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20ft Open Side Container
Full-length side doors turn the long side of the container into one wide opening. A 20ft open side container, also called a side opening or side door container, makes loading pallets, vehicles and bulky equipment far easier than working through the end doors. Compare quotes from vetted local suppliers across the US.
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Features + specs
Wide access on the long side
20ft open side container dimensions
External: 20ft (6.06 m) long, 8ft (2.44 m) wide, 8ft 6in (2.59 m) high, or 9ft 6in (2.90 m) for the high cube version. Internal length and width are close to a standard 20ft, about 19ft 4in x 7ft 8in (5.89 x 2.35 m). The side opening is about 18 to 19ft (5.5 to 5.8 m) wide.
20ft open side container construction
- Folding side doors along one long side, plus standard cargo doors at one end.
- Corten steel body with a reinforced side frame that keeps the box rigid when the doors are open.
20ft open side container weight
Tare is typically around 6,600 to 7,700 lb (3,000 to 3,500 kg), heavier than a standard 20ft. Door height and weight vary by manufacturer, so confirm both with your supplier.
Use Cases
What can a 20ft open side container be used for?
1. Pallet and equipment storage
Why:
Load and unload with a forklift along the full length instead of working from the end doors.
Customization:
Add pallet racking, shelving and lockboxes for each door set.
2. Vehicle and camper storage
Why:
Drive or roll in from the side and park classic cars, campers, boats or mowers without tight maneuvering.
Customization:
Add a ramp, a raised floor, lighting and a dehumidifier.
3. Bars, kiosks and pop-up shops
Why:
Open the side to create a wide serving front or display window.
Customization:
Add counters, lighting, power and branding for a ready-made stall.
4. Workshops and tool stores
Why:
Reach every tool and bench without walking the length of the box.
Customization:
Fit workbenches, lighting, outlets and ventilation.
Open side or standard
Open side or standard: which 20ft is right for you?
US-Wide Supplier Network
best for access
20ft open side container
Folding doors along the full long side plus end doors.
Ideal for forklift loading, vehicles and wide items.
Mostly sold new, in multiple colors.
Costs more than a standard 20ft.
Budget pick
Standard 20ft container
Cargo doors at one end only.
Lowest price per square foot, new or used.
Widely available across the US.
Roll-up or personnel doors can be added later.
No Fees No Obligation
About 20ft open side containers
Built for easy access
A standard container opens only at one end, so anything stored at the back has to come out past everything in front of it. The open side container solves this with a set of folding doors along the long side, opening up almost the whole 20ft wall. Pallets go in side by side, vehicles roll straight in and every item stays within reach.
The trade-off is weight and price. The reinforced side frame makes an open side unit heavier than a standard 20ft shipping container, and because most are built new for storage and conversion use, they cost more than a used standard box. If you only need end access, compare used shipping containers first.
A garage you can open from the side
Open side containers are a favorite with car and camper owners. With the side doors folded back there is no need to reverse a long vehicle into a narrow box, and you can work on it with daylight on one side.
For a classic car, a boat or a set of motorcycles, a 20ft high cube container with side access gives extra headroom for roof racks and lifts. Check the exact door height with your supplier before you buy. See how one owner turned a side door container into a classic car garage.
Why choose a 20ft open side container?
- Full-length access: Load from the side with a forklift or by hand, without moving other items.
- Two ways in: Side doors plus standard cargo doors at one end.
- Made for conversions: The wide opening suits bars, kiosks, workshops and showrooms.
- Available across the US: Connect with vetted local suppliers who quote open side units delivered to your site.
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FAQs
20ft open side containers: frequently asked questions
All you need to know about 20ft open side containers.
01
An open side container, also called a side opening or side door container, has folding doors along one of its long sides in addition to the cargo doors at one end. When the side doors are open, almost the entire 20ft wall becomes one wide opening.
02
On most 20ft units the side opening is about 18 to 19ft (5.5 to 5.8 m) wide, close to the full length of the container. The opening height depends on whether it is a standard or high cube build and on the manufacturer, so ask your supplier for the exact door measurements before you plan racking or fit-outs. For all standard sizes, see the shipping container dimensions guide.
03
Yes. The reinforced side frame and extra doors add weight compared with a standard 20ft shipping container. Check the tare weight on the data plate of the specific unit, especially if you plan to move it with a forklift or place it on a light foundation.
04
They exist, but they are much less common than used standard containers. Most open side units in the US are sold new, one-trip or factory direct, because they are built for storage and conversion rather than ocean freight.
05
Expect to pay more than for a standard 20ft of the same grade because of the extra steelwork and doors. Prices vary with region and availability. See our shipping container prices page for standard ranges, then request quotes for an open side unit delivered to your ZIP code.
06
Yes, it is delivered like any 20ft container on a tilt bed truck. Plan firm, level ground, around 100 feet of straight access for the truck and enough clear space beside the container to open the side doors fully.
07
As a container platform, we connect you with vetted local suppliers. Some only sell containers, others also offer leasing and rental. Renting can make sense for short-term use, while buying often suits longer-term or customized projects. Because pricing and availability vary by region and supplier, submit your requirements to receive options tailored to your situation.
See it full size on your property
Use your phone camera to place the container on your property at its real size. You see how much room it takes and how it sits before you buy.
Size
Color
Scan with your phoneThis page opens straight on your phone.
- On your phone, tap “View full size”.
- Move the phone slowly over the ground until it picks up the surface.
- The container appears about 10 ft in front of you, doors facing you, so you see all of it straight away.
- Drag with one finger to bring it closer or move it. Twist with two fingers to turn it. You can also walk around it.
Full-size view is not available on this device. Turn the 3D model above with your finger to see it from every side.
Works on iPhone 6s or newer with iOS 12 or later and on most Android phones from 2018 on with Google Play Services for AR. On other devices you can turn the 3D model above and look at it from every side.
External size 20ft open side: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m), length × width × height