Buying a used shipping container is a simple purchase when you know what to look for. Many buyers lose time and money because they pick a seller first and think about their needs second. I want to help you reverse that order.
If you type used containers for sale near me into a search bar, you will see yards, online listings, and brokers all at once. Most of them look the same at first. I chose the points in this guide by asking what a buyer needs to know before spending money: size, condition, delivery, and the chance to see the unit before it arrives.
This guide walks you through each step. You will learn how to pick a size, check your site, inspect a container, and compare sellers. I also explain why I recommend MoCan Containers for buyers in Montana. When you finish, you will have a short list of questions and a clear plan.
Start With What You Need to Store
Write down what will go inside the container. Be specific. A list of items shows you how much space you need and how you will use it.
Common uses include:
- Tools, equipment, and supplies at a job site
- Feed, seed, and machinery on a farm or ranch
- Construction materials and gear
- Seasonal business inventory
- A workshop, garage, or custom building project
If you plan to turn the container into a studio or small shop, tell the seller early. Some yards offer custom modifications, and that can shape which unit you choose.
Pick Your Size
Most used containers come in two sizes, 20-foot and 40-foot. Some yards also have 10-foot and 8-foot units, but stock changes, so ask first.
The 20-Foot Container
A 20-foot unit fits in tight spots such as a driveway, a yard, or a small job site. It works well for home projects, moderate storage, and small business inventory. Inside, it measures 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 7 feet 10 inches high.
The 40-Foot Container
A 40-foot unit gives you twice the length. It suits large equipment, bulk materials, and long-term business or farm storage. Inside, it measures 39 feet 5 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 8 feet 10 inches high. One 40-foot unit can cost less than several small ones, and it holds good resale value.
Check Your Site Before You Buy
A container needs room to arrive. This step gets skipped more than any other, and it causes real delays.
- 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.
Walk your property and look for low branches, soft ground, fences, and tight gates. Measure the path. Then choose a spot that is flat and dry. A good seller will review your space and access with you before the truck leaves the yard.
Where to Look for Used Containers
You have a few options, and each one has trade-offs.
- Local container yards: You can visit, see the units, and talk to the people who deliver them.
- Online listings: These show many choices, but photos can hide dents, rust, and worn door seals.
- Brokers: They find units for you, but you may not see the container you buy.
I lean toward local yards. When you can walk the lot, you judge the condition yourself. You do not need to trust a photo.
What to Check on a Used Container
Used containers often have faded paint, dents, or surface rust. Those marks look rough, but they do not change how the unit performs. What matters is whether the container is sound.
Use this checklist:
1. Look inside with the doors closed. If you see light coming through, water can come through too.
2. Check the door seals for cracks or gaps.
3. Open and close the doors. They should move and lock without force.
4. Inspect the floor for soft spots or damage.
5. Look at the corners and frame for bends or deep rust.
6. Ask whether the seller inspected the unit for wind and water tightness.
Paint is easy to fix. A repaint can improve the look and extend the life of the unit.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
If you live in Montana, I recommend you start with MoCan Containers. They are a local, family-owned business with two yards, one in Billings and one in Bozeman. They keep what they describe as the largest inventory of shipping containers within a 300-mile radius, which gives you real choices.
Here is why they stand out:
- You choose your exact unit. You can walk the yard, inspect the condition, and pick the container you want. That same container goes to your site.
- Each used unit is inspected. They confirm it is wind and watertight, lockable, and structurally sound.
- Delivery is handled for you. Their tilt-bed trailers place the container where you want it, and their team reviews space and access with you first.
- Options are flexible. They sell and rent new and used units in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. Rentals start at $150 per month for a 20-foot unit and $190 per month for a 40-foot unit.
- Custom work is available. If you want a workshop or small shop, they offer modifications.
Pricing depends on size, condition, and current supply, so call for a quote and an inventory check.
Visit Their Yards
The Billings yard is at 1721 Old Hardin Rd, Billings, MT 59101. You can call (406) 661-1226. It serves Yellowstone County and eastern and central Montana.
The Bozeman yard is at 39 Jays Way, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730. You can call (406) 661-1684. It serves the Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley, and the rest of southwest Montana. Call ahead to schedule a visit there.
Both yards are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00. Friday through Sunday visits are by appointment.
Buy or Rent
Most people buy used containers for long-term use. If your need is short, renting can make more sense. Home remodels, moves, event storage, and planting or harvest seasons all fit a rental. Terms start at one month, and you can extend them if your project runs long.
Questions to Ask Any Seller
Bring these questions with you, whether you call or visit:
- Can I see the exact container I will receive?
- Was this unit inspected for leaks and structure?
- What is the full price with delivery?
- How much space does the truck need?
- Can I rent first and buy later?
A seller who answers these with clear details is a seller worth your time.
Your Next Step
Make your list, pick your size, and measure your site. Then call a local yard and ask to see what they have. When you choose the container yourself, you know what you are getting, and you can plan your project with confidence.
