Open Top Shipping Container for Sale — 20ft High Cube
Looking for an open top shipping container that lets you load bulk cargo from above? You’ve found the right place. The 20ft High Cube open top container has no fixed roof — instead, it uses a removable tarpaulin cover that allows crane, grab, or conveyor loading from the top. Moreover, its High Cube height of 9ft 6in provides significantly more vertical loading space than a standard container. Furthermore, it ships directly from our inventory to your property across Tennessee and surrounding states with fast delivery and no hidden fees.
In fact, the open top shipping container is the industry-standard solution for bulk materials, heavy machinery, and any cargo that cannot be loaded through a standard end door.
What Is an Open Top Container?
An open top container is a standard ISO shipping container built with no fixed roof. Specifically, instead of a steel roof panel, it uses a removable tarpaulin bowing cover that protects cargo from weather during transit — while allowing full top-loading access when removed.
Furthermore, open top containers retain the same steel floor, side walls, and end doors as a standard enclosed container. Consequently, they offer the structural strength of a standard unit combined with the loading flexibility of an open-top platform.
In contrast to a flat rack shipping container — which has no roof or side walls — the open top shipping container keeps its full side walls intact. Therefore, it contains and protects loose or granular cargo that would fall off an open platform.
According to World Shipping Council, open top containers are among the most widely used specialized container types globally — particularly for bulk commodities, scrap metal, and project cargo.
20ft High Cube Open Top Container — Full Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| External Length | 20ft (6,058 mm) |
| External Width | 8ft (2,438 mm) |
| External Height | 9ft 6in (2,896 mm) — High Cube |
| Internal Length | 19ft 3in (5,898 mm) |
| Internal Width | 7ft 8in (2,352 mm) |
| Internal Height | 8ft 10in (2,698 mm) |
| Door Opening Width | 7ft 8in (2,340 mm) |
| Door Opening Height | 8ft 5in (2,585 mm) |
| Top Opening Length | 19ft 3in (5,898 mm) — full length |
| Top Opening Width | 7ft 5in (2,230 mm) — full width |
| Capacity | 1,335 cubic feet (37.8 cbm) |
| Tare Weight | 5,291 lbs (2,400 kg) |
| Max Payload | 61,729 lbs (28,000 kg) |
| Roof | Removable tarpaulin bowing cover |
| Construction | Corten steel — wind and watertight |
| Rating | 5.0 / 5.0 |
20ft Open Top Container Dimensions — What They Mean in Practice
Understanding the 20ft open top container dimensions helps you determine whether this unit is right for your cargo. Specifically, here is what the numbers mean on the ground:
The internal dimensions of the 20ft open top container are 19ft 3in long by 7ft 8in wide by 8ft 10in high. Consequently, the full-length top opening measures approximately 19ft 3in by 7ft 5in — giving crane operators a generous loading window across the entire roof area.
Furthermore, the 20ft High Cube open top container dimensions provide 12 inches more vertical clearance than a standard height open top container. As a result, tall or irregularly shaped cargo that would exceed the height of a standard unit fits comfortably inside the High Cube version. Moreover, the extra height gives crane operators more clearance during top loading — reducing the risk of snagging on the container walls.
Open Top Containers for Sale — Who Is This Product For?
Open top containers for sale attract buyers across a wide range of industries. In fact, here are the most common use cases we see across Tennessee:
- Agriculture and grain businesses — bulk grain, feed, and agricultural commodity loading via conveyor or grain elevator across Tennessee’s farming counties
- Scrap metal and recycling companies — crane and grab loading of loose scrap, metal shavings, and recyclable materials
- Construction companies — loading oversized machinery, structural components, and demolition debris that exceed standard door height
- Mining and quarrying operations — bulk mineral and aggregate loading via conveyor or crane
- Timber and lumber businesses — loading long timber sections and logs that are easier to place from above than through end doors
- Heavy equipment dealers — machinery that is taller than a standard container door opening
Open Top Container vs Open Top Trash Container — What’s the Difference?
Buyers sometimes search for an open top trash container when they actually need a shipping container — and vice versa. Therefore, it is worth clarifying the distinction.
An open top shipping container is a full-size ISO steel container — 20ft or 40ft long — designed for international freight and long-term storage. In contrast, an open top trash container is a smaller, lighter-gauge dumpster or skip bin used for waste collection on construction sites and in commercial premises.
Specifically, if you need bulk waste disposal, a local waste management company is the right supplier. However, if you need large-scale bulk cargo storage, international freight capability, or crane-loaded materials storage, the open top shipping container for sale is the correct product.
20ft vs 40ft Open Top Container — Which Size Do You Need?
Buyers frequently ask about the difference between a 20ft open top container and a 40ft open top container. In fact, the choice depends on your cargo volume and site constraints.
| Feature | 20ft Open Top | 40ft Open Top |
|---|---|---|
| External Length | 20ft | 40ft |
| Top Opening Length | ~19ft 3in | ~39ft 5in |
| Capacity | 1,335 cu ft | 2,694 cu ft |
| Best For | Compact sites, moderate volume | Large sites, high volume |
| Footprint | Small — fits tight spaces | Large — needs more ground space |
Specifically, the 20ft High Cube open top container suits moderate-volume operations, tighter sites, and buyers who need top-loading access without committing to a full 40ft footprint. In contrast, the 40ft open top suits high-volume bulk operations where maximum capacity is the priority. Browse our 40ft containers for larger alternatives.
How the Open Top Container Compares to Other Models in Our Catalog
Not sure whether an open top shipping container is the right configuration for your project? In addition to this model, we stock a full range of containers at different sizes and configurations. Therefore, here is how this unit fits into our catalog:
| Container | Roof | Side Access | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft High Cube Grade A | Fixed steel | End doors only | 1,170 cu ft | General enclosed storage |
| 20ft Open Side Container | Fixed steel | End + full side | 1,170 cu ft | Side-loading access |
| 20ft HC Open Top | Removable tarpaulin | End doors + full top | 1,335 cu ft | Top-loaded bulk cargo |
| 40ft Full Side Access | Fixed steel | End + full side | 2,694 cu ft | Side-loading, conversions |
| Flat Rack Container | None | Top + both sides | 2,040 cu ft | Oversized, heavy cargo |
| Refrigerated Container | Fixed steel | End doors only | Various | Temperature-controlled |
As you can see, the open top container uniquely combines full top-loading access with enclosed side walls — giving you the bulk loading convenience of a flat rack with the containment security of an enclosed unit.
Delivery of Open Top Shipping Containers Across Tennessee
We deliver open top shipping containers for sale directly to your property across Tennessee and surrounding states. Moreover, our delivery team handles everything from dispatch to on-site placement — no separate transport arrangement required.
Specifically, our delivery area covers:
- Nashville and Davidson County — view our Nashville delivery area
- Murfreesboro, Franklin, Brentwood, Clarksville — all of Middle Tennessee
- Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis — statewide delivery available
- Surrounding states — contact us to confirm availability
Furthermore, open top containers require specific consideration for delivery positioning — particularly if crane access is needed for your intended loading operation. Therefore, contact us before ordering to discuss your site requirements. Read our full shipping and delivery policy for complete details.
Why Buy from Budget Storage Containers?
First, our 20ft HC Open Top Container is rated 5.0 out of 5 by verified buyers. Second, every open top shipping container is inspected before delivery — no surprises on arrival. Third, our pricing is fully transparent with no hidden fees at checkout.
In addition, if an open top container is not the right configuration for your specific project, our team will point you toward the right option from our full catalog. Furthermore, learn more about how we operate on our About Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an open top container?
An open top container is an ISO shipping container with no fixed roof. Instead, it uses a removable tarpaulin bowing cover that allows crane, conveyor, or grab loading from above. Furthermore, it retains the full steel side walls and end doors of a standard enclosed container — making it ideal for loose or granular bulk cargo that needs to be contained during storage and transit.
What are the internal dimensions of a 20ft open top container?
The internal dimensions of the 20ft open top container are 19ft 3in long × 7ft 8in wide × 8ft 10in high. Furthermore, the top opening measures approximately 19ft 3in long × 7ft 5in wide — spanning the full length and width of the container interior. Consequently, the entire cargo space is accessible from above.
What is the difference between a 20ft and 40ft open top container?
The 20ft open top container provides 1,335 cubic feet of capacity and a top opening of approximately 19ft 3in. In contrast, the 40ft open top container provides 2,694 cubic feet and a top opening of approximately 39ft 5in. Therefore, the 20ft model suits moderate-volume operations and tighter sites, while the 40ft suits high-volume bulk operations.
What is an open top shipping container used for?
Open top shipping containers are used for bulk cargo that cannot be loaded through standard end doors — including grain, scrap metal, machinery, structural steel, logs, and demolition debris. Moreover, they are used extensively in agriculture, mining, recycling, and heavy construction across Tennessee and surrounding states.
Can I use an for storage in Nashville, TN?
Yes an open top container works well for bulk material storage in Nashville, TN. In fact, its High Cube height provides additional vertical clearance compared to standard containers. Furthermore, if you’re planning a container project in Nashville, visit our Nashville shipping containers page for local delivery information and permit guidance.
What accessories are available ?
We stock a range of container accessories compatible with standard ISO containers. However, if you need specific tarpaulin replacement covers or bowing sets for your open top container, contact us directly and we will advise on availability.
Order Your Open Top Shipping Container Today
Ready to order or want a free no-obligation quote? Contact our team today — we will confirm availability, current pricing, and delivery timeline for your location across Tennessee.
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