Open Top Containers: Your Guide to Oversized Cargo Shipping

What is an Open Top Container?

An open top container is a specialised freight container designed for cargo that is too tall or difficult to load through the end doors of a standard container. As the name suggests, it features a removable or flexible roof, typically made of canvas, plastic, or reinforced plastic material, supported by movable or removable roof bows. This unique design allows for cargo to be loaded from the top using cranes or other lifting equipment, making it an indispensable solution for specific types of shipments.

At Ocean Cargo, we understand that not all freight fits neatly into a standard box. Our expertise in sea freight services includes providing tailored solutions like open top containers to ensure your oversized or heavy cargo reaches its destination safely and efficiently.

Key Features and Benefits of Open Top Containers

Open top containers offer distinct advantages for particular shipping requirements:

• Top Loading Capability: The primary benefit is the ability to load cargo from above. This is crucial for items that are too tall for standard door openings or require vertical loading due to their shape or weight.
• Accommodation of Oversized Cargo: Ideal for machinery, industrial components, pipes, timber, and other goods that exceed the height limits of conventional containers.
• Flexibility: The removable roof bows allow for maximum loading height, and the tarpaulin cover provides protection from the elements during transit.
• Secure Transport: Despite the flexible roof, cargo can be securely lashed and braced within the container, ensuring stability throughout the journey.
• Cost-Effective for Specific Goods: While potentially incurring slightly higher handling costs, open top containers can be more cost-effective than breakbulk shipping for certain oversized items, especially when multiple units are involved.

Ocean Cargo leverages these features to provide seamless logistics for your challenging shipments, ensuring compliance and efficiency every step of the way.

When to Choose an Open Top Container

Deciding whether an open top container is the right choice for your shipment depends on several factors. Consider an open top container if your cargo:

1. Exceeds Standard Container Height: If your goods are taller than approximately 2.39 metres (7 feet 10 inches) for a 20ft container or 2.69 metres (8 feet 10 inches) for a 40ft container, an open top is likely necessary.
2. Requires Overhead Loading: Heavy machinery, large industrial parts, or construction materials that can only be loaded by crane or gantry from above.
3. Is Awkwardly Shaped: Items that are difficult to manoeuvre through standard container doors due to their dimensions or fragility.
4. Needs Ventilation (with precautions): While primarily for oversized cargo, the flexible cover can sometimes offer slightly more air circulation than a sealed dry van, though this is not its primary purpose.

Common cargo types shipped in open top containers include:

• Heavy machinery (e.g., excavators, diggers, forklifts)
• Large pipes and tubes
• Timber and logs
• Industrial components and spare parts
• Cables and coils
• Glass sheets and panels
• construction materials

Our team at Ocean Cargo provides expert consultation to help you determine the most suitable container type for your specific cargo, whether it's FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load).

Dimensions and Specifications of Open Top Containers

Open top containers generally adhere to ISO standards, similar to general purpose containers, but with the crucial difference of the open roof. The most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft.

20ft Open Top Container

• External Dimensions (approx.): 6.06m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H)
• Internal Dimensions (approx.): 5.89m (L) x 2.35m (W) x 2.35m (H - under bows)
• Door Opening (approx.): 2.34m (W) x 2.28m (H)
• Max Gross Weight (approx.): 30,480 kg
• Tare Weight (approx.): 2,200 kg
• Payload (approx.): 28,280 kg
• Cubic Capacity (approx.): 32.6 m³

40ft Open Top Container

• External Dimensions (approx.): 12.19m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H)
• Internal Dimensions (approx.): 12.03m (L) x 2.35m (W) x 2.35m (H - under bows)
• Door Opening (approx.): 2.34m (W) x 2.28m (H)
• Max Gross Weight (approx.): 30,480 kg
• Tare Weight (approx.): 3,800 kg
• Payload (approx.): 26,680 kg
• Cubic Capacity (approx.): 66.7 m³

Note: Dimensions and weights can vary slightly between manufacturers. Always confirm exact specifications with Ocean Cargo for your specific shipment.

Loading and Securing Cargo in Open Top Containers

Proper loading and securing are paramount for open top containers due to the nature of the cargo. The process typically involves:

1. Overhead Loading: Using cranes, gantry loaders, or other heavy lifting equipment to place cargo directly into the container from the top.
2. Even Weight Distribution: Ensuring the cargo's weight is evenly distributed across the container floor to maintain stability and prevent damage.
3. Lashing and Bracing: Utilising robust lashing straps, chains, and bracing materials to secure the cargo firmly to the container's lashing points. This prevents movement during transit, which is critical for oversized or heavy items.
4. Protective Measures: Applying additional protective materials, such as tarpaulins or shrink wrap, to sensitive parts of the cargo before covering the container.
5. Tarpaulin Installation: Once loaded and secured, the flexible tarpaulin cover is carefully fitted over the roof bows and sealed to protect the cargo from weather and external elements.

Ocean Cargo's experienced team provides guidance on optimal loading and securing practices, ensuring your cargo is handled with the utmost care and professionalism, whether you're shipping excavators and diggers to the UAE or wind turbine components to Australia.

Customs Compliance and Documentation for Open Top Shipments

Shipping with open top containers, especially for oversized or out-of-gauge cargo, often involves specific customs considerations. Accurate documentation and adherence to regulations are crucial to avoid delays and penalties.

• Accurate Cargo Description: Detailed and precise descriptions of the cargo, including dimensions, weight, and materials, are essential for customs declarations.
• Permits and Licences: Depending on the nature of the cargo and the destination country, special permits or licences may be required for oversized or heavy items.
• Incoterms®: Clearly defined Incoterms® (e.g., FOB, CIF, EXW) are vital for establishing responsibilities for costs, risks, and insurance between the buyer and seller.
• Customs Valuation: Correct valuation of goods for duty and tax purposes is critical.
• Safety Certificates: For certain machinery or equipment, safety certificates or compliance documents may be requested by customs authorities.

Ocean Cargo offers comprehensive customs compliance services, acting as your trusted partner to navigate the complexities of international trade. Our expertise ensures smooth clearance, whether for customs brokerage for the USA or any other global destination.