Open top container: when loading is done from the top
The open top is a 20 or 40-foot container where the rigid roof is replaced by a removable tarpaulin. The difference may seem minor — it radically changes usage cases: crane loading, over-height loads, parts that refuse to enter through rear doors. Complete guide.
Key Features
- External length
- 6,058 m
- External width
- 2,438 m
- External height
- 2,591 m
- Internal Height
- 2,348 m
Dimensions and capacity
| Characteristic | 20 feet open top | 40 feet open top |
|---|---|---|
| External length | 6,058 m | 12,192 m |
| External width | 2,438 m | 2,438 m |
| External height | 2,591 m | 2,591 m |
| Internal Height | 2,348 m | 2,348 m |
| Roof opening | 5,65 × 2,23 m | 11,77 × 2,23 m |
| Internal volume | ~32 m³ | ~65 m³ |
| Payload capacity | ~21 t | ~26 t (indicative; check the CSC plate) |
Three situations where the open top is essential
- Over-height loads — machinery, pipes, wind turbine blades, civil engineering parts that exceed 2.30 m: the tarpaulin folds back, cargo exits from above, transport height remains at 4.20 m.
- Mandatory crane loading — crushed stone in bulk, steel coils weighing 3 to 8 tonnes, raw timber logs, pallets too heavy for manual pallet jacks: the roof is opened, cargo is poured or placed.
- Bulk poured from above — minerals, aggregates, sorted construction waste, non-food grains. The tarpaulin closes to protect against wind and rain during transport.
- To avoid for — long-term storage of moisture-sensitive goods (paper, textiles, electronics). The tarpaulin ages, a rigid roof remains safer after 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is an open top container?+
A standard shipping container (20 or 40 feet) with the rigid roof replaced by a reinforced PVC cover, mounted on a removable frame. The rest of the structure (walls, floor, rear doors) remains identical to a standard container. The cover can be detached for overhead loading, typically using a crane.
Which uses are best suited for an open top container?+
Three main cases dominate. 1) Loads exceeding the height of the rear doors: machine tools, pipes, wind turbine blades. 2) Crane loading when side access is not possible: quarry stones, steel coils, raw timber logs. 3) Storage or transport of bulk materials poured from above: ore, non-food grains, construction waste.
What are the dimensions for a 20-foot and a 40-foot open top container?+
20 feet : 6,058 m × 2,438 m × 2,591 m exterior, 5,898 × 2,352 × 2,348 m interior (the usable height is the same as a standard container when the cover is in place). 40 feet : 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 m exterior. Roof opening: ~5,65 m × 2,23 m on a 20'; ~11,77 × 2,23 m on a 40'. Payload capacity: 21 to 26 tonnes depending on model. Masses vary by model and individual container: check maximum gross mass on the CSC plate and the marked tare. Maximum payload is maximum gross mass minus tare; also observe vehicle, route and handling-equipment limits. Figures on this page are indicative.
How much does an open top container cost in 2026?+
Grade A used : 20 feet £1,874 – £3,780, 40 feet £2,544 – £5,040. Grade B : 20 feet £1,473 – £2,940, 40 feet £2,142 – £4,095. Brand new/one-trip : 20 feet £2,544 – £5,250, 40 feet £3,481 – £7,140. New spare cover : £473 – £945 depending on format. Stock, options, minimum order quantity and delivery date depend on the supplier. Confirm availability of the exact model, any work needed and written terms before ordering.
Is the tarpaulin waterproof over time?+
At purchase yes, the reinforced PVC cover resists rain and UV rays. With intensive use (frequent opening/closing, sun exposure), expect a useful life of 5 to 8 years before replacement. For long-term static storage of moisture-sensitive goods, a standard container with a rigid roof is preferable.
Can an open top be rented instead of purchased?+
Compare the total cost over your intended use: purchase price and estimated resale value, rent, delivery and collection, maintenance, insurance and financing. There is no universal threshold in months: use quotes for your market and a cautious resale assumption. Indicative figures to confirm in the quote: £80 – £231, £120 – £336.
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