Tunnel Containers for Sale
A tunnel container has full cargo doors at both ends instead of just one, so you can load from either side or walk straight through. That makes them ideal as drive-through storage and mobile workshops. We stock a 40ft fully-shelved tunnel unit set up as a workshop at $8,500.
What is a tunnel container?
A tunnel container — sometimes called a double-door-both-ends unit — replaces the solid rear wall of a standard box with a second set of cam-locking cargo doors. The result is a clear path straight through the container. You can load a forklift in one end and out the other, organize storage so nothing gets buried at the back, or run a workshop where tools and benches line the walls and both ends stay open for access.
Why a tunnel layout helps
- Drive-through loading: forklift in one end, out the other — no reversing or shunting
- No buried inventory: reach stock from whichever end is closer
- Mobile workshop: shelve both long walls and keep both ends as wide entries
- Cross-site flow: position the unit as a pass-through between two work areas
- Better ventilation: open both ends to air the unit out fast
The unit we stock
Our current tunnel container is a 40ft unit fully fitted with shelving as a mobile workshop, priced at $8,500. Both ends carry the standard ~7'8" wide by 7'5" high door openings with cam-locking gear, so it secures like any cargo box despite the extra access. The double-door-both-ends layout does mean a little less solid wall for mounting, but the trade for true walk-through and drive-through access is worth it for the right job.
Siting and access for a tunnel container
Because the value is in the through-access, where you put a tunnel container matters more than with a standard box. You want clear room at both ends so a forklift or pallet jack can actually drive through, and ideally a level run between them. Set it as a bridge between a yard and a workshop, or end-to-end with another unit to make a longer covered run. The structure is identical to any 40ft container otherwise — same corten steel shell, same corner castings for stacking and lifting, same marine-grade ply floor — so it sits on the same blocking and ships the same way. The only thing you give up versus a single-door box is a bit of solid back wall, which is a fair trade when the whole point is to keep both ends open.
If you only need doors at one end, our double door containers page covers those, and for other purpose-built layouts see the specialized containers. For exact door-opening dimensions, check the container dimensions reference. Questions on lead time or fit-out? Request a quote — flat $500 delivery, anywhere in the lower 48.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tunnel container?
It's a container with full cargo doors at both ends instead of one, giving a clear walk-through and drive-through path. It's also called a double-door-both-ends unit.
How is it different from a double door container?
A double door container has two door sets but usually at one end or as side doors. A tunnel container has doors at both ends of the box. See our double door units for the alternative.
What is a tunnel container best used for?
Drive-through storage, mobile workshops and pass-through stations between work areas. The both-ends access means a forklift can enter one end and exit the other without shunting.
Is it still secure with two sets of doors?
Yes. Both ends use the same cam-locking cargo doors and gaskets as a standard box, so the unit locks down wind and water tight at both ends.
How much does a tunnel container cost?
Our in-stock 40ft fully-shelved workshop tunnel unit is $8,500. It ships from stock on a tilt-bed truck with flat $500 nationwide delivery.