Conex boxes, storage containers, and shipping containers are terms you may be familiar with. Knowing the differences between these goods as a buyer can be very difficult, especially when the container storage sector frequently comes out with new labels. A shipping container is essentially a big steel box that is used to store and transport cargo. It is resistant to the elements and is available in a range of sizes and grades.

To keep your items undamaged, you must choose the right shipping container. The issue is that there are too many different container names available for customers to make an informed choice. Let’s clear up any misunderstandings and discover the distinctions between conex boxes and shipping containers.

Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are, as their name suggests, regular-sized boxes designed to transport commodities by sea freight. Most of these containers are manufactured from premium Corten steel, which gives them a very long lifespan. Steel corrodes slowly over time, making it the perfect material for protracted sea voyages. These containers range in size from 20-foot to 40-foot containers.

The shipping container’s structural stability is improved by the corrugated structure. These boxes are a secure and dependable choice for shipping big quantities of products because they can easily accommodate heavy machinery, equipment, and other heavy objects.

The word “cargo containers” is another name for shipping containers, and it refers to the practice of using them to convey cargo across oceans.

Conex Containers

During the Korean War, Conex boxes—basically shipping containers—were created to transport military supplies to the front lines. In the early 1950s, aluminum shipping containers were widely used, but the difficulty was that they frequently sustained theft and transit damage. The U.S. Army Transportation Corps created the “Transporter”, a corrugated steel container that was far more secure and long-lasting than its aluminum counterparts, to address this issue.

The U.S. Army Transportation Corps improved the Transporter during the Korean War after seeing its great success, giving it the name Container Express (or Conex). These days, larger ISO-standard shipping containers are referred to as Conex.

Storage Containers

Shipping containers are storage containers that are used for storing. Shipping containers provide excellent storage options since they are incredibly strong and weatherproof. Lightweight aluminum shipping containers are the most common kind of storage container. These containers can be used to store a variety of business goods and household items even though they weren’t designed to convey freight at sea.

Smaller storage containers that are 10-15 feet in size are available from some manufacturers.
These containers are ideal if you want to save space while still having a container that can easily hold most of your things if not all of them. Moreover, some vendors have 45-foot-long storage containers available.

Choosing the right container for you

It’s important to choose the appropriate shipping container for your needs whether you’re buying one for home or business use. We constantly advise seeking out a reliable supplier in order to obtain the best containers possible. Here are a few suggestions for selecting a shipping container.

  • Should you buy new or used?

Making a decision between a new and a used shipping container is challenging for many customers. We strongly advise you to get a brand-new shipping container if you plan to use it for storage. Modern shipping containers are stronger and more secure, especially when a lockbox is added. You can get away with purchasing a secondhand shipping container if you need it for larger gear, equipment, and replacement parts.

  • Know the grade of the shipping container

There are many classes for shipping containers, which might tell you how they were used before being sold. Below are the many grades of shipping containers:

  • New or one-trip containers – The term “one-trip container” means precisely what it says. The container is made abroad, sent with freight to its destination, and then sold when the cargo has been unloaded.
  • Cargo-worthy containers – Although cargo-worthy containers have taken a few sea voyages, they are still in fair condition. These containers typically have enough structural stiffness and wind- and water-tightness to be used for marine freight.
  • Wind and watertight containers – Containers that are wind- and water-tight are simply that. Containers that are still weather-resistant but have not undergone a formal inspection to receive the designation “cargo-worthy”.

The distinction between shipping containers, conex boxes, and storage containers has hopefully been made clear in this essay. By using the knowledge in this article, you may choose the appropriate container for your applications.