Containers are metal structures made of steel, originally designed for transporting heavy cargo by sea, land, and air. In Brazil, they have been gaining prominence not only for transportation but also for modular construction projects, such as homes, offices, and studio apartments. In this guide of the Kubo Container, you will learn everything about maritime containers, their characteristics, types and applications.

Brief History of the Container

The modern concept of container emerged in the 1950s, with the American businessman Malcom McLean. He realized that the process of loading and unloading goods was extremely slow and costly. To optimize transportation, McLean standardized metal boxes that could be easily moved between trucks, trains, and ships, revolutionizing the logistics industry.

How Shipping Containers Are Made Today

Currently, shipping containers are made of Corten steel, a material highly resistant to corrosion and tensile strength, ensuring durability and safety for decades. This type of steel was developed in the USA in the 1930s, with the acronym “Corten” derived from CORrosion resistance + TENsile strength.

In addition to transportation, Corten steel is widely used in civil construction projects, from modular homes to architectural facades, roofs and bridges, precisely because of its resistance and low maintenance.

Main Types of Shipping Containers

In maritime transport, there are several types of containers, each designed for specific types of cargo:

  1. Container Dry
    • Used for general cargo such as packaged goods, furniture and equipment;
    • Floor generally made of wood, making it easier to tie down the load;
    • Does not require refrigeration.
  2. Refrigerated Container (Reefer)
    • Ideal for perishable products such as meat, fruit and medicines;
    • Equipped with a refrigeration system that maintains the temperature between -25°C and 25°C;
    • It has integrated compressors and condensers, ensuring constant temperature control.
  3. Container Tank
    • Cylindrical, designed for liquids, chemicals and volatiles;
    • Anti-corrosive internal coating to withstand aggressive substances.
  4. Container Rack
    • Structure with folding base and sides;
    • Used for large, heavy or irregularly shaped goods, such as agricultural and industrial machinery.
  5. Open Top
    • Without top cover, suitable for loads that cannot be fully closed or require top loading.

Common Sizes

  • 20 foot (6.096 m)
  • 40 foot (12,192 m)
  • Baby containers – 10 foot (3,048 m), used in specific cases or small loads.

Technical Characteristics

Shipping containers combine resistance and flexibility:

  • Stacking capacity, optimizing space on ships;
  • Supported load: approximately 149 kg per square meter;
  • Service life: up to 100 years in good maintenance conditions;
  • Possibility of reuse in land, air transport or modular construction projects.

These characteristics make containers ideal for logistics, storage and, increasingly, for sustainable and modular construction.

Containers Beyond Maritime Transport

Even after being “retired” from use at sea, containers can be reused:

  1. Road Transport
    • Trucks, lorries or munks transport containers to ports or final destinations;
  2. Rail Transport
    • Ideal for long distances or large volumes;
  3. Stationary Storage
    • Companies, supermarkets, industries and construction companies use containers as temporary or permanent storage.

Storage Examples

  • Grains: soybeans, corn and seeds;
  • Flammable products: liquids, solids or gases, stored in cool, ventilated places;
  • Perishable foods: refrigerated containers keep products at a controlled temperature;
  • Furniture, appliances and electronics: proteção durante mudanças ou reformas;
  • Documents and media: can store large volumes, up to 40 thousand books, ensuring safety and conservation.

Buy or Rent Containers

  • Buy: suitable for permanent use, construction of houses, offices, warehouses or refrigerated containers;
  • Rental: ideal for seasonal periods, increased inventory or temporary projects.

The decision depends on the time of use, purpose and available investment.

Conclusion

Shipping containers are versatile, durable, and cost-effective solutions for both logistics and modular construction. With the support of Kubo Container, it is possible to transform these structures into homes, warehouses, offices or even large-scale commercial projects, taking advantage of the resistance of corten steel and the modularity of structures.

Whether for transportation, storage or construction, containers represent innovation, economy and sustainability.

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