Open Top Shipping Containers | Open Top Container

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OPEN TOP SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE

Open top containers provide a versatile solution for cargo that requires top-loading or extra height clearance for loading oversized items. Tiger Shipping Containers offers a range of open top containers designed to facilitate easy loading and unloading of various types of goods from above. So if you require more space to transport or store your goods, you’ll need to buy a specialised shipping container with an open top design so you can load and transport your heavy or bulky cargo safely by road, rail or sea.

Open Top Container Accessories

Open top containers are extremely versatile because once you’ve loaded your oversized cargo you can add roof bows over the top, and then place a water and wind-resistant fabric with durable eyelets on the bows to secure it. Then, once this is done, you can utilise specialised lashing rings in the bottom side rail or floor of your open top container to secure them. Which will give you a windproof and watertight seal once done.

Please note that open top containers feature a removable tarpaulin roof and end doors, allowing for convenient loading and unloading of cargo from above.

The removable roof of an open top container is likely to be made from a durable tarp material that can easily be attached and removed for loading and unloading. Though sometimes a steel roof (removed by crane) can be installed and taken off as required.

Some open top containers also have collapsible side walls, which can provide even more versatility for loading and unloading bulky items. Though this container modification is less common due to the added cost.

Standard open top containers are manufactured from corrugated steel and generally have a wood floor. The top of the container is open and is covered with a strong rubber tarpaulin rather than a solid roof. The tarpaulin is secured with removable bows to hold it in place and features a door header that swivels outwards to allow for loading from the top or the end. The roof bows not only support the tarpaulin but also increase stability to the container. End doors also provide additional flexibility which allows for easier loading. The dimensions of these containers vary, but they tend to have a larger capacity because they are not restricted by a roof.

The open top containers you buy from Tiger Shipping Containers come in two different sizes to meet your specific requirements. With each size modified from our standard 40ft and 20ft containers.

20ft Open Top Container Dimensions

  • Dimensions (Metric): 6.06m (Length) x 2.44m (Width) x 0.6m (Height).
  • Dimensions (Imperial): 19.9ft (Length) x 8ft (Width) x 1.97ft (Height).
  • Weight: Varies based on the cargo and specific
  • Weight: Varies based on cargo and specific configuration.

40ft Open Top Container Dimensions

  • Dimensions (Metric): 12.19m (Length) x 2.44m (Width) x 0.6m (Height).
  • Dimensions (Imperial): 40ft (Length) x 8ft (Width) x 1.97ft (Height).
  • Weight: Varies based on cargo and specific configuration.

Click here for more information on container dimensions.

WHAT CAN YOU FIT On AN OPEN TOP SHIPPING CONTAINER

As stated above, standard open top containers are typically 8 feet wide, 8.5 feet high, and either 20 or 40 feet long, which means you can fit a heck of a lot into them!

The capacity of an open-top container can vary depending on the weight and size of the products being shipped. However, a 20-foot container (being the world’s most popular length) can generally hold about 60-70 cubic meters worth of cargo, while a 40-foot container can hold up to 110 cubic meters worth of cargo. The maximum load capacity for an open-top container is typically around 30,000 lbs or around 13,500 kgs. However, this can vary depending on the specific container and its structural limitations.

The above are guides only of course but should give you a fair indication of how much you can store or transport inside an open-top container.

Some of the items that are commonly stored or shipped in an open top container include:

Features and Benefits of Open Top Containers

Open top containers offer several features and benefits that make them an ideal choice for various types of cargo:

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Top-Loading Capability - the removable roof provides easy access for top-loading and securing cargo, especially for goods that cannot be loaded through the container doors.

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Oversized Cargo Flexibility - the additional height clearance allows for the transportation of oversized items, machinery, or goods that require extra vertical space.

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Versatile Usage - open top containers are suitable for transporting heavy machinery, equipment, bulk materials, and goods that need to be loaded or unloaded with a crane or other lifting equipment.

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Secure Transportation - the end doors can be securely closed and locked, ensuring the safety and protection of your cargo during transit.

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Weather-Resistant - the tarpaulin roof is designed to protect the cargo from the elements while maintaining proper ventilation.

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Options of loading through the top with the use of overhead lifting equipment, or through the door if the situation necessitates.

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Supplied with PVC tarpaulins, sometimes tilts, with a removable rear header for protecting the cargo.

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Bow devices and an attachable ceiling.

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Hardwood or plywood floors.

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Securing points located in the bottom side rail with a few in the floor.

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The roof aperture is usually smaller than the internal dimensions of the container. This can be attributed to the protrusions of the top rails which are necessary for maintaining the integrity, strength and stability of the container.

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A convenient design suitable for handling heavy and awkward cargo.

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Industries that use Open Top Containers

Open top containers are widely used across various industries and sectors, including:

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Construction - transporting construction materials, heavy machinery, and oversized building components.

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Mining - shipping mining equipment, mineral ores, and bulk materials.

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Energy and Infrastructure - transporting equipment for renewable energy projects, infrastructure construction, and power generation.

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Manufacturing - moving large and bulky manufacturing equipment, raw materials, and finished goods.

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Project Cargo - handling oversize or irregularly shaped cargo for special projects and industrial installations.

History of Open Top Containers

Open top containers were first introduced in the shipping industry in the early 1950s as a response to the growing demand for a specialised container design to accommodate oversized and irregularly shaped cargo. The innovation of open top containers can be attributed to the resourcefulness of industry pioneers and container manufacturers. While specific inventors or companies cannot be credited with the invention of open top containers, their development was a collaborative effort within the shipping and container industry. These containers were designed to provide a practical solution for transporting goods that exceeded the dimensions of standard containers, allowing for efficient handling and safe transportation. Over the years, open top containers have become increasingly versatile, incorporating features such as removable roofs and tarpaulin covers to facilitate easy loading and unloading of cargo from the top. But today, open top containers are everywhere in the global supply chain due to their versatility. So, the next time you’re in need of shipping a large or tall item, consider using an open top container bought from Tiger Shipping Containers!

Best Uses for Open Top Containers

Open top containers are commonly used to transport a wide range of goods that require top-loading or have dimensions that exceed the height limitations of standard containers. Some examples of cargo often transported in open top containers include:

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Heavy Machinery - open top containers are ideal for shipping heavy machinery and equipment, such as excavators, cranes, and industrial machinery.

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Construction Materials - bulk materials like timber, steel beams, pipes, and construction aggregates can be efficiently loaded and transported in open top containers.

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Oversized Goods - items that are too large or have irregular shapes, such as large sculptures, prefabricated structures, or machinery parts, can be easily accommodated in open top containers.

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Project Cargo - special project cargo, including wind turbine components, oversized industrial equipment, and plant machinery, often requires the use of open top containers.

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Industrial Equipment - open top containers are suitable for transporting industrial equipment, generators, compressors, and other large machinery.

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Bulk Commodities - loose bulk commodities like coal, ores, and other granular or powdered materials can be loaded into open top containers for efficient transportation.

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Agricultural Products - bulk agricultural products like grains, seeds, and fertilizers can be easily loaded into open top containers, providing convenient storage and transportation.

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Hazardous Materials - some hazardous materials that require top-loading, such as certain chemicals or substances, may be transported in open top containers designed to meet specific safety regulations.

Open-top containers will not only prove useful when you need to transport bulky awkward goods but can also come in handy if your material handling equipment is largely comprised of cranes. This will make loading and unloading of goods from the top essential which is what the open-top container is designed for. This type of container should therefore be a top contender when choosing the type to use.

Get Open Top Shipping Containers from Tiger Shipping Containers

If you’re ready to find the perfect open top shipping container for hire or sale, contact us. We’re happy to walk you through your options and help decide which size is right for your needs.