20ft Used Open Top Container — Cargo Worthy
A certified, ready-to-ship 20ft used open top container for oversized cargo, crane loading, and heavy machinery transport. This Cargo Worthy used open top container removes the fixed steel roof entirely — replacing it with removable steel bows and a weatherproof tarpaulin — giving full overhead crane access along the entire container length.
Furthermore, the door header above the rear doors swings clear or removes completely — creating an unobstructed end opening for tall, wide, and out-of-gauge cargo that cannot load through a standard end door. As a result, this container handles machinery, structural steel, mining equipment, and bulk materials that no standard closed container can accommodate.
Moreover, the Cargo Worthy certification confirms this unit meets the structural requirements for active international shipping. Therefore, it suits both on-site storage and live export freight operations.
✅ Condition: Cargo Worthy (Used) — Certified for active international shipping.
20ft Open Top Container Dimensions
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Length | 20′ | 6,058 mm |
| Exterior Width | 8′ | 2,438 mm |
| Exterior Height | 8’6″ | 2,591 mm |
| Interior Length | 19’4″ | 5,898 mm |
| Interior Width | 7’8″ | 2,352 mm |
| Interior Height (to bow) | 7’10” | 2,350 mm |
| Door Opening Width | 7’8″ | 2,340 mm |
| Door Opening Height | 7’5″ | 2,280 mm |
| Floor Area | 160 sq ft | 14.86 m² |
| Internal Volume | ~1,360 cu ft | ~33.2 m³ |
Weight Specifications
| Measurement | Weight |
|---|---|
| Tare Weight (Empty) | 2,350 kg |
| Payload Capacity | 28,130 kg |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 30,480 kg |
Open Top Container Specifications
✅ Condition: Cargo Worthy (Used) — Certified for active international shipping.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Roof | Removable steel bows — open top configuration |
| Tarpaulin | Weatherproof tarpaulin — rope secured over bows |
| Door Header | Removable / swing-clear — unobstructed end access |
| Lashing Rings | Forged steel — floor and wall mounted |
| Construction | Corrugated Corten steel — rust and corrosion resistant |
| Flooring | 28mm hardwood timber — steel cross-member base |
| Doors | Full-width double swing rear cargo doors |
| Locking Mechanism | Heavy-duty steel locking bars and handles |
| Corner Castings | ISO standard forged steel — crane and twistlock compatible |
| Condition | Cargo Worthy — certified for active international shipping |
| ISO Standard | ISO 668 Series 1 |
Open Top vs Standard Container — Key Difference
| Feature | Standard Closed Container | Open Top Container |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | Fixed corrugated steel | Removable bows + tarpaulin |
| Overhead Access | None | Full crane access from above |
| End Access Height | Fixed door header | Removable door header — over height cargo |
| Over Height Cargo | Not possible | Cargo can protrude above container height |
| Crane Loading | End only | Top and end |
| Cargo Securing | Floor lashing rings | Floor and wall lashing rings |
Note: If cargo exceeds the container height significantly, a flat rack container — which has no roof at all — may be the more appropriate option. Contact us to discuss your cargo dimensions before ordering.
Key Features
- Cargo Worthy certified — ready for active international shipping
- Removable steel bows — full overhead crane access for top loading
- Weatherproof tarpaulin included — rope-secured over bows for transit protection
- Removable door header — creates unobstructed end access for over-height cargo
- Forged steel lashing rings — floor and wall mounted for cargo restraint
- Corrugated Corten steel construction — rust and corrosion resistant
- 28mm hardwood timber floor — rated for forklift entry and heavy loads
- ISO standard corner castings — crane, forklift, and twistlock compatible
- Available Australia-wide delivery
Applications
Heavy Machinery and Plant Transport
Excavators, generators, compressors, and industrial plant that exceed standard door height load cleanly from above via crane. Furthermore, the removable door header allows end-loading of tall machinery without height restrictions at the rear door opening.
Structural Steel and Long Material Freight
Steel beams, pipes, and fabricated structural components load from above without the manoeuvring constraints of end-only door access. Moreover, forged steel lashing rings on the floor and walls secure long structural loads safely during transport.
Mining Equipment Export
Mining components, spare parts, and equipment that cannot be disassembled to fit standard container dimensions ship in open top containers. As a result, exporters avoid flat rack surcharges for cargo that fits within container width and length but exceeds standard door height.
Bulk Material Loading
Bulk materials — stone, gravel, scrap metal, and agricultural produce — load directly from above via grab crane or conveyor. Therefore, open top containers reduce loading time significantly compared to end-door-only configurations for bulk commodity freight.
Over-Height Cargo Storage
The removable bows allow cargo taller than the container’s internal height to sit inside the container base with the top section protruding above. Additionally, the tarpaulin can be partially secured around the protruding cargo for weather protection during storage and short-haul transport.
Related Products
Browse our full range of 20ft shipping containers to compare grades and configurations. Additionally, explore our modified container range for additional open top and specialised freight options.



