Curtain Side Sipping Containers
Curtain side containers provide full side access without the weight, cost, or swing clearance of steel doors. Retractable PVC curtains replace one or both side walls, sliding open quickly to give forklifts and pallet trucks full-length loading access.
Advantages of Curtain Side Containers
Curtain side containers combine the security of a steel shipping container with the quick access of a curtain-sided trailer. They are built for operations where speed of loading matters and full side access is needed without the cost or weight of steel side doors.
Fast Full-Length Side Access
The retractable curtains slide open in seconds, giving you full access along the entire length of the container. Forklifts and pallet trucks can load and unload from any point along the side without repositioning.
Lightweight and Easy to Operate
Fabric curtains are significantly lighter than steel bi-folding doors, making them quicker to open and close and reducing the physical effort needed for daily use. This makes curtain side containers a practical choice for sites with frequent loading cycles.
Weatherproof When Closed
When the curtains are secured, the container is weatherproof and suitable for outdoor storage and road transport. The heavy-duty PVC-coated polyester fabric is UV resistant, hardwearing, and built to perform in all weather conditions.
Built to Order by Our In-House Team
Every curtain side container is fabricated in-house by our own team, so we can build to your exact requirements. We fit curtains to one side, both sides, or the front end, depending on how you need to access the container.
These containers use roll-up or sliding side curtains that can be opened or closed quickly as needed, providing secure and weatherproof storage when shut. When opened, the full length of the container is accessible, making loading and unloading faster and allowing easy access for forklifts, pallet trucks, and site staff.
Watch our video below to see just how easy it is to open and close the side curtain on your shipping container.
Why buy a curtain side container from Universal Containers
With over four decades of experience in the container industry, we understand what flexible, dual-access storage requires. We supply high-quality tunnel containers backed by expert advice and exceptional service.
Built to last
Competitive pricing
Fast turnaround
Nationwide delivery
Get the right curtain side shipping container for your needs
With over 40 years of experience supplying new and used containers, we understand what different storage and access requirements demand. Our team can help you choose the right size, configuration, and features to get the most out of your curtain side container.
Get in touch for expert advice, product recommendations, or a custom quote based on your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a curtain side container?
A curtain side container is a shipping container where one or both of the long side walls have been replaced with retractable heavy-duty fabric curtains. The curtains slide open to give full-length side access for loading and unloading, and slide closed to provide a weatherproof, secure enclosure.
What curtain side container sizes are available?
Curtain side containers can be built to suit a wide range of size requirements. As each unit is fabricated in-house, we can supply both standard and non-standard sizes depending on your specific needs.
Can curtains be fitted to both sides of a shipping container?
Yes. We can fit curtains to one side, both sides, or to the front end of the container, depending on how you need to access it. The standard steel end doors can be retained or replaced as part of the build.
Are curtain side containers weatherproof?
Yes. When the curtains are secured, the container is weatherproof and suitable for outdoor storage and road transport. The PVC-coated polyester fabric is UV resistant, hardwearing, and designed for sustained outdoor use in all UK weather conditions.
What’s the difference between curtain side and side opening containers?
Curtain side containers are lighter and less expensive than full steel side door opening containers, and the curtains take up no additional space when open. However, side door opening containers offer higher security when closed. The right choice depends on whether speed of access or maximum security is the priority for you.
What are curtain side containers used for?
Curtain side containers are usually used for distribution and logistics where frequent side loading is needed, retail and events where goods need to be accessible quickly, agricultural storage where ventilation during certain periods is beneficial, and any application where the weight and cost of steel side doors is not justified.
Check out our other specialised containers
Our containers in action
See some of the ways our amazing customers are using their containers.
Case StudiesBlackpool Zoo has rehomed a group of rescued Sulcata tortoises, several of them seized by UK customs from smugglers, in a converted 16ft shipping container on its Kidepo Trail.
Case StudiesUniversal Containers was commissioned to design and build a bespoke container gym for Salford City FC, providing players with a dedicated on-site training space.
Case StudiesDespite restricted site access, we delivered a fully insulated, light-filled container office with carefully planned glazing, heating and electrics. The finished space provides a practical, year-round working environment suited for everyday use.
Case StudiesWe built a fully functional compact coffee shop from a shipping container with doors for customer access, a roller shutter for security, a serving hatch, and a small kitchen area complete with water heater and sink.
Case StudiesIn the pursuit of enhancing their museum and workshop facility, the Locomotive Society sought a creative solution to provide a welcoming space for their members, while adhering to the historical aesthetic of their railway centric environment.
Case StudiesUniversal Containers embarked on an exciting project to enhance a garden centre’s retail experience by supplying and customising two shipping container cabins. The goal was to seamlessly link these cabins on-site and transform them into a vibrant and functional gift shop.
Case StudiesA restaurant had been operating successfully for several years. However, due to increasing demand and limited space within the restaurant premises, the owners decided to expand their operations by introducing an outdoor catering unit.
Case StudiesThe local rugby club had been using a small, outdated ticket booth that no longer met their needs. The club’s management sought a more efficient and visually appealing solution that could accommodate their growing fan base.
Case StudiesThe client, an Industrial Chemical Storage Company specialising in chemical production and storage, faced the challenge of storing hazardous chemicals on their premises while adhering to stringent health and safety regulations.
ShippingUniversal Containers take pride in continually pushing the boundaries in product development within the shipping container industry.
These 2 large 32x10ft cabins were built for a British transport company. They requested a large space to act as a welfare facility for drivers and staff in the peak district. Due to the customer’s specific requirements, one unit was not large enough so we suggested 2 units, however floor space was an issue on-siteContinue reading “32ft × 10ft Stacked Cabins”
OfficesThis particular office unit was completed for a North-West-based container hire company.
Custom Built Atex Coshh store for storing gas bottles. This unit was custom built with corrugated steel panels 20ft long x 10ft wide. It had a fully ventilated floor from galvanised steel mesh, as well as 4 aluminium louver vents in the walls. We also fitted galvanised box section racks with chains on to holdContinue reading “20×10 Gas Bottle Store”
Corrugated steel cabin 32ft x 10ft with adjustable jacklegs anti vandal steel personnel door and anti-vandal aluminium sliding windows in steel shutters. Painted externally in non-corrosive container paint in a vibrant red. Internally with walls where lined in a cost-effective melamine faced chipboard and fully insulated throughout in Rockwool. The floor had hard wearing vinylContinue reading “Corrugated 32×10 Office / Store room”
Standard shipping container transformed into a bespoke storage unit. With multiple purposes across many industries. For example, self-storage companies or engineering companies for members of staff to lock tools away when not in use. The unit was split evenly into 8 small rooms approximately 5ftx4ft each by steel partition walls for security. Each room withContinue reading “20ft Multi-Bay Unit”
10ft container conversion for an off-grid company custom built to house a very large generator. The customer wanted a unit with multiple apertures and louver vents to allow for ventilation, they wanted all openings to have cover hoods to help stop water coming in. The Universal CAD team had a meeting with the client toContinue reading “10ft Generator Housing Container”
Don’t just take our word for it
Find out why our customers love us and our products
