Rent 40ft Open Top Containers London

Consider renting 40ft open top shipping containers in London to accommodate oversized cargo and address your specific shipping requirements effectively.

40ft Open Top Container

Rent 40ft Open Top Containers in Greater London

For logistics managers and site operators in Greater London who face the challenge of transporting "out-of-gauge" cargo, the standard shipping container poses significant limitations. Shipping Containers of London provides the solution. We supply high-specification 40ft open-top containers for hire, specifically engineered for cargo that cannot be loaded through conventional doors or that exceeds standard height restrictions. Whether you are moving heavy machinery in the Docklands or managing scrap metal logistics near Tilbury, our fleet offers the vertical access and structural integrity required for complex operations.

Vertical Loading for Oversized Cargo

The defining feature of the 40ft open top container is its removable roof structure. By utilising removable steel roof bows and a heavy-duty tarpaulin, these units allow for unrestricted overhead loading via crane or crab grab. This capability is indispensable for handling heavy items such as industrial generators, long steel girders, glass panelling, or scrap materials that must be lowered directly into the hold.

Once loaded, the roof bows are replaced, and the tarpaulin is secured, providing a weather-tight seal that protects the cargo during transit or static storage.

Key Features and Engineering

Our rental fleet is maintained to rigorous standards to ensure safety and functionality on site.

  • Unrestricted Access: The header rail on the door end can be swung out (on specific models), and the roof is fully removable, facilitating the loading of over-height items.
  • Robust Construction: Manufactured from Corten steel, these units resist corrosion and withstand the rigours of heavy industrial use. The floor consists of 28mm marine-grade plywood or steel, capable of supporting heavy point loads.
  • Weather Protection: We supply heavy-duty, TIR-compliant tarpaulins. These are water-resistant and secured with high-tensile cables to ensure the cargo remains dry.
  • Secure Transit: Numerous lashing rings are welded to the bottom and top side rails, enabling secure fastening of shifting loads.

Technical Specifications

Understanding the dimensional capacity is vital for safe loading. Below are the typical specifications for our 40ft open top rental units.

40ft Open Top Specifications
Specification Detail
External Dimensions 40ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in (12.19m x 2.44m x 2.59m)
Internal Dimensions 39ft 5in x 7ft 8in x 7ft 8in (12.02m x 2.35m x 2.34m)
Door Opening 7ft 8in wide x 7ft 5in high (2.34m x 2.28m)
Roof Opening 39ft 1in length x 7ft 3in width approx.
Payload Capacity Up to 26,500 kg (subject to model)
Tare Weight Approx. 3,900 kg

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

Strategic Applications in London

The 40ft open top is a versatile asset used across various sectors in the capital.

  • Construction: Essential for sites with tower cranes, allowing materials such as timber packs and precast concrete to be dropped directly into secure storage.
  • Events and Festivals: Used at venues like Wembley or Hyde Park for storing rigging and lighting trusses that are too long for standard box containers.
  • Recycling and Waste: Ideal for the bulk transport of scrap metal or aggregate, where top-loading via grab is the only efficient method.

The Rental Process

We aim to make the hiring process as efficient as the container itself.

  1. Consultation: Contact our team to discuss your cargo dimensions. We can advise on whether standard or high-cube options are best suited.
  2. Logistics Planning: Delivering a 40ft unit requires an articulated HIAB vehicle. We will assess your site access to ensure our trucks can manoeuvre safely in London’s tight streets.
  3. Delivery: Our transport team will deliver and offload the unit to the exact location required.
  4. Collection: Upon project completion, we arrange the collection of the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transport cargo that is taller than the container?

Yes, this is a primary function of the open top. However, if the cargo protrudes above the roofline during road transport, it is classified as an abnormal load. You must inform us in advance so we can check route heights (bridges and cables) and ensure compliance with road haulage regulations.

Is the tarpaulin included in the hire?

Yes, all our open-top containers are supplied with a full set of roof bows and a heavy-duty tarpaulin in good condition. If you are transporting over-height cargo that prevents the use of the standard tarp, you will need to arrange your own weather protection.

How secure is an open-top container?

While the steel walls and doors offer the same security as a standard container, the roof is naturally less secure than a solid steel top. For high-value goods left on-site overnight, we recommend keeping the cargo below the roofline and securing the tarpaulin with a TIR cord and padlock.

How much space is needed for delivery?

Delivery requires an articulated HIAB lorry, which is approximately 65ft long. The driver needs substantial turning space and firm, hard-standing ground. We generally advise against delivery to residential streets unless there is a dedicated loading bay or substantial access.

Can I use these for shipping goods abroad?

Our hire fleet is typically reserved for domestic storage and transport. If you require a container for international shipping (one-way), please speak to our sales team about purchasing a unit with a valid CSC plate.

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.