Side Opening Shipping Container Features That Save You Time & Money

Side opening shipping containers solve a problem that standard containers can’t handle – loading and unloading oversized cargo. These specialized units are a great way to get time savings at the time you work with items too tall or wide for traditional doors.

Side open shipping containers offer both 20-foot and 40-foot sizes with standard height (8’6″) and high cube (9’6″) options that fit different needs. The container’s side opening feature lets you store extra-long items between 8′-38′ wide, which makes them essential for retail and construction work. The convenience adds to the cost – a 40-foot side opening unit ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, roughly double the price of standard containers.

These specialized containers can save you money despite the higher upfront cost. Features like improved ventilation and 270-degree swinging doors make them worth the investment. You can buy side opening shipping containers at https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ with free shipping to experience these benefits yourself.

What Makes Side Opening Shipping Containers Unique

_{Image Source: Qingdao Tyneco Industrial Equipment Co., Ltd}

Side opening containers feature a groundbreaking design that opens new possibilities for storage and transportation, unlike traditional shipping containers. These specialized units have reshaped the scene of handling oversized cargo with several unique features.

Bi-fold side doors vs. standard end doors

A side opening shipping container’s standout feature is its innovative door system. These containers have bi-fold doors along the entire length of one side, not just end doors. The bi-fold mechanism works two ways – you can open just the inner portion like regular doors or unfold both sections to expose the container’s full length. This flexibility gives users more options than standard containers that only have end door access.

Full-length access for oversized items

Side access creates unmatched loading and unloading capabilities. Companies handling awkwardly shaped or oversized cargo that won’t fit through standard end doors benefit most from this design. The complete side access lets you load:

• Large machinery and vehicles
• Construction materials
• Extra-long items between 8′-38′ wide
• Palletized goods that require forklift access

The design saves time during operations since you don’t need to unload the entire container to reach items in the back.

Standard vs. high cube options

Side opening shipping containers offer both standard and high cube configurations with different heights:

• Standard height: 8’6″ tall
• High cube: 9’6″ tall (one foot taller)

High cube containers provide about 2,694 cubic feet of space compared to 2,350 cubic feet in standard ones. The extra foot of vertical clearance proves valuable for forklift operations by creating enough headroom for equipment to move safely inside the container.

You can buy side opening shipping containers with free shipping at https://ftshippingcontainers.com/.

Top Features That Save You Time

Time savings are a key feature of side opening shipping containers that give businesses a practical way to speed up their operations. Let’s get into the features that make these containers real time-savers.

Quick loading and unloading with forklifts

Side opening shipping containers work great with forklifts. The wide bi-fold doors let operators drive directly into the container. On top of that, it’s easy to move cargo safely with specialized container ramps between ground level and the container bed. Companies that handle large cargo volumes can cut down their handling times by a lot.

Easy access to palletized goods

These containers make palletized storage much more efficient. The side access points give pallet trucks plenty of room to move around. So workers can pack goods more easily from the container’s long open side. This setup works especially well for warehouses and distribution centers that need quick access to their stored inventory.

Improved visibility and ventilation

The containers offer a unique benefit that many people miss – better visibility. Workers can spot and find items quickly through the full-length opening instead of searching through a dark container. The side opening containers also give you better control over airflow – you can adjust the side doors to get the ventilation just right. This feature helps protect moisture-sensitive products that need good air circulation during storage or transport.

Faster sorting without full unloading

The biggest time-saving advantage comes from being able to access specific items easily. Unlike regular containers where you need to empty everything to reach items at the back, side opening containers let you reach any item without moving others. Multiple access points mean several team members can work at once, which speeds up the process. You won’t need to unload the whole container just to find specific items anymore.

Ready to save time with these benefits? You can buy side opening shipping containers at https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ and get free shipping too.

Cost-Saving Benefits of Side Opening Containers

The original investment in a side open shipping container costs more than standard models, but the long-term financial rewards are worth it. These specialized units deliver great returns through several cost-saving features that affect your bottom line.

Reduced labor time during operations

Side opening shipping containers give you a clear economic advantage through labor efficiency. Traditional containers limit workers to load and unload from one end. This creates bottlenecks that waste time and money. Side opening designs let multiple workers access cargo simultaneously. Your team can work in parallel which cuts handling time by hours during each loading or unloading cycle.

The financial benefits grow even larger for businesses managing inventory. Your workers can get specific items without unpacking everything. This saves money by cutting out unnecessary handling. Quick retrieval tasks need minimal staff, unlike the time-consuming unpacking sessions of traditional containers.

Minimized need for additional storage units

The innovative design of side opening shipping containers helps you maximize storage potential. You’ll need fewer units compared to traditional storage solutions because of their exceptional space efficiency. These containers work well in tight spaces while giving you plenty of interior room. This makes them perfect for businesses with limited real estate.

The full-length access helps create better organization strategies. Your team can pack items more efficiently from the side, which allows for:

• Strategic placement of frequently accessed inventory
• Maximized vertical and horizontal space utilization
• Custom compartmentalization for different storage needs

Durability and long-term reusability

The most important cost advantage comes from these containers’ incredible lifespan. With basic maintenance, your side opening shipping container can last upwards of 25 years. Some sources show lifespans that exceed 35 years. This exceptional durability turns your purchase into a long-term investment.

These containers use weathering Corten steel that stands up to harsh environments. The corrugated panels add strength, and marine-grade plywood flooring increases durability. This impressive longevity saves you money compared to less durable storage options.

Want to start saving money with these benefits? You can buy side opening shipping container at https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ with free shipping included.

Alternatives and Customization Options

Shipping containers come in many shapes and sizes beyond the standard side-opening models. You’ll find plenty of customization options to match your business needs. These adaptations give you budget-friendly solutions that balance security with easy access.

Roller shutter doors for side access

Roller shutters work great as an alternative to bi-fold doors for side access. These doors are built from high-grade aluminum or steel. They coil around a barrel when opened and save space without needing clearance on either side. You can pick from two main types:

Manual roller shutters work with a hand crank. They’re budget-friendly but take longer to open. Electric versions open at the push of a button or with a remote control. The electric options open faster and work best in temperature-sensitive spaces.

Heavy-duty roll-up doors made from galvanized steel boost security. These doors come in widths from 4 to 8 feet. They last a long time thanks to weather-resistant seals and rust-proof coatings that work in all types of weather.

Personnel doors and sliding glass options

Personnel doors (also called “man doors”) give you human-sized entry points that mix security with practicality. These steel doors look like regular building doors and let people get in without opening the bigger cargo doors.

Sliding glass doors add a new dimension by letting natural light in and giving you clear visibility. They come with durable vinyl frames and secure locks. The glass makes them less secure than solid doors, but they work perfectly for containers turned into offices, storefronts, or living spaces.

Curtain-sided and tunnel containers

Curtain-sided containers use roll-up fabric side curtains that open quickly. The closed curtains keep your items secure and protected from weather just like standard steel containers. Opening the curtains fully lets you load and unload quickly with forklifts and pallet trucks.

Tunnel containers have doors at both ends, creating a pass-through design. They don’t open as wide as side-opening containers but cost much less, making them a smart choice for many businesses.

Custom builds for specific business needs

Your business might need something special. Here are some custom options:

• Multiple door types in one container
• Windows for natural light
• Advanced HVAC systems
• Concession windows
• Premium interior finishes that match your brand’s look

These containers are available at https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ with free shipping included.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Side Opening Containers

Side opening shipping containers have changed cargo storage and transportation technology. This piece explores how these specialized units deliver exceptional value despite their higher original cost.

The innovative design with full-length access makes loading and unloading easier. These containers are a great way to get value when handling oversized cargo that standard containers can’t fit. Your team can access any item without emptying the entire container, which saves many labor hours.

These containers’ durability stands out. They last 25-35 years and ended up being budget-friendly compared to cheaper options that need frequent replacement. Their weather-resistant build will give your cargo solid protection whatever the conditions outside.

Bi-fold doors, roller shutters, or custom modifications help these containers adapt to your business needs. Companies that handle palletized goods or need frequent inventory access find these containers pay for themselves by streamlining operations.

The upfront cost shouldn’t be your only focus when buying a side opening container. Think over the long-term benefits: lower labor costs, better storage capacity, and lasting durability. These features combine to give you solid returns on your investment.

Ready to see these benefits yourself? You can buy side opening shipping containers at https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ with free shipping included.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main advantages of side opening shipping containers? Side opening containers offer full-length access for easy loading of oversized items, improved efficiency with forklift operations, better visibility and ventilation, and the ability to access specific items without unloading the entire container.

Q2. How do side opening containers save time during operations? These containers allow for quick loading and unloading with forklifts, provide easy access to palletized goods, enable faster sorting without full unloading, and allow multiple workers to access cargo simultaneously, significantly reducing handling time.

Q3. Are side opening containers more expensive than standard containers? While the initial cost is higher, side opening containers can be more cost-effective in the long run due to reduced labor time, minimized need for additional storage units, and exceptional durability with lifespans of 25-35 years.

Q4. What customization options are available for side opening containers? Customization options include roller shutter doors, personnel doors, sliding glass options, curtain-sided designs, and fully custom builds to meet specific business needs such as adding windows, HVAC systems, or premium interior finishes.

Q5. How do side opening containers compare to standard containers in terms of durability? Side opening containers are built from weathering Corten steel and feature corrugated panels and marine-grade plywood flooring, making them highly durable and resistant to harsh environments, similar to standard containers but with added accessibility features.