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 Patagon?
Buying used 20ft open-tops is simple with CHS Patagon. 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.
- 20+ years experience serving Latin American market
- 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.
When buying a container online, you can choose between pick-up from one of our depots, or tilt-bed delivery to your location.
Pick-Up
Most products are in-stock and available for pick-up within 3-5 days. With this option, you are responsible for ensuring you have a suitable vehicle and the proper equipment to safely offload your container on your property. A member of our team will reach out to coordinate your pick-up. Contact us if you require pick-up sooner.
Tilt-Bed Delivery
If you select tilt-bed delivery, your shipping container will be delivered on a tilt-bed trailer. This is a specialized piece of equipment that is towed by either a hot shot truck or standard truck cab. Then, the front of the bed is raised so the container slides safely to the ground as the driver slowly drives forward.
To facilitate delivery on a tilt-bed trailer, you will need:
- Length Clearance: 100ft (30.5m)
- Height Clearance: 15ft (4.5m)*
- Width Clearance: 12ft (3.65m)
Note: Any low-hanging wires at the drop-site must be at least 18ft off the ground for the trailer to tilt safely.
To learn more about these delivery methods, consult our shipping container delivery guide.
Key Features
- Typically 7–12 years old
- Meets CSC survey requirements
- Well-used but structurally sound
Cargo-worthy containers are used units still considered seaworthy and safe for stacking. They can be certified (at an additional cost) for at least one more international shipment, though they are best regarded as a short-term shipping solution.
Uses
Cargo-worthy units are suitable for domestic storage and basic DIY projects such as sheds or workshops. They can still be used for shipping with a valid CSC inspection.
Appearance
Cargo-worthy containers almost always have large shipping-line logos. They show normal signs of extended service—scratches, surface rust, and dents—but cannot have holes, damaged flooring, or extensive roof bowing.
Read more: Guide to Shipping Container Grades
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