Industry reports indicate that the annual volume of freight transported in the United States by land is approximately 2,523bn tkm. Those coming in via water are approximately 172bn stm.
All these require the use of shipping containers. Once the owner of the cargo takes ownership, what remains is an empty Conex box.
Many companies are reaping massive profits from these shipping containers. You can get so much usage out of these containers, and we’ll explore these in a little more detail below.
What Is a Conex Box
The history of the Conex box goes back to the Korean-Vietnam War. It was used to store and transport supplies during the turbulent period. Malcolm McLean made some modifications to it, and now we have the shipping containers which people use for transporting goods over land and water.
Conex containers have so many other names, including shipping containers, intermodal containers, and freight containers. You’ll also find other people referring to them as high cube containers, portable storage units, among others.
What Can You Use Conex Containers For
Other than shipping cargo, there are so many different uses for Conex containers. You’ll find many innovative concepts coming up, with regards to the use of the containers as buildings. With the right design, you can transform them into trendy residential places.
In poorer parts of the world, you will find that some of the schools use the empty shipping containers as classrooms. The same applies to hospitals, portable toilets, stores, pubs, among others.
What Are the Benefits of Conex Containers
There’re many benefits you will get from Conex containers. Some of these include:-
1. Assurance of Safety
The shipping containers feature industrial-grade Steel as the primary construction material. The design also protects your cargo from harsh weather and theft. No matter what you’re transporting or storing, you’ll rest easy knowing your stuff is safe.
2. Durability
The material and design of Conex containers ensure that they can withstand very harsh weather conditions. Think about cargo transportation over the rough seas; the container will face exposure to salty water and extremes of weather.
It’s therefore vital for you to have a good understanding of how to check the Conex container before you buy it. You’ll find great tips below on what to look out for if you want to buy a Conex box.
3. Affordability
If you use the Conex container for transporting cargo, consider buying your own instead of renting. The price ranges from $3000 to $5000, and you have the option of new or used.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Conex Container
If you have done your research and no the benefits of connects container can give you, you’ll need to get the right one. You need to pay attention to particular aspects, and this guide will provide you with all the information you need. Keep reading for the key factors to consider before buying a Conex box.
1. Size
Conex containers come in two standard lengths; 20 feet and 40 feet. The height usually is 8 feet 6 inches, and the width is 8 feet. You may find others that are 9 feet 6 inches in height, and you will find sellers referring to them as ‘high cube.’
Some suppliers will give you custom lengths of 10, 15, 25 and 45 feet. They can cut them or weld them together as per your preference. The size you buy will depend on what use you have for it. A high cube may be a fantastic option for tiny houses with loft bedrooms.
2. Check the Roof
You have to be careful about corrosion because any signs of it will show that the container is not watertight. If you find a Conex for sale, do a physical check including climbing the roof to see its condition. If you’re in the interior and see sunlight streaming in, that’s a problem. Also be careful about any dent or groove because it will collect water, which will lead to corrosion.
3. Check the Floors
Check for any signs of rotting, especially on those that have wood floors. The other option is to go for one with a steel floor, although you need to be careful about rust.
4. What Is the Condition of the Doors
The doors should swing smoothly when you open them. It’ll be indicative of lock mechanisms that are still working as they should. Also, check that there is no rust especially at the bottom of the door
5. Insulation Is Important
Depending on what use you have for the container, you need to think about the insulation. You’ll need proper insulation if you will be shipping cargo that requires specific temperature. If you are living in it or using it as office space, you will need to be comfortable in it.
Extremes in temperature can make the Conex uninhabitable; you’ll need to invest in proper installation and wiring. Different states have different coding requirements, so make sure you check you check them out before you start the installation process.
6. Does It Have a Smell
Certain smells may make the use of the container uncomfortable or impossible. These include pesticides, paint or even smells from the previous cargo.
Depending on what you’re shipping, it could taint your product. If you want to live in the container, see if you can get rid of the smell and if not continue your search for a Conex box.
7. Location
The location of the container will depend on what you are using it for. If shipping, it’ll need to be near the port. If you are using it as a building, you need to find sufficient space for it.
8. What Is the Price
The price will depend on several factors, including which the supplier is what condition it is in, the size, and how old it is. Also note, you may need to factor in a delivery fee.
9. Should You Rent or Buy
The decision whether to buy or rent comes down to a personal decision. We would, however, recommend that if you use it for an extended time, you may want to buy. If, for example, you transport cargo frequently, or use the container as living space, then it wouldn’t make too much sense to rent.
However, if you only need it for a brief time, then renting is the best option.
Get Multiple Functionality with a Conex Box
A Conex box has so many uses; whether for living in, use for office space or Shipping Cargo. You can also choose the size you want, and many suppliers will only be too happy to customize it as per your requirement.
Check our website for more information on shipping containers and explore their unlimited use.
