Multi-Door Shipping Containers: Flexible Storage for Construction and Business Use

Multi-Door Shipping Containers: Flexible Storage for Construction and Business Use

25th April 2025

Multi-Door Shipping Containers: Flexible Storage for Construction and Business Use

25th April 2025
Multi-Door Shipping Containers: Flexible Storage for Construction and Business Use

Shipping containers have come a long way. Once just big metal boxes for moving items and stock, now they’re used for a variety of things — site storage, pop-up offices, even places to stay. And one of the most popular types is Multi-door containers.

Multi-door containers are basically what they sound like - containers with more than one way in or out. Although this may not sound like anything major, it changes how you can use the space. You don’t have to unload half the container just to reach what’s at the back, which in turn is less hassle.

What are the different types of multi-door containers?

  • Double-door containers (also called tunnel containers): These containers open at both ends. This is useful when you want to load straight through, or don’t want to be stuck with one access point. Learn more
  • Tri-door containers: These give you two different styles of access - full doors at one end, a single door at the other. Handy when you want to access something from one side without the entire unit. Learn more
  • Standard multi-door containers: These usually have two or three sets of doors running along the side (top featured image), which means you can divide the space and rent or use different sections independently. They’re especially popular for self-storage - easy access, smart layout, and super efficient for multiple users. Learn more

More doors means more flexibility. Multi-door units are especially useful on construction sites, for storage firms, or for people turning these units into workshops or workspaces.

Why choose a multi-door container?

Ever tried pulling out a heavy tool from the back of a packed container? Far from ideal!

That’s where multi-door containers shine. With doors on both ends - or even along the sides - you can reach items without playing container Tetris. It’s faster, easier and less frustrating.

They’re also great for splitting up space. Stick a divider in, and suddenly you’ve got two mini storage units in one. Each with its own access point. That’s a win for:

  • Construction teams who want separate tool spaces
  • Storage companies squeezing every bit of value out of one unit
  • Businesses turning containers into pop-up workshops or office pods

The real bonus? You can adapt them for almost anything.

Double-Door Containers: Easy Access from Both Ends

Double-door containers - or tunnel containers, as they’re sometimes called - are a go-to option on building sites and in logistics. They’ve got doors at both ends, which makes them really handy when you need quick access to gear without shifting everything around.

On a busy construction site, that can make a big difference. Workers can grab tools or materials from whichever side’s closest, so there’s less walking back and forth and more getting things done. Some teams even use them like walk-through storage, putting them right where the action is to help cut down on clutter and foot traffic.

You can also split the space inside. One end could be full of raw materials, the other with finished gear - each part with its own door, its own purpose. Great if you’ve got different teams sharing a container or just want to stay organised without constantly moving stuff around.

Open blue and white shipping container with visible interior walls and wooden flooring, positioned on a paved industrial site.

Tri-door containers: smart access for multi-use projects

Tri-door containers are a clever twist on the standard setup. You get the usual double doors on one end, plus a single access door at the other. It doesn’t sound like much, but that extra door can be a real time-saver.

Say you’re on site and just need to grab a drill from the front - no need to swing open the whole back end. Just pop the single door, get what you need, and crack on. But when it’s time to load up fully or do a stock check? You’ve still got those big doors ready to go.

They work especially well when:

  • You’ve got different types of gear — bulky stuff at the back, daily tools near the front
  • Teams need to share the space but access different sections
  • You want a bit more control over who gets into what, and when

It’s a simple change in design, but it makes the container far more flexible.

Where Multi-Door Containers Really Shine

Construction Sites

Things move fast on site - and space is always tight. Multi-door containers make life easier by letting you grab tools or materials from whichever end’s closest. No need to dig through everything just to find what you need.

Some sites even use them as makeshift corridors - park one between two areas, open both ends, and boom, instant walkway. Others get creative and turn them into half-office, half-storage units. With the extra doors, you’ve got more layout options to play with.

Self-Storage Facilities

This is where side-access multi-door containers really earn their keep. You can split a 20ft container into four separate units, or fit eight into a 40ft one - each with its own lockable door.

It’s a smart setup if you’re running a storage business and want to offer more units without building out. Customers like the extra security too - each bay can be locked and monitored individually. Handy, affordable, and easy to manage.

Learn more about self-storage hire.

Top-down view of a blue multi-compartment shipping container with five individual storage units, each with its own door and internal partition walls.

Bulky and oversized item storage

Double-door containers are a game-changer when it comes to storing oversized gear. Got something heavy or oddly shaped? No problem. With doors at both ends, forklifts can load from either side - way easier than trying to angle stuff in through just one end.

It also helps when you’ve got machinery that just doesn’t fit through a standard opening. Being able to approach from both directions means fewer headaches and less chance of damaging equipment or the container during loading.

Accommodation and conversion projects

If you’re turning a container into a workspace or living accommodation, having more than one door really opens up your options - literally. With a 40ft double-door container, for example, you can split it down the middle and create two separate rooms, each with its own entrance. No need for people to cut through someone else’s space to get in or out.

It’s also a plus for safety. Whether it’s a site office or a pop-up unit at an event, having multiple ways in and out means better emergency access and easier compliance with safety regulations.

More doors means more flexibility. And that’s a win when you’re trying to make the most of every square foot.

Need a Multi-Door Container? Willbox Has You Covered

If you’re after a solid multi-door container to rent or to buy, Willbox has got you covered. Based in Southampton and with depots across the UK, we’ve been supplying shipping containers for over 25 years, sorting out containers and site units for just about every kind of project.

Here’s what we can help with:

  • Double-door and tri-door units in 20ft or 40ft sizes
  • Multi-bay containers with 4 or 8 lockable sections - great for self-storage or shared sites
  • Custom conversions if you’re after something like an office, workshop, or even a pop-up space
  • Nationwide delivery, handled by our own transport team

All of our containers are water-resistant, secure, and tough enough for industrial or commercial use.

Because Willbox is part of the Williams Shipping Group, you’re working with a trusted team backed by decades of experience. From short-term hire to long-term solutions, the Willbox team is here to support you at every stage.

Get in touch

Multi-door shipping containers are the smart choice for modern businesses that need adaptable, secure, and space-efficient storage. Whether for construction, storage, or custom conversion, these units unlock new possibilities in flexibility and function.

Explore Willbox’s multi-door container range and speak to the Willbox team about how they can support your next multi-door container project.

More news

Willbox: Meet Us at Key Exhibitions in 2025

News

Willbox: Meet Us at Key Exhibitions in 2025

04
/
04/2025
25th March 2025
Willbox is gearing up for an exciting year, attending top industry exhibitions to showcase our container solutions.

Case Study

Creating a stunning new office headquarters from converted shipping containers

01
/
11/2023
1 November 2023

Press Release

Shipping containers converted to create new HQ building in Southampton Docks

24
/
10/2023
24 October 2023

Blog Post

What are ISO Containers?

03
/
04/2025
13th March 2025

About Willbox

Willbox, part of the Williams Shipping Group, has over 25 years’ experience in container hire and new and used shipping container sales. We can supply containers to meet any need, including site accommodation, storage, and bespoke containers modified to your requirements, and our consultancy service is here to help you make the best choice.

We deliver nationwide from over 20 depots across the country – contact us now for fast and efficient container services.

Get in Touch

Phone Enquiry:
Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm
Email Enquiry:
24/7
Our Accreditations:
RoSPA
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
British Association of Removers
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
M P B A
Construction Plant Hire Association
BIC
Road Haulage Association
Self Storage Association
Achilles
CSTA
BV Cert ISO 9001, 14001, 45001