45ft Side Curtain Container

High-capacity curtain-side logistics across the UK

Container Projects coordinates the supply and delivery of 45ft curtainsider containers to the manufacturing, retail, and logistics sectors. If you require a permanent asset for your fleet, explore our container sales. For temporary logistics contracts or seasonal peaks, our container hire service provides flexible rental terms for specialised equipment. You can request a container quote today to receive a full cost breakdown for your site. We manage the complex logistics required to safely transport these oversized units.

45ft Side Curtain technical specifications

The 45ft side curtain container is a high cube unit designed for intermodal transport. These units feature a pallet-wide design, allowing for the side-by-side placement of Euro pallets. Unlike standard dry units, curtainsiders offer full, unobstructed side access and rear-door entry.

Tare is the weight of the empty container. Payload is the maximum weight of cargo the unit can carry safely. These units are typically "pallet-wide," which means they are a few centimetres wider than standard containers, enabling them to carry up to 33 Euro pallets per layer. For standard storage, consider our 40ft high-cube or 45ft high-cube intermodal options.

Operational features and loading benefits

A side access unit of this scale provides the efficiency of a road trailer with the structural security of a shipping container. The heavy-duty PVC curtains slide easily on rollers, allowing for side-loading by forklift along the entire 45ft length. This is ideal for long items or multi-drop distribution where goods need to be accessed from different parts of the container.

• Pallet Capacity: Holds up to 33 Euro pallets (0.8m x 1.2m) or 26 UK metric pallets.
• Loading: Unrestricted side loading from both sides and standard rear door access.
• Intermodal: Designed for seamless transfer between road, rail, and sea transport.
• Flooring: Often fitted with environmentally friendly bamboo or treated birch flooring for durability and weight reduction.

Condition grades and definitions

The grade of the curtainsider influences both the cost and the aesthetic finish for professional logistics use.

• One-trip: A container manufactured and used for a single cargo transport to the UK. These units offer the best curtain tension and seal integrity for high-value logistics.
• Used (Wind and Watertight): Retired marine units that have been professionally inspected. While showing cosmetic wear, they are guaranteed to prevent moisture ingress to protect your cargo.
• IICL: Units that meet the International Institute of Container Lessors standards for repair and structural integrity.

Hire versus buy

Buying is recommended for businesses with established long-haul logistics routes or for those using the unit for permanent site-based storage. Container Projects offers a container buy-back scheme for customers who no longer require their asset. Hiring is the preferred choice for specific project work or seasonal spikes in demand, providing full breakdown support and flexibility without the capital outlay of ownership.

Delivery access, siting, and placement

Precise delivery for 45ft units is handled by container haulage specialists using articulated hiab vehicles. These units are significantly longer than standard containers and require extensive site planning.

• Access: The vehicle requires a minimum width of 10ft and a height clearance of 16ft. Because of the articulated length, a straight run of at least 100ft is usually required.
• Ground Surface: The unit must be positioned on firm, level ground. Soft dirt or uneven surfaces will cause the frame to sink and twist, preventing the curtains from sliding properly and the rear doors from sealing.
• Operation Space: Ensure there is enough lateral space for forklifts to operate alongside the curtains when they are open.

Security, compliance, and aftercare

Security for curtainsiders is maintained through heavy-duty locking bars on the rear doors and TIR-compliant curtain cables. Aftercare involves regular lubrication of the curtain rollers and tracks to ensure smooth operation. If the unit is intended for international shipping, it must have a valid CSC plate. A CSC plate is a safety approval plate required for international shipping under global transport regulations. Container Projects ensures all export-ready units carry valid certification.

How Container Projects handles supply

1. Consultation to confirm pallet-wide requirements and curtain configuration.
2. Site access assessment to verify that an articulated hiab vehicle can manoeuvre.
3. Provision of a quote based on the unit grade and delivery postcode.
4. Pre-delivery inspection to ensure the curtains and rollers are fully operational.
5. Delivery, placement, and final commissioning of the unit on your site.