Side Door Shipping Containers
Containers Direct are industry leading experts in creating side opening shipping containers.
Modifying shipping containers for side door opening
Using new shipping containers and used shipping containers, we create an aperture in the side, into which we fit a new door. Our S1 door type is the preferred side door option. Made from flat instead of corrugated steel panels they are much lighter and therefore better for frequent use - you don't have to wrestle with them every time you need access to your storage! For additional peace of mind, we can add on compressed door seals to give a full watertight seal. We give our clients the choice of keeping the original end door, or replacing it with an end wall. See our article Shipping Container Wall Build to find out how we do this.Side opening shipping container - Add more into the mix
A choice of side door types
As well as our S1, we also offer our premium S3 container door to be fitted in the side. These come with an extra locking arm and a rubber seal. Or for customers who need a different style of access, we can also fit a personnel door or roller shutters which give more space for loading/unloading, especially if using forklifts. For more on our different door types, see Types of Shipping Container Doors .
Side door containers - Delivery and siting
Side door containers are delivered the same way as any modified container: on a lorry with a HIAB crane, offloaded on site. The main thing to get right is access for the vehicle and a level base for the container to sit on. With a side door unit it is worth double-checking that the side opening faces where you actually need it once the container is in position, because repositioning after delivery is not straightforward.
If access is tight or the ground is uneven, send us a few photos with your Quick Quote and we will advise before anything is booked.
Worth reading before you order:
- Delivery guide - vehicle access, crane setup, what to expect on the day
- Ground preparation - base types, levels, drainage
- Container dimensions - external and internal measurements by size
Request a Quick Quote!
Contact our sales team for your no-obligation quote, including delivery!
Optional extras
Curtain-Siders
Need full side access but want to keep costs down? Where security is not an issue, curtain-siders can provide cheap, full side-access by the simple means of removing one side of the container and replacing it with a heavy-duty, PVC coated polyester fabric. This material has a lacquered gloss finish and UV protection on both sides. It is extremely hardwearing and well suited for use in extreme weather conditions. Curtain-siders are quick and easy to open and don't take up much space.
See Our Curtain Sider Case StudySide door shipping container FAQs
What is a side door shipping container?
A standard shipping container only opens at one end. A side door container has an additional door cut into the long wall, so you can load and unload along the length of the unit instead of just through the end. Useful when you're storing longer items, need to get a pallet truck in sideways, or the container is positioned end-on against a wall.
Which sizes are available in the SD range?
15ft, 20ft, 30ft and 40ft as standard. We can also fit extra-wide openings, additional side doors or full side access on most sizes. If you need something outside the standard range, get in touch through Quick Quote and we'll confirm what's possible.
Are side door containers made from new or used containers?
Both. We convert new (once-used) and used containers into side door units. The base container affects the external condition and lifespan, so if that matters for your site, mention it when you enquire and we'll match the right option.
Do side doors affect the internal space?
The overall length stays the same, but the door frame and any reinforcement around the aperture can reduce the usable internal width slightly at that point. For general sizing, check our dimensions guide. For the exact internal space on a specific SD model, ask us to confirm it on your quote.
What should I prepare before delivery?
A firm, level base and enough room for the lorry and HIAB crane to get in and operate. With a side door unit, also think about which way the side opening needs to face once the container is in position - repositioning afterwards is not straightforward. Our delivery guide and ground preparation guide cover the rest.
Can you add wider openings or different door types?
Yes. As well as the standard S1 side door, we fit S3 premium doors (extra locking arm and rubber seal), roller shutters, personnel doors and extra-wide openings. The right choice depends on how you'll use the container - forklift access, daily foot traffic, weather sealing and security all point to different door types. See our door types page for the full breakdown.
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.
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.
