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Advantages of Tunnel Containers

Tunnel containers, also known as double door containers, feature full-height cargo doors at both ends. This dual-entry design gives faster access to stored goods and opens up flexible uses that standard single-door containers cannot match.

Dual End Access

With full-height double doors at each end, you can load from either side and reach any item without having to move through the entire length of the container. This dramatically reduces the time it takes to find and retrieve stored goods.

Ideal for Quick Loading

When both sets of doors are opened on each end, you create a clear drive-through path. Forklifts and pallet trucks can enter from one end and exit the other, speeding up loading and unloading on busy sites.

High Security

Each set of doors comes with heavy-duty locking gear and a factory-fitted lock box. Both ends of the container are fully secure, giving you the same level of protection you would expect from any shipping container.

Multiple Size Options

Available in standard 20ft and 40ft sizes, our tunnel container range also includes 30ft cut-down units and high cube versions with an extra foot of headroom, so you can always find the right fit for your needs.

Tunnel Shipping Container Dimensions

Specification20ft Standard / High Cube40ft Standard / High Cube
External Length6.058m (20ft) / 6.058m (20ft)12.192m (40ft) / 12.192m (40ft)
External Width2.438m (8ft) / 2.438m (8ft)2.438m (8ft) / 2.438m (8ft)
External Height2.591m (8ft 6in) / 2.896m (9ft 6in)2.591m (8ft 6in) / 2.896m (9ft 6in)
Internal Length5.898m (19ft 4in) / 5.898m (19ft 4in)12.032m (39ft 5in) / 12.032m (39ft 5in)
Internal Width2.330m (7ft 8in) / 2.330m (7ft 8in)2.330m (7ft 8in) / 2.330m (7ft 8in)
Internal Height2.393m (7ft 10in) / 2.698m (8ft 10in)2.393m (7ft 10in) / 2.655m (8ft 8.5in)
Door Opening Width2.337m (7ft 8in) / 2.337m (7ft 8in)2.337m (7ft 8in) / 2.337m (7ft 8in)
Door Opening Height2.261m (7ft 5in) / 2.566m (8ft 5in)2.261m (7ft 5in) / 2.566m (8ft 5in)
Floor Space13.94m² (150 ft²) / 13.94m² (150 ft²)28.34m² (305 ft²) / 28.34m² (305 ft²)
Internal Capacity32.55 m³ (1,149 cu ft) / 36.95 m³ (1,305 cu ft)67.56 m³ (2,386 cu ft) / 76.17 m³ (2,690 cu ft)
Tare Weight2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) / 2,590 kg (5,710 lbs)4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) / 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)
Max Payload21,600 kg (47,620 lbs) / 21,410 kg (47,201 lbs)25,280 kg (55,732 lbs) / 25,030 kg (55,181 lbs)
Max Gross Weight24,000 kg (52,911 lbs) / 24,000 kg (52,911 lbs)30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) / 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs)
All measurements should be used as a guide. Small variations can and do apply.

Why buy a tunnel 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.

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Built to last

Made from durable corten steel, all our tunnel containers are built to handle the rigours of daily use and provide long-term, reliable performance.
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Competitive pricing

We offer clear, competitive pricing on both new and used tunnel containers. Whether you need a single unit or a fleet for a large-scale project, we provide excellent value without compromising on quality.

Fast turnaround

We hold an extensive stock of tunnel containers at our depot, so you get your container to your site quickly and hassle-free.
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Nationwide delivery

We deliver shipping containers across the UK. Our experienced transport team handles the logistics, making it easy to get your container in place wherever your site is located.

Get the right tunnel 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 tunnel container.

Get in touch for expert advice, product recommendations, or a custom quote based on your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tunnel container?

A tunnel container is a shipping container with full-height cargo doors at both ends instead of just one. This dual-entry design is why they are also called double door containers. The doors at each end open and lock independently, giving you flexible access from either side of the unit.

What sizes do tunnel containers come in?

We stock tunnel containers in 20ft and 40ft lengths as standard, with high cube versions available for additional headroom. Our in-house team can also cut down containers to create bespoke sizes such as 30ft units.

What are tunnel containers used for?

Tunnel containers serve a wide range of purposes. Common uses include storage where you want to organise goods by section and access each end independently, drive-through loading on busy sites where forklifts need to enter one end and exit the other, event infrastructure such as covered walkways or secure entry tunnels at concerts, festivals, and sporting events, and partitioned spaces where an internal wall divides the container into two separate rooms accessed from opposite ends.

Can a tunnel container be split into two rooms?

Yes. We can fit an internal partition wall to divide the container into two separate, independently accessible spaces. This is a popular option for sites that need a workshop on one side and storage on the other, or separate storage areas for different teams or product types.

Are tunnel containers available in high cube variations?

Yes, we stock high cube tunnel containers in both 20ft and 40ft lengths. The high cube version adds an extra foot of internal height (9ft 6in external), which is useful for storing taller items or for conversions where insulation and ceiling installations reduce headroom.

Are tunnel containers secure?

All our tunnel containers are built from heavy-duty corten steel with secure doors and factory-fitted lock boxes at both ends. Each set of doors locks independently, giving you full control over access from either side of the container.

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