The difference between storage containers, shipping container and conex boxes?

What’s the difference between storage containers, shipping container and conex boxes? If you have wondered this question, you have come to the right place!

The container storage business has come up with a lot of different names for their products over the years. Most of these names have rightfully become synonyms for each other in the eyes of your average customer. All shipping containers are large, weather-resistant steel boxes used to store and ship cargo across the seas, but over time shipping containers have accumulated different names. Below are a few of the different names and their origins.

Shipping containers

Shipping containers are standard sized boxes used to store and transport goods from one place to another via cargo ship. Most shipping containers are made from Corten steel, a high-quality, corrugated steel that slowly corrodes, making it the ideal material to survive extreme weather at sea. Shipping containers come in many standard sizes, though 20-foot and 40-foot containers are the most widely used. Their corrugated structure increases the structural integrity of the box. Shipping container accessories are available to customize storage and increase security for storing valuable goods.

Conex Boxes and/or Connex Boxes

Conex box or connex box? Technically both are correct but Container Storage prefers to use conex with just one 'n' because of the origins of where the word came from. The logistics method employing these was named Container Express and was abbreviated ConEx. That abbreviation evolved into a word used universally and has since been abbreviated conex box.  Conex containers evolved into modular units that could stack efficiently to store more cargo in one location.

Cargo Containers

A cargo container is another name for a shipping container. This term comes from the use of shipping containers to transport cargo across the seas.

Storage Containers

Shipping containers are built to store goods during transit, so it is only natural that shipping containers are also referred to as storage containers. However, storage containers are available in many different sizes and made from various materials. For example, shipping containers made of lightweight aluminum are not for transporting cargo at sea, but they are widely used to store all kinds of commercial and personal goods.

What’s the best container for you?

Container Storage offers the best in portable storage for all your temporary storage needs. Whether you rent or buy, Container Storage understands your needs are unique. We have a variety of storage solutions to meet your storage demands. We know that quality, appearance, the correct size and security of your goods is important to you. 

Contact us to learn more about our container storage options.