Standard shipping containers are versatile solutions widely used in logistics and storage. However, specialty shipping containers offer enhanced features, accommodating unique requirements that standard containers cannot fulfill. This article delves into five popular specialty container types—each designed for specific applications with distinct advantages. We’ll closely examine their features, strengths, and potential limitations, along with clearly outlined specifications to help you decide which container suits your needs best.
1. 20′ Double Door Specialty Shipping Container
The 20-foot double door container, frequently called a tunnel container, is designed for maximum accessibility and ease of use. Unlike traditional containers with only one end-opening door, the double door container features full-size swing doors on both ends. This design significantly improves operational efficiency, particularly when loading or unloading needs to happen rapidly or simultaneously from both ends. The dual access configuration makes it especially useful for streamlined inventory rotation, allowing goods to be organized and retrieved from either side without repositioning pallets or products. Additionally, these containers are highly valued for their flexibility in tight spaces, such as congested construction sites or busy loading docks, where repositioning containers can be impractical. Built to ISO standards from heavy-duty corten steel, this container is durable, secure, and ideal for demanding environments.
Specifications:
- Exterior Dimensions: 20’L x 8’W x 8’6″H
- Interior Dimensions: 19’4″L x 7’8″W x 7’10″H
- Door Opening: 7’8″W x 7’6″H (each end)
- Number of Doors: 2 sets (front and rear)
- Typical Use Cases: Construction site storage, retail storage, event logistics
- Pros: Easy dual-end access, efficient inventory management, flexible positioning
- Cons: Slightly reduced internal wall space due to doors at both ends, limited height compared to high cubes
2. 20′ Side Door Container
The 20-foot side door container, sometimes referred to as an open-side container, significantly improves accessibility beyond what standard containers offer. It comes equipped with a set of large side-opening doors along its entire length, in addition to traditional rear-end doors. This expanded accessibility is particularly beneficial when loading large, awkwardly shaped equipment or goods that cannot easily pass through a typical rear container door opening. The ability to access inventory along the entire side makes it extremely efficient for quickly identifying and retrieving stored items. It’s highly practical for retail displays, temporary storage solutions at event sites, or when used as workshops or mobile booths. Its robust build and secure locking mechanisms ensure the safety of stored items, whether stationed on a job site or placed in a public-facing environment.
Specifications:
- Exterior Dimensions: 20’L x 8’W x 8’6″H
- Interior Dimensions: 19’4″L x 7’7″W x 7’9″H
- Door Opening: Side Door – Approx. 18’W x 7’4″H | Rear Door – 7’8″W x 7’6″H
- Number of Doors: Multiple (1 full side-opening plus rear doors)
- Typical Use Cases: Events, pop-up retail, oversized equipment storage
- Pros: Superior accessibility, ideal for bulky items, easy visual inventory management
- Cons: Slightly heavier and more expensive than standard containers, requires additional space alongside for side-door operation
3. 20′ High Cube Double Door Container
The 20-foot high cube double door container combines two specialized container advantages—double-ended access and increased vertical clearance. This model provides approximately one foot of additional internal height compared to a standard container, significantly enhancing its capacity for taller or bulkier cargo. Coupled with the convenience of doors on both ends, this specialty shipping container enables seamless loading and unloading processes, especially beneficial for operations that require rapid inventory turnover or simultaneous access from multiple points. Often utilized as workshops, portable equipment stations, or warehouses, this container’s taller ceiling comfortably accommodates specialized shelving systems, stacked pallets, or tall equipment without sacrificing maneuverability. Durable construction and secure locking doors make it a robust choice in harsh conditions and busy logistical environments.
Specifications:
- Exterior Dimensions: 20’L x 8’W x 9’6″H
- Interior Dimensions: 19’4″L x 7’8″W x 8’10″H
- Door Opening: 7’8″W x 8’5″H (each end)
- Number of Doors: 2 sets (front and rear)
- Typical Use Cases: Industrial storage, workshops, portable laboratories
- Pros: Added vertical storage, dual-door flexibility, ideal for tall equipment
- Cons: Higher unit price than standard-height models, somewhat heavier construction
4. 40′ High Cube Double Door Specialty Shipping Container
Offering unmatched internal volume and flexibility, the 40-foot high cube double door container is one of the largest and most versatile specialty container options. With the added benefit of doors at each end and increased internal height, it meets the challenges posed by operations requiring high-volume storage, easy throughput, and efficient logistical workflows. Businesses commonly use this container for storing agricultural machinery, large industrial parts, or extensive product inventory. It’s particularly suitable for users who require organized access points at either end for faster inventory flow. This specialty shipping container spacious interior allows comfortable double stacking of standard pallets or storage racks, thereby maximizing the utility of available vertical space. Moreover, its robust construction ensures durability and security even in demanding, high-volume scenarios.
Specifications:
- Exterior Dimensions: 40’L x 8’W x 9’6″H
- Interior Dimensions: 39’5″L x 7’8″W x 8’10″H
- Door Opening: 7’8″W x 8’5″H (each end)
- Number of Doors: 2 sets (front and rear)
- Typical Use Cases: Large-scale warehousing, agricultural equipment, industrial inventory
- Pros: Maximum storage space, dual-end accessibility, highly adaptable to multiple cargo configurations
- Cons: Larger footprint requires sufficient operational space, higher upfront investment
5. 40′ High Cube Side Door Container
The 40-foot high cube side door container epitomizes versatility by combining the benefits of generous vertical space and the convenience of full side-door access. This unit opens nearly its entire length via large, full-height doors on the side, providing unmatched access and loading flexibility. Ideal for the storage and transportation of long, oversized, or otherwise challenging cargo, it simplifies the process of arranging, retrieving, and managing inventory without needing to unload unnecessary items. This specialty shipping container a popular choice for on-site storage at large construction or infrastructure projects, commercial retail operations requiring efficient stock replenishment, or modular installations like exhibition booths or temporary workspace configurations. Built with durability and security in mind, its robust steel construction and reinforced locking mechanisms ensure the container remains resilient and secure in demanding commercial and industrial environments.
Specifications:
- Exterior Dimensions: 40’L x 8’W x 9’6″H
- Interior Dimensions: 39’5″L x 7’7″W x 8’10″H
- Door Opening: Side Door – Approx. 38’W x 8’5″H | Rear Door – 7’8″W x 8’5″H
- Number of Doors: Multiple (side full-length plus rear doors)
- Typical Use Cases: Large-item logistics, events, warehouse storage, onsite industrial storage
- Pros: Extensive side-access convenience, extra vertical clearance, excellent visibility and access to stored items
- Cons: Heavier construction and higher initial cost, side door access requires additional side clearance for operations
Conclusion
Specialty containers cater specifically to logistics scenarios where traditional containers fall short. Understanding the unique attributes of each container type enables businesses and individuals to optimize their choice for efficiency, storage capacity, and logistical convenience. For expert assistance and a wide range of specialty container options, contact Seablox today to find the perfect solution tailored to your needs.