Open top shipping containers: uses and characteristics

Posted by Rasa
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Bulky, heavy and non-standard cargo poses many challenges, so how to transport it safely, conveniently and easily?  In most cases, an open top container is the solution. The biggest advantage of an open top container is that non-standard cargo can be loaded from above by a crane. These containers have a few other important characteristics that you need to know before shipping.

1. Differences. From a technical point of view, an open top container is almost identical to a conventional container, except that it has no roof. As with other types of containers, an open back door, with the full frame or without the top part of the frame, enables an easier loading and unloading of cargo.

2. Volume. 20 feet by 40 feet are the standard dimensions for open top containers. The volume of a 20 ft container is 32 m3, and a 40 ft container is 64 m3. However, keep in mind that removing the upper platform can increase the volume significantly.

3. Covering. If the cargo does not exceed the standard size, the container is closed with a metal lid which serves as a roof (the result is a normal container, which is loaded from above). Otherwise, the container is covered with a waterproof tarpaulin and secured with tie down straps attached to the mobile steel beams. Fastenings arcs not only support the tarpaulin roof, but also provide stability for the entire structure, as well as additional stability during lifting, loading and transport.

4. The most frequent cargo. For businesses dealing with heavy and non-standard cargo, an open top container is the only and most affordable choice. Usually these containers are used for transporting steel products (rods, cranes, pipes), building materials, waste, trees, large pools and other garden/home objects, machinery and its parts, and cable reels.

Wondering which container to choose? Contact us and we will assess your individual needs, the weight, dimensions and volume of your cargo, and offer you the best option!