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Why You May Want a Side Opening Shipping Container
Shipping containers are a great storage option. They’re secure, portable and can be used alongside forklifts.
With Southwest Mobile Storage, you can modify a shipping container with doors on the side that can swing outwards 270 degrees, giving you a more versatile storage option making it easier to store objects of varying sizes. These containers are referred to as side opening shipping containers or full-length access containers.
In this blog, we’ll discuss side-opening shipping containers and cover the benefits of our swinging door modifications. Additionally, we’ll highlight other modifications that can make your container storage easier to access from the side.
Table of Contents
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What Are the Benefits of a Side Opening Shipping Container?
Typically, shipping containers have cargo doors on one of its shorter sides. These doors are secure, but they aren’t always the best option for every situation.
There are numerous benefits of a side opening shipping container, from making storage space easier to access during the day to making your container more compatible with forklifts or pallet jacks. Here’s a few reasons why using a side opening shipping container is beneficial for your operations:
Allows easier storage for extra-long items like lumber, pipes, kayaks and more. Items between 8’-38’ wide can fit into full-length access containers.
Makes storing palletized materials a cinch, which is useful for warehouses that commonly move storage with forklifts.
When using a container during the day, side openings can add ventilation, and make the interior less stuffy and easier to work in.
Simplify the process of transporting and storing items that are too tall or wide to fit through standard container doors.
By incorporating side opening shipping containers into your operations, you can enhance efficiency and improve storage accessibility. Whether you’re managing a warehouse, construction site or commercial business, these versatile containers offer a practical solution for your storage needs.
Side opening shipping containers are more versatile storage options than standard storage containers, allowing you easier access to your storage.
What Are the Internal Storage Dimensions of a Side Opening Shipping Container?
It’s important to understand how much interior storage space you’re working with when storing things inside a side opening shipping container.
Interior Dimensions of a 20ft Shipping Container: 19’5” x 7’8” x 7’9
Interior Dimensions of a 40ft Shipping Container: 39’5” x 7’8” x 7’9”
Interior Dimensions of a 40ft High Cube Shipping Container: 39’5” x 7’8” x 8’9”
Interior Dimensions of a 45ft High Cube Shipping Container: 44’5” x 7’8” x 8’19”
High cube containers have an additional foot of vertical storage space, which can make them an even better pair for jobs that plan to use forklifts to transport materials stored inside.
In addition to side doors, side opening shipping containers typically also feature standard cargo doors on the short ends.
How Do You Open a Side Opening Shipping Container?
The process of opening a side opening shipping container is very similar to opening container cargo doors.
First, unlock all locks on the container doors. You can typically find these on the handles of the container’s locking bars. Additionally, you may need to remove a lock in the lock box located in the middle of the doors.
After locks on both connected doors are removed, shifting the locking bar handles 90 degrees so they’re perpendicular to the container door.
Pull on the door handles on the door closest to the middle of the container. Pull the middle doors outward. Both doors should swing out freely.
Repeat steps 2-3 on the other set of doors on the container.
Fold the doors together and rest them against the short sides of the container.
The container doors are heavy, durable and shouldn’t move in the wind due to their weight. Closing them is a very similar process, but in reverse. Make sure to close the left doors first, then the right.
What Are Some Other Container Types That Allow Side Access?
In addition to side opening shipping containers, there are a variety of containers that we provide. While we commonly have the following containers available for rent, you can always modify a container for purchase with any of the following options:
Instead of opening like a traditional door, a roll up door is placed on a drum and the door can be closed by pulling the door down. Contrarily, the doors can be opened by pulling the door up. They typically come with a rope or handle that makes access to the container easier.
Can You Buy a Side Opening Shipping Container?
If you’re interested in obtaining a side opening shipping container for your business, you’ve come to the right place. Southwest Mobile Storage has a wide offering, and we commonly have side opening shipping containers in stock for purchase.
Curious about buying or renting a shipping container with another type of custom modification? We’re professionals in creating the perfect container to meet your needs. Contact us today, and a dedicated container sales representative can provide you with a quote and answer any questions you may have.
Summary
In conclusion, side opening shipping containers offer a versatile and efficient solution for your storage needs. Their unique design allows for easy access, improved ventilation and the ability to store and transport items of various sizes.
Whether you’re managing a warehouse, construction site or commercial business, embracing the benefits of side opening shipping containers can simplify your operations. Contact us today to explore how our containers can simplify your storage strategy.
