Frequently Asked Questions

A conex box (short for Container Express) is a standardized steel shipping container used for storage, transport, and modifications. The term originated from the U.S. military in the 1950s. Today, conex box, shipping container, and storage container all refer to the same product.

There is no functional difference. A conex box and a shipping container are the same product — a standardized steel box built to ISO specifications. The name "conex" is more common in American military, construction, and industrial circles, while "shipping container" is the international standard term.

Conex boxes are manufactured from corten steel (also called weathering steel or COR-TEN), a corrosion-resistant alloy designed to withstand decades of harsh weather, ocean salt spray, and heavy use without structural failure.

A well-maintained shipping container can last 25 to 30 years or more. One trip containers in good condition can last the longest. Even used WWT containers typically have 10 to 20 years of functional life remaining when purchased.

Wind and Watertight (WWT) and higher grade containers are designed to keep out rain and moisture. However, As-Is grade containers may have holes or damaged seals. Always verify the grade before purchasing if weatherproofing is important for your use case.

Standard sizes include 10ft, 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft High Cube. The 20ft and 40ft are the most common in the USA. All standard containers are 8 feet wide. Standard height is 8ft 6in, while High Cube containers are 9ft 6in tall.

A High Cube (HC) container is one foot taller than a standard container — 9ft 6in instead of 8ft 6in. This extra height makes High Cubes ideal for container homes, offices, and any application where ceiling clearance matters.

A standard 20ft container has approximately 1,172 cubic feet (33.2 cubic meters) of internal capacity and around 150 square feet of floor space. It can hold the contents of a typical 3-bedroom apartment.

A 40ft container has approximately 2,390 cubic feet (67.7 cubic meters) of capacity and about 320 square feet of floor area. It can hold the contents of a 4 to 5-bedroom house.

A 20ft container weighs approximately 5,070 lbs (2,300 kg) empty. A 40ft container weighs roughly 8,380 lbs (3,800 kg). A 40ft High Cube is about 8,750 lbs (3,970 kg).

Prices vary by size, condition, and location. A used 20ft WWT container starts around $1,450. A used 40ft starts around $1,800. One trip (near-new) containers range from $3,500 to $7,000+ depending on size. Visit our shop for current pricing.

A one trip container has been used only once — shipped from the factory (usually in China) to a U.S. port loaded with goods. They arrive in near-new condition and are the premium grade available.

Cargo Worthy means the container has been inspected and certified for another international ocean voyage. CW containers have visible wear but are structurally sound and weatherproof. This is the mid-range grade.

WWT containers are guaranteed to keep out wind and rain but are no longer certified for ocean shipping. They may have surface rust, dents, and welded patches. WWT is the most popular grade for storage buyers because it offers the best value.

As-Is containers are sold without any condition guarantees. They may have holes, damaged doors, heavy rust, or structural issues. These are the cheapest option and are best for buyers who plan heavy modifications or repairs.

Containers are cheapest near major port cities (Houston, Los Angeles, Savannah, Newark) where supply is abundant. Prices increase further inland due to transportation costs. A container in Houston may cost $500 to $1,000 less than the same unit in a landlocked state.

Yes! ConexBoxUSA delivers to all 50 states. We use professional tilt-bed trucks that can place containers at ground level without a crane.

Typical delivery takes 3 to 10 business days depending on your location and container availability. Locations near our depots may receive delivery within 3 to 5 days. Remote areas may take up to 10 days.

Local delivery (under 50 miles) typically costs $300 to $600. Regional delivery (50-200 miles) runs $600 to $1,200. Long-distance delivery (200+ miles) can cost $1,200 to $2,500+. Request a free quote for exact pricing.

You need at least 40 feet of straight clearance for a 20ft container and 60+ feet for a 40ft container. The ground must be flat and firm — gravel, concrete, or compacted earth. The delivery truck is long and needs room to maneuver.

For temporary storage, a flat gravel pad or compacted earth is sufficient. For permanent installations, especially container homes, a concrete pier or slab foundation is recommended. Check your local building codes for requirements.

Yes, our delivery drivers are experienced at precision placement. However, the truck needs clear access to the spot. Discuss your site layout with our team when ordering so we can plan the best delivery approach.

Common uses include storage (residential, commercial, farm), construction site offices, workshops, container homes, pop-up retail shops, restaurants, art studios, emergency shelters, and vehicle garages. The possibilities are nearly limitless.

Absolutely. We offer custom modifications including personnel doors, roll-up doors, windows, insulation, electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC systems, interior walls, flooring, paint, and custom branding.

Yes. Container homes are a growing trend across the USA. You will need a 40ft High Cube container (recommended), a foundation, proper insulation, and permits from your local building department. Our Buyer's Guide has a complete breakdown of container home construction.

Yes. Shipping containers are designed to be stacked up to 9 units high when fully loaded. The corner castings interlock for stability. For permanent stacked installations, structural engineering may be required.

For basic storage, the built-in vents on most containers are sufficient. For habitable spaces (homes, offices), proper HVAC and ventilation systems are necessary. Condensation can be an issue without adequate airflow and insulation.

Requirements vary by city and county. Some areas allow containers as temporary structures without permits. Others require building permits, zoning approval, or HOA consent. Always check with your local building department before purchasing.

Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and California have approved container homes in multiple jurisdictions. Texas is especially popular due to relaxed rural building codes.

Many HOAs restrict or prohibit visible shipping containers. Some allow them if screened by fencing or landscaping. Review your HOA covenants before ordering a container for a residential property.

Browse our online shop, request a free quote through our website, or call us at +1 (979) 365-0023. Our team will help you choose the right size and grade, provide a delivery quote, and handle everything from order to placement.

We accept all major credit cards, bank transfers, and financing options for qualifying buyers. A deposit may be required for certain orders.

We provide detailed photos and condition descriptions for all containers. For local buyers near our depots, in-person inspections can be arranged. For delivered units, our condition guarantee ensures you receive what you ordered.

Orders cancelled before dispatch receive a full refund minus processing fees. After delivery, refunds are handled case-by-case. If a container does not match its described condition, contact us within 48 hours for a replacement or refund. See our full Refund Policy for details.