Shipping containers continually evolve to meet logistics needs. One innovation is the side door container, designed to simplify loading and unloading of oversized cargo that cannot fit through standard doors. It features an additional set of doors.
Side door containers add a wide opening along the length of a standard container. They retain the usual double doors at one end while providing additional access for loading, unloading, storage and conversion work. This can be useful when goods are awkward, wide or difficult to reach through the end doors alone.
A side door container has the standard double doors at one end and an additional set of reinforced bi-fold doors along one side. Opening the side doors provides access over much of the container’s length, rather than restricting loading to the end of the unit.
This arrangement can make it easier to position pallets, machinery, pipes, timber and other wide or awkward goods. It can also help when stored items need to be reached without moving everything positioned nearer the doors.
Side-opening units are a specialised container type and are also considered for open-plan conversion projects. Their suitability depends on the required opening, internal space, condition and delivery arrangements. More information about different container types is available in this container type guide.
Measurements are useful when checking storage capacity, planning a layout or assessing whether the unit will fit the proposed position. Side door containers have additional door mechanisms, so the exact opening and internal measurements should be checked for the specific unit.
The figures below provide a guide to the 20ft and 40ft side door configurations described here.
| 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) |
| Side door opening width | 5.70 m (approx.) | 11.80 m (approx.) | 11.80 m (approx.) |
| Tare weight | 2,700 kg | 4,700 kg | 5,200 kg |
| Maximum payload | 27,780 kg | 27,300 kg | 28,600 kg |
| Cubic capacity | 33.0 m³ | 65.3 m³ | 76.3 m³ |
Tare weight is the weight of the empty container, while maximum payload refers to the listed cargo capacity. These figures should not replace checks against the specific unit’s plate and the intended transport arrangements. Weights can vary slightly by manufacturer, so use the container weight verification guide when accurate transport information is required.
For comparisons with other container formats, the container dimensions hub provides further dimensions information.
The side opening changes how goods can be loaded and reached, rather than automatically increasing the container’s internal volume. A 20ft unit provides a shorter storage area, while a 40ft unit offers greater length and cubic capacity. The 40ft high cube side door configuration also has the greater internal height shown in the table.
Side access may allow a forklift to position pallets from the side without driving into the container. It can also make it easier to place wide items into position. The final loading method will depend on the goods, equipment, ground conditions and available working space.
Think about how often the contents will need to be accessed. If items are loaded and removed in sequence, standard end doors may be sufficient. If different goods need to be reached independently, the side opening may make the layout more practical.
Side door containers can suit storage and handling requirements where end access alone is inconvenient. Examples supported by their design include:
The opening should be treated as part of the working layout. Leave enough usable space for the doors to open and consider whether stored goods will obstruct access.
Door condition matters particularly with a side door container because there are more seals, hinges and locking points to inspect. Ask for the condition of the specific unit rather than relying only on its container type.
A lockbox can be considered as an additional security feature, but no locking arrangement should be treated as a guarantee against theft. Inspect the door seals and locking hardware regularly. The guide to container seals and security covers related considerations, while the container maintenance and repair guide explains why routine checks are useful.
Southampton container deliveries use HIAB. HIAB is the common UK term for a lorry-mounted crane used to unload and position containers.
The proposed position should provide firm, reasonably level support suited to the site and expected load. Soft or uneven ground can contribute to settlement and affect door operation. Check drainage, door orientation and future access before confirming the position. The side doors need clear space to open fully.
Delivery planning should also consider:
A container can fit the intended storage area but still be unsuitable for delivery if the HIAB vehicle cannot reach a suitable lifting position.
The wide side opening can be useful for conversion layouts that need a broad entrance or an open-facing frontage. Potential uses include pop-up retail units, event bars, cafes, exhibition stands and workshops. Any alteration to the container should be considered alongside the door operation, structural arrangement and intended use.
Planning requirements can depend on how the container will be used, how long it will remain in place, the status of the site, its visibility, nearby neighbours and local planning policy. Listed buildings, conservation areas, a change of use or a prominent position may create additional considerations. Check current requirements with the relevant planning authority before committing to the proposed placement or use, and review the shipping container planning permission guide.
The proposed position should also be prepared with access and support in mind. The shipping container foundations guide covers practical points about supporting a container and helping the doors remain usable.
Choose the length and height that match the goods, layout and available space. Consider whether side access is essential, how often the contents will be handled, and whether the container is needed for a longer-term requirement or temporary storage.
Side door containers are a specialised configuration, so confirm the exact door arrangement, measurements, condition and intended use before ordering. If end access is sufficient, compare a 20ft standard container for sale or a 40ft standard container for sale. For temporary requirements, the 20ft standard container hire and 40ft standard container hire pages provide alternatives to consider.
When making an enquiry, provide the required size, the goods or equipment to be stored, whether access is needed along the full side, the preferred condition and details of the proposed delivery position. For a side door container quotation, use the container quotation form.
At Shipping Containers of Southampton, we serve locations across the South of England. Our hiab delivery coverage includes Reading, Portsmouth, Swindon, Basingstoke, Guildford, Maidenhead, Camberley, Eastbourne, Eastleigh, Bracknell, Bournemouth, Brighton, Slough, Crawley, Farnborough, Weybridge, Aldershot, and Chichester. Whether you need a new or used container, we offer prompt delivery and competitive pricing.