New Shipping Container Open-Side Roll Tarp Door System
Traditional shipping container cargo doors are secure, but they are not always practical when you need frequent access to the entire side of a container.
In this project, Channing walks through a new open-side roll tarp door system developed with Michels Industries. The system is designed for shipping containers used in industrial and hazardous material storage applications, giving operators fast access while still maintaining a durable, transportable enclosure.
A Roll Tarp Door Built for Shipping Containers
The Roll Tarp Door Kit includes the structural components needed to create a large open-side access system.
For this hazardous material storage build, the team made a few custom changes. Galvanized threshold plates were added along the bottom and sloped back toward the interior so that any spills near the opening would drain back into the containment system.
Aluminum hood components were also used because they do not require painting, which makes installation easier after the container has already been finished.
A center structural post was retained in the opening, along with a center hood, to help support the tarp and reduce movement during high winds and transportation.
Ventilation for Hazardous Material Storage
Container Modification World BigAir® 45 Vents were installed to provide passive airflow.
Low vents were placed near the ends of the container, with additional ventilation installed higher on the opposite wall.
This helps create cross-flow ventilation and reduces the chance of vapours collecting in one area.
Bug screens can also be added to the BigAir® 45 Vents to help keep insects out while still allowing air to move through the container.
Supporting the Container Floor
Removing an entire shipping container sidewall significantly reduces the strength of the floor.
For this project, an oilfield skid was installed underneath the container to support the floor structure and distribute the load.
The skid uses structural I-beams to help prevent sagging across the large opening.
For installations without a skid, the container needs to sit on properly placed cribbing, dunnage or a well-prepared foundation to prevent uneven settlement.
More Room for Pallets and Totes
One of the biggest advantages of this Roll Tarp Door Kit is that it extends approximately 4.5 to 5 inches beyond the original sidewall.
That extra width makes it possible to place two 4-foot pallets deep inside the container.
A standard shipping container interior is slightly too narrow for this layout, so the added width can effectively double the number of certain pallets or totes that can be stored across the container.
Electric and Manual Operation
The roll tarp system can be operated with a 12-volt DC motor.
A small battery can power the system, with a 120-volt charger used to keep the battery charged where shore power is available.
The swing arm rolls the tarp under the lower threshold and back upward, pulling the material tight against the container.
A Tarp Saver Strap also helps keep the tarp secure during highway transportation.
Preparing the System for Transport
One lesson learned during earlier deliveries was that the folded steel along the lower threshold could contact and damage the tarp during transportation.
Rubber edge trim was added to protect the vinyl where it touches the steel.
Proper installation is also critical. The tarp should be installed from the center outward and kept consistently tight to prevent wind from getting underneath it and causing damage at highway speeds.
A Better Open-Side Shipping Container
The Roll Tarp Door Kit provides a practical solution for applications that require frequent access to a large portion of the container.
Combined with BigAir® 45 Vents, spill containment, an oilfield skid and electric operation, the system works especially well for hazardous material storage, industrial equipment and large-volume pallet storage.
For anyone who needs the security and portability of a shipping container but wants much better side access, an open-side roll tarp system can provide a flexible alternative to traditional cargo doors.