Tunnel shipping containers are standard ISO containers modified with double doors at both ends, allowing clear straight-through access from either side. When both sets of doors are opened, the container creates a full tunnel view - making loading and unloading faster, more efficient, and less disruptive to operations.

These containers are built for durability and practical daily use, featuring lockboxes and dual locking bars for security, forklift pockets on both ends for easy on-site handling, PU-coated floors for durability, multiple air vents for ventilation, wind and waterproof construction for weather protection, and lashing rings throughout for securing goods during transport.

Available in 20ft and 40ft, tunnel containers meet ISO standards and can be CSC plated for international shipping and safe crane lifting when loaded. They are a popular choice across self-storage, construction, events, agriculture, and film and TV production, where accessibility and efficiency are paramount.

Learn more about shipping container sizes and their applications.

• Self-storage facilities: Give customers straight-through access to household goods, furniture, and personal items from either end - speeding up retrieval and improving the user experience.
• Construction site storage: Store bulk materials, timber, pipes, and on-site equipment with the ability to drive a forklift straight through without turning.
• Events and exhibitions: Use as a pass-through storage unit for tents, staging, AV equipment, and event supplies - keeping operations flowing smoothly during setup and teardown.
• Agricultural storage: Store grains, animal feed, farm tools, and seasonal equipment with convenient end-to-end access for loading and retrieval.
• Film and TV production: Provide on-location storage for set equipment, props, and production gear with quick, double-end access during busy shoots.
• Retail and market distribution: Use as a pass-through distribution point where goods can be loaded from one end and picked from the other.
• Logistics and warehousing: Improve throughput on busy sites by using tunnel containers as loading bays that allow cargo to move straight through without repositioning.

1. Should I hire or buy a tunnel container?

Hire suits short-term projects such as events or seasonal storage, while buying makes sense for ongoing operations that rely on fast, repeated access. Willbox offers tunnel containers for hire or purchase in 20ft and 40ft sizes from our UK depots.

2. What size tunnel container do I need, 20ft or 40ft?

A 20ft tunnel container suits smaller sites or businesses needing quick through-access to stock, while the 40ft is better suited to higher-volume storage or logistics operations. Both are built to ISO standards and can be CSC plated if you need international shipping compatibility.

3. How is a tunnel container different from a standard shipping container?

Unlike a standard container with doors at one end, a tunnel container has double doors at both ends, creating a clear through-access point. This means no repositioning is needed to load or unload from either side, which speeds up operations considerably.

4. Are tunnel containers secure and weatherproof?

Yes, they feature lockboxes and dual locking bars on both sets of doors for security, along with wind- and waterproof construction to protect your goods. PU-coated floors and multiple air vents also help keep stored items in good condition.

5. What industries use tunnel containers?

Tunnel containers are popular in self-storage, construction, events, agriculture, and film and TV production, wherever fast access from either end matters. They're particularly useful for forklift operations where driving straight through saves time.

6. What site access do I need for tunnel container delivery?

Delivery is by HIAB or flatbed, so you'll need the usual clear access route and a firm, level base. Since tunnel containers are designed for through-access, it's worth planning clear space at both ends so you can make full use of the double-door design once it's in place.