Our Product

20ft Open Top Container – Hard Top

20ft Open Top Container – Hard Top

Description

Shop premium open top shipping containers built for oversized, tall, or heavy cargo — including our 20ft model with a fully removable hard top roof. At BSL Containers, we specialize in high-quality open top shipping containers designed to simplify loading and unloading via crane, forklift, or overhead access, perfect for industries across the US that handle out-of-gauge, bulky, or vertically challenging freight.

This open top shipping container combines the compact, logistics-friendly footprint of a standard 20ft unit with the flexibility of a fully removable steel hard top, allowing easy top-loading while maintaining ISO-certified structural integrity, weather resistance, and secure transit capabilities.

Key Features of Our 20ft Open Top Container (Hard Top)

As a trusted US supplier of open top shipping containers, BSL builds every unit from durable, corrosion-resistant Corten steel to strict ISO standards. Built from durable, corrosion-resistant Corten steel and engineered to strict ISO standards, our open top shipping container delivers exceptional strength, reliability, and versatility for international shipping, export, ground storage, or on-site use. Standout features include:

  • Removable Hard Top Roof: Consists of sturdy, removable steel overhead panels that can be lifted off by crane or forklift, providing full overhead access for loading tall machinery, pipes, steel coils, timber, glass, construction materials, or other oversized items that won’t fit through standard end doors.
  • Secure & Watertight Design: When the hard top is in place, the container becomes fully wind- and watertight with factory-fitted rubber seals and secure locking mechanisms—ensuring cargo protection during transport or long-term storage.
  • Heavy-Duty Construction: Marine-grade plywood floor supported by strong steel cross-members handles substantial weight loads while keeping contents clean and dry; fully vermin-proof and robust for demanding environments.
  • Compact & Maneuverable: The 20ft size makes it ideal for tighter job sites, urban deliveries, or lighter cargo volumes compared to larger 40ft units—while still offering excellent capacity for specialized freight.
  • Versatile Applications: Perfect for industrial, commercial, construction, manufacturing, and logistics needs requiring top-loading efficiency without sacrificing security or compliance.

This open top shipping container is the go-to choice when standard containers fall short—offering easy crane or overhead loading, secure transit, and unmatched adaptability for out-of-gauge cargo.

*Actual specifications may vary due to product enhancements. 

Please contact us for the latest details, pricing, customization options, or to request a quote.

The primary difference is the roof design and loading method:

  • A standard 20ft container has a fixed roof and only end doors, limiting access to side or end loading.
  • A 20ft open top container features a removable roof, usually in hard top or soft top, enabling top-loading via crane or hoist for tall, bulky or heavy cargo that won't fit through end doors.

Both share the same length, width and ISO compliance, but the 20’ open top container provides far greater flexibility for oversized freight while maintaining full structural integrity and weatherproofing when the top is secured.

The main difference lies in the roof design:

  • A hard top open top container (such as our 20ft open top container) uses removable steel roof panels that provide maximum strength, durability, and a fully rigid, watertight seal when closed, ideal for heavy-duty transport and long-term storage.
  • A soft top uses a waterproof tarpaulin secured with bows and lashing bars, more flexible and often more affordable, but slightly less rigid.

Hard top versions are preferred when maximum security and weather protection are priorities.

Open top shipping containers offer several key benefits, especially for specialized cargo:

  • Easy Top-Loading — Removable hard top allows crane or overhead access for tall machinery, pipes, steel coils, timber, glass, or other out-of-gauge items.
  • Versatile & Secure — Hard top can be securely reattached, making the container fully wind- and watertight for safe transit or long-term storage.
  • Compact & Maneuverable — The 20ft size (such as our 20ft open top container) is perfect for tighter job sites, urban deliveries, or lighter cargo volumes.
  • Cost-Effective Solution — Ideal for industries like construction, manufacturing, logistics, and export when standard containers are too restrictive.
  • High Durability — Built with marine-grade flooring and strong steel cross-members to handle heavy loads reliably.

Our 20’ open top containers combine these advantages with premium quality and easy handling.

The 20ft open top container (or 20’ open top container) is specifically designed for cargo that benefits from top-loading, including:

  • Tall or oversized machinery and equipment
  • Long materials such as pipes, steel beams, timber or lumber
  • Heavy items like steel coils, glass sheets, or construction components
  • Out-of-gauge freight that exceeds standard door height or width
  • Bulk materials that can be loaded by tipper or crane

This makes open top shipping containers like our 20ft open top container a top choice for construction, industrial, manufacturing and export operations requiring efficient, safe handling of challenging cargo.

For detailed information on shipping container sizes, weights, dimensions, and internal capacities, explore our complete Container Technical Specifications guide. 

Yes. BSL Containers supplies new and specification-built open top shipping containers, including 20ft hard top models, to buyers across the United States. Contact us for current inventory and pricing.

Pricing varies based on specification, condition, and delivery location. Request a quote from our team for current US pricing on our 20ft open top shipping containers.