01
The exact opening
One side or two, full or partial opening, central pillar, end doors: have each point detailed.
Open Side · Loading access
Side-opening shipping containers: sizes and access
A side-opening shipping container, often called an open side container, gives access along a long wall. It can make stored equipment easier to reach or allow bulky items to be loaded from the side. Compare the clear opening and leave room for the side doors to swing.
- Side opening (example)
- ≈ 5.90 m
- Internal volume (example)
- ≈ 30 m³
- Tare weight (example)
- ≈ 3.2 t
What changes for you
Contents accessible from the side
≈ 5.90 m opening on the example · clear height to be confirmed
The container's length is not necessarily the clear passage width.
Schematic diagram · Model dimensions to be confirmed
- Independent supplier matching service
- The supplier directory does not sell containers
Side-opening or double-door container: compare access
Imagine a loading day: which items come out, in what order and using what equipment? The position of the doors should follow that workflow.
| Your criterion | Open Side | Double Door |
|---|---|---|
| Position of openings | On one side, depending on the model | At both ends |
| Access to items | Several areas accessible from the side | Access to stock from each end |
| Bulky equipment | Entry from the side if the clear opening is suitable | Entry from one end, in line with the container |
| Space around the container | Clearance on the open long side | Clearance in front of both ends |
| Preferred use | Take out an item without moving everything in front of it | Provide separate access points or allow access through both ends |
Full or partial openings, corner posts and extra doors depend on the model. The open-door plan allows you to confirm the layout.
What affects the price of a side-opening container?
To compare the price of a side-opening container, have each quote describe the doors and clear opening. A 20ft DRY, an Open Side, a Double Door and a custom-cut container do not offer the same access, even when their length is identical.
02
Size and condition
20ft or 40ft, standard height or High Cube, one-trip or used: compare the same configuration.
03
Installation and equipment
Plan clearance for the doors and handling. Ramp, threshold, locking and any additional works must be costed.
Ask for totals excluding and including VAT, separating the container, delivery and unloading. Prepare delivery information
Compare the total delivered cost.
The departure depot and on-site positioning can change the comparison. Gather your criteria in a free request so you can compare proposals on the same basis.
Dimensions and weight of an Open Side container
Dimensions of a single standard 20ft Open Side model, taken from a seller's product sheet. The clear opening and door swing depend on the model: the external length alone does not tell you the available passage.
| Specification | Value or information to obtain |
|---|---|
| External, L × W × H | 6.058 × 2.438 × 2.591 m |
| Internal, L × W × H | 5.898 × 2.287 × 2.302 m |
| End door, width × height | 2.226 × 2.189 m |
| Side opening | ≈ 5.90 m along the length, 4 door leaves |
| Clear height of the side opening | Not published: on request |
| Stated internal volume | 30 m³ |
| Advertised internal area | 13.489 m², before fit-out |
| Tare weight of this example | 3.17 t |
| Tare weight according to model | 3.17 to 3.4 t (two supplier listings) |
| Door swing | Space taken up when the doors are open: to be requested |
| Threshold and ramp | Threshold height and means of crossing: to be requested |
Access in front of the side
Draw the container location and the planned traffic flow once the doors are open.
The usable clearance
Ask for a dimensioned plan, any posts, and photos with doors open to check equipment access.
Openings and closing
Check operation, seals, locking points and what remains accessible once the container is in place.
Use after delivery
For a shop or workshop, describe the expected works separately. A side opening alone does not constitute a completed fit-out.
What type of opening should you choose for your use?
Open Side: access along the length
Consider it for reaching several storage areas, loading bulky equipment or preparing a sales point. Ask for a drawing of the model's full opening.
Double Door: doors at both ends
The doors are located at both ends: this is another configuration. It may be suitable for through access, but it does not replace a side wall opening.
Open Top: top access
Compare if the load must be lifted from above. Start by explaining how the equipment enters and leaves, rather than just choosing a label.
Sizes at the same scale
Scroll to see all formats.
Scale
1.75 m
length 2.99 m · height 2.59 m
20ft Open Sidethis page
length 6.06 m · height 2.59 m
length 12.19 m · height 2.59 m
What is an Open Side container used for?
The side opening is useful when you need to reach several areas of stored items or bring a long object in from the side. Start from how your equipment moves.
CASE 1
Accessing components for maintenance
For equipment used independently, arrange several positions visible from the open side. This avoids having to store items in the order they enter and leave.
Equipment to consider
Zone marking, storage suited to the parts and clearance in front of each access point.
CASE 2
Loading long items
Long sections, panels or bulky crates may need to be loaded from the side. Plan their path with the intended handling equipment, including space to turn before entering.
Equipment to consider
Supports for long materials, chocking and handling equipment compatible with the load.
CASE 3
Displaying products at an event
A side opening lets you display a range or create a counter. Distinguish between the container structure and the work needed to produce a finished space suited to your business.
Equipment to consider
Counter, lighting, finishes and threshold treatment to include in the conversion project.
How does the comparison work?
Step 1
Specify your container
Container type, condition, purchase or hire and quantity.
Step 2
Submit one request
Your requirements and postcode, entered only once.
Step 3
Compare the delivered price
Container, transport and offloading, on the same basis.
Free and with no obligation. The supplier directory does not sell containers. Your request goes through our comparison service: the companies listed in the directory are not necessarily the recipients of your request. Professionals may pay for the introduction service (How the service works).
Prepare my requestFind side-opening container suppliers
This selection reproduces the information published by the companies in the directory. Directory order, not a ranking; it does not guarantee stock or receipt of your request.
No listing yet describes all these criteria for this mode. You can consult the directory or specify your project in the form; the absence of a corresponding listing does not describe market stock.
Browse the directory with these criteriaFrequently asked questions about side-opening containers
What is an Open Side container?
It is a container with access through a side wall; also known as an Open Side container or side-opening container. The extent of the opening, end doors and uprights depend on the model. Ask for the passage dimensions and photos with doors open.
Are Open Side and Double Door the same?
No. Open Side means access on the side; Double Door means doors at both ends. Choose according to equipment movement and available space around the container.
Can you request a 20ft or 40ft Open Side?
Supplier ranges include these two lengths. Specify the size and have the construction, stock, condition and lead time of the proposed model confirmed.
Do you need to allow space in front of the side doors?
Yes: you need to open the doors and then move around and handle the load. Ask for the door swing and have a layout plan validated with your handling equipment.
What is the width of the side opening?
On the model shown as an example, a 20ft Open Side, the side opening is approximately 5.90 m along the length, in 4 leaves. Its clear height is not published: ask for it, along with a dimensioned plan and photos with doors open.
How much does a side-opening container cost?
Request a dated quote for the exact size, opening configuration and condition. For a 20ft or 40ft open side container, include delivery, offloading, any ramp and applicable VAT. Confirm availability and lead time for the unit offered.
Can you drive a forklift into an open side container?
A large opening alone is not enough to guarantee this. The supplier must confirm the clearance, ramp and concentrated wheel loads on the floor, including the weight of the forklift and its load. Loading can also be carried out from outside when the equipment and configuration allow.
Can a side opening be added to a standard container?
This can be part of a conversion project. The quote must describe the cutting, reinforcements, doors, weatherproofing and intended use after the work. Compare this result with an open side container built in that configuration: neither the usable dimensions nor the equipment are automatically identical.
Useful guides
Updated on · technical figures describe example models; confirm the specification and delivery terms for the unit offered
Prepare a more useful quote request
Check these details before comparing equipment, delivery and services.