New 20ft Open Side Container: Uses, Conversions and Fit-Out Options

What is a new 20ft Open Side container?

The new 20ft Open Side container is a shipping container specially designed to make loading and unloading wide or bulky goods easier. Unlike a standard dry container, which can only be accessed from the rear, this model has a side opening along its entire length, in addition to double rear doors. This configuration provides exceptional accessibility and allows you to handle items that would not fit through traditional rear doors, such as machinery, panels, profiles or large pallets.

Made of Corten steel, it combines strength, corrosion resistance and durability, making it a reliable solution for many professional and private uses. This container is new, meaning it has never been used for sea transport. It is supplied with its ISO certification, guaranteeing that it meets current international standards (ISO 668 for dimensions and ISO 1496 for technical specifications). Its structure is designed for safe stacking, lifting and securing.

Water and air tightness is ensured by rubber seals on the doors and opening walls, protecting goods from bad weather and humidity. The 28 mm marine plywood floor, treated to withstand humidity and heavy loads, easily supports significant distributed loads, typical of industrial storage.

Technical specifications of the 20ft Open Side container

The standard external dimensions of a 20ft container are approximately 6.06 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high. The internal dimensions provide a usable volume of around 33 cubic metres. The tare weight is generally around 2,200 to 2,400 kg, and the maximum payload can reach around 28,000 kg, depending on exact specifications. These values may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and options.

For the Open Side container, the side opening has a usable width of around 2.34 m and a height of around 2.28 m, allowing handling equipment or out-of-gauge loads to pass through. The special feature of the Open Side lies in its openable side wall. Generally, the long side (left or right depending on the model) consists of two leaves that open outwards, giving almost total access to the interior. These leaves are fitted with container locks, similar to those on the rear doors, ensuring secure closing and effective locking.

This design is particularly valued in logistics, construction, events and industry, where saving time during handling operations is crucial. It also allows goods to be loaded across the full height and depth without being hindered by door posts.

Professional uses of the 20ft Open Side container

Construction and building sector

In the construction sector, the 20ft Open Side container serves as a site store for tools, materials and sensitive equipment. The side opening allows pallets of bricks, tubes, scaffolding or prefabricated elements to be loaded without having to pass them through the rear. This considerably reduces handling time and the risk of damage.

Events and shows

In the events sector, it is used as a control room, dressing room or storage space for stage equipment; side access makes it easier to quickly remove equipment. Organisers appreciate its modularity and its ability to be moved and reassigned as needed.

Industry and logistics

In industry, it can serve as temporary storage for bulky parts or as a technical room for generators, compressors or pumps. Equipment fleet operators appreciate its modularity: it can be moved and reassigned as needed.

Agriculture and private users

In agriculture, it provides safe shelter for crops, seeds or small equipment, provided suitable ventilation is included. For private users, it is an additional storage solution for garden tools, bicycles, motorbikes or bulky items, while freeing up space in the garage.

Possible conversions and fit-outs

In addition to its primary transport function, the new 20ft Open Side container is an excellent base for various fit-outs. Its side opening makes it easier to convert into site storage, a mobile workshop, a site office, a technical room, or even modular housing after fit-out.

Fit-out as an office or technical room

Once insulated and lined, the interior surface can accommodate partitions, electrical and plumbing networks. The side opening then provides direct access and appreciable natural light, while allowing easy extension with a terrace or awning. For a site office, thermal and acoustic insulation, suitable flooring, and ventilation openings can be included.

Mobile workshop and workspace

An Open Side container can be converted into a mobile workshop for on-site work. The side opening provides easy access to the workbench and machines, while protecting everything from bad weather. Shelving, workbenches, lighting systems and electrical sockets can be installed.

Modular housing and extensions

After a complete fit-out (insulation, plumbing, electricity, joinery), the container can become a studio-type dwelling or a home extension. The side opening can be replaced with a sliding glass bay, offering an unobstructed view and direct access to the outside. A wooden terrace or awning can also be added to create a shaded outdoor space.

Secure and modular storage

For storage, the side opening allows pallets to be loaded along the full length without having to pass them through the rear. Metal shelving, pallet racks or dedicated areas can be installed. The container's modularity allows it to be moved and reassigned as needed.

Advantages of the new 20ft Open Side container

Buying a new container offers several advantages: no previous repairs, optimal watertightness, a longer service life and better resale value. The new Open Side container is particularly sought after for fit-out projects because it avoids the constraints of rear access.

The container's robustness comes from its Corten steel construction, also known as weathering steel. This steel contains alloying elements such as copper, chromium and nickel, which form a protective oxide layer on the surface, significantly slowing corrosion. This property is essential for outdoor use, near the sea or in an industrial atmosphere.

The corrugated walls, steel frame and structural reinforcements give the assembly high mechanical strength, capable of withstanding significant stresses during transport or lifting. The container is designed to be stacked up to nine units high in maritime configuration, but in static use, stacking depends on ground conditions and local regulations.

Points to check when buying

When buying a new container, several points deserve your attention. Check that the container is accompanied by its CSC plate (Convention for Safe Containers), affixed to the rear door, which certifies its compliance with international safety standards. This plate must be valid and up to date.

Also ensure that the seals are in good condition and that the locking mechanisms work correctly. A new container should have uniform paint, no traces of rust, and clean welds. If you plan to place it on the ground, it is recommended to put it on supports (concrete blocks, beams) to avoid direct contact with ground moisture and promote ventilation under the floor. For use in a flood zone, raise it sufficiently.

Care and maintenance

Maintaining a Corten steel container is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with clean water and mild soap removes salt or pollutant deposits. Avoid overly powerful pressure washers that could damage the seals. Periodically inspect the seals and replace them if necessary. If there is a deep scratch, apply a rust-proof paint touch-up to preserve protection. Hinge and lock grease should be checked and renewed at least once a year. These simple actions extend the container's service life, which can exceed several decades in static use.

To go further with maintenance, it is useful to distinguish preventive maintenance from corrective maintenance. Preventive maintenance involves regularly monitoring the overall condition: visually inspecting the walls, roof and floor for impacts, deformation or areas of emerging rust. New containers are protected by epoxy or polyurethane paint applied at the factory, but this protection can deteriorate over time, especially in aggressive environments. It is advisable to check the condition of the seals twice a year: they must remain flexible, without cracks or tears. A worn seal lets water and air through, which can cause condensation and damage the contents. Replacing a seal is a simple, low-cost operation to carry out without delay. Locking mechanisms (locking bars, handles, keepers) should be lubricated with a suitable grease that resists water and temperature variations. A lock that is stiff or jams may indicate incorrect alignment or wear; it is better to act early to avoid forcing the structure.

Corrective maintenance is carried out when damage is found. A deep scratch that reaches bare metal should be treated quickly: cleaning, degreasing, applying a rust-proof primer and then a topcoat in a close colour. If rust is already present, mechanical or chemical brushing is necessary before touching up. For major impacts, it is recommended to consult a professional: deformation of the structure can affect watertightness and strength. Corten steel containers have the particularity of developing a protective patina on exposed areas, but this does not remove the need for regular maintenance, especially near the sea where salt air accelerates corrosion. In this case, more frequent rinsing with fresh water is advisable.

Transport and regulations in France

Transporting a 20ft container in France is subject to regulations on vehicle weights and dimensions. A 20ft container can be transported on a suitable container truck, generally a rigid truck or semi-trailer. The authorised gross train weight (PTRA) must not exceed 44 tonnes for a standard road train, and the truck's payload must be sufficient for the container and its contents. The overall width of 2.44 m complies with the limits allowed without an exceptional convoy (2.55 m). The length of the combination depends on the vehicle.

For lifting, a crane truck or mobile crane is required; the container must be lifted by its four corner castings using suitable slings or spreaders. Safety instructions must be followed, and qualified professionals must be used.

Transport regulations in France deserve clarification for professionals. Road transport of containers is governed by the Highway Code and orders relating to weights and dimensions. A 20ft container can be transported on a vehicle whose width does not exceed 2.55 m, which is the case. The length of the combination must not exceed 16.50 m for a standard articulated vehicle, but derogations exist for exceptional convoys. The vehicle's gross vehicle weight (GVW) and gross train weight (GTW) must be respected. For a 20ft container, with a tare weight of around 2.2 to 2.4 tonnes, the truck's payload must be sufficient for the contents. Transporting dangerous goods is subject to ADR regulations, but this concerns the contents, not the container itself. Finally, lifting and handling must be carried out by companies holding the necessary qualifications (CACES lifting equipment, for example). On delivery, the container can be placed on the ground or on a support; it is important to check that the ground is stable and that access is possible for the truck and crane.

Comparison with other container types

Comparing the 20ft Open Side container with other sizes and types helps you make the right choice. The standard 20ft dry container is the most common and least expensive, but its single rear access limits the loading of wide loads. The 40ft container offers double the volume (around 67 m³) but requires a longer vehicle and more spacious ground; it is less manoeuvrable on small sites. The 40ft High Cube container gains 30 cm of internal height, which is useful for tall volumes, but its price and bulk are higher. The Open Top container, without a rigid roof, is suitable for very tall loads that cannot pass in height, but it is less watertight and requires a tarpaulin. The Flat Rack container, without side walls or roof, is suitable for out-of-gauge loads, but it offers no protection against bad weather. The Reefer container is designed for temperature-controlled transport, with a refrigeration unit, which is unnecessary for simple storage. The Open Side container positions itself as a compromise: it offers the watertightness and security of a dry container, with side access that makes handling easier. It is more expensive than a standard dry container because of its specific design, but it can save valuable time and avoid additional handling costs. For static use, the 20ft is often preferred to the 40ft because it is easier to move, place and integrate into a restricted space. The choice therefore depends on the nature of the goods, the frequency of loading, the available space and the budget.

Conclusion

Finally, it is important to remember that buying a new container comes with a manufacturer's warranty, whose terms vary by manufacturer. Transport Hosni Conteneur is committed to providing you with a container that complies with the stated specifications and current standards. We invite you to inspect the container on delivery and report any anomaly. For any technical question or to obtain a quote, our team is at your disposal. Whether you are a construction professional, an industrial company, an event organiser or a private individual, the new 20ft Open Side container is a durable and scalable solution for your storage, transport and fit-out needs.