Guides & basics
An Open Top container is a shipping container (also called a freight container) that is open at the top and, depending on the version, is closed with a removable cover; you can find more about this design in the glossary under Open Top. It is suitable for cargo that does not fit through the door and is loaded from above, usually by crane.
What cargo is an Open Top container suitable for?
An Open Top container is intended for tall, bulky or heavy goods that do not fit through the door opening. Typical examples of goods for this design are machinery, glass panes, long profiles or bulk goods.
Loading from above: procedure and tips
For transport and loading, the weight and lifting points of the specific container must be taken into account.
Put simply, the procedure looks like this:
- The cover, if fitted, is opened or removed.
- A crane usually lowers the cargo into the container from above.
- Secure the cargo in the container for transport.
- Finally, the cover is closed again.
Before buying, find out which cover comes with a container and how it is fastened.
Open Top containers: dimensions and weights at a glance
| Size | Tare weight | Payload | Internal dimensions (L × W × H) | Door opening (internal door size) | Roof opening (W × L) | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft Open Top | approx. 2.450 kg | approx. 30.050 kg | approx. 5.898 × 2.332 × 2.311 mm | approx. 2.343 × 2.280 mm | approx. 2.330 × 5.338 mm | approx. 32,6 m³ |
| 40 ft Open Top | approx. 3.850 kg | approx. 26.630 kg | approx. 12.032 × 2.350 × 2.350 mm | approx. 2.338 × 2.280 mm | approx. 2.230 × 11.806 mm | approx. 66,4 m³ |
| 40 ft High Cube Open Top | approx. 4.400 kg | approx. 26.080 kg | approx. 12.032 × 2.352 × 2.655 mm | approx. 2.340 × 2.585 mm | approx. 2.230 × 11.806 mm | approx. 75,1 m³ |
Source: product pages for the 20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft High Cube Open Top (see links in the text), as of 09.11.2026; manufacturer's specifications, without guarantee.
High Cube refers to a version with additional internal height. You can find standard dimensions of other container types on the "Container dimensions & sizes" page.
Open Top, Open Side or Flat Rack?
All three designs belong to the group of special containers. The main difference lies in the opening.
| Design | Opening | Typical cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Open Top | open at the top, with a removable cover | cargo that does not fit through the door |
| Open Side | one long side can be opened completely | long goods such as pipes, boards or battens |
| Flat Rack | only a floor frame and two end walls (folding or fixed) | cargo that does not fit into any closed container |
For loading from above by crane, the Hard Top container with a removable steel roof is also an option.
Buying a used Open Top container: what should you look for?
A used container may show signs of use such as scratches, dents or surface rust. Check these points in particular:
- Cover (if fitted): Is it complete and free of cracks and holes?
- Door frames and doors: Are they undamaged, and do they open and close fully?
- Watertightness: Can water get in, for example at the cover or the doors?
- Floor: Is it free of visible damage?
Details of the three sizes can be found on the product pages 20 ft Open Top container, 40 ft Open Top container and 40 ft High Cube Open Top. For other designs, see the page where you can buy a container.
You can get the price of a specific Open Top container by sending an enquiry to Coin Container: Request a quote. Transport is a separate item.
Frequently asked questions about Open Top containers
What are Open Top containers used for?
For cargo that does not fit through the door, such as machinery or long profiles. It is usually lowered into the container from above by a crane.
Are Open Top containers more expensive than standard containers?
There is no general answer to this. Coin Container will give you the price of a specific container on request.
Is an Open Top container watertight?
It is not possible to say in general terms. Check the watertightness of the specific container; with a used one, check the cover and the doors in particular.
How does it differ from an Open Side container?
An Open Top container is open at the top; on an Open Side container, one long side can be opened completely. That is why an Open Top is usually loaded from above by crane, and an Open Side from the side by forklift.
