40ft Open Top Container

LACU 210012 22G1 MAX. GROSS 30,480 kg TARE 2,200 kg

2,380 mm
7′ 9 3/4″

12,029 mm
39′ 5 5/8″

2,350 mm
7′ 8 1/2″

LACU 210012 22G1 MAX. GROSS 30,480 kg TARE 2,200 kg

2,276 mm
7′ 5 5/8″

2,340 mm
7′ 8 1/8″

HLBU 123456 7

2,230 mm
7′ 3 3/4″

11,552 mm
37′ 10 3/4″

Overview

The 40 ft Open Top container is designed for cargo that is difficult to load through standard container doors, enabling top loading with cranes or overhead lifting equipment. It uses a removable roof system (tarpaulin and typically removable bows) and provides published roof-opening dimensions for lift planning.

Enables top loading for bulky or awkward cargo

Roof opening dimensions support crane/lift planning

Suitable for cargo requiring overhead access during stuffing/stripping

Specs may vary by manufacturer / container fleet

40 ft Open Top Container Image Gallery

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for	Not ideal for
Machinery, industrial components, and crates that benefit from overhead loading	Cargo requiring active temperature control (use reefer equipment)
Bulky cargo where door loading is impractical	Highly weather-sensitive cargo without added protection during stuffing/stripping (roof is opened during handling)
Projects where crane access is available at origin/destination	Locations without crane/overhead lifting capability

Industries & typical commodities

Heavy machinery: industrial machinery, generators, equipment, and large components requiring overhead loading.
Construction / Project cargo: pipes, structural steel, fabricated sections, and bulky project materials.
Manufacturing: large or crated components that are difficult to load through standard container doors.
Energy / Infrastructure: transformers, turbines, generators, and oversized components requiring crane access.
Mining equipment: heavy machinery, large parts, and oversized components.
Steel and metal products: beams, plates, coils, and fabricated metal pieces requiring top loading.
General freight (special handling): awkward-shaped or bulky cargo that benefits from overhead access.

Sizes & dimensions – 40ft Open Top Container

Dimension	Metric	Imperial
Internal Length	12.029 m	39.47 ft
Internal Width	2.350 m	7.71 ft
Internal Height	2.380 m	7.81 ft
Door Opening Width	2.340 m	7.68 ft
Door Opening Height	2.276 m	7.47 ft

Capacity & weights – 40ft Open Top Container

Spec	Metric	Imperial
Cubic Capacity	66.8 m³	2,359 ft³
Tare Weight	4,050 kg	8.929 lbs
Payload Capacity	28,450 kg	62,721 lbs
Max Gross Weight	32,500 kg	71,650 lbs

How many pallets fit in a 40ft Open Top Container?

Pallet capacity varies by loading pattern and pallet type. Use the estimates below as a quick reference:

US standard pallets: up to 21

Euro pallets: up to 24

Note: the actual number depends on the loading pattern, cargo height, and weight/overhang constraints.

Handling recommendations

Keep weight evenly distributed (avoid concentrating weight toward the doors or on one side).

“Heavy on bottom”: Place heavier cargo at the bottom and keep the center of gravity low.

Secure cargo with dunnage / straps / blocking & bracing to prevent shifting in transit.

Treat the door opening as the real constraint: some items may fit inside but still not pass through the door if they are too wide or tall.

If you plan to floor-load (no pallets), map your loading order and access lanes to avoid reworking cargo during unloading.

Reduce large voids using dunnage to minimize vibration and movement.

FAQs about 40 ft Open Top Containers

What is a 40 ft Open Top container used for?

A 40 ft Open Top container is used when cargo is difficult to load through standard doors and benefits from top loading. It’s common for machinery, bulky crates, and awkward shapes where crane handling is preferred. The removable roof system supports overhead access during stuffing/stripping. Because published specs are examples from a carrier fleet, confirm the exact unit when cargo clearances or lift planning are tight.

How many pallets fit in a 40 ft Open Top container?

A 40 ft Open Top typically fits up to 21 US standard pallets or up to 24 Euro pallets in a common single-layer arrangement. Actual capacity depends on pallet footprint, orientation, carton overhang, and how much blocking/bracing is needed. If you require access lanes, extra dunnage, or additional securing for heavy pieces, usable floor positions may decrease. Use these figures as quick estimates and validate with your load plan.

Is a 40 ft Open Top container waterproof and sealed?

An Open Top is designed to protect cargo using a tarpaulin roof system, but it is not the same as a rigid steel roof. Weather protection depends on cover condition, correct securing, and how long cargo is exposed during loading and unloading. For moisture-sensitive freight, minimize exposure time, inspect the cover and sealing points, and use appropriate packaging (wraps, liners, or covers) as needed for the route.

When should I choose Open Top vs Standard Container?

Choose an Open Top when door loading is impractical—typically for bulky or awkward cargo that requires overhead lifting. A standard 40 ft container is usually preferable for routine boxed/palletized shipments because it offers full roof protection and simpler handling. If you have crane access and need top loading for operational reasons, an Open Top can reduce handling risk versus forcing cargo through the doorway.

What cargo is not suitable for a 40 ft Open Top container?

A 40 ft Open Top is not suitable for cargo needing active temperature control (reefer equipment), bulk liquids (tank), or shipments that require strict weather protection without additional packaging controls. It may also be a poor fit where crane access is not available, since top loading is the main advantage. Suitability depends on cargo sensitivity and the handling plan, so confirm protection and securing requirements before booking.