Sometimes, the hardest part of shipping isn't the voyage it's getting the cargo inside the box. If you are shipping heavy machinery, marble slabs, or scrap metal, maneuvering a forklift through standard container doors might be impossible.

That is why the 20ft Open Top Container exists.

Visible in the TraceContainer.com system as "20 Open Top", this unit features a removable roof covered by a weather-proof tarpaulin. It combines the structural security of a standard box with the flexibility of overhead crane loading.

What is an Open Top Container?

An Open Top (OT) looks like a standard General Purpose container, but with two major modifications:

1. No Solid Roof: Instead of steel, the roof consists of removable steel "roof bows" and a heavy-duty waterproof tarpaulin (canvas).

2. Swivel Door Header: The metal bar above the rear doors can be swung open (or removed). This allows you to easily slide tall cargo in without hitting the top of the door frame.

When Should You Use a 20ft Open Top?

There are two main scenarios for booking an Open Top:

1. Heavy Cargo (Crane Loading)

The cargo fits inside the container dimensions, but it is too heavy for a forklift.

• Example: A 15-ton block of marble or a heavy machine engine.

• Method: A crane lifts the cargo and lowers it directly through the open roof. Once loaded, the roof bows and tarp are put back on. This is considered "In Gauge" cargo.

2. Over-Height Cargo (OOG)

The cargo is simply too tall for a standard box.

• Example: A piece of machinery that is 2.5 meters tall.

• Method: The cargo sticks out of the top. The roof bows are not used, and the tarpaulin is lashed securely around the protruding cargo. This is "Out of Gauge" (OOG) and incurs extra surcharges.

20ft Open Top Dimensions

Note: Dimensions are similar to standard GPs, but the door height is slightly less due to the header mechanism.

The "Roof Bows" Warning

If you are shipping "In Gauge" (where the cargo fits inside), you must ensure the shipping line provides all the Roof Bows (the metal bars that support the tarp).

• Tip: When the container arrives empty, count the bows. If any are missing, note it on the interchange receipt. If you return the container without them, you will be billed for replacements!

Open Top vs. Flat Rack

• Use an Open Top if your cargo needs side walls to keep it secure (e.g., loose scrap metal, bulk minerals, or items that might shift).

• Use a Flat Rack if your cargo is too wide and too tall.

Track Your Open Top Shipment

Whether your cargo is covered by a tarp or sticking out the top, it needs to be tracked. Monitor your Open Top container's journey globally with TraceContainer.com.

Track My Open Top Container