An open top container is a shipping container with a removable roof instead of the fixed steel ceiling on a standard dry box. The roof is usually a heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin over removable steel roof bows, though hard top versions with detachable steel panels also exist. Taking the roof off lets you load cargo from above with a crane, which is what makes these boxes the go-to for anything too tall or too awkward to fit through the end doors.
Need to buy or hire one? An open top sits in our range of open top container and other special units.
How an open top container is built
Under the removable roof, the rest of the box is close to a standard container:
- Corrugated Corten steel side walls and a reinforced floor.
- Removable roof bows that the tarpaulin sits on. Lift them out and the top is fully open.
- PVC tarpaulin cover secured by clamps and a rope through eyelets.
- A swinging door header at the rear. The top beam of the door frame swings out so long cargo can also be loaded straight through the doors.
- Lashing rings on the floor and side rails, plus ISO corner castings for lifting and stacking.
- A TIR cable running through the tarpaulin eyelets so customs can seal the whole unit.
Soft top vs hard top
|
Type |
Roof |
Best for |
|
Soft top |
Removable PVC tarpaulin on steel bows |
Most cargo; lighter and quicker to open |
|
Hard top |
Detachable steel or aluminium panels |
High-value or heavy cargo, better weather and security, stackable with the roof on |
Open top container dimensions and specifications
Open tops come in 20ft and 40ft, in standard height and High Cube. The internal height is a touch lower than a dry box because of the roof bows and door header. Figures below are typical; confirm against the specific unit before loading. For the full dry-container range, see our shipping container sizes page.
|
Specification |
20ft Open Top |
40ft Open Top |
|
ISO type code |
22U1 |
42U1 |
|
External (L x W x H) |
6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m |
12.19 x 2.44 x 2.59 m |
|
Internal length |
5,898 mm |
12,032 mm |
|
Internal width |
2,352 mm |
2,352 mm |
|
Internal height |
~2,348 mm |
~2,348 mm |
|
Door opening (W x H) |
2,340 x 2,280 mm |
2,340 x 2,280 mm |
|
Roof opening (approx) |
5,490 x 2,208 mm |
11,585 x 2,208 mm |
|
Tare weight |
~2,350 kg |
~3,850 kg |
|
Max payload |
~28,100 kg |
~26,600 kg |
|
Capacity |
~32.5 m3 |
~65 m3 |
What open top containers are used for
They earn their keep whenever cargo is too tall for the doors or needs to be lowered in from above:
- Heavy machinery and industrial plant.
- Construction materials, steel structures and pipes.
- Energy sector kit, including wind turbine parts.
- Timber logs and raw materials.
- Awkward one-off loads such as boats and sculptures.
How loading works
There are two ways in, and that flexibility is the point:
- From the top: remove the tarpaulin and bows, then lower the cargo in with a crane or overhead gantry. This suits tall or very heavy items a forklift cannot place.
- Through the doors: swing out the door header and drive or slide cargo in at floor level, useful for long items like pipes.
Once loaded, secure the cargo to the lashing rings, refit the bows and tarpaulin, and seal the TIR cable. If the load stands above the walls, the tarpaulin may not close fully, so plan extra weatherproofing.
Open top vs standard and flat rack
|
Feature |
Open Top |
Standard Dry |
Flat Rack |
|
Roof |
Removable |
Fixed steel |
None |
|
Side walls |
Fixed steel |
Fixed steel |
None (end walls only) |
|
Load access |
Top and doors |
Doors only |
All sides and top |
|
Best for |
Over-height cargo |
General cargo |
Oversized and over-width cargo |
If your cargo is also too wide for the walls, a flat rack is the better fit. Both sit in our special containers range.
Things to keep in mind
- The tarpaulin is water resistant but not as weatherproof as a solid steel roof, so cover sensitive cargo separately.
- Top loading needs a crane or gantry on site.
- With the roof off or cargo protruding, the box cannot be stacked, which can affect shipping cost and routing.
Buying or hiring an open top container in Singapore
As a container supplier in Singapore, INFINEX supplies open top containers for sale and rental, new and used. Tell us the size, height and how you plan to load, and we will match the right unit. Explore the full open top container range, or see ISO standard containers if a standard box will do.
Frequently asked questions
What is an open top container used for?
It carries cargo that is too tall for a standard container or needs to be loaded from above with a crane, such as machinery, steel structures, timber and wind turbine parts.
What sizes do open top containers come in?
Mainly 20ft and 40ft, in standard height (8ft 6in) and High Cube (9ft 6in). See the specification table above for dimensions.
Are open top containers waterproof?
The PVC tarpaulin is water resistant, not fully weatherproof. For rain-sensitive cargo, add extra covering, or choose a hard top for better protection.
Can you load an open top container through the doors?
Yes. The door header swings out so long items can be loaded at floor level, as well as from the top by crane.
Can open top containers be stacked?
With a hard top roof fitted, yes. With the tarpaulin off or cargo standing above the walls, they cannot be stacked, which can affect shipping arrangements.
Can I rent an open top container instead of buying?
Yes. INFINEX offers open top containers for both sale and rental. Send your size and duration through our contact page for a quote.