40ft Open Top
40ft open-top shipping container to meet your needs at Shipping Containers of Manchester.
40ft Open Top Shipping Containers for Sale & Hire in Manchester
Our 40ft Open Top Containers, available in both standard and high cube options, offer easy top-loading access and unrivalled strength. Perfect for construction, manufacturing, logistics and export applications, these containers are available for hire or purchase with rapid delivery across Greater Manchester.
What is a 40ft Open Top Container?
A 40ft open top container is designed for cargo that can’t be easily loaded through standard container doors. Featuring a removable tarpaulin or hard roof, it allows loading and unloading from above using cranes or other overhead lifting equipment. Built with reinforced steel and a marine-grade plywood floor, these containers are ideal for heavy-duty industrial use.
Whether you’re handling oversized machinery, steel fabrications, timber, or scrap metal, an open-top container ensures efficient loading and secure transport even for unconventional cargo shapes and sizes.
Standard vs. High Cube 40ft Open Top Containers
Our range includes both standard and high cube models, allowing you to select the best fit for your storage or transport requirements:
| Specification | 40ft Standard Open Top | 40ft High Cube Open Top |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions (L×W×H) | 12.19m × 2.44m × 2.59m | 12.19m × 2.44m × 2.89m |
| Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.38m | 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.69m |
| Internal Volume | 67.7m³ | 76.3m³ |
| Door Opening (W×H) | 2.34m × 2.28m | 2.34m × 2.58m |
| Tare Weight | ~3,950 kg | ~4,100 kg |
| Maximum Payload | ~26,500 kg | ~26,300 kg |
Both models feature robust steel corner posts and removable roof bows for additional rigidity. The high cube variant offers extra vertical clearance, ideal for bulky or tall machinery.
Key Features
- Open-top design: Easy loading via crane or overhead equipment.
- Removable tarpaulin or hardtop roof: Choose between flexible or fixed roof protection.
- Forklift pockets: Designed for efficient handling and mobility.
- Marine-grade plywood floor: Built to withstand heavy loads and rough use.
- Weatherproof and secure: Fully wind and watertight with robust locking systems.
- Multiple lifting points: Compliant with ISO standards for shipping and site handling.
Typical Uses Across Manchester
Our 40ft open top shipping containers are trusted by organisations throughout Greater Manchester, including Salford, Trafford, Bury, Stockport, and Wigan. Popular applications include:
- Construction & Civil Engineering: Perfect for transporting long steel beams, pipes, or scaffolding sections.
- Manufacturing & Industrial: Efficient storage and export of heavy machinery or fabricated components.
- Waste & Recycling: Used for transporting scrap materials, aggregates and bulk waste.
- Agriculture: Suitable for loading timber, hay bales or machinery parts.
- Custom Conversions: Frequently used as the base for bespoke workshop or plant housing conversions.
Durability and Construction
Our 40ft open-top containers are built from Corten steel, known for its resistance to corrosion and exceptional structural integrity. Reinforced corner castings and cross members ensure long-lasting strength, while the removable roof bows and tarpaulin system simplifies maintenance. Each unit is inspected and CSC-plated for safe international shipping and compliant site use.
Sustainability and Value
Reusing shipping containers reduces industrial waste and promotes sustainable logistics. All open top containers supplied by Shipping Containers of Manchester are fully refurbishable and recyclable, providing long-term value and environmental responsibility. Both new (one-trip) and used units are available to suit your budget and project needs.
Delivery Across Manchester and Beyond
We deliver 40ft open-top containers throughout Greater Manchester, including Oldham, Rochdale, Bolton, Tameside, and Salford. Our HIAB-equipped lorries ensure safe offloading and precise placement, even on restricted or uneven sites.
Learn more about our container transport services in Manchester.
Need a 40ft Open Top Container in Manchester? Call 0330 0130 636 or request a quote online today. Our experts will help you choose between standard and high-cube options and arrange for a professional delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 40ft open top containers come with a removable roof?
Yes. Most models feature a heavy-duty tarpaulin roof with removable roof bows for easy crane access. Some units also include detachable steel hardtops for extra durability.
What’s the difference between a standard and a high cube 40ft open top?
The high cube version provides an extra 300mm of internal height, ideal for taller machinery or stacked cargo, while maintaining the same base footprint and handling points.
Are open-top containers suitable for export?
Absolutely. All new and inspected used units are CSC-certified, meaning they can be safely used for international shipping by sea, rail or road.
Do you offer both new and used 40ft open tops?
Yes. We supply both one-trip (new) and used open-top containers in excellent condition. Used units are inspected for weatherproofing and structural soundness before delivery.
How soon can delivery be arranged?
We can typically deliver within 3–5 working days across Manchester and surrounding areas, depending on stock availability and site access.
A few of our Trustpilot reviews.
Great service and good value
Very helpful staff who answered any questions I had and provided a quote promptly for the hire of a storage container. The whole process from my initial enquiry, to ordering a container and it being delivered to site was straightforward and efficiently handled. The storage container was in a very good, clean condition and good value to hire.
Excellent company - great service
We were messed around by another supplier and so after weeks of waiting to no avail we got a refund and went to these guys. Their communication was excellent and within days we had our container delivered. Container in excellent condition, the delivery driver was very helpful and arrived on time, and the total price was the cheapest we could fine. Highly recommended.
From initial contact through to…
From initial contact through to delivery the whole experience was excellent. In particular promised phone calls to arrange delivery and access issues happened on time and everything went smoothly.
Office Hours
Monday : 9:00-17:30
Tuesday : 9:00-17:30
Wednesday : 9:00-17:30
Thursday : 9:00-17:30
Friday : 9:00-17:30
Saturday : Closed
Sunday : Closed
Tel: 0330 0130 636