![](https://onsite-cdn.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/30023450/unnamed-1.png)
Are you having difficulty locating a reliable way to package and transport an oddly-shaped object that can be loaded from the sides instead of through the main entrance? Side open shipping containers also known as open-side shipping containers provide users with much more flexibility than traditional methods of shipping. They allow you to load, unload, and access your goods with ease.
From their advantages to why they’re used, this article will dive into the specifics of open-side shipping containers, covering all that you need to know before making a purchase.
![](https://onsite-cdn.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/30023511/unnamed-2.png)
What is an Open Side Shipping Container?
A side-opening shipping container or open-side storage container is a specialty shipping container that features two foldable doors on one of the long sides in addition to its regular entrance. These additional openings provide quick and simple access when loading or unloading, making transport a breeze. When in use, these doors simply fold out of the way so that you can carry out your operations with ease, then return to their secure position for transportation and storage.
Transporting and securing goods or materials is simplified with this specialty shipping container, which offers several advantages compared to the conventional variety. Its lightweight structure makes them easy to manage through forklifts and other equipment, while its robust steel or aluminum build ensures it can stand up to a range of conditions. Plus, locking mechanisms ensure your cargo remains secure until it reaches its destination.
Open Side Shipping Container Dimensions
On-Site Storage Solutions has a wide selection of open-side containers available in various sizes, from 20ft open side to 40 ft High Cube open side. Here are the exact dimensions for each size: 20 ft; 40ft; and 40ft High Cube.
20 Foot | 40 Foot | 40 Foot High Cube (HC) | |
External Dimensions | 20′ long 8′ wide 8’6″ high | 40′ long 8′ wide 8’6″ high | 20′ long 8′ wide 9’6″ high (1ft taller) |
Internal Dimensions | 19’3″ long 7’8″ wide 7’9″ high | 39’5″ long 7’8″ wide 7’9″ high | 39’5″ long 7’8″ wide 8’10” high |
Door Lenght | 7’8″ wide 7’5″ high | 7’8″ wide 7’5″ high | 7’8″ wide 8’6″ high |
Internal Floor Space | 147 sq.ft. | 302 sq.ft. | 302 sq.ft. |
Volume (Cubic Feet) | 1,144 sq.ft. | 2,343 sq.ft. | 2,670 sq.ft. |
Empty Weight (Tare Weight) | 4,000 – 5,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
Open-side door shipping containers can be used to hold shop-front displays or as information or sales kiosks at trade shows or festivals. This would be an excellent choice for business owners and modify a side-opening shipping container and make it one of their primary retail spaces.
How Do You Open an Open Side Container?
It is easy to open the full-side access container doors. These doors are like the regular doors on a shipping container, but bigger. You can open them from the inside or outside by using handles that come with it, or you can add your own handles if needed.
Not only do the 270° opening doors of shipping containers enable you to effortlessly transport wide cargo, but they also provide full mobility and keep your goods from becoming stuck between each door. Some side-opening models have extra protection from water and animals. This protects them from water damage or animals getting inside.
Some shipping containers open from the side. Instead of regular doors, they have roller doors. These doors open from bottom to top and roll up into the top side of the container. This type of door is good for loading bigger things into containers.
Advantages Of Side-Opening Shipping Containers
Having side doors on your shipping container can help you in many different ways. Some of the benefits are:
Easy Loading and Unloading Cargo
Side door shipping containers are easier to fill and empty. You can put different things inside the container with the side entrance. If you need to move pallets, a forklift can also use the side door for easy access
Storing Big Things
Things that are big or oddly shaped might not fit through regular container doors. Side doors can help you store these things. This means you can put more things into the container to send away.
Effortless Access to Your Container
Regular containers have doors at the front or back. This makes it hard to get items in the middle or back of the container. Side-opening shipping containers are better because you can open them from the side and get to items without taking out other things first.
More functionality
Having side doors on a container can help you get more use out of it. It can be used for more things like if you are building a shop or cafe, the side opening can act like a hallway to another area.
On-Site Storage Solutions
On site storage containers offer a wide range of storage shipping containers and can help you choose the correct size of open-side shipping containers for your needs. With over sixty depots across the United States and Canada, you can get your container in no time! For more information or help acquiring a container, give us a call at (888) 405-8772. We are always happy to assist!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Side opening shipping containers are not the standard type of shipping containers. The standard shipping containers have double doors at one end, while side opening containers have doors on the side. Side opening containers are specifically designed to provide easier access to the contents inside.
Side opening shipping containers are primarily made from corrugated steel, similar to the side walls of standard shipping containers. Once the corrugated steel is cut to size, it is enclosed in a square frame to form the side opening doors.
Yes, side opening shipping containers have doors that open up on the side. These containers provide convenient access to the contents inside, allowing for easy loading and unloading from the side of the container.