In international freight, Choosing the right type of container for the characteristics of the shipment is an important factor. Open top containers are one of the commonly used types of containers for bulky or special sized items. So what is an open top container?? Let's find out details with Cuong Quoc Logistics through the article below.
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What is an Open Top Container??
Container open top (OT) is a specially designed container with an open roof, Do not use fixed roofs like regular containers. Instead, The roof is covered with a tarpaulin, makes it easy to load and unload goods from above.
Thanks to this design, Open top containers are suitable for transporting large sized items, special shape, or cannot be loaded or unloaded through normal container doors, such as machinery, construction equipment, large glasses, or super-long, super-heavy packages.
Characteristics of Open Top Containers
Material
Open top containers are made from cast steel frames and steel plates, Similar to regular dry containers. This material ensures high durability, good bearing capacity, and protect goods from external environmental impacts. Even though it has an open roof design, Open top containers still maintain the same sturdiness and safety as other types of containers.
Design
The highlight of the open top container is the open roof, Allows loading and unloading of goods from above using cranes or lifting equipment. After the goods are loaded into the container, The roof can be left bare or covered with a tarp to protect goods.
To increase safety and secure the tarp, Open top containers are often equipped with beams - circular or beveled pillars, Horizontal and vertical arrangement of containers. Normally, An open top container has about 12 rafters, helps ensure goods are preserved in the best conditions, Avoid weather impacts or vibrations during transportation.
Advantage
Open top containers bring many outstanding benefits, especially in the transportation of specific goods:
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Suitable for bulky goods: This is the ideal solution for items that are large or cannot be loaded or unloaded through conventional container doors, such as industrial equipment or construction materials.
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Easy loading and unloading: The open roof design allows the use of cranes to load goods from the top down, Then cover with tarpaulin for protection, helps save time and effort.
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Variety of sizes: Open top containers come in many different sizes, from 20 feet to 40 feet, Helps businesses flexibly choose according to their needs.
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High durability: Made from high quality steel, Open top containers have a lifespan of up to 50 years, Ensuring long-term use and cost savings.
Popular Types of Open Top Containers
Currently, Open top containers have many variations to meet diverse transportation needs. One of the most popular types is:
Container 40 Feet Open 6 Side Doors
This is an improved open top container with 6 sets of doors on both sides, makes loading and unloading goods more convenient. This container is still fully equipped with tarpaulin to protect the goods.
The standard size of a 40-foot open 6-door container is:
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Length: 12.192 mm
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Width: 2.438 mm
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Height: 1.500 mm
This type of container is suitable for items that need access from multiple directions, such as industrial equipment or construction materials.

How to Transport Open Top Containers by Road
When transporting open top containers by road, Businesses and transport units need to note the following points to ensure safety and efficiency:
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Choose the appropriate container size:
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There are two main types of open top containers: 20 feet (20OT) and 40 feet (40OT), only differ in length and tonnage. Businesses need to choose the type of container appropriate to the weight and size of the goods to avoid exceeding the allowable load.
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Guaranteed product size:
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Goods need to fit within the size of the container. If the goods are oversized (too long, too wide, or too high), Ensuring safety in transportation will be difficult.
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Regulations on cargo height:
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With 20OT container, Goods with a height of less than 3,5 m can be transported in its entirety. If height is from 3,5 m to 3,8 m, need to gut the container (Remove cargo or adjust to reduce height).
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With 40OT container, Goods with a height of less than 3,1 m does not need to be gutted. If height is from 3,1 m to 3,8 m, Needs to be gutted before shipping.
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Comply with the permissible weight:
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Transport units need to ensure that the total weight of goods and containers does not exceed the allowable limit of the vehicle and traffic regulations..
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Safety check:
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Before shipping, You need to carefully check the tarpaulin cover, canvas, and the condition of the goods to ensure they are not moved or damaged during transportation.
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The Role Of Open Top Containers In Transportation
Open top containers play an important role in the logistics industry, especially with specific shipments:
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Transporting oversized and super heavy goods: Suitable for items such as industrial machinery, construction equipment, or large sized materials.
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Increase flexibility: Open roof design and top-down loading and unloading capabilities save time and effort, especially when using cranes.
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Meet diverse needs: With many sizes and configurations, Open top containers are suitable for both sea and road transport.
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Protect goods: Tarpaulins and tarpaulins help protect goods from the effects of weather such as rain, sunny, or dust.
Support Services From Logistics Powerhouse
Logistics power, with more than 10 years of experience in the field of international shipping and logistics, provides support services related to open top containers, include:
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Consulting on choosing the right type of container for the goods.
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Support in handling customs procedures and sea transportation, road.
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Ensure goods are loaded and unloaded safely, according to regulations.
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Import-export entrusted services and international express delivery.
Conclude
Open top containers are the optimal solution for transporting bulky items, super long, super heavy, or have a special shape. With open roof design, durable material, and flexibility, This type of container satisfies the needs of businesses in international logistics. Understanding the characteristics and uses of open top containers will help ensure the shipping process is safe and efficient. Follow Cuong Quoc Logistics to update more useful information about shipping and import-export!
Cuong Quoc Freight Forwarding Company Limited
Office: 7th floor, Parami Building, 140 Bach Dang, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0972 66 71 66
Email: info@cql.com.vn
Website: https://cql.com.vn/
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