Side Opening Containers
Side opening shipping containers provide full-length access along the container side as well as standard end doors, making loading and access faster than a standard container. Side opening containers are commonly used for palletised goods, oversized items, workshops, and container conversions where frequent access is needed. Available in 20ft standard, 20ft high cube, and 40ft high cube sizes, side opening containers are built to ISO standards for secure, weatherproof storage and can be supplied CSC plated for export where required.
Side access reduces the main drawback of standard containers, which is having to unload from the front to reach goods stored at the rear.
Available Sizes, Dimensions & Capacity
| Size | External (L × W × H) | Internal (L × W × H) | Weight | Approx. Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft | 20ft × 8ft × 8ft 6in (6060mm × 2430mm × 2590mm) | 19ft 3in × 7ft 7in × 7ft 9in (5870mm × 2330mm × 2350mm) | ~3080kg | ~32.1m³ |
| 20ft High Cube | 20ft × 8ft × 9ft 6in (6060mm × 2430mm × 2890mm) | 19ft 3in × 7ft 7in × 8ft 9in (5870mm × 2330mm × 2650mm) | ~3480kg | ~36.3m³ |
| 40ft High Cube | 40ft × 8ft × 9ft 6in (12192mm × 2430mm × 2890mm) | 39ft 4in × 7ft 7in × 8ft 9in (12000mm × 2330mm × 2650mm) | ~5830kg | ~74.0m³ |
Side opening containers are typically heavier than standard containers due to additional steel reinforcement required to support the full-length door system.
Build Quality & Door Design
Side opening containers retain the same core structure as standard ISO containers, including marine-grade Corten steel construction and secure end cargo doors. The key difference is the long-side bi-fold door system, which allows wide access for loading and retrieval.
Each unit is inspected prior to delivery to confirm:
- Door alignment and hinge operation
- Locking bars and security function
- Structural condition around the side aperture
- Wind and watertight integrity
Side opening containers are specialist units, so confirming layout and door configuration before order is important.
New & Used Side Opening Containers – What’s the Difference?
New (One-Trip) Side Opening Containers
New one-trip units are manufactured overseas and used once during transit into the UK. They offer the longest service life, cleanest appearance, and best resale value. Minor surface marks or small dents from transport are normal and do not affect performance.
Used Side Opening Containers
Used side opening containers are less common than standard used containers because many owners keep them long-term. When used stock is available, it is fully inspected to ensure structural integrity and reliable door operation.
All side opening containers are supplied wind and watertight, with a 5-year guarantee on new one-trip units and a 12-month guarantee on used containers.
Nationwide Delivery Across the UK
We deliver side opening containers nationwide using HIAB or flatbed transport, depending on site access and offload requirements.
Delivery options include:
- HIAB delivery with crane offload
- Flatbed delivery with forklift or customer offload
Side opening containers require one extra practical consideration: clearance along the long side if the side doors need to open fully once the container is positioned. Placement should be planned so the side opening is usable, not blocked by fencing, walls, or stored materials.
Need help checking access? See our delivery guide.
Why Choose a Side Opening Container?
Side opening containers are commonly chosen where speed of access matters.
They are ideal for:
- Forklift loading and unloading of pallets
- Oversized or awkward items that are difficult to manoeuvre through end doors
- Fast stock rotation where frequent access is required
- Workshops and on-site storage where tools and materials need to be reached quickly
- Events, exhibitions, market stalls, and pop-up retail where open access improves usability
A side opening container often removes the need to “re-pack” the container to reach items stored at the back.
Who Uses Full Side Opening Containers?
Typical buyers include:
- Construction and site operators with frequent access needs
- Warehousing and overflow storage users managing palletised stock
- Automotive and tyre storage businesses
- Retailers and exhibition operators needing fast setup and secure storage
- Conversion customers building pop-up units, workshops, or display spaces
Side opening containers are often selected as a base for conversions because they offer visibility and access that standard containers cannot.
Optional Extras & Modifications
Optional upgrades can be added to improve security, appearance, or functionality.
Available options include:
- Custom RAL painting (lead times vary by colour)
- Lockboxes and anti-theft hardware
- Personnel doors, roller shutters, and internal racking
- Electrics, insulation, lining, and fit-out options
New one-trip side opening units commonly include lockboxes as standard unless stated otherwise.
If a bespoke conversion is required, side opening containers can also be modified with service hatches, counters, windows, and internal fit-outs.
Choosing the Right Side Opening Container
Choosing the right side opening container comes down to access needs, container length, and how the unit will be loaded.
- 20ft side opening suits smaller sites and frequent access storage
- 20ft high cube side opening suits tall stock or racking setups
- 40ft high cube side opening suits maximum capacity and warehouse-style access
If full side access is not essential, a standard container may offer better value for general storage. For example, a 20ft one-trip container is often a simpler choice when access through end doors is sufficient.
Related Products
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