Not every type of cargo can be loaded into a standard steel box. Oversized machinery, construction equipment, or bulky goods often demand more flexible solutions. That’s where specialised shipping containers such as the open top container and the flat rack container come in. Both are designed to handle unconventional cargo, but they serve different purposes. Understanding their differences helps shippers choose the right equipment, save time, and ensure cargo safety.
In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between an open top shipping container and a flat rack shipping container, their uses, and how to choose the right one for your cargo.
What is an Open Top Container?
An open-top container is similar in structure to a standard shipping container but with one key difference—it has a removable roof. Instead of a fixed steel roof, it’s covered with a detachable tarpaulin that allows vertical loading from above.
This makes an open-top shipping container ideal for tall or bulky cargo that cannot pass through the container’s doors. With solid steel sides, reinforced floors, and secure locking mechanisms, it offers the durability of a standard container while providing more flexibility for loading and unloading.
Key Features and Uses of Open-Top Containers
Key Features
- Removable Roof: The tarpaulin can be removed for overhead loading.
- Reinforced End Walls: Strong enough to handle heavy or top-loaded cargo.
- Roof Bow Supports: Crossbars provide structure and stability to the tarpaulin.
- Rear Door Access: Standard container doors allow easy unloading of smaller items.
- Standard Dimensions: Available in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, with heights of 8’6″ or 9’6″.
When to Use an Open-Top Shipping Container
- Heavy Machinery: Turbines, generators, and industrial presses.
- Construction Materials: Steel beams, scaffolding, or precast concrete.
- Pipes and Cylindrical Equipment: Cargo too long or tall for standard containers.
- Vehicles and Speciality Equipment: Forklifts or boats that require overhead loading.
In short, open top containers are best when your cargo is too tall for a standard container and requires vertical loading with cranes or hoists.
What is a Flat Rack Container?
A flat rack container is designed with no side walls and no roof, only a solid base and two end walls. This makes it perfect for oversized, heavy, or unusually shaped cargo that cannot fit into a standard or open-top shipping container.
Constructed from high-strength steel, a flat rack container offers the rigidity required for heavy-duty cargo. Depending on the type, the end walls may be collapsible or fixed, which impacts storage and handling.
Key Features and Uses of Flat Rack Containers
Types of Flat Rack Containers
- Collapsible Flat Rack: End walls can be folded down or detached, making them space-saving when empty. However, they are less structurally strong than fixed models.
- Non-Collapsible Flat Rack: With fixed end walls, these provide greater strength and stability but require more storage space.
Specifications
- Lengths: 20-foot and 40-foot options with standard ISO dimensions.
- Payload Capacity: Approximately 30,000–40,000 kg.
- Flexibility: Cargo can extend beyond the container’s footprint, both in width and height.
When to Use a Flat Rack Shipping Container
- Large Industrial Equipment: Excavators, cranes, and drilling rigs.
- Construction Materials: Oversized steel structures, concrete blocks, or bridge sections.
- Vehicles: Trucks, buses, and oversized machinery.
- Unusually Shaped Cargo: Anything that doesn’t fit inside enclosed walls.
A flat rack container is the go-to option for extremely large and heavy loads that cannot be confined by container walls or roofs.
Open Top vs Flat Rack: Key Differences
While both container types are designed for cargo that doesn’t fit standard containers, their applications differ:
| Feature | Open Top Container | Flat Rack Container |
| Structure | Has solid sides, a floor, and a removable roof | Only base and two end walls, no sides or roof |
| Loading Method | Vertical loading through the roof | Top or side loading with cranes or forklifts |
| Best For | Tall cargo that needs overhead loading but still fits within the side walls | Oversized, wide, or irregular cargo that extends beyond the container width/height |
| Protection | Provides weather protection with a tarpaulin cover | Cargo is exposed unless separately covered |
| Storage Flexibility | Standard storage footprint | Collapsible versions save space when empty |
How to Choose the Right Container for Your Cargo
- Choose an open-top shipping container if:
- Your cargo is too tall for a standard container.
- You need protection from the weather with a tarpaulin roof.
- Vertical loading with a crane is required.
- Your cargo is too tall for a standard container.
- Choose a flat rack shipping container if:
- Your cargo is wider or bulkier than container walls can allow.
- You’re shipping very heavy equipment or machinery.
- Side-loading or oversized cargo is a priority.
- Your cargo is wider or bulkier than container walls can allow.
Conclusion
Both open-top containers and flat rack containers are indispensable in global logistics. The choice depends on the shape, size, and weight of your cargo, as well as how it needs to be loaded and protected during transit.
By understanding the key differences, shippers can make informed decisions that ensure cargo safety, cost-efficiency, and compliance with international shipping standards.
At ARCON, we specialise in providing reliable dry van container solutions for every type of cargo. From open top shipping containers for tall machinery to flat rack shipping containers for oversized equipment, our fleet is designed to meet the highest safety and performance standards.
