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What Is A Shipping Container Made From 

Discover the key factors that make shipping containers the ultimate resource on sea and land

For decades, they have rolled past you on the highway, stacked high on cargo ships, and lined the ports of global commerce—unremarkable, utilitarian steel boxes that quietly power the world’s supply chain. The humble shipping container, which has transformed global trade and the world economy since the 1950s, is an incredibly strong and durable structure that deserves far more recognition.

At Eveon, we love shipping containers, admire their functionality and believe that while their days at sea are behind them, once decommissioned these metal structures can serve as a valuable land-based resource. Ready to serve, protect, shelter, move and store.  Let's explore what shipping containers are made of, how they are constructed, and why they are the ideal tool and resource. 

### What Is A Shipping Container Made Of?

A common misconception is that the shipping container, invented by Malcom McLean to streamline and improve the efficiency of transporting goods, is a solid box. However, the floor of a container is not a single piece of solid metal or wood. Instead, it consists of marine-grade plywood laid over Corten steel-reinforced beams, providing both durability and structural integrity.

Corten steel, which is the same metal used to make bridges, roofs, fencing and transmission towers, is a high-strength steel alloy that forms a rust-like appearance when exposed to the elements. This makes it particularly well-suited for use in environments where durability & resistance to corrosion are essential. The Corten Steel beams run horizontally along the entire bottom of the container like a spine, this design with the metal cross members is primarily for structural integrity, weight reduction, and efficient load distribution. 

When combined with Corten steel, Marine-grade Plywood flooring is durable and able to withstand the harsh conditions whether on land or sea.

![Floormedres 2.jpg](https://static.eveoncontainers.com/strapi/assets/Floormedres_2_89bb27fddf.jpg)

### Why Are Shipping Container Floors Made With Crossbeams:

**- Strength & Load Bearing**
The cross members act like the vertebrae of a spine, providing structural strength while allowing the floor to support heavy loads.
This design helps distribute weight evenly across the length and width of the container, preventing excessive stress on any single point.
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**- Weight Reduction:**
A solid metal bottom would significantly increase the container’s weight, making transportation more costly and inefficient.
By using a frame structure with wooden or composite flooring panels, the container remains strong yet lightweight. 
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**- Cost Efficiency:**
Building a container with a solid steel bottom would require more material, increasing production costs.
The current design uses a combination of steel beams and plywood or bamboo flooring, balancing strength and affordability. 
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**- Forklift & Handling Accessibility:**
The gaps between the cross members provide access points for forklifts to lift and transport the container more efficiently. 
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**- Flexibility & Shock Absorption:**
Much like a spine, the cross-member structure allows slight flexing under heavy loads, preventing damage to the cargo and the container itself. A rigid solid metal bottom could be more prone to cracking or warping under stress.
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This design ensures that shipping containers remain durable, cost-effective, and easy to transport while maintaining the necessary strength for carrying heavy cargo.

### The Shipping Container Floor

Marine-grade plywood, on the other hand, is engineered to resist water, rot & fungal growth, making it ideal for environments subject to moisture and fluctuating temperatures. In a shipping container, marine-grade plywood flooring provides a strong, stable surface that can handle heavy cargo while offering better insulation compared to steel. Its high resistance to moisture also makes it less likely to warp or degrade under wet conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance for storage. The numerous layers of plywood pressed together allowed it ti take hits and blows without cracking. Some peeling is okay and won't affect the effectiveness if minimal. When combined with Corten steel, Marine-grade Plywood flooring is durable and able to withstand the harsh conditions whether on land or sea. 

To explore all the ways these durable structures can be repurposed click [here](https://www.eveoncontainers.com/en-US/Industry-applications-usages) 

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