20ft Full Side Access Shipping Containers

Why Choose a 20ft Full Side Access Container

Need plenty of room for loading/unloading? Or do you need to transport extra heavy items? Our 20ft full side access containers are specialist shipping containers that can cater for both over sized or heavy loads, or can be simply be used for fast and convenient loading.

Making light work of loading

Standard containers are accessed via 8ft wide cargo doors, which can make loading tricky in some circumstances, and also means the container has to be sited with the narrow end facing outwards. But with two sets of double bi-folding door in the long side (as well as the standard 8ft end door!) not only is full side access granted, but the container can also be situated with the long side facing outwards. Imagine how much simpler this can make gaining access to your container, and everything inside it. No need to bring everything out through the small end door just to access that one item at the back, when you can open the whole thing up completely! Fuss free and time saving, and with plenty of room to drive a fork lift inside if needed, side access containers are the Rolls-Royce of containers.

Specifications

Full side access containers come in standard 20ft shipping container dimensions - 20ft long x 8ft wide x 8ft 6in high. Because the full length, double bi-folding doors present an additional weight bearing force on the container, the floor and roof are reinforced to cope with the extra demand, which makes the internal height of the container slightly less than standard containers. However, these reinforcements make them ideal for transporting extra heavy goods.

For other 20ft containers with side access, see our article 20ft Side Access Containers.

Dimensions

Length

Width

Height

External:

6.05m / 19ft 10in

2.43m / 8ft 0in

2.59m / 8ft 6in

Internal:

5.89m / 19ft 4in

2.28m / 7ft 6in

2.29m / 7ft 6in

For other container size specfications, see our Container Dimensions page.

Other sizes available:

If you really need that extra bit of internal height, the full side access container is also available in high cube form - with a height of 9ft 6in. And for that extra, extra large requirement, there is the 40ft long high cube shipping container.

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Door configurations:

There are three options to choose from:

50/50 configuration with left hand side end door.

50/50 configuration with right hand side end door.

80/20 configuration with left hand side end door

Don't need full side access? Take a look at our alternative side door options.

Full side access containers for conversions

In recent years the demand for using shipping containers as a cost effective way to provide accommodation for businesses has soared. Full side access containers are ideal for use as "pop up" units, and with a few simple container conversion features can be used for catering, retail, events and exhibitions. We can carry out all conversion work on our premises, as we did with this great example of a pop up shop shipping containers for the clothing brand Superdry.

For more details on options for container conversions, visit our page Container Conversions.

Take a look at some of the most engaging work we have undertaken in recent years. With detailed pictures, step-by-step guides, and in-depth insights into many projects, our case studies cover a wide range of applications.

Our Case Studies

Optional Extras

Ply lining interior panels – optional extra for containers

External cladding for shipping containers

Grafotherm anti-condensation coating for container roofs

Electrical installations and lighting for containers

Compressed door seals for improved weather protection

High-security padlock for container doors

Overview of all shipping container optional extras

Testimonials

As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.

But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.

Read All Testimonials Here

"Really helpful service and great at providing a good option for super fast delivery." B&K O'Dwyer Ltd
10th June 2026
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container in Green

"All of my queries were answered - all staff and transport personnel were helpful and courteous. A pleasure to do business with you." Howard Amusements Ltd
10th June 2026
order - four Used 30ft Containers

"Great service, great communication, great product - thank you." Bradgate Park Trust
9th June 2026
order - a Used 16ft Container

"Excellent prompt service." Up Holland High School
8th June 2026
order - a New 'Once-Used' 20ft Container

"All round good buying experience - professional and knowledgeable staff. Would use again." Alan Brown - High Spec Ltd
2nd June 2026
order - a Used 20ft Container with Side Doors SD201

"Second time I have used service, it was as good as the first. Great comms from start to finish. Even though the delivery driver was independent, he carried on the great service and made sure everything was correct, very polite and went above and beyond his needs. Already recommended to a number of local people that are now looking into buying a similar product." Robertson Pens Scotland
28th May 2026
order - a 4m Flat Pack Container Store in Green

Committed to Quality

We are ISOQAR Approved and certified to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are also members of MakeUK, who champion British manufacturing, and the Container Self Storage and Traders Association (CSTA), representing global operators and innovators. In addition, we are registered members of JOSCAR, the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register.