Open Top Containers
Open top containers swap the solid steel roof for removable roof bows and a heavy tarpaulin. Take the cover off and a crane or overhead hoist can drop cargo straight in from above. That makes them the practical choice for tall machinery, scrap, stone, timber and anything too awkward to push through the end doors.
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Open top containers in stock
- One trip 20ft open top container
- Used 20ft open top container
- One trip 40ft open top container
- Used 40ft open top container
How loading works
Roll back or remove the tarp, lift out the roof bows, and the box is open to the sky. Many units also have a swing-out door header above the end doors, so tall items can be pushed in through the end as well. Once loaded, the bows and tarp go back on and are tied down with the cable that threads through the roof rail. Carriers such as Hapag-Lloyd publish the details of their own open top equipment if you want to compare designs.
Typical uses for open top containers
- Machinery, engines and plant that must be lifted in by crane.
- Bulk materials such as stone, sand, logs and scrap metal.
- Long or tall loads like pipes, steel beams and glass racks.
- Waste and recycling collection on building sites.
Things to keep in mind
A tarp roof is not as secure as steel, so open tops are less suited to long-term storage of valuables. Inspect the tarpaulin and roof bows on used units, as these are the parts that wear first. For general storage, a standard box from our standard shipping containers range is the safer pick.
More open top options
Our separate open top shipping containers category includes a new 40 foot build as well, and our open side containers give wide access from the side instead. For background on every design, see types of shipping containers. To arrange delivery of open top containers, read our delivery guide and contact the team.
