Key Takeaways:
- An open top container features a removable roof for loading oversized or top-heavy cargo.
- It’s ideal for items too tall or awkwardly shaped for standard containers.
- Common uses include shipping industrial equipment, large pipes, and heavy machinery.
- Proper loading, securing, and safety compliance are essential.
- This container type offers an efficient solution for specialized freight that can’t be containerized conventionally.
When shipping bulky or irregularly shaped cargo, standard containers often don’t offer the access or flexibility required. That’s where the open top container comes in.
But what is an open top container, exactly, and when should you consider using one for your freight? In this guide, we’ll cover its design, typical use cases, handling considerations, and best practices for shippers moving oversized cargo across borders.
What Is an Open Top Container?
An open top container is a type of intermodal freight container built with solid sides, a reinforced floor, and—most notably—a removable roof. Instead of a fixed steel ceiling like in traditional containers, it features a detachable tarpaulin (or sometimes a hard-top lid), which allows cargo to be loaded vertically using cranes or other overhead lifting equipment.
Open top containers come in standard 20-foot and 40-foot lengths and maintain the same footprint as standard containers, making them compatible with container ships, trucks, and railcars. The open-top feature makes it significantly easier to handle freight that is:
- Too tall for a standard container’s door frame
- Too bulky to fit in through the side
- Requires loading via crane or hoist
Open Top Features
To better understand why open tops are used, here’s a breakdown of their unique characteristics:
| Feature | Description |
| Removable Roof | A tarpaulin or hard-top cover that is secured after loading |
| Reinforced End Walls | Designed to handle lateral forces from heavy or top-loaded cargo |
| Roof Bow Supports | Removable crossbars that provide roof structure under the tarpaulin |
| Rear Door Access | Standard container doors for smaller cargo or unloading access |
| Same Base Dimensions | Typically 20ft or 40ft long, 8ft wide, and 8’6″ or 9’6″ high |
This design allows for the safe and efficient transport of freight that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to containerize.
When to Use an Open Top Container
So, what is an open top container best used for? These containers are ideal for large, tall, heavy, or awkwardly shaped cargo that needs to be loaded from above. Some typical applications include:
1. Heavy Machinery
Items like industrial presses, turbines, generators, or factory components are often too tall or heavy to load through standard doors.
2. Construction Equipment and Materials
Steel beams, scaffolding, or precast concrete components can be easily lowered into place from the top of an open container.
3. Pipes and Cylindrical Equipment
Long, wide, or odd-shaped piping—especially those with protrusions—fit better when loaded from above rather than maneuvered through narrow doorways.
4. Vehicles or Specialty Equipment
Items like forklifts, mining equipment, or small boats that exceed height restrictions may require top access for safe placement.
Using an open top container in these scenarios saves time, reduces the risk of damage, and can lower costs by avoiding the need for disassembly or special permits for out-of-gauge cargo.
Tips for Loading and Securing Cargo
Loading freight into an open top container requires careful planning to maintain safety, meet regulations, and protect your cargo. Here are a few best practices:
1. Use Overhead Equipment
Ensure you have access to cranes or hoists at both the origin and destination. Loading from the top requires vertical lifting and precision placement.
2. Remove Roof Bows Before Loading
The metal supports beneath the tarpaulin should be taken out before loading begins and reinstalled afterward to support the cover.
3. Secure the Load
Heavy-duty strapping, blocking, and bracing are necessary to stabilize the cargo inside the container. Unsecured freight can shift during transit, leading to damage or safety hazards.
4. Tarp Properly
If using a tarpaulin roof, ensure it is tightly secured to protect against weather exposure and prevent loss of cargo integrity.
5. Check Weight Limits
Even though open tops offer more vertical space, they still adhere to the same container weight restrictions (typically up to 28,000–30,000 kg depending on type and route).
Planning for Regulations and Safety
International transport regulations apply to all container types, and open tops are no exception. Make sure your shipment complies with:
- ISO container standards
- Port and terminal rules for oversized cargo
- Local road transport height restrictions
- Customs and inspection access needs
Additionally, always verify whether your cargo qualifies as out-of-gauge (OOG). While open top containers can accommodate excess height, cargo that protrudes from the top may require special approval and additional fees.
Is an Open Top Container Right for Your Shipment?
If your cargo can’t fit through a standard container door, requires overhead loading, or exceeds standard height limits, then an open top container is likely the right tool for the job. Consider the following when making your decision:
- Can the cargo be loaded from above using a crane or forklift boom?
- Will the cargo stay within legal height limits when tarped or covered?
- Does the cargo require bracing or weatherproofing during transit?
- Are both departure and arrival terminals equipped for open top handling?
When the answers point toward oversized, bulky, or oddly shaped freight, the open top is your go-to container.
Work With a Logistics Partner That Understands Specialized Equipment
Choosing the right equipment is only part of the equation. At Allison Shipping, we help clients assess freight dimensions, coordinate with carriers, and ensure all compliance requirements are met. Whether you’re moving oversized equipment or managing a complex construction shipment, we make it easier to ship with confidence.
Our expertise in open top container coordination ensures your cargo is loaded safely, delivered on time, and handled with care at every step of the journey.
Your Next Move in Oversized Freight
Understanding what an open top container is—and when to use it—can unlock more efficient options for your complex shipments. When standard containers fall short, this specialized equipment steps in to solve real-world freight challenges. With proper planning and expert logistics support, your out-of-gauge cargo doesn’t have to mean out-of-budget or out-of-scope.
