20ft Open Side Shipping Containers

Containers with Easier Loading

A 20ft open side shipping container provides access along one full side as well as through the standard end doors. This makes it useful where pallets, machinery, long materials, or frequently accessed stock would be awkward to handle through a conventional end-door opening.

Shipping Containers of Birmingham supplies 20ft open side containers for industrial and commercial storage requirements across the Midlands. The wide side opening can reduce unnecessary handling because goods positioned further inside the container can be reached without unloading everything in front of them first.

The design is particularly useful where forklifts or other suitable handling equipment need side access. Before choosing one, check the container dimensions, available clearance beside the doors, delivery access and whether a standard enclosed 20ft shipping container would already meet the requirement.

20ft Open Side Container Dimensions

The measurements below show the stated dimensions, tare weight and maximum payload for the standard-height 20ft open side container. Individual units can vary, so cargo requiring close clearance should be checked against the specific container before loading.

Tare weight is the weight of the empty container. Maximum payload is the stated maximum cargo weight. For transport, the usable load can also depend on the individual unit, road limits, carrier requirements and the way the cargo is distributed.

The open side design uses additional structural framing around the large door opening, which is why its internal measurements can differ from those of a standard dry container.

How the Full Side Opening Works

The main advantage of an open side unit is access. Instead of relying solely on the doors at the narrow end, the side doors can be opened to expose a much larger part of the container interior.

Side Door Access

The stated design uses multiple doors along the long side. These can be opened to improve access for palletised goods, long materials and equipment that would be difficult to turn through conventional end doors.

This can make loading and stock rotation more practical because goods do not always need to be handled in strict front-to-back order.

End Doors

Standard end doors remain useful for conventional loading and everyday access. Having both end and side entry points gives more flexibility when planning how stock or equipment will be arranged inside.

Door Clearance

Side-opening doors need working room outside the container. The placement position should therefore allow enough clearance for the doors to swing open and for people or handling equipment to approach safely.

A container may physically fit between two buildings or alongside a boundary while still being impractical if there is not enough usable space beside the side doors.

Storage, Security and Weather Protection

Open side containers use steel doors, locking bars and seals around the openings. A lockbox can provide additional protection around a suitable padlock by restricting direct access to it.

Wind and watertight is commonly used to describe a container intended to prevent normal wind and rain entering through defects in the structure, doors or seals. It should not be treated as a guarantee of age, cosmetic condition or the absence of previous repairs.

The larger number of door seals makes correct levelling particularly important. If the container settles unevenly, the frame can move out of square and doors may become more difficult to open, close or seal correctly.

Condensation can still form inside a wind and watertight container. Ventilation, sensible loading and keeping damp materials under control can help. Sensitive goods may require further condensation control, lining or insulation depending on the storage requirement.

Using Open Side Containers for Pallets and Equipment

The wide opening can be valuable where pallets need to be accessed individually rather than loaded in a single line from the end. It can also help with machinery, steel, timber and other long or awkward items that are difficult to manoeuvre inside a standard enclosed unit.

Loading equipment must still be suitable for the site and cargo. Forklift access, ground condition and the space needed to turn alongside the container should be considered before deciding where the unit will sit.

For cargo that needs overhead loading rather than side access, a 20ft open top container may be more suitable. Where the load is too wide to remain within conventional container side walls, a 20ft flat rack container provides a different type of open access.

20ft or 40ft Open Side Container

A 20ft open side container can suit sites where side access is useful but available space is limited. It can also be easier to position where the delivery vehicle has restricted room to manoeuvre.

Where substantially more storage length is required, compare the 40ft open side container. The larger unit provides more usable space but also needs a longer placement area and more room for delivery and future collection.

The best option is the container that gives enough storage capacity while preserving access to the side doors and allowing the delivery vehicle to reach the site safely.

One-Trip and Used Open Side Containers

Open side containers can be available in different conditions. A one-trip container has normally made a single cargo journey after manufacture and is generally newer in appearance than a container with a longer service history.

Used units may show dents, paint wear, surface corrosion and repairs. Condition should be assessed according to the intended use rather than appearance alone.

For storage, pay particular attention to the operation of the side doors, condition of seals and whether the container remains square enough for the complete door set to operate correctly.

If the unit will be used for international freight, storage condition alone is not sufficient. CSC status, inspection condition and carrier acceptance should be checked for the actual movement.

HIAB Delivery and Site Preparation

HIAB refers to a lorry-mounted hydraulic crane used to lift and position containers. A 20ft open side container can be placed using this type of vehicle, subject to suitable access, crane reach and ground conditions.

Check the route from the public road to the final position. Gate width, narrow approaches, parked vehicles and tight corners can prevent the delivery vehicle from reaching the site even where there is enough room for the container itself.

The ground should be firm, stable and reasonably level. This is especially important with an open side container because uneven support can affect the alignment of several doors rather than only the standard end doors.

Leave enough space along the opening side for the doors to operate and for the intended loading equipment to approach. Door orientation should be agreed before placement because changing it later can require the container to be lifted again.

Overhead cables, tree branches and building projections can restrict crane operation. See the container transport and HIAB moves page for more information about delivery and positioning.

Planning and Modifications

Planning requirements can depend on how the container will be used, how long it will remain on site and the status of the property. Visibility, neighbouring properties, conservation areas, listed status and a possible change of use can all be relevant.

A container should not automatically be assumed to require or avoid planning permission simply because it can be moved. Where the position is uncertain, check current requirements with the relevant local council.

Open side containers can also form a useful starting point for certain conversions because much of one side can already be opened. Any further alterations should still take account of the container structure and intended future use. See container modifications for related options.

Using a 20ft Open Side Container for Export

CSC refers to the International Convention for Safe Containers. If an open side container will enter international freight service, its CSC approval and current inspection condition need to be suitable for the intended movement.

VGM means Verified Gross Mass and relates to the verified weight of a packed container for sea transport. Carrier acceptance should also be confirmed, particularly where specialist container equipment is being used.

International movements can involve customs documentation, Incoterms, insurance, tax considerations and possible detention or demurrage charges. Requirements vary between cargoes and destinations, so legal, customs, tax and insurance matters should be checked with the relevant authority, carrier or professional adviser.

The Shipper's Own Container guide provides further information for containers intended for international shipping.

Buying or Hiring a 20ft Open Side Container

Buying can suit long-term storage, regular logistics use or sites where ownership is useful. It also provides greater freedom to modify the container, subject to structural considerations and any future transport requirements.

Hire can make more sense for temporary stock storage, construction work or other defined projects. Before hiring, confirm permitted use, collection arrangements, responsibility for damage and whether the unit may be relocated during the hire period.

Shipping Containers of Birmingham provides containers to buy and container hire across its service area. For a specific open side container and delivery requirement, use the container price enquiry.