Details
About Used 20ft Open-Tops
For cargo that needs a little extra headroom. Used 20ft open-top containers are built for oversized or awkwardly shaped cargo that can’t be loaded through standard container doors—like construction equipment and bulk materials. A removable tarpaulin roof allows cargo to be loaded from above by a crane or other lifting equipment, while the container’s COR-TEN steel walls, base, and internal lashing rings keep freight secure during transit.
Features
- ISO open-top container retired from international shipping.
- Used for an average of 7-12 years on international trade lines/domestic freight routes.
- COR-TEN steel frame with a hinged cargo door beam.
- Soft, removable tarpaulin roof with lashing points throughout.
- Eligible for international shipping with a CSC survey (additional cost).
- Quality inspected to meet strict cargo-worthy container requirements.
Why Buy With CHS Container Group?
Buying used 20ft open-tops is simple with CHS Container Group. Complete our one-page checkout, and we’ll call you to arrange delivery. If there’s a CHS location near you, you can also come by and choose your container in person.
Why you’ll like working with us:
- Proudly family-owned and operated since 1978.
- Plenty of inventory on the ground and ready to go.
- CSC certification available (additional cost).
- International presence with local support.
Please note: 20ft used open-top containers (and their tarpaulin roofs) come in a variety of colors. They may also feature original shipping line logos. If you have a specific color preference, please include it in the “Product Note” section at checkout. While we’ll do our best to accommodate requests, we can’t guarantee color for used containers at this time.
For any products under 40ft long:
When buying a container online, you can choose to have your container delivered with or without a crane.
With Crane
Your container will be delivered on a truck-mounted crane, allowing the driver to lift and position the container without additional offloading equipment.
To facilitate a truck-mounted crane delivery, you will need:
- Length Clearance: 18.75m (61.5ft)
- Height Clearance: 4m (13ft)
- Width Clearance: 3.65m (12ft)
Without Crane (Standard Chassis)
If you select delivery without a crane, your container will be delivered on a flat chassis with no built-in offloading equipment. You will therefore be responsible for offloading the container yourself using the appropriate heavy-duty equipment.
To facilitate a delivery without a crane, you will also need:
- Length Clearance: 18.75m (61.5ft)
- Height Clearance: 4m (13ft)
- Width Clearance: 3.65m (12ft)
To learn more about these delivery methods, consult our shipping container delivery guide.
For products 40ft or longer:
When buying a container online, you can choose to have your container delivered by side-loader or standard chassis.
With a Side-Loader
Your container will be delivered on a specialized truck called a side-loader (sometimes also known as a side-lifter). This vehicle has hydraulic arms that lift the container off the trailer and set it down beside the truck.
To facilitate a side-loader delivery, you will need:
- Length Clearance: 18.75m (61.5ft)
- Height Clearance: 4m (13ft)
- Width Clearance: 3.65m (12ft)
Standard Chassis
If you select delivery by standard chassis, you will be responsible for lifting and placing your shipping container on the ground with the appropriate heavy-duty equipment.
To facilitate delivery on a standard chassis, you will also need:
- Length Clearance: 18.75m (61.5ft)
- Height Clearance: 4m (13ft)
- Width Clearance: 3.65m (12ft)
To learn more about these delivery methods, consult our shipping container delivery guide.
Condition: Used — Cargo Worthy (CW) Containers – Seaworthy & Repaired
Best for: International shipping and long-term storage.
Cargo Worthy Containers meet international CSC requirements (Convention for Safe Containers), ensuring they are fit for overseas transport. While they may show dents, scratches, or rust, they are structurally sound and fully wind- and watertight. For official transport, certification can be issued by an independent surveyor or one of our IICL inspectors.
Key features:
- CSC-certified for international shipping
- Wind- and watertight
- May show cosmetic wear
- Suitable for transport and secure storage
Read more: Understanding the different conditions of our shipping containers.
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