40ft Open Top Container

Shipping Containers of Birmingham supplies 40ft open top containers for clients transporting oversized or heavy cargo that cannot fit through standard container doors. These units are essential for moving tall machinery, scrap metal, or timber.

We supply new and used containers across the UK. The 40ft open top combines the volume of a standard 40ft unit with the flexibility of top-loading access, making it the practical choice for logistics managers and heavy industry.

Dimensions and Capacity

The 40ft open top offers significant internal volume. However, the removable roof mechanism and structural reinforcements mean the internal dimensions differ slightly from a standard dry van.

Description	Imperial	Metric
Maximum payload	58,643 lb	26,600 kg
External Dimensions	40' x 8' x 8'6"	12.192 x 2.438 x 2.591 m
Internal Length	39' 5 3/4''	12.032 m
Internal Width	7' 8 5/8''	2.352 m
Internal Height	7' 8 1/2''	2.348 m
Roof Opening Length	38' 8 7/8''	11.810 m
Roof Opening Width	7' 3 7/8''	2.232 m
Gross Weight	67,197 lb	30,480 kg
Tare Weight	8,422 lb	3,820 kg

Note: Dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers. If you have critical clearance requirements, please contact Shipping Containers of Birmingham for exact measurements of our current stock.

Key Features and Operation

The 40ft open top is designed for versatility. It allows you to load cargo from above using a crane or crab, which is often safer for handling heavy items like boilers or generators.

Removable Roof: The roof consists of removable steel bows and a heavy-duty TIR-approved tarpaulin. This protects cargo from wind and rain during transit.
Swinging Header: The rear door header (the bar above the doors) can often be swung open or removed. This allows you to drive tall forklifts or load over-height equipment directly through the doors.
Lashing Rings: Heavy-duty securing points are welded to the floor and side rails to secure shifting loads.
Flooring: The floor is typically reinforced timber or steel, designed to withstand high point loads from heavy machinery.

Delivery Considerations

Delivering a 40ft open top requires an articulated vehicle. We typically use a HIAB truck with an onboard crane.

Space: The truck is approx 60ft long and requires a large turning circle.
Ground: You need hard-standing ground (concrete or tarmac).
Access: Ensure there are no overhead obstructions.

If your site has restricted access, a 20ft open top container might be a more suitable alternative.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the container waterproof?

Yes, when the roof bows and the tarpaulin is correctly fitted and secured with the TIR cable, the unit is wind- and watertight. However, if you ship "out of gauge" cargo that protrudes above the roofline, you cannot fit the roof, and the cargo will be exposed.

Can you stack open-top containers?

Yes, provided the roof bows are in place. The bows transfer the weight of the container above to the corner posts. You cannot stack containers on top if the roof is open or if the cargo sits higher than the roofline.

What is the difference between a hard top and an open top?

An open top uses a soft tarpaulin roof. A hard-top open-top uses a solid steel roof panel that lifts off. We primarily supply the tarpaulin version as it is lighter and easier to handle manually.

Do you sell used open tops?

Yes. We stock structurally sound used shipping containers. We inspect the tarpaulins on used units to ensure they are free from rips and that the eyelets are intact.

Container Dimensions