
There are many different specialized types of containers on the market today, including the open top container. So what is an open top container? What are its design features and what material is it made from? What advantages does the open top container have over a standard container? Let's find out with Sancopack in the article below!
What Is an Open Top Container?An open top container (open top, abbreviated as OT), also called an open-roof or open-top container, is a type of container with no roof, using only a tarpaulin as cover. This type of container is used to transport bulky, large-sized goods such as machinery, construction equipment, long-trunk timber, and so on.

Structure of an open top container
- Container body: Like other types of containers, the Open Top container body is made from stainless steel or high-quality metal, capable of bearing loads and protecting the goods inside.
- Container cover: The cover of the Open Top container can be removed or folded. It has an open-top structure, making it easy to lift goods in and out with a crane or similar equipment.
- Rubber or PVC seal: Some Open Top containers have a rubber or PVC strip to block water or liquid, helping protect the goods inside from the weather or limit water leakage.
How to remove the cover of an open top container
- Prepare tools and safety gear: Make sure you have prepared all the necessary tools such as a crane and cables, and safety equipment such as a helmet, gloves and safety goggles.
- Identify the cover's locking points: The Open Top container has joints or hinges on the sides of the cover. Identify and work with these hinges to remove the cover.
- Use a crane or lifting equipment: Use a suitable crane or lifting equipment to lift the container cover from above. Make sure lifting the cover is done safely and stably.
- Remove the container cover: Use a crane or lifting equipment to lift the container to a safe height, then remove the cover from the container body.
- Check safety and store the cover: After removing the Open Top container cover, be sure to check safety for everyone and the goods inside. Store the container cover safely and conveniently.
Remember that removing the Open Top container cover requires skill, experience and caution to ensure the safety of everyone and the goods. Always follow the safety rules and use protective equipment when working with containers.

Advantages of the Open Top Container
- Good load-bearing and heat resistance: The open-roof container is made from anti-rust steel, so it is highly durable with good load-bearing and heat resistance. This helps the open-roof container remain sturdy and able to transport goods in bad, harsh weather conditions.
- Specialized in transporting bulky goods: Compared with standard 20-foot containers, the open-roof container has a clear advantage for transporting large, heavy goods. For goods that fit within a 20-foot container but are too bulky to load through the container door, the open-roof container is an extremely suitable and perfect solution. It is mainly used to carry large-volume, oversized bulk goods in large quantities.
- Saves effort when loading goods: With no roof, goods can be loaded or unloaded vertically through the top of the container using a crane with ease. This saves labor when loading and unloading goods.
- Easy loading and unloading of goods: After the goods are loaded onto the container, they are covered and sealed with a separate tarpaulin on top of the container. The roof is made of removable bars, or goods can be lifted out by crane from any position, and the walls can be made into tailgates or doors for easy access to the goods.

Common Types of Open Top Container
20-foot Open Top Container (OT)
The 20-foot Open Top container is designed from the original empty 20-foot dry container with the same technical specifications, namely an open roof with a tarpaulin cover.
| 20′ Dry Cargo | Specifications | |||
|
|
Exterior (Overall) | Length | 6,058 mm | 20 ft |
| Width | 2,438 mm | 8 ft | ||
| Height | 2,591 mm | 8 ft 6.0 in | ||
| Interior (Internal) | Length | 5,898 mm | 19 ft 4.2 in | |
| Width | 2,352 mm | 7ft 8.6 in | ||
| Height | 2,348 mm | 7 ft 10.3 in | ||
| Container Door | Width | 2,340 mm | 92.1 in | |
| Height | 2,280 mm | 89.7 in | ||
| Volume | 32.8 m3 | |||
| Cubic Capacity | 33.2 cu m | 1,173 cu ft | ||
| Container weight | 2,350 kgs | 5,180 lbs | ||
| Cargo weight | 28,130 kgs | 62,020 lbs | ||
| Maximum weight | 30,480 kg | 67,196 lbs |
40-foot Open Top Container (OT)
The 40-foot Open Top container is designed with the same technical specifications as the standard 40-foot container, namely an open roof with a tarpaulin cover. Its function is the same as the 20-foot open top.
| 40′ Open Top | Specifications | |||
|
|
Exterior (Overall) | Length | 12,190 mm | 40 ft |
| Width | 2,440 mm | 8 ft | ||
| Height | 2,590 mm | 8 ft 6.0 in | ||
| Interior (Internal) | Length | 12,034 mm | 39 ft 5.8 in | |
| Width | 2,348 mm | 7ft 8.4 in | ||
| Height | 2,360 mm | 7 ft 8.9 in | ||
| Container Door | Width | 2,340 mm | 92.1 in | |
| Height | 2,277 mm | 89.6 in | ||
| Volume | 66.68 m3 | |||
| Cubic Capacity | 66.6 cu m | 2,355 cu ft | ||
| Container weight | 3,800 kg | 8,377 lbs | ||
| Cargo weight | 26,680 kg | 58,819 lbs | ||
| Maximum weight | 30,480 kg | 67,196 lbs |
40-foot open top container with 6 side doors
The 40-foot container is technically modified, with the roof opened to make an open top container fitted with 6 additional side doors for easy loading and unloading, with full tarpaulin cover, dimensions (L 12,192mm x W 2,438mm x H 1,500mm)

A Reputable, High-Quality Open Top Container Supplier in HCMC
With many years of experience in the field and always putting service quality first, Sancopack is committed to bringing you quality products that meet all of your usage needs.
Through the content above, you should now clearly understand what an open top container is, as well as related information and how to remove the container cover.
If you need a provider specializing in container services, especially reefer containers, contact Sancopack now via hotline for the quickest consultation and quote.
Contact Information
EMBASSY FREIGHT SERVICES (VIETNAM)
Address: Room 4.25, 4th Floor, 8 Hoang Minh Giam, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Email: info@embassyfreight.com.vn
Contact for Consultation:
- 0936911656 (HCM) – Embassy Freight Services (VN) Southern Region
- 0937361637 (Hanoi)- Embassy Freight Services (VN) Northern Region
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