What is a conex? It is the everyday name for a steel intermodal shipping container, the same rugged box that moves cargo on ships, trains and trucks. The word comes from the US military CONEX box, short for Container Express, and people now use it for almost any steel storage or shipping container.
If you found Queen Container while searching for a conex, you are in the right place. This guide explains what the term means, which sizes to expect and what people do with these boxes.
Where the name comes from
The original CONEX boxes were small steel containers used by the US military to move supplies. Over time the name spread into everyday speech. You may also see it spelled conex, connex or con-ex, and contractors, farmers and homeowners often say it when they mean a plain steel shipping container.
Strictly speaking, a modern shipping container follows international standards so it can stack and lock onto ships, trucks and railcars. A true military CONEX is smaller and older. For most buyers, though, the words are used interchangeably.
What is a conex made of and how big is it?
A conex is built from corrugated weathering steel with a wood plank floor, a steel frame and lockable double doors at one end. The corner castings let it be lifted and stacked. Common sizes include:
- 10 ft: compact, easy to place in tight spots
- 20 ft: 8 ft wide by 8.5 ft tall, about 1,170 cubic feet, with an empty weight around 5,000 lb
- 40 ft: about 2,390 cubic feet, with an empty weight around 8,000 lb
- 40 ft high cube: 9.5 ft tall, about 2,700 cubic feet
- 45 ft: available for extra length
The 20 ft size is the most popular for private use because it fits on many properties and can be moved with a standard tilt-bed truck. Our complete guide to the 20 ft shipping container covers it in more detail.
Common uses for a conex
People buy these boxes for far more than shipping. Typical uses include secure job-site storage, farm and ranch storage, workshops, seasonal inventory for a business, pop-up shops and even small offices or homes after modification. They resist weather and are harder to break into than a wooden shed, which is why contractors like them.
If you need something specialized, there are insulated, refrigerated and office versions. You can look through the military grade containers for heavy-duty options.
What does a conex cost?
Prices vary by size, condition and location. As a general guide, a used 20 ft container typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 and a used 40 ft typically costs $2,500 to $5,500. New or one-trip units cost more. Delivery is a separate cost, commonly $2 to $6 per loaded mile in the US, so ask for a delivered quote.
Tips before you buy a conex
Check the grade, which tells you if the container is cargo-worthy or only wind-and-watertight. Inspect photos of the roof, the floor and the door gaskets. Confirm that your site is level and has space for a truck to deliver. Finally, check local rules, since some neighborhoods and homeowner associations restrict containers.
Once you understand what is a conex and what it can do for your property, picking the right size becomes much easier.
Next steps: find your conex
Ready to buy? Start with the 20 ft double door container for a versatile all-purpose box, or browse the storage containers if you only need dry storage. Tell us your size, use and delivery location on the contact page to get a written quote, or explore our wider range of shipping containers for sale.
