You have heavy cargo that needs to be loaded by a crane. Naturally, you think of an "Open Top" container. But what if your cargo is high-value electronics or machinery that you don't want covered by just a piece of canvas?

Enter the 20ft Hard Top Container.

Listed in the TraceContainer.com system as "20 Hard Top", this unit offers the best of both worlds: the overhead loading capability of an Open Top, combined with the security and rigidity of a Standard Dry box.

What is a Hard Top Container?

A Hard Top container features a removable steel roof. Unlike the "Open Top" which uses a flexible tarpaulin and bows, the Hard Top uses a solid steel lid.

• Loading: The steel roof is lifted off by a forklift or crane.

• The Process: Cargo is lowered in from above.

• Transport: The steel roof is placed back on and locked into position.

Hard Top vs. Open Top: Which to Choose?

This is the most common question we get.

• Choose Open Top: If your cargo is Over-Height (Out of Gauge). The flexible tarp can bulge over the cargo.

• Choose Hard Top: If your cargo fits Inside the Box (In Gauge) but simply needs crane loading. Because the roof is rigid steel, it cannot accommodate cargo that sticks up past the roofline.

The Hard Top Advantage:

1. Security: A steel roof prevents thieves from cutting through a canvas tarp.

2. Stacking: Once the roof is locked on, the container acts like a standard box, making it easier for the ship to stack other containers on top of it.

3. Protection: Zero risk of water damage from a torn tarp.

Best Uses: Heavy & High-Value

The 20ft Hard Top is designed for heavy, dense cargo that requires top-loading but demands maximum protection.

• Glass Sheets: Loaded via crane but fragile and sensitive to moisture.

• Marble & Granite: Extremely heavy, requiring overhead loading.

• Machinery: High-value engines or robotics that fit inside the container dimensions.

20ft Hard Top Dimensions

Like the Open Top, the Hard Top also features a swivel door header to allow easy entry.

Operational Tip: The Roof Storage

What if your cargo is slightly over-height? In some specific 20ft Hard Top designs, if the cargo protrudes slightly, the steel roof can be removed and lashed to the side wall inside the container (if there is space).

 However, this is rare. Usually, if it's over-height, shippers prefer the Open Top tarp solution.

Track Your Hard Top Shipment

Hard Top containers are specialized equipment, and finding them can be tough. Tracking them shouldn't be.

Once your heavy cargo is moving, use TraceContainer.com for real-time location updates.

Track My Hard Top Container