Shipping containers are sometimes referred to as conex boxes because of their use by the US military during the Vietnam War. The word “conex” is shorthand for “container express”. This was the brand name of the first standardized shipping containers used by the military. They were designed to be quickly assembled and disassembled and could be transported easily by truck or helicopter.
Over time, the use of the word “conex” has evolved to become a more general term that is used to refer to any type of shipping container. Today, the terms conex box and shipping container are often used interchangeably to describe the large steel boxes used for transportation and storage.
If you’re considering purchasing a conex box, this article is for you. We’ll cover the average cost of these shipping containers and discuss how certain factors can influence their price—all to ensure that your decision-making process is well-informed.
What are the different conditions of Conex?
There are three main conditions that shipping containers or conex boxes can be categorized into based on quality, appearance, and functionality: New One-Trip, Used, Water Tight (WWT), and Refurbished.
One-Trip containers have only been used once, usually to transport goods. They are high-quality with minor wear and tear, offering a balance between quality and affordability and typically priced lower than new containers.
Used containers show visible signs of previous use in shipping. They may need some repairs and maintenance but are still structurally sound. They are usually the most affordable option.
Refurbished containers are renovated to restore higher quality. They may have new paint, flooring, doors, and other improvements. The cost depends on the level of refurbishment.
The price of a container is affected by quality, appearance, durability, and lifespan, providing buyers with different value options.
What are the different types of Conex?
Standard Conex Boxes
Standard Conex boxes are ideal for portable storage, with dimensions of 8 feet wide, 9.5 feet tall, and 20 or 40 feet long. Common sizes include 10, 20, and 40 feet in length. Amazingly affordable, shipping container prices range between $1,400-$2,400 each, these containers provide unparalleled flexibility as well as numerous uses.
Storage units come in larger sizes, like a 40-foot container. These standard shipping containers cost around $2,800 to $5,000. The price varies depending on how new or used the unit is; usually, a brand-new unit will be more expensive than one that has been pre-owned. If you’re considering a pre-owned unit takes into account its repair history as this may affect the lifespan of a shipping container.
High Cube Conex Boxes
If you are looking to transport tall or unusually bulky items, high cube containers may be the ideal option for you. Please note that these typically cost around 20% more than regular storage solutions. However, if seeking extra security features with your content such as locking mechanisms and built-in shelving, this will likely lead to greater costs overall.
Specialized Conex Boxes
Shipping large items over long distances needs to be secure and reliable. Shipping Conex boxes are a popular option, but some items need special solutions. These include tanks, refrigerated containers, flat racks, and more. Specialty containers are more expensive than regular ones. It is important to understand the associated costs before committing to a decision.
- Flat Rack Conex Boxes
Flat Racks are ideal for large or irregularly shaped items. Examples include cars and construction materials, which are too big for regular shipping containers. In general, flat racks cost an average of anywhere between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on their size and weight capacity. Additional expenses may be incurred if extra features like insulation or extra security are desired.
- Tank Conex Boxes
Tank containers are designed to transport liquids like oil or chemicals. These materials require temperature control during transit. This makes tank containers more expensive than other models. The price of these types of shipping containers varies. It can range from $3,000 to $13,000. This depends on the type and size of the container, as well as any extra customization. This can include insulation layers or special valves.
- Refrigerated Conex Boxes
If your shipment requires temperature regulation then perhaps refrigerated containers could be the answer. Specialized shipping solutions are expensive. On average, they start at around $5,000 and can go up to $12,000. The price depends on the features and accessories required for the shipment’s journey.
If you want to find out more about the different kinds of refrigerated conex boxes, click this link for a full summary.
- Open-top containers
These are similar to standard containers but have the advantage of being loaded from above, due to their removable roof. This makes them ideal for shipping bulky or oversized cargo that won’t fit through the standard container door.
The average cost of an open-top container can vary depending on several factors such as the size, condition, and location of the container. However, based on current market trends, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 for a 20-foot open-top container and $2,000 to $5,500 for a 40-foot open-top container.
- Open-side containers
It have full-length doors on one or both sides, providing easy access to the cargo no matter where it is positioned inside the container.
The average cost of a 20-foot open-side container is around $5,000 to $7,000, while a 40-foot open-side container can cost anywhere between $6,000 to $10,000.
- Chassis containers
These containers are designed to be used with a truck chassis and are primarily used for container delivery and heavy loads that cannot be accommodated by standard containers. On average, a standard 20-foot chassis container can cost around $6,000 to $8,000, while a 40-foot container can cost between $9,000 to $11,000.
- Duocon containers
The Duo-Con shipping container is a unique 20-foot container that can be divided into two 10-foot containers. It comes with a specialized panel that facilitates the cutting process. Once the container is cut in half, the two 10-foot containers can be created. Despite being cut in half, the container is still supplied with front walls that need to be welded to form a typical 10-foot shipping container.
On average, a 20ft Duocon container can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000. It’s important to note that prices can fluctuate based on market demand and availability.
Additional Costs To Your Conex Boxes
When considering the purchase of conex boxes, be mindful that additional expenses may arise. When budgeting, there are many factors to consider. Delivery fees, add-on features, installation charges, and conversion costs – are all the biggest factors to consider.
Modifying a shipping container, and adding on features like insulation or lighting will increase the total budget significantly. This applies to shipping container homes and other innovative projects such as building a job site out of it. Conex boxes can cost up to 30% more than regular containers. Consider this when making your decision.
Another important factor to consider is the delivery fee. This is because the delivery fee can significantly impact the total price of the container. Generally, the farther away the delivery location, the higher the delivery fee. This is because the delivery company has to account for fuel costs, travel time, and potential fees for permits or escorts.
In addition, the size and weight of the container can also affect the delivery fee. Containers of larger sizes and heavier materials often require specialized equipment and more people to move them. This can cause the delivery fee to increase.
Conclusion: How much does a Conex box cost?
In conclusion, the pricing of conex boxes is dependent on various elements. These include size, age, condition, and location. While purchasing a new conex box may be costly, opting for a used container can be a more affordable option.
Additionally, considering the purpose of the container and any necessary modifications can also impact the overall pricing. Ultimately, it’s important to carefully evaluate your options and budget before investing in a conex box.
Where to buy a shipping container?
Are you in search of a cargo worthy conex box? Perhaps refrigerated or specialized conex boxes? On-Site Storage Solutions is the answer to your needs. We have a wide range of inventory consisting of containers from standard containers, and high cubes to specialized containers.
With an extensive range of options, rest assured that we will provide you with nothing short of exceptional quality. Get in touch at (888) 405-8772 and start making your project happen today!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The price of a conex box typically ranges from $1,200 to $8,000. The cost can vary based on factors such as the size, condition, and location of the shipping container. Additionally, market forces like supply and demand can also impact the price. It’s important to consider these factors when determining the cost of a shipping container.
Conex boxes weigh between 3,970 and 12,500 lbs. when empty. However, it’s important to note that these weights are approximate and can vary depending on the specific manufacturer and design of the container.
The height of standard conex boxes is 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters). However, there is also a high cube option available, which is taller at 9 feet 6 inches (2.89 meters).
Conex boxes have a standard width of 8 feet (2.44 meters). This width remains the same across different lengths of conex boxes, such as 10 feet, 20 feet, and 40 feet. It provides a consistent measurement for easy compatibility and stacking of the containers during transportation and storage.
Conex shipping container is a type of metal shipping container that can be reused for multiple purposes due to its durability, versatility, and ability to be stacked efficiently for storage. These containers are available in standard sizes of 20 and 40 feet, and they are commonly used for transporting cargo by sea.
