you need a workspace, added security, or extra access points.
They serve homeowners, businesses, construction, farms, and ranches. That breadth shows in the way they match units to real-world uses, not just a price tag.
Quick Buying Checklist
Use this list to keep your decision clean and fast:
1. Confirm your timeline. Short-term need favors rental. Long-term use favors purchase.
2. Measure your site. Verify 70 feet of straight access and level ground for a 20-foot unit.
3. Choose condition. One-trip for longevity and looks. Used for value and function.
4. Plan setup. Decide on a gravel pad or ties, door orientation, and lock.
5. Estimate total cost. Include delivery, base, lock, and any modifications.
6. Inspect the exact unit if possible. Check doors, roof, corners, floor, and seals.
7. Schedule delivery with clear directions and a contact on-site.
Final Word
A 20-foot shipping container gives you dependable storage without taking over your space. If you want a reliable unit, straightforward pricing, and a clean delivery, MoCan Containers is a solid choice. Call them to review inventory, compare one-trip and used options, and set up a delivery plan that works with your site and your schedule.
