What is an Open Top Container? Your complete guide [20′ & 40′]

An open top container is perfect for your out-of-gauge cargo needs. Read this blog to find out all about the benefits and uses of this container type. Plus, learn how to find open top containers at the best price on Container xChange.

Open top containers are special shipping containers that come without a fixed roof. They’re designed for the transport of tall, oddly-shaped or extra-large cargo. Thanks to the open top, a lot of industries are able to transport tricky cargo hassle free.

If this container type sounds perfect for your shipping needs, your first problem is out of the way. Next on the list? As open tops are rarer in the market, you might be wondering where to find them from reliable suppliers at the best prices.

Luckily, Container xChange is the online container marketplace you’ve been looking for. We’ve got 50,000+ containers available in 2,500+ locations worldwide. Here you can find special containers like open tops from reputable sellers at prices that suit you. Don’t believe us? See for yourself right now. 

Browse open top containers in various sizes by simply entering your location, the container type and the condition you’d prefer. You’ll get a list of offers that fit your budget in no time at all. So go ahead and try it out today.

What is an Open Top container?

Open top containers are similar to standard dry containers but come without a fixed roof. This container type is ideal for cargo that’s large, bulky or can’t be loaded through standard container doors. So goods can be loaded from the top using cranes or other heavy-duty lifting equipment. Additionally, you can get open top containers with doors on both ends as well as the open top.

How is cargo kept safe and secure during shipping?

In order to protect goods from wind and rain, a durable tarpaulin can be placed over the open top during shipping. The cover and doors can also be locked and sealed at customs to keep shipments from being tampered with or damaged.

As the tarpaulin is more tricky to lock than doors, it’s usually fitted with clamps that can only be unlocked with a special device. Additionally, open top containers are monitored throughout the shipping process in order to prevent theft and vandalism.

Due to the open top, oddly-shaped and extra-height cargo is able to protrude safely from the container if needs be, whilst still being covered by the tarpaulin. While open tops can be stacked if cargo is horizontal, this is not possible if cargo protrudes. In these cases, the open tops are usually kept separate to prevent damage. Cargo is then secured using lashing rings to keep it from shifting or sliding during shipping. 

Capacity of an open top container

Open top containers come in two main sizes: 20ft and 40ft. Choosing the correct size for your cargo will depend on the dimensions and weight of your shipments. It’s important to calculate this before making any decisions on which container size to purchase.

The 20ft open top container has a capacity of 32.7 m3 / 1,155 cu ft, and the 40ft has a capacity of 66.7 m3 / 2,356 cu ft. We’ll get into more detail on the dimensions of each size later on in this piece.

Common uses of open top containers

As we mentioned above, open top containers are ideal for cargo that exceeds the height or width restrictions of standard containers, as well as goods that are too big to be loaded through standard container doors. 

If you’re moving the following types of goods, consider using open top containers: 

• Large/oddly-shaped machinery 
• Pipes
• Long steel bars
• Spools of wire
• Scrap material
• Bulk coal
• Trees
• Construction materials 
• Glass slabs
• Wood logs or timbre

Got any of the above cargo and want open top containers for your shipping needs? No problem! On xChange, you can find special containers like open tops in no time at all. Click the banner below to find this container type at prices that suit your budget today.

20ft open top container dimensions

The 20ft open top container is one of the most commonly used container sizes. It’s lightweight and perfect for smaller shipments of bulky or out-of-gauge cargo. Let’s take a look at the dimensions of the 20ft open top container now. 

Measure	20ft open top container
External length	6.058m / 19.8ft
External width	2.438m / 7.9ft
External height	2.591m / 8.5ft
Internal length	5.89m / 19.4ft
Internal width	2.35m / 7.8ft
Internal height	2.35m / 7.8ft
Tare weight	2,260kg / 5,982 lbs
Payload capacity	28,220 kg / 62,214 lbs
Cubic capacity	32.7 m3 / 1,155 cu ft

40ft open top container size

While we’re at it, let’s take a quick look at the dimensions and specifications of the 40ft open top container too. If you’ve got larger shipments of bulky cargo, this size is ideal.

Measure	40ft open top container
External length	12.192m / 40ft
External width	2.438m / 7.9ft
External height	2.591m / 8.5ft
Internal length	12.03m / 39.5ft
Internal width	2.4m / 7.9ft
Internal height	2.34m / 7.8ft
Tare weight	3,980kg / 8,774 lbs
Payload capacity	26,500kg / 58,422 lbs
Cubic capacity	66.7 m3 / 2,356 cu ft

How much does an open top shipping container cost?

Now that you know all about the uses and dimensions of open top containers, we’re sure you’re curious about the prices too. It’s important to note that the cost of shipping containers fluctuates constantly and depend on factors such as:

• Container type
• Container condition (Brand new, cargo-worthy, WWT, As-Is)
• Location
• Current supply and demand of the container type
• Container size

Check out how much 20ft and 40ft open top containers cost in various locations around the world now. 

Location	20ft open top	40ft open top
USA	US $3,244	US $7,116
China	US $2,765	US $5,124
India	US $5,142	No data
Europe	US $3,033	US $5,688

Think you can get open top containers at lower prices? No problem! On Container xChange you can negotiate the prices directly with the seller. No fuss, no middleman! Browse open top container offers in 2,500+ cities right now to find deals that suit your budget today.

How to buy and lease open top containers and get the best deals

So you want to get open top containers for your unique shipping needs? Great! With Container xChange, you can finally buy and lease open top containers quickly and easily, all from the comfort of your office. We’ll show you how right now. 

First of all, make sure you know exactly what kind of price or leasing rate you’re willing to shell out for open tops. Do some research so that you can spot a good offer when you see it, and avoid overpaying for containers.

Once you’ve got a figure in mind, it’s time to get started looking for the open tops you need.

Decide on your criteria

Besides the price, you’ll also have to decide on the following before you can begin your search:

• The location you want to get containers in
• The size you want to buy or lease
• The condition of the container (Brand new, cargo-worthy, WWT, As-Is)

Browse container offers

And now you’re all set! Simply type in your criteria to start browsing. On xChange you can easily shortlist and compare multiple offers at the same time in order to select the best option for your needs and budget. 

Negotiate a deal

Found a offer you want? Then it’s time to contact the partner directly on the platform to negotiate a deal. The best part? There are no middlemen involved. Just you and the seller settling all of the finer details together. Convenient right? 

Make safe payments

Once you’ve signed the deal, the only thing left to do is settle the finances. You can do this right on the xChange platform, using our xChange Wallet. It’s so quick and easy! Plus, keep track of all of your transactions in one place and receive just a single invoice at the end of every month.

Get open top containers on xChange at the best price

And there you have it! You’re now equipped with all of the information you need in order to start shipping bulky and oversized cargo safely and efficiently. 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, there’s one important step you still need to take before securing open tops at the best prices. Becoming a member on Container xChange, of course! 

Here are some of the main benefits of joining our platform:

• Negotiable prices and 0% commission on all container deals
• Access to 50,000+ containers in over 2,500 locations worldwide
• Work with 1,500+ vetted and pre-approved partners
• Make 100% safe payments with the xChange Wallet, and keep track of all your transactions right on the platform

Excited to get started? We can’t wait to have you onboard! So click below to sign up for your free demo now. You’ll get a complete tour of the trading marketplace and a chance to ask any burning questions you might have. Your days of struggling to find open top containers at good prices are finally over. Don’t wait, start buying open tops when and where you need them today.

Open top container: Common FAQs

What is an open top shipping container?

An open top shipping container has no roof, and is used to transport tall and out-of-gauge cargo like timber, scrap metal and machinery. Oversized cargo can easily be loaded from the top using cranes or other lifting equipment.

What’s the price of an open top container?

The price of an open top shipping container depends on various factors including the container size, condition and location. For a 20ft open top container in the US you’re looking at US $3,244 and for a 40ft, US $7,116.

What are the dimensions of an open top container?

A 20ft open top container is 6.058m / 19.8ft in length, 2.438m / 7.9ft in width and 2.35m / 7.8ft in height. The 40ft open top container is 2.35m / 7.8ft in length, 2.438m / 7.9ft in width and 2.591m / 8.5ft in height.