Open-Sided Containers: Your Guide to Flexible Freight Shipping

What is an Open-Sided Container?

An open-sided container, often referred to as a curtain-sided container or a tautliner container, is a specialised shipping unit designed for maximum loading flexibility. Unlike standard dry van containers, which have rigid, fixed sides, open-sided containers feature a robust frame with wire-mesh or similar structures at the sides, covered by a durable, weather-resistant tarpaulin. This tarpaulin can be easily dropped down or retracted, providing unrestricted access to the container's interior from the sides, as well as the ends.

This unique design makes open-sided containers an invaluable asset for businesses transporting goods that are difficult or impossible to load through conventional end doors. At Ocean Cargo, we leverage these versatile units to streamline logistics for a wide array of cargo types, ensuring efficient and secure transit.

Key Features and Benefits of Open-Sided Containers

The design of open-sided containers offers several distinct advantages for specific shipping requirements:

• Unrestricted Side Access: The primary benefit is the ability to load and unload cargo from the sides. This is crucial for items that require side-on handling, such as long, bulky, or irregularly shaped goods.
• Efficient Loading and Unloading: Forklifts, cranes, and other material handling equipment can access the entire length of the container, significantly reducing loading and unloading times, especially for palletised goods. This efficiency translates into cost savings and faster turnaround times at ports and warehouses.
• Versatility for Oversized Cargo: While not designed for extreme out-of-gauge cargo like flat racks, open-sided containers can accommodate items that are wider than a standard container door opening, provided they fit within the internal dimensions once loaded.
• Protection from Elements: Despite their flexible sides, the heavy-duty tarpaulins provide excellent protection against rain, wind, dust, and other environmental factors, ensuring your cargo arrives in pristine condition.
• Security: The tarpaulins can be securely fastened and sealed, offering a good level of security against theft and tampering during transit.
• Reduced Handling Damage: Direct side access minimises the need for complex manoeuvres, reducing the risk of damage to goods during the loading and unloading process.

Ocean Cargo's expertise in utilising these containers ensures that your cargo benefits from these advantages, optimising your supply chain.

Ideal Cargo for Open-Sided Container Shipping

Open-sided containers are particularly well-suited for a range of industries and cargo types:

• Machinery and Equipment: Industrial Machinery, Manufacturing components, and agricultural equipment that are too wide or cumbersome for end-door loading.
• Construction Materials: Long steel beams, pipes, timber, pre-fabricated sections, and other building supplies.
• Palletised Goods: Large volumes of palletised items that can be quickly loaded and unloaded using forklifts from the side, speeding up distribution.
• Automotive Parts: Large vehicle components or even complete vehicles (though often flat racks or RORO are preferred for vehicles, open-sided can be an option for specific parts).
• Bulk Bags and FIBCs: Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) or "big bags" containing granular or powdered materials can be efficiently loaded.
• Exhibition Stands and Event Equipment: Bulky, modular structures that benefit from easy side access for setup and breakdown.

If you're unsure whether an open-sided container is the right choice for your specific goods, the Ocean Cargo team is always on hand to provide expert advice and tailor a solution for your sea freight services or road freight needs.

Open-Sided Containers vs. Other Container Types

Understanding the differences between container types is crucial for selecting the most cost-effective and efficient shipping method. Here's how open-sided containers compare:

Standard Dry Van Containers

These are the most common type, fully enclosed with rigid walls and doors only at one end. They are ideal for general cargo that can be loaded through the end doors. Open-sided containers offer superior flexibility for items that cannot be easily loaded this way.

Flat Rack Containers

Flat racks have no sides or roof, only end walls, making them perfect for extremely oversized or out-of-gauge cargo that exceeds the dimensions of any enclosed container. While open-sided containers offer side access, flat racks are for cargo that truly needs to be loaded from above or from any angle without structural obstruction.

Open Top Containers

Open top containers have a removable tarpaulin roof, allowing cargo to be loaded from the top using cranes. They are suitable for tall cargo that can be lowered in but still requires side walls for containment. Open-sided containers, conversely, focus on side access rather than top access.

Ocean Cargo's extensive fleet and network allow us to provide the optimal container type for your specific cargo, whether it's a standard dry van, an open-sided unit, or a specialist solution for excavators and diggers to the UAE.

Shipping with Open-Sided Containers: What to Consider

While highly versatile, there are a few considerations when opting for open-sided container shipping:

1. Cargo Securing: Proper lashing and securing of cargo within an open-sided container are paramount. Even with the tarpaulin closed, cargo must be prevented from shifting during transit. Ocean Cargo provides expert advice on cargo securing to meet international standards.
2. Tarpaulin Integrity: The tarpaulin must be in excellent condition to provide adequate weather protection. Regular checks are essential.
3. Availability: While common, open-sided containers may not be as readily available as standard dry vans in all locations or at all times. Planning ahead with a reliable freight forwarder like Ocean Cargo is key.
4. Dimensions and Weight Limits: Always adhere to the internal dimensions and maximum payload weight of the specific container. While side access is flexible, the internal space remains fixed.
5. Customs Compliance: Ensure all necessary documentation and customs compliance procedures are in place, especially for international shipments. Ocean Cargo's dedicated team can guide you through this complex process, whether you're shipping to the USA or Canada.

Ocean Cargo's 25+ years of experience means we anticipate these challenges and provide proactive solutions, ensuring a smooth and efficient shipping experience for your business.