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Tarp roof and removable bows for loading from above. Starting depot prices updated October 2026. Delivered quotes from vetted local suppliers.
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Most metros $4,595 to $5,395 · depot price, October 2026
One request, quotes from vetted suppliers near you, no fees. Compare more on 40ft shipping containers or browse the full marketplace.
An open top container has no steel roof. Removable roof bows carry a heavy tarpaulin, and on most units the door header swings out as well, so loads can go in from above by crane or forklift. It suits machinery, timber, steel, stone and anything too tall or awkward to slide through the doors.
On site, open tops work as covered storage for long or bulky materials and as loading bays where a crane is available. For fully enclosed storage a standard 40ft used container costs much less.
| Measurement | External | Internal |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 40′ 0″ (12.19 m) | close to a standard 40ft |
| Width | 8′ 0″ (2.44 m) | close to a standard 40ft |
| Height | 8′ 6″ (2.59 m) | lower under the roof bows |
| Roof | removable bows and tarpaulin |
Exact internal figures vary by manufacturer; ask the supplier for the data plate. The full breakdown of all sizes is on shipping container dimensions.
Most metros sell a 40ft open top between $4,595 and $5,395 at the depot. Open tops are a small share of the used fleet, so stock is limited and prices vary more between suppliers than for standard containers.
| Distance from depot | Typical cost, one container |
|---|---|
| Under 50 miles | $350 to $750 |
| 50 to 100 miles | $500 to $1,000 |
| 100 to 200 miles | $800 to $1,600 |
| 200 to 300 miles | $1,200 to $2,000 |
| Over 300 miles | often $3.50 to $5 per mile plus unloading |
A tilt bed truck needs about 100 feet of straight clearance to slide a 40ft container off. Site access, ground conditions and a crane, if needed, change the price. Worked examples are on shipping container transport cost.
Make sure the tarpaulin is included and free of tears, that every roof bow is there, and that the swing header opens and locks. These parts are expensive to replace. Then check the floor, the doors and the side walls as you would on any used container.
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