People searching for con x container usually mean a steel shipping or storage container, the kind once known by the military name CONEX box. In everyday use, a con x container is a rugged, stackable steel box that holds equipment, tools or inventory, and a basic used 20 ft unit typically costs about $1,500 to $4,000. Queen Container sells these in several sizes.
What a con x container actually is
The word comes from CONEX, short for Container Express, a system the US military used to move supplies. Over time the name stuck to almost any steel box, and you will see it spelled conex, connex, con-ex or con x. They all point to the same thing: an intermodal steel container built to ride on ships, trains and trucks.
The steel walls, corrugated sides and lockable doors are what make these boxes popular for storage, job sites, farms and even homes. They stack, resist weather and can sit on simple foundations.
Common sizes of a con x container
Most buyers choose from a handful of standard sizes.
- 10 ft: compact, good for small yards and tight access.
- 20 ft: about 8 ft wide and 8.5 ft tall, around 1,170 cubic feet inside.
- 40 ft: around 2,390 cubic feet, roughly twice the room.
- 40 ft high cube: 9.5 ft tall, about 2,700 cubic feet.
A 20 ft container weighs about 5,000 lb empty and a 40 ft about 8,000 lb, so plan for a truck with the right equipment.
What it will cost
Prices vary with size, condition, grade and location. As a rough guide, used 40 ft units often run $2,500 to $5,500, while new or one-trip 20 ft boxes commonly fall between $3,500 and $6,500. Delivery is extra, typically $2 to $6 per loaded mile.
Picking the right type
For general storage, a standard dry box is fine. If you want to open the long side for easy access, an open side 20 ft container is worth a look. If you store tools or goods that dislike heat and condensation, an insulated unit helps, and our storage containers category shows what is available.
Check the grade before you buy. Cargo-worthy containers are certified to carry freight at sea, while wind-and-watertight units are used boxes that are sound enough for storage but are not rated for shipping. For most land-based storage, wind-and-watertight is usually enough, and it can cost less.
Where to buy and what to ask
If you still ask yourself what a con x container costs delivered, the honest answer is that it depends on three things: size, condition and distance from the seller. Getting two or three written quotes is the fastest way to find the real number for your address.
Stick with a seller that shows photos of the actual unit and puts the quote in writing. Ask about door seals, floor condition, rust and any dents. Ask who unloads the container, since a delivery truck either tilts the box off or uses a crane or forklift. Look at the delivery areas if you are unsure whether your location is covered.
Also prepare the ground. A level surface with gravel or concrete blocks under the corners keeps water away from the floor and stops the doors from binding.
Next steps
Choose your size, decide whether a basic or insulated model suits you, and set a delivered budget. Then browse our shipping containers for sale or contact us for a quote based on size, condition and delivery location.
