There are a few different options to choose from when it comes to shipping containers. One of the most popular types is the side opening container. This style of container has a lot of benefits that other types don’t have, which is why more and more people are choosing to buy them.
[toc]What is a Side Opening Shipping Container?
Side opening containers have a door on one of the long sides of the container. This type of door arrangement allows for a forklift to use a side opening style as it can drive into the container and then load or unload the cargo from either end. It also means that people can quickly load and unload this type of container.
Benefits of Side Opening Shipping Containers
Side opening containers have a few benefits and additional features that other styles don’t have.
One benefit is that they are stackable, which means you can pile them up on top of each other to make more storage space. Another great benefit is their versatility, as they are the only shipping container style with side doors.
These doors make it easy to load and unload cargo from either end or even through the door if need be. The fact that it doesn’t matter which end needs to open also means that there isn’t any wasted space in the middle of the container while it is loaded.
Another benefit of a side-opening container is that it allows forklifts to load and unload the cargo easily. This means that companies with forklifts are more likely to buy this container style since it is the only one that makes sense when it comes to loading and unloading.
Uses for Open-Sided Storage Containers
There are a lot of different uses for an open sided container for sale.
On farms and ranches, side opening containers provide many benefits that other styles don’t deliver. For example, this is one of the few types of containers that allow forklifts to load and unload the items. In addition, farmers and ranchers can use these types of containers as feed storage or water storage.
Companies that need things shipped frequently can also benefit from using side-opening containers. For example, UPS and other shipping companies will load and unload the cargo more quickly than using a traditional-style container. There is no wasted space when unloading items out of this type of storage container either, unlike with other styles.
Construction companies can also use these containers to store tools and equipment or as a make-shift office. These could be used most especially at construction sites, where many different people come and go throughout the day.
Another widespread use is for shipping goods across seas by boat or truck. These containers can fit on a cargo ship or truck and can be filled with cargo through the side, making loading faster and more convenient.
Even at home, there are uses for this type of storage container. For example, these could be used as sheds to store equipment in the backyard. You’ll need to have ample space to place your container but if you do, it can make a great place to store any type of lawn care equipment or outdoor tools
What are the Dimensions/Weight of 20′ & 40′ Open-Sided Containers?
There are primarily two different sizes of this style. The size you need will depend on what your specific needs are.
20ft
One of the most common sizes is the 20-foot long container.
This size shipping container with side opening doors usually measures about 20 feet long by 8 feet wide by 8 feet 6 inches tall (this is usually a standard height).
One of the great things about this size is that it has a modest weight capacity of 28 tons or 56,000 pounds.
40ft
The next type of full side access container is the 40-foot long side-opening shipping container. It’s similar in size to its smaller counterpart except its length, which comes in at an entire length of 40 feet.
This size side-opening shipping container has a weight capacity of 29 tons which equals 58,000 pounds.
FAQ’s
How Do You Open an Open Side Container?
You can open an open-side container in two different ways.
The first way is by opening by sliding the door toward the end of the container. It locks into place and provides excellent security and easy access for all your cargo when you do this.
Another way to open an open-side container is by using a removable hinge pin on either side of the container. This allows it to swing out as regular doors would and just like a traditional shipping container.
Can You Stack Open Side Shipping Containers?
Yes, you can stack open-side storage containers. There are a few precautions to take when stacking them, though.
First, you need to make sure you don’t overload the containers.
Another thing is that you have to ensure you use a strap or chain to hold them together while they are stacked on top of one another. This will ensure that there is less of a chance for them to fall off of each other.
Second, check the ground clearance at both ends of where you want to stack a shipping container with side doors. There should be adequate clearance left on each end to be placed next to one another without issues or to either end.
How Wide Do Shipping Container Doors Open?
The door opening on these containers measures approximately 8 feet in width. The great thing about this door opening size is that it’s big enough to fit almost anything but small enough that it won’t cause issues when the container is hitched to a truck or ship.
Conclusion
Side opening containers provide many great benefits, such as the ability to easily access your cargo from either end or even through the door if need be.
They also allow forklifts to load and unload them, saving time in these processes. Finally, you can use side-opening shipping containers in place of onsite storage since they let you access your cargo from either end or the door.
2 Responses
Are side open containers designed to be opened from the side with another container stacked on top? Can the top be load bearing even with the side doors open?
Thanks for your time and appreciate the information on your site!
Hey Bryan,
Yes and yes! The doors can be opened when stacked and containers hold their weight primarily on the corners, which is where they attach to each other when stacked. So, you’d be able to have the side doors open even when the containers are stacked.
Ryan