Side Access and Tunnel Shipping Containers

Specialised access containers across the UK

Container Projects Ltd manages the supply of access-led equipment for industrial and retail sectors. For businesses that need to buy containers or rent containers with full-length access, we maintain a national network of depots. You can get a quote to confirm delivery lead times for your site. These units eliminate the difficulty of loading through standard end doors.

Most of our access units are supplied as one-trip stock. A one-trip unit is a new container that has made a single journey from the manufacturer to the UK. For global transit, every unit features a CSC plate. A CSC plate is a safety approval plate required for international shipping to certify structural safety.

Choose the right access container type

Selecting an access unit depends on your pallet volume and forklift requirements. Container Projects Ltd provides technical data for each configuration.

Open side and side door containers

An open side container features bi-folding side doors that open the entire length of the unit. This allows for the loading of extra-wide machinery or rapid pallet placement. For smaller access needs, we provide units with standard side doors that retain more structural rigidity.

Tunnel and double door units

A tunnel container features double doors at both ends. This is essential for first-in, last-out inventory management or for creating secure pedestrian walkways on construction sites. These are available in 20ft and 40ft lengths.

Side curtain containers

For high-frequency pallet logistics, side curtain containers use heavy-duty PVC curtains instead of steel walls. This reduces the tare and increases the payload capacity for road transport. The tare is the weight of the empty container. The payload is the maximum weight of cargo the container can carry.

Hire or buy for specialised access

Container Projects Ltd assists clients in selecting the best commercial path. Buying is recommended for permanent site assets or workshop conversions. Hire is a flexible, cost-effective solution for seasonal stock overflow or short-term projects. We provide full technical support for both options across the United Kingdom.

Condition grades and technical standards

The condition of door seals and hinges is critical for access units. We supply used units that meet the IICL standard. IICL refers to a high standard of container repair and condition set by the Institute of International Container Lessors. For static storage, we provide units that are wind- and watertight. A wind- and watertight unit is a condition grade that ensures the unit is sealed against weather and light.

Delivery and site placement

Container Projects Ltd coordinates container haulage using hiab crane vehicles. Proper placement is vital for access units:

• Ground Level: Siting must be on a level, firm surface. Uneven ground can cause the frame to twist, preventing bi-folding side doors from locking correctly.
• Access Space: Ensure there is enough room for a forklift to manoeuvre alongside the unit once it is placed.
• Vehicle Reach: Hiab trucks require significant space to extend their crane arms for offloading.