You already know why a steel container makes sense for storage, a job site, or a farm. The harder part is getting it onto your land in the right spot without damage, delays, or a second trip. I wrote this guide to help you plan that part from start to finish.
I based my advice on the points that decide whether a delivery goes smoothly: the space you have, the path to your site, the size you pick, the way you choose the unit, and the equipment that sets it down. I recommend MoCan Containers Billings because they meet each of those points for customers across the county.
Read through the sections below and you will know what to measure, what to ask, and what to expect on delivery day.
Why Delivery Planning Matters
A container does not arrive like a package. A truck and trailer carry it, and the driver needs room to back in, tilt the bed, and slide the unit off.
If the space is too short or the path is blocked, the driver cannot place it where you want it. Fixing that costs you time and sometimes money.
Yellowstone County has city lots in Billings, small properties in Lockwood and Laurel, and wide rural parcels near Shepherd, Huntley, Worden, Ballantine, and Broadview. Each one has its own limits. Your plan should match your site.
Measure Your Space First
Start with a tape measure before you call anyone. The container needs a flat, clear spot, and the truck needs a straight approach.
Here are the clear lengths MoCan Containers asks for:
- 20-foot container: about 70 feet of straight, clear space
- 40-foot container: about 100 feet of straight, clear space, plus room for the truck and trailer to maneuver
Walk the area and look up as well as down. Power lines, tree branches, and roof edges can block a delivery as much as a fence can.
Check the Path to Your Site
The drop spot is only half of the plan. The truck has to reach it.
Look at these items along the route:
- Gate width and gate swing
- Low branches or wires over the driveway
- Soft ground, mud, or loose gravel
- Steep slopes or sharp turns
- Parked cars, trailers, or equipment in the way
If you live on a rural road or a long farm lane, drive it and picture a long trailer making each turn. Tell the delivery team about anything that looks tight. They would rather hear about it before the truck leaves the yard.
Pick the Right Size
Size affects your price and your delivery space, and it is easier to choose when you know what each one holds.
The 20-Foot Container
This size fits driveways, yards, and small job sites. Inside, it measures 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 7 feet 10 inches high. It suits home projects, moderate storage, and small business inventory. Rentals start at $150 per month.
The 40-Foot Container
This unit gives you twice the length and the most storage 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 by 8 feet 5 inches high. It works for large equipment, bulk materials, hay, and warehouse overflow. Rentals start at $190 per month.
MoCan Containers notes that one 40-foot unit can cost less than renting several smaller ones. If your site has the room, compare both options.
Decide Between New, Used, Rent, and Buy
New containers, called one-trip containers, arrive with fresh paint, intact weather seals, and little wear. Used containers cost less and have the same steel build and weather protection. They may show faded paint, dents, or surface rust, but each one is inspected to confirm it is wind and watertight, lockable, and sound.
Buy if you need long-term storage or plan to modify the unit. Rent if your need has an end date, such as a remodel, a move, a harvest season, or a construction project. MoCan Containers offers rentals that start at one month and extend as long as you need.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
Several things set them apart for delivery in Yellowstone County.
- You choose your exact container. You can visit the Billings yard, look at each unit, and pick one. That same container comes to your site.
- They keep a large inventory. They describe it as the largest within a 300-mile radius, which gives you real choices in size and condition.
- They use tilt-bed trailers. These allow accurate placement where you want the unit.
- They review your space and access ahead of time. This step prevents most problems before the truck leaves.
- The delivery fee stays affordable. That includes long distances, which helps if you live far from Billings.
- They are local and family-owned. They invest in the community they serve.
- They schedule pickup. When a rental ends, they arrange a convenient time to collect it.
They also offer custom modifications if you want a workshop, office, studio, or small shop.
Visit the Billings Yard
The Billings yard is at 1721 Old Hardin Rd, Billings, MT 59101. You can call (406) 661-1226 for a quote and an inventory check. Pricing depends on size, condition, and supply.
The yard is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00. Friday through Sunday visits are available by appointment.
Prepare for Delivery Day
Use this short list in the days before your container arrives:
1. Clear the drop area and the full approach path.
2. Level or fill any soft or uneven ground.
3. Move vehicles, trailers, and equipment out of the way.
4. Unlock gates and make sure they open fully.
5. Confirm your address and any directions for rural roads.
6. Be available by phone in case the driver has a question.
Questions to Ask Any Provider
Whether you call MoCan Containers or someone else, ask these questions:
- Can I pick the exact container that will be delivered?
- How much clear space does the truck need?
- What does the delivery fee cover at my address?
- How do you handle pickup at the end of a rental?
- Can the unit be modified if my plans change?
Clear answers tell you a lot about how the delivery will go.
Take the Next Step
Measure your space, check your path, and choose your size. Then call the Billings yard and describe your site. With good information and a team that plans with you, a container can reach nearly any spot in Yellowstone County.