Double-Door, Open-Side & Other New-Build Container Options

Most people picture a standard container with doors at one end. When you buy new, you have more choices: extra height, doors on the side, doors at both ends, a removable roof, insulation or refrigeration. Each solves a specific problem, and buying new means it arrives clean and straight.

Here's a rundown of the new-build options and what each is best for. To compare what's available, see our shipping container for sale new range.

Standard (dry) container

The default: corrugated steel walls, a wooden floor and double doors at one end. New units arrive with clean paint, tight seals and a solid floor.

Best for: general storage, shipping and as a base for modifications. See the 20ft standard container.

High cube

A foot taller than standard: 9′ 6″ outside, about 8′ 10″ inside. New high cubes are the most common starting point for container homes and offices.

Best for: tall items, racking, conversions that need headroom after insulation. See the 40ft high cube.

Open side

Full-length doors along one side as well as the end doors. Open the side and the whole interior is accessible at once.

Best for: inventory you reach every day, forklift loading along the length, market stalls, bars and pop-up shops. See the 20ft open side container.

Tip: open side units are most often bought new, because the side doors need to be in good condition to seal well.

Double door (tunnel)

Doors at both ends, so you can load from one end and unload from the other, or reach items at either end without unpacking.

Best for: long storage where you need access at both ends, drive-through layouts and split storage for two users. Ask about availability, as double-door units are less common.

Open top

A removable tarp roof on roof bows, for loading by crane from above.

Best for: tall machinery and bulk materials. See the 20ft open top container.

Insulated

Insulated walls, roof and doors, with no refrigeration unit.

Best for: steady temperatures and less condensation, and as a base for offices you'll heat or cool. See the 20ft insulated container.

Refrigerated (reefer)

A built-in refrigeration unit holds a set temperature.

Best for: food, produce, flowers, medicine and events. New reefers come with the latest refrigeration units. See the 20ft reefer.

Small 8ft and 10ft containers

Compact containers built for storage, sold new, used or customized.

Best for: driveways, tight yards, urban sites and small tool rooms. See 8ft and 10ft containers.

Options you can add to any new container

• Personnel doors for everyday access without opening the cargo doors
• Roll-up doors for wide, easy openings
• Windows, with or without security bars
• Insulation and wall lining
• Electrical, lighting and outlets
• Vents and AC units
• Shelving and workbenches
• Custom paint in your colors

See custom and office conex for how modifications are quoted.

Combining options

Some of the most useful containers combine features:

• A high cube with a roll-up door for a workshop with easy access and headroom
• An insulated unit with a personnel door and window for a site office
• An open side unit with shelving for a retail stall or parts store
• A high cube with a partition wall for an office at one end and storage at the other

Combinations are quoted as a base unit plus modifications, so you can price each feature separately.

Lead times for new specialty units

Standard new containers are usually the quickest to deliver. Specialty types, such as open side, double door, insulated and refrigerated units, are built in smaller numbers, so they may come from farther away or take longer to arrive. Ask about timing when you request a quote.

Choosing the right new option

Why buy these options new

• Doors and seals work perfectly from day one, which matters most on open side and double-door units
• Straight walls make modifications easier
• Clean interiors for food, retail and offices
• The full working life of the container

FAQ

What is a double-door shipping container?

A container with cargo doors at both ends, sometimes called a tunnel container.

Are open side containers sold used?

Sometimes, but they're less common used, and their side doors need to be in good condition to seal. Many buyers choose new.

Can I add a side door to a standard container instead?

Yes. Personnel doors and roll-up doors can be added as modifications. For full-length access, an open side container is better.

Do new specialty containers cost more?

Yes. Open side, double door, open top, insulated and especially refrigerated containers cost more than a standard new container.