At ST Containers, we often get questions about container pricing, and it’s a great question—why are some containers significantly more expensive than others? In the first blog of our “Why is it more expensive?” series, we tackled why 10-foot containers are pricier than standard 20-foot ones. This time, we’re focusing on side opening shipping containers, which are roughly three times the price of a standard 20-foot container.
If you’re in the market for a side-opening container or just curious about what makes them cost more, here’s everything you need to know.
Why do they even exist?
Side-opening containers are designed for unique requirements that standard end-opening units simply can’t meet.
Ease of Access: Some items, such as industrial machinery, vehicles, or oversized cargo, can only be loaded and unloaded from the side. The side-opening doors allow forklifts or other equipment to easily access the container’s interior, saving businesses time and effort.
Event and Exhibition Use: Side-opening containers are also popular with event companies and exhibition firms. Their doors can be fully opened, providing a wide, clear entry point for visitors and transforming the container into an instant display unit, pop-up shop, or bar.
Because they are not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, demand for side-opening containers comes from specific industries with unique needs—further limiting their availability and driving up costs.
More about the limited supply
Unlike standard containers, side-opening units are not as widely available, particularly in the used container market.
Specific Use Cases: Side-opening containers are usually bought for a very specific purpose, such as loading large machinery or creating accessible exhibition spaces. Because these containers are purpose-driven, the likelihood of them being returned to the general market in used condition is very low.
Lower Recirculation: Standard 20-foot containers regularly cycle back into the used container market after completing their life in shipping – or completing their first journey if someone like us has purchased a new batch – this keeps supply plentiful. In contrast, side-opening containers are far less likely to recirculate, which drives up their price due to scarcity.
Simply put, if you want a side-opening container, they are rarer from the start and when you couple this with the fact that you’ll likely need to purchase a brand-new / one-trip unit, the cost naturally comes in at a premium.
Add in increased manufacturing costs
Compared to standard containers, side-opening containers require significantly more labour and increase volume of materials during their manufacturing process.
Complex Hinges and Door Systems: Side-opening units feature additional doors, hinges, and locking mechanisms compared to standard end-opening containers. The precision and effort needed to construct these components mean higher manufacturing costs.
More Materials: The reinforced side walls and extra steel involved in creating sturdy side doors further add to the build cost.
This additional complexity doesn’t just mean more work at the factory—it also translates to a higher price tag when these containers arrive on the market.
Can they be hired?
If you’re considering hiring a side-opening container instead of buying one, you might face a challenge. The reality is that most of the UK container hire market does not carry stock of side-opening units due to their limited demand and high acquisition costs.
If you’re lucky, you might find one available for short-term hire, but availability is pretty rare.
In most cases, if you specifically require a side-opening unit, purchasing one outright through companies like ST Containers is often the only option.
This lack of hire availability also pushes businesses and individuals to buy instead, further increasing demand for an already limited supply.
The Bottom Line: Why Side-Openers Cost More
To summarise, side-opening containers are more expensive than standard containers because:
Need a Side-Opening Container? We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re looking to buy or hire a side-opening container, ST Containers can help. Whether you need a bespoke storage solution, a container for machinery, or a versatile unit for exhibitions and events, we can source and deliver exactly what you need.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements, and let us help you find the perfect container solution—at a competitive price!
This blog post is the second in our “Why is it more expensive?” series. Stay tuned for more insights into the container industry!
