Shipping containers with doors are an essential element of the overall structure. The doors decide the flexibility and efficiency of loading and unloading cargo. They also determine how quickly, safely, and efficiently, one can unload the cargo.
Most regular container’s door is placed at the end. However, a container door does not only exist on one container’s end. Several other types of container doors differ in design from one type to another to make it easier to load and unload goods as needed.
For instance, side-opening doors prove to be a very safe option for loading heavy equipment safely as they provide wider access to the unit.
Other than the side opening door, read this article to know 8 types of shipping containers with doors that are uncommon!
Double Door
Shipping containers with doors at both ends (double doors) can create a functional, spacious, and flexible living space. With two wide access points, you do not have to worry about cutting new doors. It can save you time and effort during the conversion process. These also make it easier to connect the container if you plan to link multiple containers for a larger space.
This dual access feature allows for quicker and more flexible loading and unloading of goods, especially when the container is placed in tight spaces. It will reduce the time needed for transportation operations. This is especially helpful in high-traffic areas like ports or warehouses where time efficiency is crucial.
Side Opening Door
Our shipping containers with doors that are extra can enhance efficiency during loading and unloading operations. They enable multiple teams or personnel to work simultaneously, resulting in a faster and more productive workflow.
The presence of extra doors can significantly reduce turnaround times by facilitating quick and easy access to stored cargo. Whether you’re transporting goods or organizing a temporary workspace, the convenience of extra doors ensures a seamless and rapid workflow. It allows for swift retrieval or placement of items.
Side Open Double Door Container
The side-open double door is the standout feature of a container as it provides exceptional accessibility to your goods. The main distinguishing feature of side open containers is that they have doors that open along the length of the container. That kind of door can provide wide, unobstructed access along the side of the container, unlike the standard container with doors at one end.
The side opening design makes it easier to load and unload goods using forklifts, pallet jacks, or other equipment, especially in narrow or tight spaces. It allows for quick access to goods without having to move everything to the end of the container. It’s ideal for situations where multiple products need to be accessed simultaneously or where the goods need to be offloaded without moving the entire contents.
Shipping containers with doors like this is suitable for businesses dealing with large-volume cargo. It is commonly used for storing long, bulky, or awkwardly shaped items that are difficult to fit through the end doors of a standard container. The side doors allow for more flexibility in how items are loaded and unloaded.
Open Top Container Door
Open-top type of door can carry cargo that needs overhead access during loading or unloading. It is by default, lacks a hard open top like in other shipping container types. This is the perfect solution for carrying bulky materials that standard shipping containers cannot. However, like other shipping containers, open-top containers also use high-grade Corten steel to protect any cargo they carry from external and internal damage.
The main characteristics of the open-top containers are their removable tops. Whereas the hard tops use the same Corten steel construction material to provide better protection, the soft tops rely on high-grade tarp-based coverings that can easily adjust to the cargo’s bulky volume during loading.
Side Personal Access Door
The side Personal Access (PA) Door is an added feature that is convenient to access the container’s contents without opening the main doors and helps prevent drastic temperature changes that may occur from the frequent opening of the large door. While standard doors are secured with four locking bars, PA doors are equipped with a single locking bar.
This design is particularly suitable for activities requiring regular reefer access. It is usually also equipped with rubber-sealed doors to prevent any air from escaping or entering the container. This ensures that the internal temperature is maintained and prevents any contamination from external elements.
Side Doors
The side doors of a container usually exist at the back and the side. It means that the container provides three entry points, ensuring easy access to items positioned closer to the front or back of the container. Both side and rear access improve workflow in supply chains.
The side doors offer several advantages over standard shipping containers with only rear doors. It makes it easier to load/unload goods, especially bulky or long items, as it can speed up the time. The doors also can reduce the need to unload everything to reach items at the back.
You can also convert a container with this kind of door into mobile shops, display units, on-site tool storage, offices, pop-up cafes, or medical units.
Roller Shutters Door
Roll-up shipping container doors are in great demand for the transportation and unloading of heavy cargo. This type of door is opened by lifting upwards. The advantage of this door is that loading and unloading activities become faster and easier with a forklift. The use of this door is suitable for modified containers intended for commercial activities.
These gates are lightweight and can be rolled up inside the box, providing easy and frequent access to the interior. You can install them on the side walls of the cargo unit. Roll-up gates are also known as overhead entry doors.
Personnel Door
Personnel doors are usually used on modified containers or portacamps for offices or shops. This type of door is made of steel and equipped with a locking system, rubber seals, and thermal insulation.
The personnel doors are made from heavy-duty steel and insulated cores add to the security and use of the container. Personnel doors allow for frequent and easy access to the interior of the box. The insulated core helps control the temperature based on the situation inside the box.
For example, in summer the temperature inside the box remains cool and in winter it remains warm. The personnel gate resembles the front gate of a house and is made of heavy-duty steel to prevent theft.
This type of entrance door can be installed in 40′ and 20′ shipping containers or 6.1 m and 12.2 m cargo containers.
Conclusion
The function of shipping container doors is essential to ensure safety, accessibility, and efficiency in shipping goods. Each type of door has its advantages and uses depending on the type of goods to be shipped and operational needs.
If you are looking for a shipping container to ship or transport your goods, buy now at Tradecorp! Standing at the top of the industry, Tradecorp is widely known for its high-quality containers open for so many creative applications. Fill out our quote form and we’ll guide you in finding the best container for your business goals!