20ft Side Opening Container Dimensions
A 20ft side-opening container has full-length bi-fold doors along one side, as well as the usual end-opening cargo doors. This arrangement provides access to a greater part of the container at once, which can make loading, unloading and arranging long or bulky items more practical.
The measurements below show the external footprint, internal space and side-door opening for the unit described on this page. Check the available space at your site, including the area needed to open the side doors and position loading equipment.
20ft Side-Opening Container External Dimensions
The external dimensions determine the space needed for the container itself. They should be considered alongside the clearance required to open the side doors and access the unit safely.
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| External length | 6,058mm | 20ft 0in |
| External width | 2,438mm | 8ft 0in |
| External height | 2,591mm | 8ft 6in |
The side-opening doors are positioned along the 6,058mm length. Leave sufficient room beside the container for the door leaves to fold back and for people or equipment to work alongside the opening. Fences, parked vehicles, buildings and other obstructions can affect how the container can be used even when the unit itself fits within the proposed area.
20ft Side-Opening Container Internal Dimensions
The internal dimensions show the usable length, width and height within the container. The available space can vary between individual units, so confirm the specification of the container being considered if your contents have close tolerances.
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Internal length | 5,898mm | 19ft 4in |
| Internal width | 2,287mm | 7ft 6in |
| Internal height | 2,275mm | 7ft 5in |
The internal measurements should be compared with the length, width and height of the items to be stored. Allow space for packaging, handling and access between stored items where the container will be loaded or unloaded regularly.
Side Door Opening Dimensions
The side doors provide a clear opening along much of the container length. The stated opening measures:
| Opening measurement | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Clear side opening width | 5,824mm | 19ft 1in |
| Clear side opening height | 2,154mm | 7ft 1in |
This opening can make it easier to place long items or load from the side rather than moving everything through the end doors. The door leaves still need space to open, and the ground beside the container should remain clear enough for the intended loading method.
The end doors remain useful when access from the short side is more convenient. Comparing both opening arrangements with the site layout can help determine where the container should face and which side should remain accessible.
Weight and Capacity Information
The supplied specification gives the following figures for this 20ft side-opening container:
| Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Tare weight | 3,180kg |
| Maximum payload | 27,300kg |
| Maximum gross weight | 30,480kg |
| Internal cubic capacity | 31.0 cubic metres / 1,095 cubic feet |
These figures should be checked against the identification or safety plate on the individual container before loading or arranging transport. The weight of the cargo, loading equipment and any modifications may all need to be considered when assessing the proposed use.
Planning Space Around a 20ft Side-Opening Container
Measure more than the container footprint when choosing a position. The side-opening design needs working space alongside the long wall, while the end doors need clearance if they will also be used. Consider the position of fences, walls, parked vehicles, overhead obstructions and other structures before delivery.
The container should stand on firm, level support suited to the site and the expected load. Uneven settlement can affect door alignment and make the doors harder to operate. Drainage and future access should also be considered, particularly if the container will remain in position for an extended period.
Planning requirements can depend on how the container will be used, how long it will remain in place, the status of the site, its visibility, nearby neighbours and local planning policy. Listed buildings, conservation areas, a change of use or a prominent position may create additional considerations. Check current requirements with the relevant local authority before placing or modifying a container.
Delivery Considerations
Where HIAB delivery is used, the vehicle needs suitable access and a position from which the container can be placed. Check the route to the proposed position for entrance width, turning space, ground condition and overhead obstructions. The final location should allow the container to be set down level and leave access to the doors.
Review the container delivery guidelines before arranging delivery. If the container will be used for a particular storage or handling purpose, compare the measurements with the contents and discuss any site-specific requirements when making an enquiry.
Choosing a 20ft Side-Opening Container
A side-opening container suits layouts where access along the long side is more useful than relying only on the end doors. It can support easier handling of long items, grouped loads and contents that need to be reached without emptying the container from the front.
Measurements are only one part of the decision. Consider the door-side working area, the support available on site, the proposed loading method and whether the container may need to be moved in future. For a different container arrangement, compare the available special container types or use the container enquiry form to discuss the requirement.