OPEN TOP CONTAINER
What is an open top container?
An open top container is a special type of shipping container that has an open roof covered with a tarp instead of a solid roof. Due to the flexible loading and unloading method, open top containers are an ideal choice for transporting bulky or heavy cargo that cannot easily be loaded or unloaded using standard methods (i.e., doors). It has an open top, which allows for easier loading and unloading of cargo that is too large or heavy to fit into a standard container (such as wood, metal scrap, or other bulky materials). You will often also find it referred to as a “tarp-covered roof.” Some open top containers have a top cover that protects the cargo from weather conditions.
An open top container is a special type of container that has an open top to allow for easy loading and unloading of cargo.
It is made of steel panels that are securely connected, providing a strong and durable structure even for very heavy loads. To ensure maximum stability and security of the cargo, the edges of the open top container are reinforced. This ensures that the cargo will not slide out or shift during handling or transport.

Advantages of open top containers
Open top containers offer several key advantages over traditional closed containers. One of the greatest advantages is their ability to accommodate oversized cargo that would otherwise be impossible to transport. The open roof allows loading and unloading from the top, which can be useful when using cranes.
Another advantage is the flexibility in handling the cargo. In addition to the open roof, these containers also have end doors, allowing easy access to the cargo from multiple sides. This makes not only loading and unloading easier but also organizing and arranging the cargo inside the container.
What is transported in them?
Building materials – long pieces of wood, pipes, reinforced concrete structures
Heavy industrial equipment – such as machines, generators, instruments, and other industrial equipment that are too large or heavy for standard containers
Cargo that is difficult to load – trees and plants, stone blocks, sculptures, etc.
Unusually large items – such as ships, marine engines, wind turbines, artworks
Open top container with a tarp roof
The most distinctive feature of an open top container is the open top. Unlike standard containers that have solid roofs, an open top container has a roof covered with a tarp that can easily be removed or pushed aside.
Open top containers are often equipped with special hooks or eyelets on the edges that allow the cargo to be secured with straps, chains, or other securing devices.
Specifications and dimensions of open top containers
The specifications of open top containers may vary depending on the manufacturer, the age of the container, and its owner. However, there are standard dimensions that are common for most of these containers. Open top containers are made in two main sizes: 20 feet and 40 feet.
Shipping containers offer a wide range of sizes and designs. You can view their detailed overview in the division of shipping containers.
OPEN TOP CONTAINER FOR SALE – COMPLETE OFFER HERE
OPEN TOP CONTAINER available in these sizes:
![]() | OPEN TOP CONTAINER – with opening roof | ||||||||||
| External dimensions (m) | Internal dimensions (m) | Door dimensions (m) | Weight kg | Volume | |||||||
| CONTAINER TYPE | length | width | height | length | width | height | width | height | container | max capacity | m3 |
| 20′ OT | 6,058 | 2,438 | 2,591 | 5,898 | 2,352 | 2,348 | 2,34 | 2,28 | 2250 | 28230 | 32,4 |
| 40′ OT | 12,192 | 2,438 | 2,591 | 12,032 | 2,352 | 2,348 | 2,34 | 2,28 | 3730 | 26750 | 66,4 |

20′ open top shipping container
- Container weight: 2 250 kg
- Useful weight: 28 230 kg
- Volume: 32,4 m³
- Internal length: 5,9 m
- Internal width: 2,35 m
- Internal height: 2,38 m
- Roof opening (width): 2,23 m
- Roof opening (length): 5,44 m
40′ open top shipping container
- Container weight: 3 750 kg
- Useful weight: 26 750 kg
- Volume: 66,4 m³
- Internal length: 12,03 m
- Internal width: 2,35 m
- Internal height: 2,38 m
- Roof opening (width): 2,23 m
- Roof opening (length): 11,58 m
Use of open top containers
Open top containers are ideal for transporting heavy, oversized, and difficult-to-handle cargo that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to load into standard containers. Typical uses include transporting construction materials such as steel, pipes, wooden beams, or large machinery.
Thanks to the open roof, workers can easily handle the cargo using cranes, which speeds up the loading and unloading process and reduces the risk of damage. The tarpaulin that covers the container provides sufficient protection from weather elements, ensuring the safety of the goods being transported.
Maintenance and care of open top containers
To ensure open top containers serve their purpose for a long time and maintain their functionality, regular maintenance is essential. The tarpaulin should be regularly checked for damage or wear to ensure maximum protection of the cargo. It is also important to maintain cleanliness inside the container and regularly inspect the structure to prevent corrosion or other damage.
Open top containers represent a flexible and efficient solution for transporting oversized and heavy cargo. With the open roof covered by a tarpaulin, they allow easy handling of cargo and provide sufficient protection against weather elements. Standard sizes of these containers, such as 20 feet and 40 feet, offer various options to adapt the transport capacity to the specific needs of customers.
If you're interested in learning about other types of containers, check out the Open Top Bulk Container. This page will tell you all about how these containers are great for carrying heavy bulk loads.
For those who prefer information in Czech, visit the Open Top Kontejner page. You'll find details about the benefits, uses, and maintenance of open top containers.
To know more about the sturdy Hard Top Container, this page explains its solid roof design. You'll also discover the various sizes available for purchase, perfect for your shipping needs.
