Open-Side Containers

Open-side containers open on one long side of the container and one short end of the container. Classic open-sides will have a full open side giving you either full access on one 20’ or 40’ side of the container. However, there are several styles of open-sides, so that is not always the case. Let’s look at the options:

Traditional full open-side containers. These containers open on full side of the container and one short end. The open side of them is made up of 4 doors. 2 doors that are hinged to each other on the left and 2 that are hinged to each other on the right. Because the full long side of the container opens up, these containers do have a larger support structure in the floor which makes the interior height of the container less than a regular container. They come in three sizes:
- 20’ standard open-side – 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8’6” high
- 20’ high cube open-side – 20’ long x 8’ wide x 9’6” high
- 40’ high cube open-side – 40’ long x 8’ wide x 9’6” high

40’ High cube one-post open-side container. This 40’ high cube container has 2 sets of doors withe one post in the middle giving you two large openings on one 40’ side of the container. The addition of the post does give the container more structure. The upside is that the container floor does not have to be built up as high as a full open-side does.
40’ high cube 4-door (3-post) “open” side. These open-sides have 4 sets of container doors like you would find on the short end of the container spaced out on one 40’ side of the container. There are 3 posts between the doors. The result is a lot of entry points on that side of the door, but stretches the concept of “open”. It is more like a 40’ container with a lot of doors.

Pricing varies between these 3 options. The full-open side container is the most expensive of the three and the 4-door option is generally the cheapest. When you are buying an open-side container, make sure you are asking which type it is so you are getting what you want. Asking for a sample picture is always a good idea.

Traditional Full Open-side Container

You can see in these pictures that the 20’ standard open-side, 20’ high cube open-side and 40’ high cube open-side containers all open up to have a full open side on one long side of the container and have doors on one short end of the container. They still have walls on the other 2 sides. Because they open on one full side, they do have more robust flooring. Notice the 40’ high cube open-side that the middle of the floor on the open side raises up in the middle.

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40’ High Cube One-post Open-side Containers

These 40’ high cubes have 2 sets of doors with a post in the middle. This gives a lot of open space for loading and unloading, but that post in the middle gives the roof some support. This lets the flooring stay a bit more like normal.

40’ High Cube 4-door (3-post) “Open”-side Containers

These 40’ high cubes have 4 sets of doors on one 40’ side of the door giving access along one long side of the container. While not truly “open” they can be referred to as an open-side by some. Always ask for clarification when getting quoted open-side rates. If you are expecting the option up at the top and are quoted this, you might be disappointed.

Open-Side Containers

Find a Container That Fits You

Traditional Full Open-side Container

40’ High Cube One-post Open-side Containers

40’ High Cube 4-door (3-post) “Open”-side Containers