Shipping container door options

Every container comes with standard cargo doors on one end. Other layouts exist, mostly on new containers, and are worth it when you need to reach things from more than one end.

Standard cargo doors, one end

Open cargo doors at the end of a container showing the empty interior

The normal setup: two swing doors on one end with lock bars. Included with every size and grade.

Double doors (both ends)

A long container with cargo doors open at both ends so daylight shows straight through

Cargo doors at both ends so you can reach everything without unloading from the back. Mostly built new, so it usually means one-trip pricing.

Open side

A container with its whole long side opened up by folding steel doors

One long side opens fully with folding doors, plus the normal end doors. Great for equipment and pallets. Built new, limited supply, priced well above a standard box.

Modified or specialty (ask us)

Roll-up doors, a personnel door, windows, vents, shelving, a lock box, paint or insulation. Tell us what you need and we will check what is possible near you.

Which should you pick?

Standard doors suit most storage. Keep frequently used things near the doors and long-term stuff at the back.
Double doors suit long containers where walking 40 ft to reach the back gets old, or where you want airflow straight through.
Open side suits equipment, pallets and anything you load with a forklift or need to see at a glance.
Modifications suit workshops, offices and anything people spend time inside.

Double doors and open sides are limited in supply. Pick them in the quote form and we'll confirm what's available near you and what it adds to the price.

Questions people ask

Can I add a roll-up door or a regular door later?

Usually, yes. A fabricator can cut in roll-up doors, personnel doors and windows after delivery, but it is often simpler and cheaper to have it done before. Mention it in your quote and we will check local options.

Are double-door containers less secure?

Each set of doors has its own lock bars, so security is similar. You simply have two sets of doors to lock.

What is a lock box?

A steel shroud welded over the door handles that covers the padlock, making it much harder to cut with bolt cutters. It is a common add-on for jobsites and remote storage.