Shipping Container with Side Doors: The Essential Buyer’s Guide for 2025

shipping container with side doors are reshaping how businesses access their stored items. These specialized containers have interior widths of 7’8″ and can fit items between 8′-38′ wide. They solve the biggest problem with standard containers that only let you load from one end. The difference becomes clear right away when you see how much easier it is to access your items.

Side door containers come in 20-foot and 40-foot lengths. The side opening design changes the way you can use these spaces. A 20ft model can hold impressive payloads up to 27,780 kg (61,244 lbs). The doors on the container’s long side make it much easier to access your items. This setup works great for operations that need frequent access. We put together this piece to help you learn everything about containers with side doors before you buy from ftshippingcontainers.com. The best part? Your order ships free.

What is a Side Door Shipping Container?

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A shipping container with side doors is different from regular containers because it has extra openings along its longer sides. These special units are just as sturdy as standard containers but make it much easier to load and unload cargo.

How side doors differ from standard cargo doors

Standard shipping containers only let you access cargo through doors at one or both ends. This design makes it hard to load items and get things out from the back. Side door containers solve this problem with full-length doors along one or both of the container’s longer walls. This design changes everything about cargo handling. The wider opening lets forklifts drive right in and helps you see all stored items clearly.

You can get side doors made from flat steel panels or tarpaulin, each with its own advantages. The rubber seals around these openings create waterproof barriers that keep sensitive cargo safe.

Common names: side opening, full access, open-sided

The shipping and storage industry uses several names for these versatile units:

• Open side containers
• Side opening containers
• Full side access containers
• Multi-door shipping containers
• Open-sided shipping containers
• Side door containers

The door setup determines what people call these containers. A “double side door” (DSD or 2xSD) has openings on both sides, while “full opening” containers have doors on all four sides.

Why side access was developed

The industry created side access containers to solve logistics problems that regular containers couldn’t handle. We developed them to make it easier to handle oversized cargo that was too big for standard end doors.

These containers work great for businesses that need to access their stored items often. Construction companies, car manufacturers, and heavy equipment makers find the side-loading feature especially helpful. Event companies and exhibition firms love these containers because they can turn them into display units or pop-up shops quickly.

Ready to buy a shipping container with side doors? Head to https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ and get free shipping on your order.

Key Benefits of Shipping Containers with Side Doors at ftshippingcontainers.com

Key Benefits of Shipping Containers with Side Doors at ftshippingcontainers.com

Side door shipping containers give you way more than just storage space. Standard containers can’t match their versatility. You can buy these innovative containers from ftshippingcontainers.com with free shipping.

Easier loading of oversized or palletized items

Shipping containers with side doors handle bulky cargo better than regular ones. The full-length side access removes the need to load items in sequence. Large machinery, big pallets, and oddly-shaped cargo fit through these doors easily – items that wouldn’t work with standard container doors.

Long items between 8′ and 38′ wide slide right in. Think lumber, pipes, and kayaks. This makes life easier for businesses moving tractors, feed sacks, or construction materials. The work gets done faster without complex maneuvering.

Improved ventilation and accessibility

Side opening shipping containers beat traditional models at controlling the environment. Workers feel more comfortable as partially opened side doors create natural airflow. This better ventilation keeps condensation in check and maintains good air quality during storage.

The design lets inspectors check container contents quickly. They can spot issues and manage cargo safely. You won’t need to empty everything just to grab something from the back – items are accessible from anywhere along the container.

Better workflow for frequent access

Shipping container side doors are great for operations needing multiple entry points daily. Personnel doors or roll-up side doors give quick access to tools and equipment. This beats opening cargo doors repeatedly.

Teams can work together since the side access design allows multiple entry points. The setup works perfectly for “first in, first out” inventory systems – a vital feature for perishable goods or items with short shelf lives.

Ideal for forklifts and warehouse use

Container with side doors shine in warehouse settings where equipment needs to move freely. They provide:

• Easy ground-level access without awkward lifting
• Wide entries for smooth forklift and pallet jack operation
• Loading processes that keep workers safe
• Quick sorting and organizing options

Head to https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ now to get your side opening shipping container with free shipping included!

Types, Sizes, and Technical Specs

A good understanding of available sizes and specifications helps buyers make informed decisions about shipping container with side doors.

20ft vs 40ft vs high cube options

Side door containers are available in three main configurations. The 20ft option works great in confined spaces, while 40ft containers maximize storage capacity. High cube variants add an extra foot of height that creates approximately 9’6″ external height compared to the standard 8’6″. Most first-time buyers choose 20ft models for smaller projects. Commercial operations generally prefer the spacious 40ft high cube versions.

Interior and exterior dimensions

Container Type	Internal Length	Internal Width	Internal Height
20ft Side Door	5.89m (19’4″)	2.35m (7’8″)	2.38m (7’9″)
40ft Side Door	12.03m (39’5″)	2.35m (7’8″) [211]	2.38m (7’9″) [211]
40ft HC Side Door	12.03m (39’5″) [211]	2.35m (7’8″) [211]	2.69m (8’9″)

Weight and payload capacity

The 20ft side door container weighs 5,950 lbs and handles an impressive payload of 61,244 lbs. The 40ft models support a payload of 60,180 lbs, while 40ft high cube containers can carry up to 63,052 lbs.

Door swing angles and locking mechanisms

The side doors open to 270 degrees and fold flat against the exterior. Security features include heavy-duty cargo door locks, lockboxes, and security swing arms. Ftshippingcontainers.com provides various locking configurations and includes free shipping with purchase.

Buying and Customizing Your Side Opening Container at ftshippingcontainers.com

Ready to buy your perfect shipping container with side doors? Let’s check out what ftshippingcontainers.com has to offer.

Where to buy: https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ (free shipping)

Your orders over $12,500 ship free worldwide at ftshippingcontainers.com. We back our side opening containers with solid warranties – 6 months for cargo-worthy units and a full year for refurbished ones. The 15ft x 8ft models with side access doors are just one of many sizes we offer.

Custom door options: roll-up, personnel, double doors

Your side door shipping container becomes more versatile with extra entry points. Popular choices include:

• Personnel doors that make frequent access simple
• Roll-up doors that work great with bigger equipment
• Security swing arms that add protection to personnel doors
• Double doors that create convenient pass-through access

Color, flooring, and security modifications

Make your container with side doors truly yours. Match your building’s look or showcase your brand with Pantone Matching System (PMS) or RAL color codes. Pick the right floor – steel overlay handles industrial use, vinyl makes cleaning easy, and commercial carpet tiles work well for office setups. Security upgrades like lockboxes, multi-point locking systems, and extra barriers keep everything safe.

New vs used: what to consider

New containers cost about $1,000-$2,000 more than used ones but last 10+ years longer. Used containers show their age (usually 10-15 years old) with some surface wear but remain strong structurally. Businesses that care about appearances should lean toward new containers. New units also give you more freedom to customize since they have fewer dents and rust spots.

Conclusion

Side door shipping containers revolutionize the game compared to traditional end-door models. These specialized units change accessibility and work great for businesses that handle oversized equipment, palletized goods, or need quick inventory access. The better ventilation and forklift compatibility create a safer work environment that boosts your team’s efficiency.

A 20ft container fits perfectly in tight spaces, while a 40ft high cube maximizes storage capacity. Side opening containers adapt well to storage needs of all types. Your container’s functionality goes beyond standard storage when you add personnel doors, roll-up entries, specialized flooring, and branded colors.

A new container’s pristine condition and longer lifespan might justify spending $1,000-$2,000 more than a used model. Your operational needs should guide this decision.

Visit ftshippingcontainers.com to see our complete selection of side door shipping containers. All containers ship free, which adds more value to your purchase. This mix of accessibility, customization options, and included shipping gives you an unbeatable solution for storage and logistics challenges.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main advantages of shipping containers with side doors? Side door containers offer easier loading of oversized items, improved ventilation, better accessibility for frequent access, and are ideal for forklift operations. They eliminate the limitations of traditional end-door designs and transform how spaces can be utilized.

Q2. What sizes are available for side door shipping containers? Side door containers typically come in 20-foot and 40-foot lengths. There are also high cube options available that provide an extra foot of height, offering even more storage capacity.

Q3. How do side door containers differ from standard shipping containers? Unlike standard containers with doors only at the ends, side door containers feature additional access points along their longer sides. This design allows for full-length access, making it easier to load and unload cargo, especially oversized or palletized items.

Q4. Can side door containers be customized? Yes, side door containers can be customized with various options. These include different door types (like roll-up or personnel doors), custom paint colors, specialized flooring, and additional security features such as lockboxes or multi-point locking systems.

Q5. Should I choose a new or used side door container? The choice between new and used depends on your specific needs. New containers cost more but offer pristine condition, longer lifespan, and greater customization flexibility. Used containers are more affordable but may have some cosmetic damage. Consider your budget, intended use, and how important appearance is for your application.