40ft Open Side Containers

40ft Open Side container dimensions

The dimensions below are based on a 40ft High Cube Open Side design. They are useful for planning space and loads, but Open Side specifications vary between manufacturers. In particular, side door arrangements, opening widths, internal height and tare weight can differ.

The variation in internal height is significant when a load only just fits. Open Side containers require additional structure around the side openings, and different door configurations use that structure differently. Ask for the drawing or specification of the proposed unit where a few centimetres could determine whether machinery or other equipment fits.

How the side doors change access

A conventional 40ft shipping container is normally loaded through cargo doors at one end. That works well when goods can be loaded in sequence, but it can be restrictive when individual pallets or large pieces of equipment need frequent access.

An Open Side container adds doors along the 40ft side while retaining end access on common configurations. Opening the side doors exposes sections of the load directly, reducing the need to move unrelated goods simply to reach something stored further inside.

It also changes how the container can be positioned on site. With a standard container, working space is mainly needed in front of the end doors. An Open Side unit needs usable space alongside the long elevation if the side doors are to provide their main benefit.

For a smaller footprint with the same basic access principle, compare the 20ft Open Side container.

Side door configurations

Open Side does not describe one universal door arrangement. Some purpose-built units have multiple sets of cargo doors covering much of the long side. Other side-access containers can have fewer door sets positioned at selected points.

This distinction matters. Full or near-full side opening is useful where access to most of the container length is required. Fewer side doors may be sufficient where the aim is to create specific loading points or separate internal areas.

Before choosing a unit, establish how wide the items are, where they will sit and how they will be handled. Forklift loading, pallet access and long materials can each favour a different arrangement. If the container will be divided into separate areas, door positions should be considered before partitions or other container modifications are planned.

What 40ft Open Side containers are used for

The wide access makes these containers particularly practical for storage operations where goods move regularly. Pallets can be positioned and retrieved without treating the entire 40ft interior as one long loading lane. Machinery, engineering products and building materials can also be easier to handle when they can approach the container from the side.

• Store pallets that need individual or frequent access.
• Load bulky equipment that is difficult to manoeuvre through end doors.
• Keep long or awkward materials accessible from the side.
• Organise different groups of stock behind separate door sections.
• Create a base for conversions where a large opening is useful.

Open Side containers are also used as a starting point for retail, exhibition and event-related conversions because the doors can expose a large section of the interior. Any conversion should be designed around the particular container structure rather than assuming every Open Side model is identical.

High Cube height and usable space

A 40ft High Cube Open Side container is approximately 9ft 6in high externally, giving more headroom than a standard-height 40ft container. That can help with taller loads and vertical storage, but the side-opening structure may reduce internal clearance compared with another High Cube design.

External height also matters before delivery. Check gateways, building entrances, tree branches, overhead cables and other restrictions along the vehicle access route. Clearance for the container itself does not automatically mean there is enough room for the delivery vehicle or lifting operation.

Delivery and positioning

A 40ft Open Side container needs enough room for the delivery vehicle and enough space around its final position for the doors to work properly. This is easy to overlook when measuring a site because the container footprint alone does not represent the full operating area.

Where HIAB delivery is used, HIAB refers to a hydraulic loader crane mounted on the delivery vehicle. Placement depends on the vehicle position, crane reach, container weight and site conditions. Access therefore needs to be assessed before delivery is agreed.

• Measure the narrowest gate and access point.
• Check the route for tight bends and restricted turning space.
• Identify cables, branches, canopies and other overhead obstructions.
• Provide details of walls, fences or buildings between the vehicle and placement point.
• Allow clearance along the side where the Open Side doors will operate.
• Choose the orientation of the end doors and side doors before delivery.
• Prepare firm, reasonably level support with suitable drainage.
• Keep future collection or relocation access in mind.

Uneven support can distort the container enough to affect door operation, which is particularly inconvenient on a unit with several large door sets. Shipping Containers of Birmingham can discuss the access information needed when arranging container transport and HIAB placement.

Buying or hiring a 40ft Open Side container

Purchase can make sense where the container is required for longer-term storage, repeated use or modification. Ownership also gives more freedom to alter the unit, subject to the practical and planning requirements of the project.

Hire can suit temporary storage or site requirements where ownership is unnecessary. Before modifying a hired container, obtain agreement on what alterations are permitted. Damage responsibility, collection access and the condition expected when the container is returned should also be clear from the hire terms.

You can compare general container purchase options with shipping container hire before deciding which arrangement suits the intended period of use.

Storage, security and condensation

The number of doors makes the condition of seals, locking gear and hinges especially relevant on an Open Side container. Check the proposed unit's door arrangement and locking points rather than assuming all models use the same hardware. Lockboxes can help shield suitable padlocks from direct access.

Condensation is a separate issue from rain getting through the doors. Moisture in the air can condense against cold steel surfaces when temperatures change. Ventilation, anti-condensation treatments, lining or insulation may be appropriate where stored goods are sensitive to moisture.

Good ground preparation also helps. Supporting the container correctly keeps the frame more level, while drainage reduces persistent water around the underside and door areas.

Export use and certification

A container intended for international freight should not be assumed suitable for export simply because it is an Open Side shipping container. CSC means Convention for Safe Containers. The CSC plate and inspection status of the specific unit should be checked, along with the carrier's acceptance requirements.

Payload and maximum gross weight can vary substantially between Open Side designs. Manufacturer drawings supplied for 40ft High Cube side-opening units show different tare weights, payloads and gross weight ratings, which is why figures from another container should not be applied to the unit being shipped.

For export, confirm the container specification, CSC status, cargo weight and carrier requirements before loading. VGM, or Verified Gross Mass, and other shipping or customs requirements should be checked with the carrier, freight forwarder or relevant authority.

Planning a 40ft Open Side container site

Placement and conversion can have planning implications depending on the use, how long the container will remain, the status and visibility of the site, nearby properties, listed status, conservation areas, local policy and whether the project involves a change of use.

Planning permission is therefore not something to assume either way. Where a container will remain in place or be converted for another purpose, check the current requirements with the relevant local council before committing to the project.

For pricing, give Shipping Containers of Birmingham the required door arrangement, intended use, delivery postcode and site access details when you request a container quote. If particular internal or door dimensions are critical, include those measurements so the specification can be checked against the proposed unit.