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20ft & 40ft Open Top Shipping Container hire

Open Top Shipping Containers for hire let you load from above by crane, excavator, or overhead gantry instead of forcing everything through end doors. The roof panel removes or rolls back so heavy and oversized cargo goes straight in from the top. The 20ft suits most project sites, the 40ft handles bulkier items. We only supply quality, well-maintained Open top Shipping Containers built for Australian conditions.

Open Top Container hire, backed by an Australian team

When you hire an open top container from Container Traders, you’re working with an Australian-based team from quote to collection. No chasing overseas call centres or coordinating logistics on your own. Quotes come back within 48 hours, and delivery is typically a day or two once confirmed. Upfront you’ll pay delivery freight, collection freight, and your first month’s rental, with monthly billing to a credit card after that. We’ve been hiring containers to thousands of Australians since 2016, and most of our work still comes from repeat customers and referrals.

Matt, a Container Traders specialist, talking to a customer onsite during a container modification.

Should I buy or hire a Open Top container?

Deciding on whether to hire or buy a shipping container depends on your needs, budget, and how long you plan on using it.

Unsure what’s right for you? Contact Container Traders.

Get Advice

Hire a Container

  • Lower upfront cost than buying

  • Flexible: Keep it for as long as needed, then return it hassle-free
  • Quick & easy: Delivered to your location and picked up when you’re done
  • No long-term commitment: Ideal for temporary storage and moving
VS

Buy a Container

  • One-time spend: No repeat rent fees

  • Full ownership: Modify, paint, or customise as you like
  • Cost-effective over time: If using long-term, buying might be cheaper than renting
  • No return transport costs: You keep the unit, so there’s no fee to return it

Open Top Container rental guide

Cost to hire a Open Top Shipping Container

As of 1 September 2026, hiring a Open Top Shipping Container starts from $260*/mth + GST. Delivery and collection are an additional cost depending on your location. See our full hire pricing guide to find the right container for your budget.

Hire price list (Updated September 2026)

Container Traders offers flexible hire terms, with better monthly rates the longer you hire.

Container 9 Month Hire 18 Month Hire
20ft Open Top Container $280* /mth $260* /mth
40ft Open Top Container $380* /mth $360* /mth

*Prices exclude GST and delivery. Last updated: 1 September 2026

Common uses for rental Open Top Shipping Containers

Container Traders customers hire Open Top Shipping Containers across a wide range of industries and for a variety of reasons. Common use cases include:

  • Heavy machinery and equipment placed by crane
  • Oversized construction materials
  • Civil and mining projects
  • Sites with restricted access

Frequently asked questions

Have another question about Open Top Shipping Containers? Contact us.

  • Delivery is typically quick. Once your agreement is finalised, we’ll allocate your container and arrange for a local contractor to handle the delivery. This usually takes just one or two days, and sometimes even the next day.

  • Open Top Containers can work for permanent storage, but they aren’t as secure as a Standard Shipping Container. While a traditional shipping container has a solid corten steel roof, an open top uses a removable tarpaulin, which means it isn’t completely secure against theft.

    They are a great choice if you need the flexibility to store bulky items, but for maximum protection from the elements, a standard enclosed Shipping Container is usually the better bet.

  • Yes, having a level spot ready is one of the best things you can do to ensure a smooth delivery. If the ground isn’t level, the heavy steel frame can sit unevenly, which can cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close.

    Ideally, you want a firm surface like concrete, compacted gravel, or even just some sturdy wooden sleepers under the four corners to keep everything square and level.

  • You can load an Open Top Container by using a crane to drop items in from the top once the tarp is off, or simply by using the double doors at the front. This setup is perfect because it gives you the freedom to lift in heavy machinery from above or wheel in pallets and gear through the end doors.

  • A 20ft Open Top Container offers about ~36.8m³ of volume, while a 40ft Open top Container typically provides about ~75m³.

    Because these units use a removable tarpaulin instead of a solid roof, you can easily store cargo that sticks out the top if your items don’t need to be covered. This flexibility makes them perfect for bulky gear, and they come with serious weight capacities to match:

    • 20ft Open Top: Handles a max payload of approximately 28,130 kg
    • 40ft Open Top: Has a maximum payload of approximately 26,330 kg

  • Open Top Shipping Containers are designed for transporting and storing oversized, tall or heavy cargo that cannot fit in standard containers. They come in 20ft and 40ft sizes and feature a removable tarpaulin roof instead of a solid steel top, allowing for easy overhead loading via crane.

  • The advantage of hiring a Shipping Container is that it offers a reduced upfront cost compared to purchasing, making it a more budget-friendly option. Additionally, hiring provides flexibility, allowing you to adjust your storage needs as they change. You can easily off-hire the container when it’s no longer required, saving on ongoing costs and offering the convenience to scale up or down as needed.

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4.9 Stars

Based on 750+ Reviews

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4.9 Stars

Based on 250+ Reviews

29,789 Shipping Containers Sold in Australia
29,000+ Units Sold

Since 2016

Move anywhere across Australia with self-pack removal containers

Move your home or business with ease using our self-pack container removals, the flexible, affordable, option available Australia wide.

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Get a quote from Container Traders

Send us the details below and we’ll come back within two business days with our best price. For a quicker answer, call our container specialists on 1300 89 89 70.

Call our sales team

Speak directly with a container expert by calling 1300 89 89 70

Email us

Send your projects to: [email protected]

Your Open Top Container hire quote