Shipping containers or we can call them intermodal, sea, ISO, or CONEX containers have the primary purpose to transport and store the materials during the shipment on trucks, rails, and ships.

However, in today’s world, people are using them for numerous purposes, such as industrial equipment enclosures, portable storage units, living spaces, and many more.

You can quickly learn about them by checking out more info on the link we shared with you. Since shipping boxes are highly durable, sturdy, affordable and straightforward to install, you do not have to build your household from scratch, which means that you will reduce both waste and expenses.

At the same time, you will get the appropriate protection against the elements, especially since it can be modified to meet your requirements and everything else that you may require. Since most of them come from CORTEX steel, you will be able to stack them one on the.

That will provide you the ability to create a multi-level structure without any additional problem. The issue lies in idea that people are still not sure what they can expect from modified shipping boxes, and they have questions when it comes to their utility, features, and characteristics.

What Is a CONEX Container?

You should have in mind that the CONEX box first appeared during the Korean War, and it was used to store and transport supplies to Vietnam and Korean War. Back in the day, Malcolm

McLean created a standardized reinvention in the form of ISO (intermodal shipping container), which includes the ones we use today. During the early ’50s and late ’40s, US military started developing aluminum and steel containers.

For instance, during World War II, the US Army started to experiment with shipping boxes so that they can ship supplies without losing too much time in loading and unloading cargo.

Since the delays were frequent due to offloading and loading problems, the issue was the heaviness of these first containers military used. In 1948, the US Army developed Transporter, which is a corrugated steel container that can easily carry up to nine thousand pounds.

It was 8′ 6” long, 6′ 3” wide and 6′ 10” high, and it featured double doors and skid mounts as well as lifting rings on corners. Since it was a successful choice during the Korean War, the Transporter was upgraded into the Container Express or CONEX box system in 1952.

Check this page to learn what CONEX stands for: https://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/CONEX

Everything was similar to Transporter, which means that capacity and size were the same, but the system was different because it became modular. The idea of CONEX is the ability to stack them one on another, and it could withstand three of them without affecting the content.

Until 1965, the US military developed more than a hundred thousand boxes, and due to Vietnam War escalation, the production increased in the further years. It became the first application of intermodal containers that we use today.

They changed the rules of war because soldiers could use their contents, and government could send weapons, ammo and other things that are important for the battlefield.

Size, Weight and Life Expectancy

Similarly, like any other that you can find on the market, you will be able to choose standard sizes that include 20ft and 40ft containers, while typical height is 8’ 6” and 9′ 6”, which are known as high cube containers.

You should have in mind that a 20ft container features 5,000 pounds, and it can easily hold up to 27 tons inside depending on the contents you wish to place. On the other hand, 40ft containers weight approximately 8,000 pounds, and it can hold up to 30 tons.

If we use the statistical reports and experiences from past users, most containers feature life expectancy in about 10 to 12 years depending on where you place it, the weather conditions, how often you use it, and other individual factors as well.

You should consider that most containers can maintain their structural integrity for more than fifteen years, but everything depends on what you do with them.

Remember that you should always choose the ones that are water and wind tight, especially if you wish to use them for transporting goods throughout the water or land.

Since the regulations are strict, you will not be able to do it without getting a container, which is impenetrable to water and wind.

Most manufacturers will be able to modify the existing containers to withstand average rain and wind conditions, but you can enhance it with climate control that will remove humidity and maintain cold or heat based on goods you wish to transport.

Should You Get A Used Container?

Everything depends on the application that you are planning to do. For instance, if you need containers to create a household or something that will not transport frequently, you can get used ones, because you will have to modify them along the way to meet your needs.

On the other hand, you can find one-trip shipping containers that may feature a small amount of scratches and scuffs since heavy machinery is loading and unloading them. However, if they appear in almost-new condition, it means that you will be able to use them as well.

Of course, when something is used, it means that it will have more visual damage than a new one, which means that you should conduct an analysis and strict control to eliminate the risks and worry about whether something will happen with them during the transport.

It also depends on the manufacturer that you choose which is why you should always check it in person before you make up your mind.

Avoid online purchases because shipping boxes require some investment that will pay itself in time, depending on what you wish to do with them.

Remember that containers do not require a foundation, and you will be able to move them around per your requirements and needs. However, in some cases, you may have to add a cement slab or railroad ties so that you can support it with ease.

Since it is versatile and flexible, you can use it for numerous purposes.