Indonesia
An Open Top Container is a type of intermodal shipping container with solid side walls and a reinforced floor, but an open roof or a removable tarpaulin cover. This open-roof design allows cargo with excessive vertical dimensions to be loaded directly from the top without being restricted by door height limitations.
The construction of this container still follows international ISO standards, meaning its length and width are identical to standard containers. The key difference lies in the open top, which significantly impacts the transportation of unusually tall cargo.
Open Top Containers (commonly abbreviated as OT in the industry) are also equipped with roof bows, arched frames on the top that support the tarpaulin and provide additional protection against weather exposure while cargo is inside.
Daftar isi
- 1 Types of Open Top Containers
- 2 Specifications and Dimensions of Open Top Containers
- 3 Open Top Container Features
- 4 Uses and Functions of Open Top Containers
- 5 Suitable Cargo for Open Top Containers
- 6 Difference Between Open Top and Flat Rack Containers
- 7 Open Top Container Price in Indonesia
- 8 Why Buy an Open Top Container from Tradecorp?
- 9 FAQ
Types of Open Top Containers
Before selecting a unit, it is important to understand the two main classifications of open top containers based on roof type and size.
Based on Roof Type
- Soft Top. Uses a flexible PVC tarpaulin that can be fully removed during loading. This type is lighter, easier to handle, and suitable for cargo that slightly exceeds the container wall height.
- Hard Top. Features a removable steel or metal roof, offering stronger protection against extreme weather and enhanced security for high-value or heavy cargo.
Based on Size
|
Container Type |
Length |
Main Usage |
| 20 Feet Open Top | ±6 meters | Industrial machinery, pipes, medium-sized heavy equipment |
| 40 Feet Open Top | ±12 meters | Long steel bars, large project materials, bulk cargo |
| 40 HC Open Top | ±12 meters (taller) | Very tall cargo, projects requiring maximum vertical space |
Specifications and Dimensions of Open Top Containers
Understanding the dimensions of Open Top Containers is essential before choosing the right unit for your needs. Below are the standard specifications:
20 Feet Open Top Container (20 OT Container)
|
Specifications |
Size |
| Length | 6.058 mm |
| Width | 2.438 mm |
| Height | 2.591 mm |
| Max. Gross (M.G.W) | 30,480 kg |
| Tare | 2,350 kg |
| Payload | 28,130 kg |
| Cu.Cap | 32.7 m³ |
The 20ft open top container is ideal for medium-sized cargo requiring vertical access, such as industrial machinery, steel pipes, or limited quantities of construction materials.
40 Feet Open Top Container (40 OT Container)
|
Specifications |
Size |
| Length | 12.192 mm |
| Width | 2.438 mm |
| Height | 2.591 mm |
| Max. Gross (M.G.W) | 32,500 kg |
| Tare | 3,740 kg |
| Payload | 28,760 kg |
| Cu.Cap | 65.9 m³ |
The 40’ open top container is the best choice for large cargo volumes such as timber logs, steel structures, or full-sized heavy equipment.
40’ HC Open Top Container (40 HC OT Container)
|
Specifications |
Size |
| Length | 12.192 mm |
| Width | 2.438 mm |
| Height | 2.896 mm |
| Max. Gross (M.G.W) | 32,500 kg |
| Tare | 4,060 kg |
| Payload | 28,440 kg |
| Cu.Cap | 75.1 m³ |
The 40 HC open top (High Cube Open Top) provides approximately 30 cm of additional vertical space compared to the standard 40 OT container. This makes it the best option for extremely tall cargo or projects requiring maximum volume capacity.
Open Top Container Features
Open Top Containers are not simply containers without roofs. They include several technical features that make them ideal for specialized cargo:
1. Open Roof with Removable Tarpaulin
The tarpaulin covering the top can be completely removed during loading. After cargo is placed inside, it is reinstalled to protect against rain, wind, and direct sunlight.
2. Strong Roof Bows
The arched frames installed along the top support the tarpaulin and help maintain structural stability during transport.
3. Corrugated Steel Side Walls
Like standard dry containers, the side walls are made of durable corrugated steel, ensuring resistance to impact during transit.
4. End Doors
Despite having an open roof, the container still includes end doors, allowing horizontal access for cargo when applicable.
5. Standard ISO Corner Castings
Each corner is equipped with ISO-standard corner castings, ensuring compatibility with lifting, stacking, and locking equipment at ports worldwide.
Uses and Functions of Open Top Containers
Open Top Containers serve a wide range of industries:
1. Construction Industry
Building materials such as steel beams, iron frames, construction pipes, and precast concrete often exceed the height limits of standard containers. With a 40 HC open top container, these materials can be loaded from above using a crane, significantly saving time and operational costs.
2. Mining and Heavy Equipment Industry
Excavators, bulldozers, agricultural tractors, industrial generators, and turbine components are commonly transported using 40 OT containers due to their excessive height.
3. Timber and Agriculture Industry
Timber logs, bamboo poles, hay bales, and other irregularly shaped agricultural products are ideal for top loading, allowing more flexible and efficient arrangement.
4. Manufacturing and Export Industry
Large glass panels, steel coils, metal sheets, and oversized machine components are regularly shipped using Open Top Containers for both domestic and international export.
5. Temporary Storage at Project Sites
In addition to transportation, Open Top Containers are also used as temporary storage solutions at construction, mining, or large-scale event sites where quick top access is required.
Suitable Cargo for Open Top Containers
Not all cargo fits every container type. The following are commonly transported using Open Top Containers:
Heavy Machinery
- Industrial turbines and generators
- Excavators and bulldozers
- Agricultural tractors and harvesters
- Large industrial pumps
Construction Materials
- Steel beams and angle bars
- Large-diameter construction pipes
- Precast concrete and concrete blocks
- Steel building structures
Commodities and Natural Products
- Timber logs and processed wood
- Scrap metal and metal waste
- Natural stone slabs and granite
- Hay bales and agricultural products
Other Industrial Cargo
- Cable drums and steel coils
- Large glass sheets
- Wind turbine components
- Industrial drums and tanks
Difference Between Open Top and Flat Rack Containers
|
Feature |
Open Top Container |
Flat Rack Container |
| Roof | Open (removable tarpaulin) | None |
| Side Walls | Present (steel) | None |
| Weather Protection | Good (with tarpaulin) | Minimal |
| Suitable for Tall Cargo | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Wide Cargo | Limited by walls | Very flexible |
| Stackable | Yes | Limited |
| Shipping Cost | More economical | Higher for special cargo |
For tall cargo that still fits within standard width, Open Top containers are more economical and protective. For cargo exceeding container width, Flat Rack containers are the better option.
Open Top Container Price in Indonesia
The price of Open Top Containers depends on several factors:
- Container size: 20 OT, 40 OT, or 40 HC OT
- Condition: New or used
- Grade: Cargo Worthy (CW), Wind & Water Tight (WWT), or As Is
- Delivery location
- Rental duration (short-term vs long-term)
To get pricing tailored to your project needs, contact Tradecorp Indonesia for a fast and transparent quotation.
Why Buy an Open Top Container from Tradecorp?
Tradecorp is more than just a container supplier. You can choose from:
- New Units: Brand-new condition, ready to use
- High-Quality Used Units: Fully inspected and operational
- CW/WWT Grade Units: Cost-effective options for storage or projects
Why choose Tradecorp?
- Ready stock available (20’, 40’, and 40 HC open top)
- Fast and simple process from quotation to delivery
- Experienced team across construction, mining, manufacturing, and logistics sectors
- Nationwide depot network in Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, and Sumbawa
FAQ
What is the difference between 20 OT and 40 OT?
A 20 OT is about 6 meters long, while a 40 OT is about 12 meters. Choose 20 OT for medium cargo and 40 OT for large or long cargo.
What is a 40 HC Open Top?
It is a High Cube version of the 40 OT, offering extra height for very tall cargo.
What are the dimensions of a 40 ft Open Top Container?
Length 12,192 mm, width 2,438 mm, height 2,591 mm. The High Cube version has a height of 2,896 mm.
What cargo is suitable for Open Top Containers?
Heavy machinery, construction materials, logs, scrap metal, large glass sheets, steel coils, turbine components, and other tall cargo.
Is an Open Top Container weatherproof?
Yes. The tarpaulin cover protects cargo from rain and wind once secured after loading.
Can Open Top Containers be stacked?
Yes, once loaded and properly covered, they can be stacked using ISO-standard corner castings like regular containers.
Where can I buy or rent Open Top Containers in Indonesia?
Tradecorp Indonesia provides sales and rental services nationwide with multiple depot locations.
Does Tradecorp ship outside Java?
Yes, delivery is available to regions across Indonesia, including Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua, and other islands.
