A side opening container opens along the whole length of one side, not just at the end. That one change turns a storage box into something far more useful. Here are nine ways our customers put them to work.
1. Pop-up bars and cafés
Swing the doors open and you’ve got an instant serving counter. Side opening containers are a favourite at markets, festivals and sporting grounds because they lock up tight at the end of the day.
2. Tradie tool stores
No more crawling to the back of a container to find the right tool. With a side opening container you can lay out shelving along the back wall and see everything at once.
3. Farm machinery sheds
Park quad bikes, mowers and small tractors side by side and drive them straight out. Pair two containers with a dome shelter for a big covered bay in between.
4. Site offices with a view
Fit glass or mesh behind the side doors and you get a bright site office that still locks down overnight.
5. Retail and display
Garden centres, nurseries and equipment dealers use them as secure display areas that open up during trading hours.
6. Sports club storage
Store goals, nets, line markers and kit where volunteers can grab them quickly on game day.
7. Workshops
Open the side for light and airflow on hot days. Close it when you’re done.
8. Event staging
Some event companies use side opening containers as compact stages or DJ booths.
9. Forklift loading
If you’re moving pallets in and out every day, side access makes life much easier and speeds up loading.
What to check before buying a side opening container
- Space: you need room to swing the side doors fully open.
- Level ground: more important than with a standard container, so the long doors line up and seal.
- Size: available in 20ft and 40ft.
Looking after a side opening container
The long side doors have more hinges and seals than a standard container. Grease the hinges every six months and keep the container level so the doors stay aligned.
Side opening container vs standard container
A standard container only opens at one end, so items at the back are hard to reach. A side opening container gives you access to everything at once, which saves time every day if you’re in and out a lot. The trade-off is price – about $700 more for a 20ft – and the need for space beside the container to swing the doors. If you only visit your container once a month, a standard one is fine. If you use it daily, the side opening container quickly earns its keep.
Quick answers
Can you lock a side opening container?
Yes. Each door set has locking bars and the container can be padlocked.
Is a side opening container weatherproof?
Yes, when the doors are closed it is wind and water tight.
Does it still have end doors?
Yes, standard cargo doors on one end.
Our 20ft side open container is $3,680 and the 40ft side open container is $4,599. Browse all side opening containers or email sales@mrfequipments.com.au with questions. For background, read about container types.