I help buyers choose containers that last, seal tight, and deliver real value. That means I look past paint and price to what matters on the ground: structure, doors, floors, weather resistance, and delivery logistics. Every point in this guide comes from the checks I rely on to avoid surprises later.
If you want to compare real inventory before you shop locally, review MoCan Containers’shipping cargo containers for sale to get a feel for available sizes, conditions, and options. They maintain a large stock across Montana, which makes it easier to hand-pick a unit that fits your needs.
Here is how I suggest you evaluate a cargo shipping container and why each step matters.
Why Your Inspection Matters
Your container has one job: keep your items dry, secure, and accessible. A quick look at the sides is not enough. You need to confirm the roof will not pond water, the doors seal, the floor carries weight, and the structure can move without twisting.
A focused inspection now prevents leaks, stuck doors, and service calls later.
Decide on Size and Height First
Pick size and height before you shop condition. That narrows the field and speeds your search.
- 20-foot containers: practical for driveways, small lots, and short delivery space. Interior is about 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 7 feet 10 inches high.
- 40-foot containers: best for maximum capacity. Interior is about 39 feet 5 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 8 feet 10 inches high for added headroom.
If your site is tight, a 20-foot unit is easier to place. If you plan shelving, pallet racking, or tall items, the added height in many 40-foot units helps a lot.
Exterior Condition: Start at the Top
The roof keeps everything inside dry. Inspect it first.
- Roof dents: shallow dents are normal. Avoid flat, wide depressions that hold standing water.
- Rust: surface rust is common and manageable. Deep pitting or flaking weakens steel and leads to leaks.
- Seams and welds: look for uniform welds with no cracks.
- Side walls: expect minor waves. Check for large bowing or patches that suggest past structural repair.
- Corner posts and corner castings: these carry the load. They must be straight, square, and free of major damage.
Walk the roof if allowed and safe. Run your hand across seams to feel for soft spots.
Doors and Seals: Open and Close Everything
Bad doors cause daily headaches. Test them fully.
- Hinges and lock rods: open both doors, rotate lock rods, and close them again without force.
- Gaskets: inspect rubber seals around the door edges. They should be flexible and intact, not brittle or torn.
- Light test: step inside during daylight, close both doors, and wait a minute for your eyes to adjust. Look for light leaks around the doors and along seams.
If doors only close with a bar or a forklift, keep looking.
Floor and Interior: Load Bearing Comes From Below
Floors take heavy use and moisture.
- Marine-grade plywood: look for clean, solid boards with no rot, delamination, or soft spots.
- Fasteners: check that screws and plates are secure and not lifting.
- Odor and staining: strong chemical odors suggest spills. Dark stains are normal, but soft spots are not.
- Condensation checks: look for rust trails inside the ceiling or walls that could indicate past leaks.
If you plan to roll heavy equipment, ask about floor rating and consider adding steel plates in high-traffic zones.
Structure Underneath: The Frame Tells the Truth
If you can, look under the container.
- Crossmembers: check for straight members with uniform rust only.
- Rails: avoid bent or twisted rails.
- Forklift pockets: check for cracks and damage near lift points.
A straight frame means safer transport and smoother placement.
Documentation and Condition Grades
Understand the terms you will hear:
- One-trip: used once for an overseas shipment. Expect tight seals, minimal wear, and clean paint.
- Used wind and watertight: structurally sound, no leaks, working doors and seals. Expect cosmetic dents and surface rust.
- Cargo-worthy: inspected to meet standards for shipping use. If you will load it on a vessel, ask to see current inspection details.
For most storage uses, wind and watertight is ideal.
Delivery and Site Prep: Plan Before You Buy
Good delivery makes placement fast and safe.
- Space needs: allow about 70 feet of clear space for a 20-foot container and about 100 feet for a 40-foot container.
- Ground: level, firm, and drained. Crushed rock pads work well. Avoid fresh asphalt or soft soil.
- Orientation: face doors toward the best access point and plan for snow shedding and drainage.
- Obstacles: measure overhead wires, tree branches, and gate widths.
Confirm truck access and slope before scheduling delivery.
Security and Ventilation
Think about daily use and risk.
- Lock box: choose a container with a welded lock box or ask for one to be added. Use a high-security puck lock.
- Extra vents: reduce condensation in cold climates. Ask for louvered vents or passive vents if you store moisture-sensitive goods.
- Windows and doors: if you plan frequent access, a personnel door makes life easier. Add bars or internal security screens if needed.
New vs. Used: Match Condition to Purpose
- Choose one-trip if you want clean paint, tight seals, and a long service life with minimal upkeep.
- Choose used wind and watertight if you need value pricing and can accept cosmetic wear.
- If resale or a clean look matters, one-trip pays off. If budget and function drive the choice, used works well.
Budget the Full Cost
Price is more than the sticker on the container.
- Container price based on size and grade
- Delivery distance and placement complexity
- Site prep and pads
- Modifications and security upgrades
- Taxes and any permits required by your area
Ask for a written quote that lists each line item.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
If you need a reliable source in Montana, I suggest looking at MoCan Containers. They keep one of the largest inventories in the region, with locations in Billings and Bozeman, which makes it easier to find the exact unit you want. They focus on wind and watertight performance, tight door seals, and clean underframes, and they let you inspect and select the specific container before purchase or rental. The unit you choose at the yard is the unit that arrives.
Their team delivers with tilt-bed trailers and places containers accurately, even on challenging sites, which reduces risk during drop-off. They stock both 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, along with one-trip and used options, and they understand Montana weather. For flexible timelines, their rental rates are competitive, with 20-foot containers starting around $150 per month and 40-foot containers starting around $190 per month. If you want to add vents, doors, or other upgrades, they handle modifications in-house, which keeps the process simple.
Quick Purchase Checklist
Use this as your final pass before you commit:
1. Confirm size, height, and door orientation.
2. Inspect roof for ponding dents and seam issues.
3. Check side walls, corner posts, and castings.
4. Test doors, hinges, lock rods, and gaskets.
5. Do a light test inside for leaks.
6. Inspect floors for rot, soft spots, and delamination.
7. Look under the frame for straight rails and crossmembers.
8. Verify condition grade and any inspection documents you need.
9. Plan delivery space, ground prep, and placement direction.
10. Get a full written quote with delivery and any add-ons.
Choose with your checklist, not just your eyes. If you follow these steps, you will bring home a container that works hard from day one and stays dependable year after year.
