What to Know Before Having a Shipping Container Delivered

You already know a container can solve storage fast. What you might not have is a clear plan for delivery. I focus on simple steps that prevent delays, extra fees, and unsafe placements. The guidance here comes from planning jobs on tight sites, rural roads, and busy yards. I picked the points that matter most and cut the rest.

If you need a Montana supplier, I suggest MoCan Containers for their large inventory, local delivery out of Billings and Bozeman, and the option to select the exact unit you want. Their drivers place units with precision, and their team sets clear delivery expectations.

This guide covers site prep, access checks, placement, permits, weather timing, and delivery day steps. Use it to avoid last‑minute surprises and keep your project on schedule.

The Short List: What Matters Most

• Pick the right size and condition
• Confirm the truck can reach and place the unit
• Prepare a level, stable base
• Measure clearances and turning space
• Check local rules and setbacks
• Plan for weather and soil conditions
• Mark the spot and guide the driver on delivery day

Choose Size and Condition With Purpose

Start with your use case and space.

• 20-foot containers work well on driveways, small lots, and tight sites. Interior size is about 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. Rentals with MoCan Containers start at $150 per month.
• 40-foot containers fit larger projects and commercial loads. Interior size is about 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. Rentals with MoCan start at $190 per month.

New one-trip units arrive in top shape with minimal wear and fresh seals. Used units cost less and still offer strong security and weather protection. Surface rust or dents may show, but structure and doors remain sound if you buy from a provider that inspects each box. MoCan inspects every unit and labels specs and condition in plain terms. You can also visit the yard and pick the exact one.

Confirm Access and Delivery Method

Delivery trucks need space to back in, tilt the bed, and slide the container off.

• Plan for about 70 feet of clear space for a 20-foot container.
• Plan for around 100 feet of clear space for a 40-foot container.

Walk the path from the road to the drop spot.

• Look for tight turns, low wires, tree limbs, narrow gates, and soft shoulders.
• Check driveway width and load limits on bridges or culverts.
• Confirm a clear exit path for the truck after placement.

If you have questions about access, send photos or a short video to your provider before scheduling. A quick review now saves a second trip later.

A container needs firm, level support at the corners. This keeps doors in alignment and reduces frame twist.

• Use compacted gravel pads at each corner or a full gravel bed.
• Concrete pads or solid pavers under each corner also work.
• Aim for level in both directions. Door swing is your stress test. If doors bind, adjust corner height with shims or blocks.

Avoid wet topsoil and fresh fill that can settle. If the site holds water, raise the grade with gravel for drainage.

Measure Clearances You Can Trust

Avoid guesswork. Pull a tape.

• Length: 70 feet clear for 20-foot units, around 100 feet for 40-foot units.
• Width: Truck plus swing room. Mark out a driving lane and a buffer on both sides.
• Overhead: No low power lines, roof eaves, or tree branches above the lane or drop spot.

Flag hazards with bright tape and note them for the driver at scheduling.

Know the Rules Before You Book

Local rules vary. A quick check prevents headaches.

• City or county zoning can require setbacks or limit placement in front yards.
• HOAs can restrict outdoor storage or require screening.
• Floodplain or easement areas may block placement.

Call your local office or review HOA documents. Keep notes and share any limits with your provider.

Plan Around Weather and Soil

Containers arrive by heavy truck. Wet ground, snow, or deep mud can stop a delivery.

• If the route gets slick, add gravel on soft sections.
• Clear snow and ice on the lane and the pad.
• If wind is strong, aim for a calmer time slot for safe positioning.

In Montana, shoulder seasons can shift fast. Keep a backup date in mind.

Delivery Day Checklist

Use this to keep the day tight and smooth.

1. Confirm the address, contact number, and drop spot.

2. Mark the exact container corners with paint, cones, or stakes.

3. Remove vehicles, bins, equipment, and low branches along the lane.

4. Lay corner pads or blocks and have extras on hand for shimming.

5. Stage a board or two for door protection if dropping near a wall or fence.

6. Meet the driver, review the plan, and stand where you can signal clearly.

7. Check door operation before the truck leaves. Adjust corner height if needed.

Secure and Maintain After Placement

Protect your gear and keep the unit in shape.

• Use a high-security lock box and a heavy shackle lock.
• Ventilate or add desiccant if storing items that attract moisture.
• Keep vegetation trimmed around the base to promote airflow.
• Inspect door seals and hinges on a set schedule.

Why I Recommend MoCan Containers in Montana

If you want a straightforward process in Montana, MoCan Containers makes planning easier. They stock one of the largest inventories within a 300-mile radius, with new and used units in both 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. Each container goes through an inspection for leaks, door function, and structure. You can visit their Billings or Gallatin Gateway yards and choose the exact unit that shows up at your site.

Their tilt-bed trailers and experienced drivers handle tight spots with care, and their team gives clear guidance on space needs. Rental options fit short or long projects, with simple monthly rates for 20-foot and 40-foot units. If you need modifications for a shop, office, or custom build, they can design to your plan and deliver a ready unit.

You get local knowledge, reliable delivery, and a container that meets Montana weather. That combination reduces guesswork and saves time.

Final Take

A good delivery comes down to planning the site, clearing a safe path, and picking the right partner. If you map the route, build a level base, measure real space, and confirm local rules, your container will land in the right spot on the first try. For Montana projects, MoCan Containers brings strong inventory, clear expectations, and skilled placement, which helps your plan move without friction.