Open Top Containers

Open top containers are dry freight units featuring a removable tarpaulin roof instead of a fixed steel top, enabling overhead loading of oversized and irregularly shaped cargo. These containers are suited for transporting heavy machinery, construction materials, and tall items that cannot pass through standard container doors .

Key Features

• Removable roof system with tarpaulin cover supported by steel bows, allowing top loading with cranes or forklifts 

• Cargo doors at one end for flexible loading and unloading from either direction 

• Swiveling door header that can be swung out to permit loading above the door line 

• Lashing rings installed in upper and lower side rails and corner posts for cargo securement 

• Corten steel construction for structural integrity and weather resistance 

• ISO and CSC certification for intermodal transport compliance 

Detailed Description

Open top containers are constructed with corrugated steel walls and a wooden floor, similar to standard dry containers. The defining feature is the roof system, which consists of removable steel bows that support a heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin . When the roof is removed, the container provides unobstructed overhead access for top loading operations .

The tarpaulin roof is typically secured with ropes or cables and provides weather protection during transit. The container also includes a swiveling door header that can be moved out of the way, allowing cargo to be loaded from above without obstruction from the door frame .

Open top containers are commonly used for cargo that cannot be loaded through standard end doors, including industrial machinery, construction materials, steel beams, timber, scrap metal, and large equipment components . The lashing rings installed in the upper and lower side rails and corner posts support cargo securement, with each ring rated for loads up to 1,000 kg .

Tarpaulin-covered open top containers offer greater height flexibility and lower cost compared to hard top alternatives, though the soft cover provides less security for sensitive cargo . For applications requiring maximum weather protection, hard top open top containers with removable steel roofs are available .

Technical Specifications

20ft Open Top Container 

• External Length: 20 ft (6.06 m)

• External Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)

• External Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)

• Internal Length: 19 ft 4 in (5.90 m) approx.

• Internal Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.35 m) approx.

• Internal Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.38 m) approx.

• Door Opening Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m)

• Door Opening Height: 7 ft 6 in (2.28 m)

• Cubic Capacity: 32.5 m³ (1,147 ft³)

• Approx. Tare Weight: 2,350 kg (5,181 lbs)

• Max Gross Weight: 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs)

40ft Open Top Container 

• External Length: 40 ft (12.19 m)

• External Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)

• External Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)

• Internal Length: 39 ft 6 in (12.03 m) approx.

• Internal Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.35 m) approx.

• Internal Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.38 m) approx.

• Door Opening Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m)

• Door Opening Height: 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)

• Cubic Capacity: 66.4 m³ (2,345 ft³)

• Approx. Tare Weight: 3,850 kg (8,489 lbs)

• Max Gross Weight: 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs)

Intended Use

This container type is suited for the following applications:

• Construction industry: Transport of steel beams, pipes, and machinery 

• Mining and heavy equipment: Movement of large machinery and raw materials 

• Industrial cargo: Heavy equipment, oversized components, and tall items 

• Bulk materials: Scrap metal, timber, and project cargo 

• Renewable energy: Components including wind turbine blades and solar panels 

Open top containers are not typically suited for high-value or sensitive cargo requiring maximum security due to the tarpaulin cover . For such applications, hard top containers with removable steel roofs are available .

Package Includes

• Open top shipping container

• Removable steel roof bows

• Heavy-duty weatherproof tarpaulin cover

• Marine-grade plywood or wooden floor

• Double cargo doors with steel locking bars

• Lashing rings (upper and lower side rails and corner posts)

• ISO corner castings (8 total)

• Forklift pockets (4 positions)

• CSC certification plate