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

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 & Over-Height Capacity

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

Q What is the primary difference between a soft open-top container and a standard 40HC dry van?
A A standard 40HC container has a fixed steel roof, meaning goods can only be loaded via the rear end doors. A soft open-top container features a removable tarpaulin and roof bows, providing an open-top opening for direct crane loading of over-height and heavy cargo like stone, machinery, and steel pipes, while maintaining the same weather protection when closed.
Q What material is used for the tarpaulin, and how weather-resistant is it?
A The roof cover is made of heavy-duty, anti-aging PVC-coated tarpaulin that is tear-resistant, UV-proof, and resistant to seawater corrosion. Fastened with multiple tension belts and steel buckles, it delivers a completely watertight seal for intermodal ocean voyages.
Q Can the tarpaulin and roof arch framework be replaced independently?
A Yes. Both the PVC tarpaulin cover and the roof bows are designed as modular, independent spare components. If damaged, they can be easily replaced individually without replacing structural body panels, ensuring minimal downtime and low maintenance costs.
Q How does the detachable rear door header beam facilitate loading?
A The rear door header beam can be swiveled or completely detached. This removes vertical height clearance limits at the door threshold, allowing heavy cargo to be smoothly driven in horizontally via forklift or lowered in by an overhead crane without collision risks.
Q What flooring options are available for specialized heavy-duty transport?
A Standard containers come equipped with high-density birch plywood flooring, ideal for general equipment and construction freight. For intense, concentrated loads like steel coils, scrap metal, or heavy industrial machinery, an all-steel floor configuration is available upon request.
Q Can the container be stacked at ports when loaded with cargo?
A Yes. Fabricated from SPA-H high-strength atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel with reinforced corner posts and bottom side rails, the container fully complies with international ISO standards for multi-layer port stacking and extreme marine environmental demands.

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