Among the many types of shipping containers available, the open top containers have emerged as a popular choice for cargo that requires extra protection from the elements. They offer superior security and protection for tall, bulky, and irregularly-shaped cargo.
Open top containers are typically used for shipping cargo that is too large or tall to fit inside a standard container, such as heavy machinery, vehicles, and construction materials. They are often used in industries such as construction, mining, and agriculture, as well as for shipping oversized cargo such as machinery, vehicles, and building materials.
Read this article until the end to acknowledge a practical list of items commonly shipped in open top containers!
Contents
Open Top Container Specification
Open-top containers are available in various sizes, from 20’,40’, to 40’ high cube. They are made of Corten steel and are designed to be durable, stackable, and secure.
A 20’ open top unit can be used to store and transport bulk grain, machinery, and construction supplies. The dimensions are L 20 ‘x W 8’ x H 8.6’ with 5,180 lbs Tare weight, 62,016 Max payload, and 67,990 lbs Max cargo.
On the other hand, a 40’ open top container is twice as long as a 20’ open-top container, offering larger cubic supplies, pipes of varying sizes, cable spools, and bulky machinery parts. The 40’ open top container dimensions are L 40’ x W 8’ x H 8 ‘ 6’ with volume 2.33 cu.ft, Tare weight 8,400 lbs, Max payload 63,250 lbs, and Max cargo 71,650 lbs.
There are 2 types of removable tops for this container: the hard top and the soft top. A hard-top container has a solid roof made of steel or aluminum that is more durable and provides better protection for the cargo inside. They are often used for outdoor storage of tools, equipment, and other valuable items, as they protect from theft, tampering, and the elements.
A soft top container, on the other hand, has a flexible roof made of tarpaulin or canvas, which is supported by a steel frame. These containers are ideal for transporting large, bulky, or oversized items that cannot fit into a standard hard-top container. Soft-top containers are also easier to load and unload, as they can be opened from the sides or top. They are also lighter in weight, making them more economical to transport.
The List of Goods that Open Top Containers Can Carry
1. Heavy Machinery & Industrial Equipment
Using an open top container to transport Heavy Machinery & Industrial Equipment is a common and practical solution when the cargo is too tall, too bulky, or too heavy to load through standard container doors. This includes excavators, bulldozers, loaders, generators, turbines, and oil & gas equipment.
They can also accommodate equipment that has irregular shapes or non-removable attachments.
2. Oversized Construction Materials
Steel beams, pipes, girders, large prefabricated components, and long-length lumber are ideally transported with open top containers. This type of container is ideal when machinery requires top loading using a crane or when the cargo’s dimensions exceed the door opening.
3. Mining & Quarrying Equipment
Mining and quarrying machinery is often bulky, tall, irregularly shaped, and extremely heavy. This makes a standard container difficult to load.
Meanwhile, an open top container allows vertical loading and offers extra height clearance after the roof is removed. This is essential for very heavy equipment requiring crane loading and machinery that cannot be maneuvered through side doors.
Moreover, mining equipment often exceeds the height of a standard 8.6’ or even a high-cube 9’6” door. The open top containers solve this by removing the roof bow and tarpaulin, and allowing upward clearance during loading.
4. Large or Bulky Manufactured Goods
Large or bulky manufactured goods like wind turbine parts, industrial tanks or boilers, large engines, and large vehicle components will be safe if transported with an open top container.
5. Marble, Granite, and Other Stone Blocks
Using an open top container to transport marble, granite, and other stone blocks is a common logistics solution. These materials are dense, bulky, and often require vertical lifting, making open top container a preferred choice.
Stone blocks and slabs are extremely heavy, so vertical loading with cranes is the safest and most efficient method. Open top containers allow direct crane lifting of blocks, easier placement, and no need to fit through container doors.
6. Vehicles (Special Cases)
Open top containers are used primarily when vehicles are too tall or shaped irregularly for standard containers.
7. Agricultural and Forestry Equipment
Most large farming and forestry machines must be lifted with cranes due to their heavy weight, large tires, tall shapes, and non-removable attachments. Open top containers allow equipment to be lowered from above safely.
Once the roof bows and tarpaulin are removed, the container provides extra vertical clearance, making it easier to load tall machines. Moreover, the reinforced steel floor and walls can support high load weights and equipment with concentrated pressure points.
8. Items Requiring Top Loading Due to Shape or Weight
Anything that cannot be loaded through container doors, such as large crates, oversized packaging, and machinery with non-removable protrusions, can be loaded into the open top containers.
Open Top Container Recommendations
20′ Open Top Containers
Tradecorp has a 20′ Open Top Container that is equipped with a standard door feature on the rear of the unit to facilitate the loading process of goods.
There are 4 locking bars on the door so that the goods or cargo inside remain safe during the shipping process. In addition, this container is also equipped with forklift pockets to facilitate the movement of the unit.
Our 20′ Open Top Container is safe and suitable for long-term use and is resistant to corrosion because it is made of high-quality Corten steel. It also has a certificate of passing international standards, so it is safe and suitable for use.
40′ Open Top Container
Considering the need for loading cargo easily from above instead of from the sides like in standard shipping containers, Tradecorp’s 40’ Open Top Container is now available for rent or sale to meet the company’s various industrial backgrounds and niches.
True to its name, this 40’ Open Top Container lacks a permanent top to permit easier cargo loading and unloading. However, a standard container door is available on the container’s back to allow for easy entry and cargo loading from the sides.
If you need a top cover for the container, Tradecorp provides hard or soft tops that you can choose to meet your preferences. With either top type, you can safely carry and transport sensitive materials like cables, chains, pipes, and steel poles easily without fear of damage.
40′ High Cube Open Top Container
This 40’ High Cube Open Top Container is made in a High Cube design, making it 1’ taller than a regular container. In addition, this type of container is also made of high-quality Corten steel, so it is not easily corroded and can be used for a long time.
Our 40’ High Cube Container is also equipped with lashing rings and 4 locking bars to tie your cargo securely and safely during the shipping process. Our 40’ High Cube Open Top Container is also equipped with forklift pockets to facilitate the movement of the unit. For the top itself, you can customize it by adding a cover, such as a soft top or hard top.
This container also has a certificate of passing international standards, so it is safe and suitable for use. Reach us through the quote form below, and we will assist you in choosing your 40’ Open Top Container effectively!
Conclusion
If you need an open-top container for your business, it’s important to work with a reputable supplier to ensure that you get a high-quality container that meets your specific needs. Be sure to consider the features and sizes of the container, as well as the intended use, when making your decision.
At the top of the industry, Tradecorp is widely known for its high-quality containers, which are suitable for many creative applications. Fill out our quote form, and we’ll guide you in finding the best container for your business goals!