Open side shipping containers share the same external footprint and robust steel construction as standard ISO containers, but with the added benefit of full-length side-opening doors. The 20ft x 8ft open side container is the most popular configuration; a 40ft version is also available via our brokerage department and is primarily supplied as a high cube unit (9ft 6in external height).

These containers feature a solid wood floor (steel floor available on request), forklift pockets for easy repositioning, standard end doors that open to 270 degrees, multiple internal lashing points, and secure lockboxes on both sets of doors. Their weather-resistant steel construction makes them equally suitable for outdoor storage on construction sites or commercial facilities as they are for conversion and repurposing projects.

Open side containers are used across construction, retail, hospitality, events, agriculture, and any sector where convenient side access to stored or transported goods is essential.

Learn more about shipping container sizes and their applications.

• Secure site storage: Store tools, equipment, and materials on construction sites or commercial properties with the added convenience of full-length side access.
• Temporary warehouse: Use as a temporary warehouse for wide or bulky stock that needs to be loaded and retrieved laterally, without the need to navigate around end doors.
• Container conversions: Convert into pop-up shops, exhibition stands, kiosks, classrooms, offices, or restaurants - the full-length opening creates an immediate shopfront or display area.
• Agricultural storage: Store wide farm machinery, baled materials, irrigation equipment, or large agricultural inputs with easy side-loading access.
• Hospitality and events: Deploy as a bar, catering unit, or event storage pod with full-width opening to serve customers or access equipment quickly.
• Greenhouses and growing spaces: Adapt into a growing environment or garden storage unit with convenient side access for plants, tools, and equipment.‍
• Industrial storage: Store sheet materials, wide panels, rolled goods, or long items that are impractical to load through standard end doors

1. Should I hire or buy an open side container?

Hire is a good option for short-term projects like events or seasonal retail, while buying suits businesses planning a permanent conversion or ongoing site storage. Willbox offers open side containers for hire or purchase from 24 UK depots.

2. What size open side container is available?

The 20ft x 8ft open side container is our most popular configuration, with a 40ft version also available via our brokerage department, typically supplied as a high cube unit. Get in touch to discuss which size suits your project.

3. What can an open side container be used for beyond storage?

Beyond secure site storage, open side containers are popular for conversions into pop-up shops, exhibition stands, kiosks, or classrooms, since the full-length opening creates an instant shopfront or display area. They're also well suited to loading wide or oversized items that won't fit through standard end doors.

4. Are open side containers as secure as standard containers?

Yes, they feature secure lockboxes on both the side and end doors, along with the same weather-resistant steel construction as a standard ISO container. This makes them suitable for outdoor storage on construction sites as well as for conversion projects.

5. What flooring do open side containers have?

They come with a solid wood floor as standard, with a steel floor available on request depending on your intended use. Forklift pockets are also included for easy repositioning on site.

6. What should I consider about access when positioning an open side container?

Beyond the usual firm, level base and clear route for HIAB or flatbed delivery, think about which way the side-opening doors will face once the container is placed. Leaving clear space along the full length of the side-opening face makes day-to-day loading and unloading much easier.