20ft Open Side and Side Door Access Shipping Container

Container Projects coordinates the supply and transport of specialised access units to industrial and commercial sites nationwide. If you require a permanent solution for easy loading, we offer container sales from our regional depots. For temporary storage or project-based needs, our container hire service provides flexible rental agreements. To receive detailed figures for your specific location, you can request a container quote. We ensure that every unit is delivered professionally and positioned for immediate use.

20ft open side technical specifications

The open side door container features standard end doors plus bi-folding doors along one full 20ft side. This configuration allows loading oversized cargo that cannot fit through standard end doors. These units are constructed from high-grade Corten steel with a 28mm marine plywood floor. Use the table below to check measurements for your site and cargo requirements.

Tare is the weight of the empty container. Payload is the maximum weight of cargo the container can carry. For a 20ft open-side unit, the tare is approximately 3180kg and the payload is approximately 27300kg. These units provide roughly 31 cubic metres of space. If you do not require side access, we also supply the 20ft general-purpose container for standard storage.

Hire or buy

Container Projects assists customers in determining the best acquisition route based on project lifespan. Hiring is efficient for temporary events, seasonal inventory, or short-term site storage where full side access facilitates rapid pallet loading. Buying is the preferred option for permanent storage hubs or for those planning to convert containers into kiosks or showrooms. We also provide a container buy-back service for units no longer required after a project ends.

Condition grades and definitions

The grade of the container influences its appearance and longevity. Container Projects stocks several grades to suit different budgets.

• One-trip: A container manufactured in Asia and used once for cargo transport to the UK. These are in near-new condition and are the most common grade for open side units.
• wind and watertight: A condition grade ensuring the unit prevents weather ingress and protects contents from light and moisture.
• IICL: Standards set by the International Institute of Container Lessors for container repair and inspection, typically used to identify high-quality used stock.

Delivery access, siting, and placement

Delivering a side-access unit requires precision handling. Our container haulage vehicles use hiab cranes to position units accurately on site.

• Access: The delivery vehicle requires a minimum width of 10ft and vertical clearance of 15ft.
• Ground Conditions: Placement must be on firm level ground, such as concrete, tarmac, or compacted gravel. Level ground is critical for open-side units because any twist in the frame can prevent the bi-folding side doors from locking or sealing properly.
• Operation Space: You must ensure there is sufficient clearance in front of the 20ft side for the doors to swing open fully and for forklifts to approach.

Security, condensation, and aftercare

Security is maintained through multiple locking bars and factory-fitted lockboxes on both the end and side doors. To manage moisture, Container Projects can apply Grafo-therm anti-condensation coating to the internal ceiling. This absorbs moisture and prevents water droplets from damaging goods. Aftercare involves greasing the multiple door hinges and regularly checking the rubber gaskets. For high-volume requirements, we also supply the 40ft general-purpose container.

Export use and compliance

If you intend to use the container for international transport, it must have a valid CSC plate. A CSC plate is a safety approval plate required for international shipping under global conventions. Container Projects ensures that units destined for export meet all structural integrity requirements and carry valid certification.

How Container Projects handles supply and delivery

1. Consult our container dimensions guide to confirm the unit size fits your site.
2. Confirm your requirement for a one-trip or used unit with our sales team.
3. Verify that your site has a firm level surface and clear access for a hiab vehicle.
4. Review your formal quote and agree on a delivery date with our transport department.
5. A professional driver delivers and levels the unit to ensure all doors operate smoothly.