A con-ex box is a steel storage or shipping container, named after the military CONEX boxes of the past. If you want to buy one, expect to pay roughly $1,500 to $4,000 for a used 20 ft unit, with higher prices for new ones and for 40 ft models. Queen Container sells new and used containers and quotes each order by size, condition and delivery location.
How a con-ex box differs from other storage
Compared with a plastic shed or a portable storage pod, a steel container is far tougher. The walls resist break-ins, the frame handles stacking and the shell is built for years outdoors. Pods are convenient for short moves, but they can cost more over time because you pay monthly. If you need long-term storage, buying a steel box often makes better sense.
Sizes and capacity
Standard sizes keep things simple. A 20 ft container measures about 8 ft wide and 8.5 ft tall on the outside, with about 1,170 cubic feet inside. A 40 ft container holds about 2,390 cubic feet, and a 40 ft high cube, at 9.5 ft tall, holds about 2,700. Smaller 10 ft boxes work for compact spaces, and 45 ft units exist for larger projects.
Check how much weight your ground or pad will carry. A typical 20 ft box weighs around 5,000 lb empty, and a 40 ft around 8,000 lb.
Popular uses
- Home storage for tools, vehicles and seasonal items.
- Construction site offices and lockable materials storage.
- Farm and ranch supply rooms.
- Retail pop-ups, event bars and workshops.
- Foundations for container homes and cabins.
Grades and what they cost
Used containers come in different grades. Cargo-worthy units are fit for ocean shipping, wind-and-watertight units are sealed against weather, and as-is units are priced lowest but may need repair. Used 40 ft boxes generally cost $2,500 to $5,500. New or one-trip containers are usually $3,500 to $6,500 for a 20 ft and $5,000 to $9,000 for a 40 ft. All of these vary by market.
Delivery matters as much as the purchase price. Local drops often run $150 to $500, and long hauls may be $1,000 or more, commonly based on about $2 to $6 per loaded mile.
Buying tips
Ask for photos of the exact container, not a stock image. Confirm the grade and the delivery date in writing. Walk your site beforehand to make sure a tilt-bed or roll-off truck can reach the spot, and keep overhead lines and tight corners in mind.
If you plan to modify the box with windows, doors or insulation, mention it up front. An insulated container can save work if you need a climate-friendly space.
Is a con-ex box right for you?
A con-ex box makes sense when you need secure space for months or years and have a spot for it. It is less suitable if you plan to move often, since relocating a container requires a truck and a crane or tilt-bed. If your property has strict zoning or homeowner association rules, check them first, because some areas limit visible containers.
Think about climate too. Steel heats and cools quickly, so vents, insulation or an insulated model help protect electronics, paper or food.
Next steps
Choose your size and gather your delivery address. You can compare options in our shipping container range and see the 40 ft high cube container for bigger needs. Use our contact page to request a quote, or head to the home page to browse containers for sale.
