Are Conex boxes and shipping containers the same thing?

In practical 2026 terms, yes. The original 1950s military Conex was a smaller purpose-built unit, but today 'conex box' is used interchangeably with 'shipping container' for standard 20ft and 40ft steel containers. When you buy a conex today you are almost certainly buying an ISO shipping container - the terminology is the only real difference.

Why is it called a Conex box?

'Conex' is short for Container Express, a US Army logistics program launched in the late 1940s to move small consignments of supplies without repacking. The name stuck the way 'Kleenex' stuck for tissues, and civilian buyers - especially in the US farm and construction belt - kept using it even after the military phased the original Conex units out in favour of ISO containers in the 1990s.

How much does a Conex box cost in 2026?

A cargo-worthy 20ft conex runs roughly $1,700 to $2,100, a 20ft one-trip $2,300 to $2,600, a 40ft cargo-worthy $2,500 to $2,900, and a 40ft high cube one-trip $3,100 to $3,500 in most Western markets. Delivery adds $200 to $1,500 depending on distance and truck type.

What sizes do Conex boxes come in?

The three volume sizes are 20ft standard (8'6" tall), 40ft standard (8'6" tall), and 40ft high cube (9'6" tall). Smaller units - 8ft, 10ft, 15ft - exist as custom cut-downs from 20ft containers and cost more per cubic foot than a full 20.

Can I use a Conex box as a home or workshop?

Yes. The steel structure is the same as a standard shipping container, so any container home, container office, or container workshop guide applies. For any residential or commercial build, drop the word 'conex' when talking to permit offices and architects - they use 'shipping container' and it makes the conversation easier.

Where can I buy a Conex box near me?

Buy from a depot with real photographed inventory, a published address, and a written delivery quote. Vanta's depots in California, Marseille, Piraeus, and Perth ship conex-grade steel containers to buyers in 120+ countries; you can filter our inventory by size, grade, and depot and get a firm quote in under 60 seconds.

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The Vanta Blog

Container industry insights, buying guides, and field-tested playbooks.

Written by our sales, logistics, and modification teams - the same people who ship 50,000+ containers a year to operators in 120+ countries. No fluff, real numbers, and honest advice on what's actually worth buying, modifying, or leasing.

19 in-depth articles8+ minute readsUpdated regularly

Container industry insights, buying guides, and field-tested playbooks.

The Ultimate Guide to Conex Boxes: What's the Difference vs Shipping Containers?

How to Buy a Shipping Container in 2026: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Port Congestion 2024-2026: What Changed and What Comes Next

The Real Cost of Building a Shipping Container Home in 2026

20ft vs 40ft Shipping Container: Which One Should You Actually Buy?

Container Home Build Cost Breakdown: A Real 2025 Case Study

Reefer Containers Explained: A Practical Guide to Cold-Chain Shipping

Container Modifications: From Bare Box to Office, Café, or Workshop

CSC Plate Explained: What Every Container Buyer Must Check

Lease vs Buy Shipping Containers: A CFO-Ready Decision Framework

Shipping Containers as Warehouse Alternatives: A 2026 Cost & Capacity Analysis

Shipping Container Security: A Hardening Guide for Storage Sites

Container Delivery Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Reefer Containers 101: Cold Chain Fundamentals for New Shippers

Why Container Depot Location Matters More Than Container Price

ISO Container Standards Explained: CSC Plates, IICL, and Why They Matter

New vs Used Shipping Containers: A Cost & Lifetime Breakdown

Top Container Modifications 2020 to 2025: A Five-Year Market Review

20ft vs 40ft Shipping Containers: Which Size Is Right for Your Project?