Open Top Shipping Containers

Hardtop Or Soft Top Containers Available

For open top shipping containers the goods are loaded in through the top by crane or other top loading machinery. Once the container is loaded, attachable roof bows are placed over the top, and a wind and water resistant tarpaulin with heavy duty eyelets is then tightly secured over the bows and container. This is then lashed to special lashing rings in the floor or bottom side rail of the container to achieve a watertight, windproof seal.

The containers can then be stacked like general purpose shipping containers. Whilst the heavy duty tarpaulins are extremely durable, waterproof and secure, some customers do prefer the extra security and protection of a hard top roof, which is of course also available.

Flat Rack Containers May Be A Better Option

If you’re shipping large, awkward goods that are taller than a standard container’s height, an open top container may sound as though it would be ideal for your purposes, but it’s not. Contrary to what you may expect, open top shipping containers do not remain open-topped once they have been loaded. The roof that bows to form part of an open top shipping container serve two purposes: firstly to support the tarpaulin, and secondly (and importantly) to provide stability to the container’s structure. So the tarpaulin and roof bows rule out using an open top container for tall goods without a roof. A flat rack container may be a better option for tall and awkward goods that don’t fit into a container, or even another shipping container solution altogether. At Port Shipping Containers, we know all the best ways to transport your goods, so give us a call and we’ll put our heads together to work out the best option for your needs.