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

What is a new 20ft Open Side container?

The new 20ft Open Side container is a shipping container specially designed with a full side opening. Unlike the standard dry container, which is accessed only through the rear doors, this model has side doors that open along its entire length, making it easier to load and unload wide, long or hard-to-handle goods. As it is new, it has never been used for sea transport, guaranteeing a structure free from deformation, optimal sealing and a longer service life.

This container is made of Corten steel, a self-weathering steel that develops a protective surface rust layer, offering excellent corrosion resistance. Its 28 mm marine plywood floor supports heavy loads. Compliant with ISO 668 and ISO 1496-1 standards, it is compatible with international handling and transport equipment.

Technical specifications of the 20ft Open Side container

A 20ft container follows standardised dimensions. Here are the common specifications:

• External dimensions: 6.058 m long, 2.438 m wide, 2.591 m high.
• Internal dimensions: 5.898 m long, 2.352 m wide, 2.393 m high.
• Internal volume: approximately 33 m³.
• Tare weight: 2,200 to 2,400 kg depending on the manufacturer.
• Maximum payload: approximately 28,000 kg.
• Material: Corten steel.
• Floor: 28 mm marine plywood.
• Doors: double rear doors with container locks.
• Certification: ISO.

These values may vary slightly from one manufacturer to another, but remain within these standardised ranges. The Open Side container keeps the same external dimensions as a dry container, making it compatible with the same lifting and transport equipment.

Practical uses of the Open Side container

Transport of out-of-gauge goods

The first use is the transport of out-of-gauge goods. Companies shipping machinery, construction equipment, boats, vehicles or very long items find the Open Side a practical solution. For example, a generator, compressor or genset can be loaded from the side with a forklift, without having to bring it in through the rear. Similarly, construction materials such as tubes, beams or large panels can be slid in from the side, reducing the risk of damage and handling time.

On-site storage

Many companies use shipping containers as temporary or permanent warehouses. The Open Side allows easier and faster access to stored goods, especially when they are stacked on pallets or arranged along the walls. Farmers, craftsmen, manufacturers and local authorities appreciate this configuration for storing bulky materials, tools, spare parts or seasonal equipment. The side opening also makes it easier to load directly from a loading dock or trailer, without having to move goods inside the container.

Conversion into a workspace or technical room

An Open Side container can be converted into a workshop, site office, changing room, waste storage room or guard post. The side opening offers great flexibility for installing workbenches, machine tools or shelving. It also allows an additional opening to be created for ventilation or natural light by adding grilles or windows on the side doors. Some models are even used as mobile showrooms or exhibition stands, thanks to their industrial look and modularity.

Multimodal transport

The 20ft Open Side container is designed to be stackable and handled by the same equipment as standard containers (reach stacker, crane, forklift). It can be transported by truck, train or ship. However, the side opening may require additional precautions during sea transport: the side doors must be properly locked and sealed to ensure watertightness and safety. In general, shipping lines accept this type of container, but it is advisable to check the conditions with the carrier.

Possible modifications and fit-outs

Insulation and interior lining

A new Open Side container can be insulated with rock wool or polyurethane foam panels, then lined with plywood or panelling. The side opening can be kept or replaced with a glass door or a metal roller shutter. For office use, a partition can be installed to separate a work area from a storage area. Electricity can be run inside, with sockets and suitable lighting. However, these fit-outs must comply with current electrical and fire safety standards. It is advisable to call in a professional for these modifications.

Conversion into a workshop or technical room

The side opening allows workbenches, machine tools or shelving to be installed without being hindered by rear access. Openings for ventilation or natural light can also be created by adding grilles or windows on the side doors. For workshop use, it is important to provide adequate ventilation and sufficient lighting. The electrical installation must be carried out by a qualified professional.

Conversion into a sales or exhibition space

Thanks to its side opening, the Open Side container can be converted into a direct sales space, mobile showroom or exhibition stand. The side opening offers great visibility and makes it easy to incorporate decorative or signage elements. Event organisers appreciate how quickly these structures can be set up and how robust they are. An awning, counter or display stands can be added to create a welcoming space.

Exterior fit-out: painting, anchoring, security

For prolonged outdoor use, you may consider a finishing coat of paint on exposed parts, but Corten steel is designed to withstand the elements without special treatment. It is advisable to clean the surface regularly with a water jet to remove salt, dust or pollutant deposits, especially in coastal areas. Avoid abrasive products that could scratch the protective rust layer. If paint chips appear, touch them up with a suitable paint to prevent corrosion. Periodically check the condition of seals and locks; a worn seal can let water in. Grease hinges and locking mechanisms once or twice a year.

An empty container can be moved by strong winds. It is therefore advisable to secure it to the ground, especially in exposed regions. Anchoring kits are available commercially. In addition, if you stack containers, make sure the corner castings are properly locked with twist-locks. Do not exceed the stacking limits recommended by the manufacturer, generally three to four containers high for empty containers, and fewer if the containers are loaded.

Points to check when buying a new Open Side container

A new container should have a structure free from dents, holes and signs of repair. Check that the door and side-door seals are flexible and intact. Inspect the hinges and locks: they should operate without force and hold the panels firmly. The floor should be clean, without splinters or rotten areas. Ask for the ISO certification and, if possible, a CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) certificate of conformity, which confirms that the container is suitable for international sea transport. For a new container, the CSC is generally supplied with the plate affixed to the structure. Also check for the identification plate and regulatory markings (serial number, weight, capacity).

Maintenance of a Corten steel container

Maintaining a Corten steel container is relatively simple. It is advisable to clean the surface regularly with a water jet to remove salt, dust or pollutant deposits, especially in coastal areas. Avoid abrasive products that could scratch the protective rust layer. If paint chips appear, they can be touched up with a suitable paint to prevent corrosion. Periodically check the condition of seals and locks; a worn seal can let water in. Grease hinges and locking mechanisms once or twice a year. For prolonged outdoor use, you may consider a finishing coat of paint on exposed parts, but Corten steel is designed to withstand the elements without special treatment.

Regulations and transport in France

In France, a shipping container is considered an intermodal transport unit (ITU). Its road transport is subject to current size and weight rules. A 20ft container can be transported on a container truck without special authorisation if the total gross vehicle weight does not exceed legal limits (40 tonnes for a standard road train). However, if the container is loaded beyond the limits, exceptional transport permits may be required. For sea transport, the container must be CSC-certified and comply with the SOLAS convention rules on verified gross mass. In France, using a container as a storage room or office may require planning permission if the installation is permanent and exceeds a certain duration. It is advisable to check with the town hall or the DDT (Direction Départementale des Territoires) before any permanent installation.

Comparison with other container types

The standard 20ft dry container is the most common and the cheapest, but it only has a rear opening. It is suitable for goods that can be loaded on pallets or by hand. The Open Top container, meanwhile, has an opening or removable roof, allowing goods to be loaded from above using a crane. It is used for heavy or bulky loads that cannot pass through the doors. The Flat Rack container has no side walls or roof, allowing very wide or very tall loads to be loaded, but it offers no protection against the weather. The Open Side container sits between these two extremes: it offers full protection like a dry container, but with side access that makes loading wide loads easier. It is more versatile than the standard dry container, but less open than the Flat Rack.

In terms of size, the 20ft is the most common format for heavy and compact loads. The 40ft offers double the volume, but it is less suited to very heavy loads because its tare weight is higher and its structure is more flexible. The 20ft Open Side is therefore a good compromise for companies that need side access without sacrificing robustness. There are also 40ft Open Side containers, but they are less common and more expensive.

Standard height or High Cube?

The standard container is 2.591 m high externally, which corresponds to the ISO standard. There are High Cube (HC) versions measuring approximately 2.896 m, offering around 15% additional internal volume. For an Open Side, the High Cube version is interesting if you need to store tall loads, but it can cause transport problems because it exceeds the standard height of some tunnels or bridges. It is therefore important to check the constraints of your site and your route.

What budget should you plan for and how can you finance your project?

The price of a new 20ft Open Side container is around €5,450 excluding VAT, a price that reflects its specific design and recent manufacture. Several additional cost items should be anticipated to establish a realistic budget. Delivery costs vary depending on the distance between the depot and the installation site, as well as access constraints (crane truck, container truck, special handling). Customisation options, such as specific paintwork, insulation, electrical installation or additional openings, represent an additional budget that can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros depending on the scope of work.

For businesses, purchasing a container can be amortised over several years and, depending on the applicable tax regime, may be subject to accounting depreciation. Rental can also be an attractive alternative for temporary needs or short-term projects, as it avoids tying up cash. In all cases, it is advisable to request a detailed quote including delivery, installation and any options, in order to compare offers on a consistent basis and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Which options should you choose for your project?

The choice of options depends directly on the final use. For simple material storage, the basic configuration is usually sufficient: the side doors provide the necessary access and the Corten steel structure protects goods from the weather. For workshop or technical room use, adding insulation, lighting and power sockets considerably improves working comfort. For a sales or exhibition space, priority should be given to careful paintwork, glazed openings and suitable signage.

If the container is to be installed in a windy area, an anchoring kit is essential. In coastal areas, increased attention to maintaining surfaces and seals extends the container's service life. Finally, if you plan to stack several units, check that the twist-locks and corner castings are compatible and that the ground load is sufficient to support the whole assembly. Discussing this with a specialist allows you to validate these choices before ordering.

Conclusion

The new 20ft Open Side container is versatile, robust and durable equipment that meets many needs. Its full side opening makes handling and access easier, while its Corten steel construction and marine plywood floor guarantee a long service life. Compliant with ISO standards, it is ready to use and can be used for transport, storage or fit-out. Before buying, check the key points and make sure this type of container suits your use. If you have any questions, the Transport Hosni Conteneur team is at your disposal.