With an open top container there’s nothing stopping you from storing and shipping heavy or bulky loads that can’t fit through conventional container doors and need to be loaded from above. Whether you choose a tarpaulin or steel roof, it will be secure during transit and can be easily removed when your container is loaded or unloaded.
Your container can also come with a CSC plate confirming it’s been inspected and is safe to use and ship for a period of at least 12 months, so you’re ready to go!
Advantages of Open Top Containers
Our open top containers are built for sites and operations where standard end-door loading is not practical.
Overhead Loading Access
The removable roof gives you unrestricted access from above, making it easy to load bulky, heavy, or irregularly shaped items using a crane or gantry. Items that would not fit through a standard container door can be lowered straight in.
Hard Top or Soft Top Options
Choose between a steel hard top for maximum protection or a heavy-duty tarpaulin soft top for faster access and lighter handling. Both options are secured to the container frame and provide weatherproof coverage during transit and storage.
Built to ISO Shipping Standards
Every open top container is built from Corten steel to full ISO specifications and can be supplied with a CSC plate, confirming it has been inspected and is certified for international shipping for a minimum of 12 months.
Secure and Weatherproof
High-security steel end doors, multiple lashing points for securing cargo, and a windproof, watertight construction mean your goods stay protected throughout transit and on site.
Open Top Shipping Container Dimensions
| Specification | 20ft Standard / High Cube | 40ft Standard / High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External Length | 6.058m (20ft) / 6.058m (20ft) | 12.192m (40ft) / 12.192m (40ft) |
| External Width | 2.438m (8ft) / 2.438m (8ft) | 2.438m (8ft) / 2.438m (8ft) |
| External Height | 2.591m (8ft 6in) / 2.896m (9ft 6in) | 2.591m (8ft 6in) / 2.896m (9ft 6in) |
| Internal Length | 5.898m (19ft 4in) / 5.898m (19ft 4in) | 12.032m (39ft 5in) / 12.032m (39ft 5in) |
| Internal Width | 2.330m (7ft 8in) / 2.330m (7ft 8in) | 2.330m (7ft 8in) / 2.330m (7ft 8in) |
| Internal Height | 2.350m (7ft 9in) / 2.655m (8ft 8.5in) | 2.350m (7ft 9in) / 2.655m (8ft 8.5in) |
| Door Opening Width | 2.337m (7ft 8in) / 2.337m (7ft 8in) | 2.337m (7ft 8in) / 2.337m (7ft 8in) |
| Door Opening Height | 2.261m (7ft 5in) / 2.566m (8ft 5in) | 2.261m (7ft 5in) / 2.566m (8ft 5in) |
| Floor Space | 13.94m² (150 ft²) / 13.94m² (150 ft²) | 28.34m² (305 ft²) / 28.34m² (305 ft²) |
| Internal Capacity | 32.60 m³ (1,151 cu ft) / 36.85 m³ (1,301 cu ft) | 66.50 m³ (2,348 cu ft) / 75.15 m³ (2,654 cu ft) |
| Tare Weight | 2,240 kg (4,938 lbs) / 2,450 kg (5,401 lbs) | 3,900 kg (8,598 lbs) / 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Max Payload | 21,760 kg (47,973 lbs) / 21,550 kg (47,510 lbs) | 26,580 kg (58,598 lbs) / 26,280 kg (57,937 lbs) |
| Max Gross Weight | 24,000 kg (52,911 lbs) / 24,000 kg (52,911 lbs) | 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) / 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) |
| All measurements are approximate and based on standard ISO specifications. Small variations can apply between individual units. |
Why buy an open top container from Universal Containers
With over four decades of experience in the container industry, we understand what specialist shipping and storage applications require. We supply high-quality open top containers backed by expert advice and exceptional service.
Built to last
Competitive pricing
Fast turnaround
Nationwide delivery
Get the right open top container for your needs
With over 40 years of experience supplying new and used specialist containers, we understand what different storage and access requirements demand. Our team can help you choose the right size, configuration, and features to get the most out of your open top shipping container.
Get in touch for expert advice, product recommendations, or a custom quote based on your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an open top shipping container?
An open top shipping container is a standard ISO container with the steel roof replaced by a removable tarpaulin or steel hard top. This allows cargo to be loaded from above using a crane or gantry, making it suitable for items that are too tall, heavy, or awkwardly shaped to fit through standard end doors.
What open top container sizes are available?
We supply open top containers in 20ft and 40ft lengths, in both standard and high cube heights. All sizes are built to full ISO specifications and can come with a CSC plate for international shipping.
What is the difference between a hard top and a soft top?
A hard top uses a removable steel panel that sits on top of the container, providing maximum protection during transit. A soft top uses a heavy-duty tarpaulin stretched over steel roof bows, which is lighter and faster to remove for frequent loading and unloading. Both options are weatherproof when secured.
What are open top containers used for?
Open top containers are commonly used for shipping and storing oversized or heavy items that need crane loading, including timber, stone, pipes, industrial machinery, steel beams, and bagged goods such as grain or aggregate. They are also used on construction sites and in agriculture where top-loading access is more practical than end-door entry.
Can open top containers be used for storage?
Yes. When the tarpaulin or hard top is secured in place, the container is fully weatherproof and suitable for outdoor storage. The end doors remain accessible for standard loading and unloading.
Can open top containers be customised?
Yes. We offer a full range of modifications carried out by our in-house team, including lining and insulation (plywood, melamine boarding, food grade and medical grade materials), racking and shelving, condensation prevention, gas strut operated hatches, manual and automatic roller shutters, electrics, heating, lighting, doors, windows, and custom branding. Used containers can also be painted to any RAL colour.
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