The connex box is one of the most iconic developments in the history of transportation and logistics. Revolutionizing the shipping industry. These containers became the precursor to the standard industrial. Intermodal containers are now known as TEU and FEU. Intermodal shipping containers can be transported by road, rail, and sea. In some cases, air transport is also possible if the aircraft’s storage system meets certain dimensions. CONEX is an abbreviation for Container Express. This means that one container can be used in multiple transportation modes to shorten transportation time.

History of Connex Container

During the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the U.S. military. Needed a quick way to transport supplies to soldiers on the front lines. The problem was that goods loaded on a container ship had to be transferred to a trailer for road transport. This posed a logistical challenge as valuable time was wasted in the transfer process.

To solve this problem, a unique design called the CONEX box was developed. This box was compatible with transportable trailers. It also included a locking mechanism that allowed adjacent boxes. To be connected to prevent them from tipping over during transportation.

First Model

The first model of these intermodal shipping containers was the “Transporter,” . Which was used to transport supplies to the front lines during World War II. The basic structure had a weight limit of 4,000 kg and was made of corrugated steel sheets to provide protection. Further technological advances made it possible to add skid and lift mechanisms to the initial design. This ensured that the container fits perfectly during transport. And could be easily lifted by crane and loaded onto a trailer.

During the Korean War, containers were modified to store larger quantities of goods without compromising structural integrity. The Vietnam War, his large CONEX box was developed to serve as a living space even under harsh conditions. During transport, he was able to stack the containers up to three levels and secure them to prevent accidents.

Intermodal Container

The modern intermodal container was developed by Malcolm MacLean, an American shipping magnate and businessman who revolutionized the shipping industry with his rudimentary CONEX box. connex boxes are still used by the U.S. military but have been renamed BICON, TRICON, and QUADCON containers. These containers are specifically intended for military use and have dimensions different from standard intermodal shipping containers.

Connex box Dimensions 

The general size of Connex Containers has changed over time to accommodate the different types of cargo used. An early model known as a “transporter” for transporting supplies during the war was 8 feet 6 inches long, 6 feet 3 inches wide, and 6 feet 10 inches high.

For transportation where space is limited, a semi-unit with smaller dimensions of 6 feet 3 inches long, 4 feet 3 inches wide, and 6 feet 10 inches high was used.

Modern Conex 

Containers come in standard sizes of 20 Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) and 40 Foot Equivalent Units (FEU). As the name suggests, these containers are either 20 feet or 40 feet long and are intermodal. Width and height are set at 8 feet and 8 feet 6 inches, respectively, to ensure compatibility and equal spacing on ships and trains. If more space is required, a high cube or high cube dimension is used. They are the same length and width but 9 feet 6 inches taller than traditional containers.

In addition to these standards, more specialized sizes are also available, such as 10-foot, 25-foot, 45-foot, 48-foot, and 53-foot-long containers. These shipping methods are used because certain types of cargo require compact or larger storage space. The loading capacity of these containers varies between 33,000 liters for  TEU containers, 67,500 liters for  FEU containers, and 75,300 liters for  FEU Hi-Cube variants. The maximum gross weight that these containers can carry is 30,000 kg for  TEU and FEU sizes,  slightly increased to 31,000 kg for  FEU Hi-Cube sizes. On average, an empty container weighs 2,200 kg for  TEU and 3,800 kg for  FEU 

Features of the Connex Container

The outstanding features of the Connex Container that distinguish it from older variations in the container industry are its superior safety, strength, and adaptability. These containers were made of corrugated steel sheets and were able to withstand enough force and stress until they wrinkled. In addition, there was a special locking mechanism to prevent theft of the goods inside. Certain containers required windows and additional entrances. In such cases, a double locking mechanism, common in modern containers, was used to secure the door.

The windows also had iron bars and bulletproof glass to prevent theft. The strength of these vessels was due to the corrugated shape, which increased the maximum bending stress along an axis perpendicular to the shape distortion.

An Important Feature Of The Conex 

The container was the external locking mechanism. For example, early designs featured a bottom skid that fit snugly into the container below. Advances in manufacturing now also allow containers to be locked into adjacent storage units. For this purpose, using a special mechanism he connected the bottom of two adjacent units, which could be removed if necessary. In addition to all these features, security and management regulations are now also easier to apply because uniform standards are used for all containers shipped worldwide.

Conex Container Applications 

connex containers can be used for a variety of purposes depending on the type of product they contain. The General Purpose Dry Conex container can transport cartons, pallets, barrels, and crates. Suitable for transporting similar types of dry goods. It may include unique mechanisms designed for specific goods that are difficult to load into Conex containers. For example, clothing that cannot be transported folded is stored on hangers and shipped in a clothing conex container. Like clothing, heavy pallets are also difficult to store. This is because, in many cases, it is not possible to use a crane to place the goods directly into the specified location inside the container.

To solve this problem, rollers should be used on the floor of the container to move the goods quickly. This allows large boxes and pallets to be loaded with minimal personnel required to load the product into the container. Tank containers are typically used for transporting liquids, powders, and gases. They consist of multiple pressure tanks stored within a container and can transport large quantities of liquid or powder.

Cargoes

For cargoes such as toxic gases and toxic liquids, special signs are installed on the doors and on individual tanks to prevent accidents and accidents. In addition to pressure regulation, certain gases must be maintained within specific temperature and humidity ranges.

Temperature-Controlled Containers Can Be Used. 

These include insulated containers that are kept at a constant temperature by cooling or heating. These are also great for fresh produce, especially perishable items like meat. Insulated containers with the same characteristics can also be used for dry goods that need to be stored under specific storage conditions. We also offer vented containers. They have their own mechanisms for active ventilation (using a pump system) or passive ventilation (using drafts through the container’s vents) to ensure that the goods reach their final destination in the correct condition. I guarantee it.

Methods

Another common method for transporting goods, especially bulk goods and powders, is the use of bulk containers. Similar to bulk carriers, these containers are solid on all four sides and the bottom. However, the top may be made separately or have special recesses for loading loose items. This involves the large-scale transport of variable materials such as powders, grains, ores, and rocks.

Small parts that are easily lost if stored improperly are collected in movable containers. After filling, individual containers are loaded onto containers and stacked along their entire length. These containers are practical as they allow businesses to directly roll up and unroll goods during the loading and unloading process. Eliminates the need for special pumps or electric mechanisms to unload goods at the destination. Such containers often have removable lids or are made of flexible material with slots, allowing factories to load materials without risking direct spillage.

Types

Another type of container similar to the one described earlier is an open-top container. This can be used to store large items that require disassembly of the container. This is ideal for large machines that require top loading. The difference between an open-top container and a bulk container is that while a bulk container has a removable lid. An open-top container often does not have a roof for the container. The advantage is that multiple containers can be stacked and used for transportation with minimal modification of large objects.

To stack these containers, the bottom of some containers is removed. The objects are stacked using a special shipyard crane. Containers with open sides allow you to push items into the container without any problems when loading. In addition, the open sides facilitate ventilation of the goods stored inside. This is perfect for perishable foods like potatoes and apples that can withstand travel without additional protection.