Container basics
open top container (OT)
An open top container is a container with a removable or open roof, so cargo can be loaded from above by crane or lift. It is made for tall or heavy items. Carrier listings include open tops in 20-foot, 40-foot and 40-foot high cube sizes.
Why it matters
Open tops are used for machinery and oversized loads that will not fit through the doors. They have a roof opening and a swing header at the door end. Because the roof is open, many units use a cover such as a tarp, and it must be secured to keep water out. A common mistake is to treat an open top as a normal storage box. A cover that is torn or loose can leak, and the roof opening changes how the unit can be stacked and lifted. Ask about the cover, the opening size and the weight rating before you rent or buy.
Read: Container modifications for rental: Doors, windows, lock boxes and HVAC
Definition source: one-line.com
Related terms
flat rack container
A flat rack container is a container with a strong floor and end structures but open sides and no roof. It carries oversized, heavy or odd-shaped cargo that will not fit in a closed box. Carrier listings show 20-foot and 40-foot flat racks.
general purpose container
A general purpose container is a totally enclosed container for general cargo. ISO 1496-1 covers general cargo containers for general purposes, including some vented, ventilated and open top types. Short codes such as GP often appear on specs and quotes.
ISO 1496
ISO 1496 is a series of international standards for the specification and testing of series 1 freight containers. Part 1 covers general cargo containers for general purposes, including totally enclosed boxes and some vented or open top types. Other parts cover tank, thermal, dry bulk and platform containers.
container modification
A container modification is a change made to a standard shipping container. It covers a single door cut-in up to a full fit-out. Common changes include doors, windows, vents, insulation, electrical work, HVAC, lining, partitions and plumbing. Sellers often group these changes into packages.
crane truck
A crane truck is a truck with a crane mounted on the bed or chassis. It lifts a container off a trailer, over fences or onto a tight spot. It is also called a boom truck or loader crane truck.
door opening
Door opening is the width and height of the clear opening when a container's doors are open. It is smaller than the container's inside width and height because of the door frame and header. Carrier specs list door opening separately from inside size.
For the industry
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