Buy 40ft High-Cube New Soft Open Top Shipping Container with Tarpaulin Cover Manufacturer, Product

The "Tarpaulin Soft Open Top Container"—often referred to simply as a "soft open-top container"—is a type of specialized maritime shipping container. Unlike hard open-top containers that utilize metal lids, this unit lacks a fixed steel roof; instead, it features a removable roof bow system covered by a high-strength, waterproof PVC tarpaulin. Its primary advantage is the ability to load and unload oversized (extra-high or extra-wide) and heavy cargo via top-lifting, making it suitable for multimodal transport operations involving sea, road, and rail.

Product Description

Product Introduction

The main body is constructed from SPA-H high-strength, weather-resistant corrugated steel. Key structural areas—including the four corners and bottom side rails—are thickened and reinforced, and the unit features anti-corrosion and anti-rust coatings to meet rigorous standards for multi-layer port stacking and long-haul maritime transport. Heavy-duty lashing rings are evenly distributed along the interior sidewalls and floor, allowing for the secure anchoring of heavy cargo—such as large machinery and steel products—to prevent shifting or movement during transit.

The unit is equipped with a removable metal roof arch framework and a heavy-duty, anti-aging PVC waterproof tarpaulin. This cover is rainproof, sun-resistant, and tear-resistant, and can be either fully rolled up or completely detached. Multiple tensioning buckles along the sides ensure a fully sealed, waterproof fit, effectively protecting cargo from the elements during adverse weather.

The rear door header beam is fully detachable, widening the rear loading/unloading access point and accommodating both side-loading (via forklift) and top-loading (via crane) operations. The door panels utilize a dual-locking bar sealing mechanism, with high-quality gaskets ensuring a watertight and dustproof seal.

Standard units come with birch plywood flooring, suitable for transporting general equipment and construction materials. For heavy-duty applications, an all-steel floor option is available, making the container ideal for transporting steel coils, scrap metal, and heavy construction machinery.

Product Specification
External Dimension (MM) 12192 × 2438 × 2896
Internal Dimension (MM) 12032 × 2352 × 2690
End Door Dimensions 2340 × 2585
Top Opening Dimensions 12032 × 2230
Maximum Gross Weight 30480 kg
Maximum Payload 26480 kg
Tare Weight (±2%) 3850 kg
Advantages
● Flexible loading/unloading; accommodates irregularly shaped and extra-tall cargo

With no rigid roof constraints, cranes can load cargo directly into the container from above, overcoming the limitations of standard dry containers that rely on rear-door access and cannot accommodate oversized, extra-tall items. Cargo height can moderately exceed the container's top edge (when the tarpaulin is removed), significantly expanding the scope of oversized cargo transport.

● Lower overall transportation costs

Compared to hard-top open-top containers, the soft-top structure is lighter, reducing costs associated with empty container transport. The tarpaulin is easy to install and remove without heavy machinery, shortening terminal handling times and offering advantages in procurement and maintenance costs.

● High versatility for multi-scenario use

Suitable for the maritime export of oversized equipment, stone, glass, and steel, as well as for inland rail and short-haul road transport. On return trips, the container can carry general bulk or packaged cargo, avoiding the waste of empty returns and improving container turnover and utilization rates.

● Reliable protective performance

When closed, the tarpaulin provides comprehensive waterproofing and UV protection, withstanding rain and sun exposure during sea voyages. The removable tarpaulin facilitates routine inspections and interior cleaning, extending the container's service life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the difference between soft open top container and standard 40HC dry van?
Standard 40HC has fixed steel roof, goods only loaded via rear door. Soft OT with removable tarpaulin & roof bows provides full open top for crane loading over-height heavy cargo like stone, machinery, steel pipes. Fully sealed tarpaulin keeps same waterproof performance as dry van.
Q: What material is the tarpaulin? Is it waterproof & durable?
Heavy-duty PVC coated tarpaulin, tear-resistant, UV-proof & anti-seawater corrosion. Equipped with multiple tension belts & metal buckles, fully waterproof for ocean shipment after tight fastening.
Q: Can we replace the tarpaulin separately if damaged?
Yes, tarpaulin is a separate spare part, easy to replace alone with low maintenance cost.
Q: How does the removable rear header beam facilitate cargo operations?
The rear door header beam is completely detachable, allowing an unobstructed opening so forklifts and cranes can load high, bulky goods from either the rear or top without physical interference.
Q: What flooring options are available for different cargo loads?
The container comes standard with birch plywood flooring suitable for standard freight, with an optional heavy-duty all-steel floor engineered for steel coils, dense metal parts, and heavy machinery.

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