The container was built to carry 9,000 pounds of goods at once. After the war, such containers began being used commercially in the mass transportation of goods on and off ships. It was called the Container Express, which was shortened to CONEX (CON = Container, EX= Express).

noun. a large metal cargo container used by the U.S. Army for shipping supplies, as to overseas bases.

The name 'Conex' is a blend of 'container' and 'express,' and it is a shipping container by another name. The Conex box has two standard lengths – 20 and 40 feet. Other sizes and high cube formats are less common but available. The standard size lets the Conex box and its contents travel by sea, rail, and road.

Understanding the cost of new shipping containers In general, a new 20ft dry container can be purchased from anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500, while a new 40ft dry container typically costs between $2,500 and $4,500. If you're interested in a new 40ft high cube (HC) container, expect to pay roughly $2,500 to $6,000.