Double Door (tunnel) container
Also known as: DD · 20DD · 40DD · 20' DD · 40' DD · Tunnel container · Double door
A double door container, also called a tunnel container, has full doors at both ends. You can load and unload from either end.
Specifications
Typical figures — exact figures vary by shipping line and manufacturer.
| Specifications | 20' DD | 40' DD |
|---|---|---|
| Internal length | 5,898 mm | 12,032 mm |
| Internal width | 2,352 mm | 2,352 mm |
| Internal height | 2,393 mm | 2,393 mm |
| Door opening width | 2,340 mm | 2,340 mm |
| Door opening height | 2,280 mm | 2,280 mm |
| Tare weight | 2,450 kg | 4,000 kg |
| Max payload | 28,030 kg | 26,480 kg |
| Capacity | 33.2 m³ | 67.7 m³ |
| Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm) | 11 | 23 |
| Standard pallets (1200 × 1000 mm) | 10 | 21 |
Typical cargo
Long items such as steel bars and pipes, mixed loads that need access from both ends, and cargo that must be unloaded fast.
In plain words
Inside, it is almost the same as a dry container of the same size. The second set of doors makes loading and unloading faster, and lets you reach goods at both ends without moving everything. It is also useful for long items that are easier to slide in from one end and out at the other.
Double door containers are less common than standard ones and are often leased. They cost a little more, so they make sense when fast handling or access to both ends really saves time or money.
Example from real shipping
A distributor ships two different products in one 40' container to the same warehouse. With a double door container, the warehouse unloads product A from the front doors and product B from the back doors at two loading bays at the same time.
Related terms
- Open Side containerAn open side container has doors along one long side that open fully, as well as normal doors at one end. It can be loaded from the side by forklift.
- 20' DVA 20' DV is the standard 20-foot closed steel container for general dry cargo. It is the smallest common ocean container.
- 40' DVA 40' DV is the standard 40-foot closed steel container for general dry cargo. It has about twice the space of a 20' container, but not twice the weight limit.
- Container typesA side-by-side comparison of the common shipping container types: sizes, weights, capacity, pallet places, and typical cargo.
Have a shipment in mind?
Tell us about your cargo, and we will explain the documents and costs for your route.
Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.