Konteinerit

Konteinerit are standardized containers used for the storage and transport of goods. They are metal boxes designed for intermodal handling, meaning they can be moved between ships, railcars, and trucks without unloading the contents. The term is used in Finnish and other Baltic-language contexts to refer to containers employed in logistics and warehousing.

Most common are ISO containers, with external lengths of 20 feet (about 6.06 meters) or 40 feet (about 12.19 meters). The standard width is about 8 feet (2.44 meters), and height is typically 8 feet 6 inches, with a higher high-cube variant at 9 feet 6 inches. Dry containers are the workhorse, but specialized types include refrigerated (reefer) containers, insulated or heated variants, open-top, flat rack, and tank containers for liquids or gases.

Construction generally uses steel with a weatherproof shell, and floors often consist of hardwood. Reefers add an integrated refrigeration unit and insulation. Interior dimensions vary by type, but external dimensions are standardized to enable stacking and intermodal transfer. Corner fittings, door sizes, and strength ratings are specified by international standards to ensure safe handling and compatibility across modes of transport.

Containerization began to scale in the mid-20th century, driven by standardized dimensions and the ability to transfer cargo efficiently between ships, trains, and trucks. The system reduced loading times, improved security, and supported global supply chains by enabling reusable, durable transport units.

Konteinerit are widely used by shipping lines, freight forwarders, and warehouses, serving as modular solutions for transport, storage, and increasingly for repurposing in housing, workshops, or temporary facilities after their service life.