Every farm and ranch needs dry, locked space. Feed spoils when it gets wet. Seed loses value when mice get to it. Tools and parts go missing when they sit in the open. A new barn or shop solves these problems, but it costs a lot and takes months to build.
A used steel container gives you secure storage at a lower price, and you can have it on your land in days. I wrote this guide to help you choose one that fits your budget and your property. I focused on the points that matter most to farm and ranch owners: the condition of the unit, the size, the delivery, and the seller. Based on those points, I recommend MoCan Containers in Montana. If you plan to look at used storage containers for sale, the sections below will show you what to check and what to ask.
Why Used Containers Fit Farm Work
A container is a steel box built to ship cargo across oceans. It handles rain, snow, wind, and sun. That is the same list of problems your equipment faces on the ranch.
Used units cost less than new ones and use the same steel construction. They give the same weather protection. You can lock them, and you can move them later if your plans change.
Here is what farm and ranch owners store in them:
- Feed and seed
- Hay and bulk supplies
- Tractors and other machinery
- Hand tools and parts
- Fencing materials
- Seasonal gear
Some owners turn a container into a workshop or a small garage. A used unit works well for that, because you can cut, paint, and modify it without worrying about a perfect finish.
What “Used” Really Means
The word used makes some buyers nervous. I understand that, but you can judge a container by looking at it.
A used container may have faded paint, a few dents, or surface rust. These marks are cosmetic. They do not change how well the container protects your belongings. A fresh coat of paint can improve the look and extend the life of the unit.
What matters is the structure. The container should be wind and watertight, it should lock, and the frame should be sound.
A Simple Checklist Before You Buy
Take this list with you when you visit a yard:
1. Step inside and close the doors. Look for any light coming through the walls, roof, or door seals.
2. Check that both doors open and close with ease, and that the locking bars work.
3. Press on the floor in several places. It should feel solid.
4. Look at the roof for dents that could hold water.
5. Tell surface rust apart from rust that has eaten through the steel. Surface rust is common and harmless. Holes are a reason to walk away.
6. Check the corners and the frame for bends or cracks.
This list takes about fifteen minutes. It protects you from a bad purchase.
Pick the Right Size for Your Land
Most farm and ranch buyers choose between two sizes.
The 20-Foot Container
This unit is easier to place in tight spots. Inside, it measures 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 7 feet 10 inches high. It suits tools, seed, and moderate storage needs. Delivery needs about 70 feet of straight, clear space.
The 40-Foot Container
This unit gives you twice the length and the most space in one container. Inside, it measures 39 feet 5 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 8 feet 10 inches high. The door opening is 7 feet 8 inches wide and 8 feet 5 inches high. It fits large machinery, hay, and bulk supplies. Delivery needs about 100 feet of straight, clear space, plus room for the truck and trailer to turn.
I often tell buyers to think about one 40-foot unit before they buy two or three small ones. A single large container can cost less than several small ones, and it holds good resale value.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
MoCan Containers is a local, family-owned business with yards in Billings and Gallatin Gateway, near Bozeman. They keep the largest inventory of shipping containers within a 300-mile radius. That matters, because more choices give you a better chance to find the right unit at the right price.
Here is what sets them apart:
- You choose your exact unit. You can walk the yard, inspect each container, and pick the one 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.
- They offer both sizes. Used 20-foot and 40-foot containers are available at both yards.
- They deliver across Montana. Their tilt-bed trailers place the container where you want it, and they review your space and access needs before the drop-off.
- They offer custom changes. If you want a workshop or a unit with special features, they can modify a container for you.
Pricing depends on size, condition, and supply, so you should call for a quote and an inventory check.
Rent First if You Are Not Sure
If you need space only for planting or harvest, renting may fit your budget better. MoCan Containers rents 20-foot units from $150 per month and 40-foot units from $190 per month. Terms start at one month, and you can extend them if your work runs long.
Many owners rent first, learn how much space they need, and buy later.
Plan Your Site Before Delivery
Good placement protects your container and your belongings. I suggest you do these things:
- Pick a spot that is level and drains water away.
- Measure the straight path the truck needs.
- Check for low wires and tree limbs along the way.
- Think about how close you want the container to your barn, your fields, or your house.
Visit the Yard and Ask Questions
The Billings yard is at 1721 Old Hardin Rd, and you can call them at (406) 661-1226. The Bozeman yard is at 39 Jays Way in Gallatin Gateway, and the number is (406) 661-1684. Both are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00. Visits on Friday through Sunday need an appointment. Call before you visit the Bozeman yard so they can set a time.
Bring your checklist, your measurements, and your budget. A used container from a seller who inspects every unit can give your farm or ranch dry, secure space for many years.
