What is a Side Door Container?
Side door containers retain all the key features of standard dry cargo containers but offer an additional practical advantage. The longer side of the container is fitted with specially designed doors that can be partially or fully opened, allowing straightforward access to the container's entire length.
Available in 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft High Cube sizes, these containers feature durable steel or reinforced tarpaulin side doors. Flat panels provide maximum interior space. Rubber seals ensure the unit remains weatherproof and secure, offering reliable protection for sensitive cargo.
Standard Dimensions and Capacities
Side door containers are manufactured to ISO standards, ensuring consistency in size and performance. The key internal measurements are as follows:
| Specification | 20ft Side Door | 40ft Side Door | 40ft High Cube Side Door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Length | 5.89 m / 19.3 ft | 12.03 m / 39.5 ft | 12.03 m / 39.5 ft |
| Internal Width | 2.34 m / 7.8 ft | 2.34 m / 7.8 ft | 2.34 m / 7.8 ft |
| Internal Height | 2.38 m / 7.9 ft | 2.38 m / 7.9 ft | 2.69 m / 8.9 ft |
| Tare Weight | 2,700 kg / 5,950 lbs | 4,700 kg / 10,362 lbs | 5,200 kg / 11,470 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 27,780 kg / 61,244 lbs | 27,300 kg / 60,180 lbs | 28,600 kg / 63,052 lbs |
| Cubic Capacity | 33.0 m³ / 1,165 ft³ | 65.3 m³ / 2,306 ft³ | 76.3 m³ / 2,694 ft³ |
For context, a 40ft high-cube side door container can comfortably fit:
- Approximately 380 large trees
- Up to 600 large packing boxes
- The contents of eight one-bedroom flats
In terms of pallets:
- 30 Euro pallets (1.2m x 0.8m each)
- 25 American pallets (1.01m x 1.21m each)
Benefits and Applications of Side Door Containers
- Ease of Loading and Unloading: The full side access simplifies handling of oversized items, reducing the need for specialist equipment like cranes.
- Maximised Space Utilisation: Goods can be packed more efficiently when loaded through the side, improving operational productivity.
- Faster Cargo Management: Wider access points enable quicker loading and unloading with pallet trucks and forklifts.
- Versatile Conversions: Beyond logistics, side door containers are increasingly popular for conversions into cafes, event spaces, retail units, and pop-up shops, thanks to their robustness and flexibility.
Why Choose Side Door Containers?
Side door containers offer a superior alternative to conventional containers for businesses that need frequent, flexible, or large-volume access. Their adaptability makes them a wise investment across multiple sectors, from construction and logistics to hospitality and events.
Explore Your Container Options Today
If you are considering side-door containers for your site or project, our experienced team is ready to assist. We offer a wide range of container solutions tailored to your requirements, with competitive pricing and excellent service.
Call us now on 0330 0130 636 or email
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available for side door containers?
Side door containers are typically available in 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft High Cube variants, each manufactured to international ISO standards.
Can side door containers be customised for non-shipping uses?
Yes. Side door containers are highly versatile and can be converted into offices, cafes, workshops, and much more with appropriate modifications.
Are side door containers weatherproof?
Absolutely. They feature robust steel construction with rubber-sealed doors, ensuring excellent resistance to moisture, wind, and weather extremes.
Do side doors affect the structural integrity of the container?
No. Side door containers are engineered to maintain structural integrity even with additional doors, meeting strict ISO safety and quality standards.
Is it easy to fit side door containers with shelving and internal fixtures?
Yes. Their flat steel panel design simplifies internal fit-outs, making installing shelving, partitions, insulation, and other custom features easy.