20ft Open Top Shipping Containers

The 20ft Open Top Shipping Container is the same size as a Standard Shipping Container, with the roof removed for top loading. That makes it easy to load items you could not easily load and unload through standard end doors. This includes large amounts of scrap from a demolition site or overheight gear lowered in by crane. The removable soft or hard cover roof provides a wind and watertight seal so the load can travel and stay protected from the weather. The front double doors still open fully, so you can also load from the end with a forklift whenever that is easier.

Having two loading methods on the same shipping container makes it a perfect choice for demolition crews moving scrap and the mining sector moving equipment. Container Traders stocks new and used 20ft Open Top Shipping Containers for sale Australia-wide, with up to five years of shipping and rail certification available on new stock.

Features

  • Easily accessible – Removable top for easy crane and forklift loading.

  • Great depreciation value – Their robust construction and versatility mean they retain their value longer compared to other storage options.

  • Range of options – Available in New Single Trip or Used Cargo Worthy.

  • Up to 5 years rail and shipping certification – Ready for immediate transport use.

How much does a 20ft Open Top Shipping Container cost?

As of June 2026, the price to buy a 20ft Open Top shipping container starts from $6,600 - $8,000 for a cargo worthy container. Price excludes GST and delivery. For the best price on 20ft Open Top Shipping Containers delivered across Australia, contact the Container Traders team today.

Container Buy New Buy Used
20ft Open Top Container Request a Price $6,600 - $8,000
20ft Open Top High Cube Container Request a Price $8,800 - $9,800

*Prices exclude GST and delivery. Last updated: 16 June 2026

20ft Open Top Shipping Containers are great for:

  • Farm Icon
    Farming
    Ideal for loading and transporting large quantities of hay bales, animal feed or similar.
  • brick wall Icon
    Building material storage
    Securely store and transport large construction materials, such as timber, scaffolding, or roofing sheets, with the added benefit of easy access from the top for cranes or forklifts.
  • recycle Icon
    Demolition and recycling
    Quick loading from the top for scrap metal, concrete etc. greatly increases efficiency.
  • Large Crane Icon
    Equipment transport for mining & heavy machinery
    Ideal for transporting heavy machinery or mining equipment, where the open-top structure allows larger, bulky equipment to be loaded easily with cranes or forklifts.
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Blue open top shipping container with removable roof
A rusty red shipping container with the word TRITON on its side sits on a concrete surface, surrounded by other stacked storage containers in the background.

FAQ’s

Looking to learn more about 20ft Open Top Shipping Containers? We’ve answered some of the common questions our sales team gets asked.

  • 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.

  • 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 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.

20ft Open Top Shipping Containers
  • Available for delivery
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OR

1300 89 89 70

Dimension & specifications

  • 20ft Open Top Shipping Container Dimensions

    EXTERNAL
    Internal
    WEIGHT

    Length

    6,058 mm

    Length

    5,960 mm

    Empty Weight

    3,000 kg

    Width

    2,438 mm

    Width

    2,350 mm

    Max Gross Weight

    30,480 kg

    Height

    2,896 mm

    Height

    2,280 mm

    Max Payload

    27,480 kg

  • 20ft Open Top High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

    EXTERNAL
    Internal
    WEIGHT

    Length

    6,060 mm

    Length

    5,892 mm

    Empty Weight

    - kg

    Width

    2,440 mm

    Width

    2,347 mm

    Max Gross Weight

    2,510 kg

    Height

    2,890 mm

    Height

    2,580 mm

    Max Payload

    - kg

*Measurements are indicative only and not to exact mm.

Container grades - new & used options

  When buying 20ft Open Top Shipping Containers from Container Traders, it comes down to two grades. New Build is the go-to for street appeal and long-term longevity, while Cargo Worthy is the best choice when budget is the priority.

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New Build Single-Trip

  • Near pristine condition with minimal wear

  • Built for long-term durability and security

  • Great for public facing or high use spaces

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Cargo Worthy

  • Cost-effective option for tight budgets

  • Structurally sound and great for storage

  • Functional storage without aesthetics

Delivery options

Container Traders delivers 20ft Open Top Shipping Containers Australia wide. Our team works closely with you to choose the best, most cost-effective transport option for your site. For more info on how we deliver, visit our delivery guide.

Tilt tray delivery
MOST AFFORDABLE OPTION
Hiab delivery
PRECISE DELIVERY OPTION
Side loader delivery
Great for 40ft Containers
Flatbed / semi trailer delivery
EFFICIENT DELIVERY

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 questions to: [email protected]

Your 20ft Open Top Container quote

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Not ready to buy? Hire 20ft Open Top Shipping Containers from $260/mth*

Hiring a Open Top Container is often the most affordable way to get one on site fast when you only need it short term. Container Traders offers flexible hire of Open Top Shipping Containers delivered to your site, Australia-wide.

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