20 Ft Side Opening Shipping Containers

20 Ft Side Opening Containers for Sale

20 foot side-opening containers are an important option for different types otransporting goods that require easy access from the side rather than just the top or rear.


They typically have large doors that open on the side, allowing for convenient loading and unloading of items such as oversized machinery, vehicles, or goods packed on pallets.


Side opening containers are often used in construction, automotive, and shipping, where quick and easy access to cargo is essential.

Overview of 20 Ft Side Opening Shipping Containers

Size and capacity

A 20 ft side opening container offers 17 cubic meters of internal cargo space. While smaller than standard 20 ft containers, the side opening doors provide easy access to load and unload bulky items. These containers are ideal for machinery, pallets, crates and any cargo that can’t fit through a standard container door.

Convenience and functionality

The side opening doors, which make up one entire side of the container, slide open for full access. This allows for fast and efficient loading of awkwardly shaped goods without wasting interior space. Once loaded, the doors securely close and lock to safely transport your cargo. These containers are also ideal when multiple loading and unloading is required during transportation.

Customization options

20 ft side opening containers can be customized to suit your specific needs. Options include additional security locks, interior loading rails, shelving, lighting, ramps, and more. You can also choose the door configuration, either on one side or both sides of the container. With customization, these containers can serve as mobile offices, storage units, pop-up shops, and other temporary spaces.

Advantages of 20 ft Side Opening Containers?

Easy Access

The side opening doors on 20 ft containers allows for quick and easy loading and unloading. You can drive a forklift straight into the container to move goods in and out efficiently. No more clambering over the edge of the container or using ramps to get equipment and cargo in and out. The wide opening also makes these containers ideal for oversized cargo that wouldn’t fit through a standard container door.

Versatility

Because of their unique design, 20 ft side opening containers are extremely versatile. They can be used to ship and store just about anything. From heavy machinery and equipment to loose materials and palletized goods, these containers handle it all. Their adaptability also means they have various applications - not just for shipping and storage but also as pop-up shops, portable offices, and temporary shelters.

Durability

Like all shipping containers, 20 ft side opening containers are built to withstand the stresses of international transport and harsh weather conditions. They are made of heavy-duty corten steel and are highly durable. Their solid construction means they can take a lot of abuse and have a long service life, even with repeated use. Properly maintained, these containers can last for decades.

Types of 20 ft Side Opening Containers Available

Dry Freight Containers

These steel containers are suitable for most general cargo. They feature double wing doors on one side that swing outwards for simple loading and unloading of palletized or loose cargo.

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Reefer Containers

Also known as refrigerated containers, reefers have an integrated refrigeration unit to precisely control temperature. They are ideal for transporting perishable goods like food, plants, and chemicals. Reefers have double wing doors on one side as well as vents, fans, and a refrigeration unit.

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20 ft Shipping Container Specifications:

Exterior Dimensions of 20 ft. Containers:

Type of Container Height Height (Metric) Width Width (Metric) Length Length (Metric)
Standard 20 foot Shipping Container 8ft. 6in. 2.59m 8ft. 2.44m 20 ft. 6.06 m
High Cube 20 ft. Shipping Container 9ft. 6in. 2.89m 8ft. 2.44m 20 ft. 6.06 m

Internal Dimensions of 20 ft. Containers:

Type of Container Height Height (Metric) Width Width (Metric) Length Length (Metric)
Standard 20 foot Shipping Container 7ft. 10 in. 2.38m. 7ft. 8.5in. 2.35m. 19 ft. 5.9m
High Cube 20 ft. Shipping Container 8ft. 9in. 2.69m 7ft. 8.5in. 2.35m. 19 ft. 5.9m

Volume of 20 ft. Containers:

Type of Container Volume Volume (Metric)
Standard 20 foot Shipping Container 1,170 cubic ft. 33.1 cubic m
High Cube 20 ft. Shipping Container 1,320 cubic ft. 37.4 cubic m

Weight of 20 ft. Containers:

Type of Container Tare Weight (lbs) Tare Weight (kg) Max Cargo Weight (lbs) Max Cargo Weight (kg)
Standard 20 foot Shipping Container 4,409 lbs 2,000 kg 67,200 lbs 30,480 kg
High Cube 20 ft. Shipping Container 4,629 lbs 2,100 kg 67,200 lbs 30,480 kg

Customization Options of 20 ft. Side Opening Containers

With 20 ft. side opening containers, you have various customization options to suit your specific cargo and handling needs. The doors can be placed on either the left or right side, or on both sides for maximum flexibility. You can also choose from several door styles, including swing doors, roll-up doors, and sliding doors. The number of doors is customizable as well, ranging from one to four doors per 20 ft. container side.

These customization options provide shippers full control over how their cargo is accessed and unloaded. Side opening containers with multiple doors on both sides, for instance, enable unimpeded access to the entire container space, allowing cargo to be unloaded from multiple sides simultaneously for maximum efficiency. The door style can also be tailored to the characteristics of the goods, e.g. roll-up doors for bulk cargo or swing doors for discrete cargo items.

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When Buying a 20 ft Side opening Container

Structural Integrity and Condition

Examine the container for any dents, rust, or other damage that could compromise its structural integrity. Check that all doors, hinges, and locks are functioning properly and securely. Request maintenance records to review the container’s repair and usage history. Only purchase from reputable dealers that refurbish and resell high-quality, roadworthy containers.

Coating and Protection

Look for a container with a weather-resistant coating to protect against corrosion from environmental exposure during transit or storage. Epoxy or polyurethane coatings provide durable protection. Inquire about additional rustproofing or treatments available and their expected lifespan under your intended usage conditions.

Certification

For international shipping, verify the container meets ISO standards and has valid CSC certification plates. This certifies the container is approved for transporting cargo. Check the certification expiration date to ensure it will remain valid for your needs.

Cost

Compare costs from multiple suppliers to find the most competitive price for a container that meets your requirements. Costs will vary depending on a container's age, condition, certification, and additional features. Consider cost-saving options like leasing a container short-term versus purchasing.

Additional Features

Consider any additional features that would enhance the container’s functionality for your needs, such as interior partitions, shelving, lighting, ventilation, or temperature control units. Discuss any modification options with the dealer to determine feasibility and costs.

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What Our Customers Say

Rev. Xose G. E.

Casa de Oracion San Diego

We are extremely pleased with the quality of the containers, and we want to extend our appreciation to Josh, the driver, for his outstanding performance. He demonstrated a commendable attitude and was tremendously helpful in placing the containers exactly where we required them.

Albert O.

Santa Clara County, CA

I spent a week trying to purchase a conex box but no one can deliver to my address. I overcame local delivery challenges by reaching out to Super Box last Monday, January 8 and was convinced to place an order the same day for a used 20' conex. To my surprise they were able to deliver the container 3pm the following day. Kudos to Sarah! Definitely giving them a 5-star review!

What Sets SuperBox Apart

Unmatched Expertise

SuperBox's team boasts unmatched expertise in shipping container modifications, design, engineering, permitting and customization, giving customers confidence they're working with true industry experts.

Full-Service Customization

Unlike basic sales/rentals, SuperBox specializes in full-service customization from start to finish, modifying containers with insulation, HVAC, plumbing, windows, finishes and executing complex designs.

Turnkey Solutions

As a true one-stop shop, SuperBox provides completely turnkey, hassle-free conversion solutions, managing every step from concept and design through construction and delivery.

Innovative Designs

SuperBox's design team pushes creative boundaries with a portfolio of innovative, unique container designs that inspire clients to visualize containers' full repurposed potential.

Sustainability First

Extending containers' lifecycles through thoughtful modifications over disposal is a core sustainability value championed by SuperBox that resonates with eco-conscious buyers.

Exceptional Service

SuperBox sets the service standard with a highly responsive, solution-oriented team providing unmatched guidance and communication for a hassle-free client experience.

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━   Applications  ━

20 ft Side opening Container Uses

Transportation and Storage

Twenty-foot side opening shipping containers are ideal for transporting and storing awkwardly shaped cargo that requires side access. Their doors provide easy loading and unloading of cargo from the side, eliminating the need to stack items on top of one another to remove them from the end doors of standard containers. This makes them suitable for storing pipe, steel beams, and other long materials that would otherwise be difficult to load and unload from a typical container.

Mobile Offices and Storage Units

Side openers are commonly used as mobile offices, storage units, and workshop spaces. Their side doors provide convenient access, allowing the interior to be fitted out as a functional space. Partitions, lighting, flooring, electrical systems and other amenities can be installed to convert the container into a useful workspace or storage area. Once outfitted, the units can then be delivered on-site and relocated as needed using a forklift or crane.

Construction Sites

Construction crews frequently employ side opening containers as temporary offices, storage lockers, and workshops on site. Their mobility and easy access make them ideal for the ever-changing needs of a construction site. They provide a secure, weather-resistant enclosure to house tools, materials, and paperwork during the project. Once the project is complete, the containers can simply be transported off site to a new location.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the dimensions of a 20 ft. side opening container?

    A standard 20 ft. side opening shipping container measures 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8.5 feet in height. These dimensions provide 1,360 cubic feet of internal storage space. The side doors provide an opening of 7 feet in width and 8 feet in height for easy loading and unloading of cargo.

  • What is the maximum payload capacity?

    A 20 ft. side opening container has a maximum payload capacity of up to 26,000 lbs or 11,790 kgs which is evenly distributed. The container floor has a maximum loading capacity of 52,910 lbs or 24,000 kgs to support heavy cargo. It is important not to exceed these load limits to avoid damage to the container.

  • What types of cargo can it transport?

    Due to the side opening doors, 20 ft. side opening containers are ideal for transporting long and oversized cargo that cannot fit through a standard container door. Typical cargo includes pipes, steel beams, timber, and other construction materials. The side doors also provide easy access for forklifts and other loading equipment to move cargo in and out.

  • Are there any modifications or special features available?

    Yes, 20 ft. side opening containers can be modified with special features such as interior partitions, shelving, temperature control for refrigerated cargo. They can also be stacked up to 3 units high when empty and 2 units high when loaded for more efficient storage and transport. Some containers have forklift pockets, tie-down points and cargo securing points for proper load balancing.

  • What are the common uses of 20 ft. side opening containers?

    20 ft. side opening containers are primarily used to ship long, oversized cargo for the construction industry. They are also used for transporting pipes, steel beams, timber and other raw materials for manufacturing. Some containers are modified as portable offices, storage units, and for other commercial purposes due to their durability and weather resistance.

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