The containerization process and the development of intermodal transport networks have lead to a competitive scenario in the port sector and have modified the ports hinterlands all over the world, specially on developed countries. These hinterlands are no more captive areas of one port but competitive areas of two or more ports. This dissertation presents a study whose objective is to characterize port development due to the containerization process, to map the discussion on port hinterlands concept, identifying its definitions and its validity, and to present methodologies for its delimitation, important to allow a correct port planning and development by Port Authorities or private terminals in a competitive scenario. This conceptual and methodological context will allow the application of a methodology using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the case study that embraces the port of Rio Grande, located at State of Rio Grande do Sul, specialized on containers handling.