20ft Open top container for sale London

Discover the ideal solution for tall or irregularly shaped cargo with our 20ft open-top shipping containers for sale in London. Explore the convenient loading options these containers provide.

20ft open top Container

Buy 20ft Open Top Containers in London

Ideal for Oversized Cargo

A 20ft open top container isn’t just a box; it’s a practical, heavy-duty solution for moving and storing oversized, awkward, or top-loaded goods. Whether you’re shifting industrial machinery, construction beams, or bulky items that won’t squeeze through standard doors, this container handles it all with ease. It’s the go-to choice for businesses across construction, manufacturing, and logistics throughout London, from sites in Havering to projects in Hillingdon.

At Shipping Containers of London, we stock a wide selection of new and used 20ft open-top containers. Each one is built for resilience, fitted with removable roof bows and tarpaulin covers, and reinforced with secure, lockable double doors, all designed to withstand brutal UK weather and ensure safe transit.

A brown Open Top Containers is parked among others, with a forklift nearby in a gravel yard.
A stack of colorful Open Top Containers in red, green, blue, and black against a white background.
A stack of Open Top Containers in an outdoor area, with machinery and tools nearby, under a clear blue sky.
An interior view of a container, illuminated in vibrant blue and red colors, creating a striking visual effect.
A Open Top Container with a blue tarp top, surrounded by other containers in an industrial area.
Stacked Open Top Containers in red and blue, with a muddy ground and puddles reflecting the colors.

Key Features of Our 20ft Open Top Containers

Unlike standard containers, the 20ft open top’s removable roof makes top-loading a breeze, a critical feature for handling irregular loads safely and efficiently.

  • Built for Oversized Loads: Cranes and hoists can easily lower items in, making loading safer and quicker. This is a significant time-saver on construction sites or during international freight handling, and is perfect for heavy plant equipment, long steel pipes, scrap metal, or even fragile heritage items.
  • Robust Weather Protection: Constructed from high-grade Corten steel, these containers are tough, rust-resistant, and built to last for decades. The included heavy-duty tarpaulin and removable roof bows ensure full weatherproofing, ideal for outdoor storage and maritime shipping.
  • Flexible and Stackable: Measuring 20ft (L) x 8ft (W) x 8ft 6in (H), this ISO-standard unit stacks neatly with other containers and fits effortlessly onto standard trucks, rail freight, or vessels. All units can be supplied with a valid CSC plate, making them suitable for international shipping.

New vs Used 20ft Open Top Containers

We offer options to suit every budget and operational need, ensuring you receive the best value and performance for your investment.

New ‘One-Trip’ Units

Buying new offers peace of mind, with pristine condition, maximum lifespan, and immediate readiness for deployment. A new container is the ideal choice for companies wanting a professional-looking, long-term asset with substantial resale value.

  • Zero rust or significant dents.
  • Full compliance with the latest international standards.
  • Presents a clean, professional image for your brand.

High-Quality Used Units

Need a more budget-conscious solution? Our used 20ft open top containers deliver high performance without breaking the bank. Every used unit is professionally inspected, refurbished where necessary, and guaranteed to be structurally sound and watertight. They are an excellent choice and can be enhanced with optional upgrades and modifications.

Storage and Transport Applications

The versatility of the 20ft open-top makes it indispensable in industries across London, where flexibility and efficiency matter most.

  • Construction & Engineering: Perfect for holding steel beams, rebar, cable drums, and precast concrete parts for projects in areas like Croydon.
  • Manufacturing & Industrial: Use them as secure outdoor storage for heavy equipment, oversized spare parts, or backup stock at facilities.
  • Logistics & Transport: Open tops streamline the loading of large, heavy goods onto flatbed lorries or directly from cranes at depots and ports around Tilbury.
  • Recycling & Waste Management: Bulk loads of scrap metal, old machinery, or construction rubble can be loaded from the top to expedite the process.

Optional Container Modifications

At Shipping Containers of London, we offer tailored customisations so that your 20ft open-top container fits your project requirements perfectly. Our expert team can transform a standard unit into a bespoke solution.

  • Security Features: Enhance protection with extra locking bars, high-security lockboxes, or digital lock upgrades.
  • Internal Fit-Outs: Maximise utility with custom-built timber racking or steel shelving, and electrical fit-outs including lighting and sockets.
  • Exterior Upgrades: We can apply custom paint in your corporate colours, add branded logos and signage, or apply anti-condensation coatings to the interior.

Explore more about our capabilities on our converted container solutions page.

Technical Specifications

The following table outlines the standard specifications for our 20ft open-top containers. Please note that slight variations may exist due to manufacturing tolerances.

20ft Open Top Container Specifications
Specification Dimension / Detail
External Dimensions 20' L x 8' W x 8’6” H (6.06m x 2.44m x 2.59m)
Internal Dimensions 19’4” L x 7’8” W x 7’5” H (5.89m x 2.35m x 2.26m)
Door Opening 7’8” W x 7’5” H (2.34m x 2.28m)
Maximum Gross Weight 30,480 kg
Tare Weight Approx. 2,200 kg
Material Corten Steel
Roof Removable Steel Bows & Waterproof Tarpaulin
CSC Certified Yes, supplied upon request

Want the same flexibility with a longer unit? Check out our 40ft open top containers.

Buying a 20ft Open Top Container in London – Step-by-Step

We make the process of acquiring your container transparent and straightforward.

  1. Get a Free Quote: Head over to our Container Quote page and fill in your requirements. Our team responds promptly with a detailed, no-obligation price.
  2. Consult With Our Experts: We’ll guide you through the best new or used options, discuss availability, and plan the delivery arrangements with you.
  3. Customise (If Required): Let us know if you need any modifications. We can add racks, paint, electrics, or extra security features to suit your specific use case.
  4. Delivery to Your Site: We will arrange a hassle-free delivery with our fleet of HIAB crane-equipped lorries. Please review our clear delivery guidelines to ensure your site is prepared.

Whether you’re buying a single unit or multiple containers for a business site, we’re on hand to provide expert advice at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 20ft open top for international shipping?

Absolutely. All our units can be supplied with a valid CSC plate and comply with ISO standards for global freight, making them ready for export.

What is the weight capacity of a 20ft open top?

The maximum gross weight is approximately 30,480kg. After subtracting the container’s weight (tare weight), this allows for a cargo payload of up to 28,000kg in most cases.

Can it be used as a cold storage unit?

No, open-top containers are not insulated or designed for refrigeration. If temperature control is essential, consider our dedicated 20ft refrigerated containers.

Can I hire instead of buying?

Yes, for projects with a defined timeline, hiring can be a more cost-effective approach. We provide flexible 20ft open top container hire across London and the South East.

A few of our Trustpilot reviews.

Amazing Service

Jeremy and the Team were very easy to work with. extremely quick to respond to our needs and the overall delivery was spot on. The container supplied was brand new and exceptionally clean, ready for our items to be stored safely and securely.

What a refreshing experience

What a totally, refreshingly, brilliant company to deal with. They do what they say they will do at a time they say they will do it. Completely up front about everything: quality, cost, delivery etc. Nothing hidden. They accommodate the customer as far as humanly possible and their communications are spot on. I wish more companies were like this one.

20' x 8' Container Delivery

The service from this company was excellent. We were working to tight deadlines and Jeremy was incredibly prompt in his communication, from the initial quote to the follow up email, to check everything had been received. He phoned the haulier and arranged a delivery around our schedule and Andy (the driver), kept us informed, so we knew exactly when he was arriving.

A professional company, that I would recommend highly.