---
title: "Hire 20ft Open Top Containers Ex Southampton"
description: "Rent 20ft open top containers in Southampton. New & used options, ideal for oversized cargo. Call 0330 0130 636 for a quote"
url: "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers"
date: "2026-05-05T01:15:18+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![20ft open top Container](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/images/websiteimages/UK-containers-southampton17.jpg)

- [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers "Facebook")
- [ ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers&text=20ft%20Open%20Top%20Container "X (formerly Twitter)")
- [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers "LinkedIn")

 # 20ft Open Top Container Hire in Southampton

Shipping Containers of Southampton is the premier provider of specialist rental solutions across the South Coast. The 20ft open-top container is an essential engineering solution for "out-of-gauge" (OOG) cargo, offering the structural integrity of a standard unit with the flexibility of a removable roof. Whether you need to [hire shipping containers](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers) for a short-term engineering project or require temporary transport for heavy plant machinery, our local 20ft open-top **stock** is ready for rapid dispatch. For permanent requirements, we also offer [20ft open-top containers for sale](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/buy-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers).

  ## Strategic Advantages of Open-Top Hire

Handling bulky or heavy **stock** often requires overhead crane access. Hiring an open-top unit from our Southampton depot offers several key technical benefits:

- **Vertical Loading:** Removable roof bows and tarpaulin allow you to load heavy items (like generators or marble slabs) directly from above using a crane, which is impossible with standard containers.
- **Cost-Effective Logistics:** Avoid the expense of specialised flat-bed transport for items that are only slightly over-height.
- **Maintenance Included:** We ensure the tarpaulins and roof bows are in excellent condition. Our team maintains these critical components to ensure the unit remains wind- and watertight.
- **Secure Transport:** Every hire unit intended for freight use carries a valid **CSC plate**, ensuring it is safe for international shipping and stacking.

![inside open top container](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/images/websiteimages/Special-Container-Southampton100.jpg)

  ## Logistics: The Risk of Racking on Open Tops

Delivering a specialist 20ft open-top in Southampton’s busy maritime hub requires expert planning. We utilise **HIAB crane-mounted lorries** to lift and position your container. However, open-top containers are particularly susceptible to **racking** (frame twisting).

> **Critical Warning:** Because open-top containers lack a fixed steel roof, they rely on the rear header bar and roof bows for rigidity. If the unit is placed on uneven ground, the frame will twist. This not only jams the doors but makes it **impossible to re-fit the roof bows and tarpaulin** once removed.

To prevent this, we recommend a **four-point foundation strategy**: placing the unit on railway sleepers or concrete pads at the four corners to ensure a perfectly level platform. For more details, see our guide on [preparing your site foundation](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/blog/shipping-container-foundations).

  ## 20ft Open-Top Technical Specifications

Quantifying technical value is essential for crane operators and logistics managers. A 20ft open-top allows for a roof opening length of approx 5.49m. For a full breakdown of internal clearances and weight limits, please [check our 20ft open-top technical specs page](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/container-dimensions/20ft-open-top-shipping-containers).

 | Description | Metric Measurements | Imperial Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Payload | 28,200 kg | 62,170 lb |
| External Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6.096 x 2.438 x 2.591 m | 20’ x 8’ x 8’6" |
| Internal Length | 5.898 m | 19’ 4 1/4” |
| Internal Width | 2.352 m | 7’ 8 5/8” |
| Internal Height | 2.348 m | 7’ 8 1/2” |
| Roof Opening Length | 5.490 m | 18’ 1/16” |
| Roof Opening Width | 2.210 m | 7’ 3” |
| Tare Weight | 2,280 kg | 5,027 lb |

  ## Hire Terms and Local Compliance

Our standard hire terms are transparent and designed for Hampshire industrial users. For 20ft open-top container hire, the customer is responsible for **haulage costs (both ways)** and an **initial minimum hire period of 8 weeks**. Payment for the first month's hire and delivery charges are required upfront.

**Planning Permission:** Under standard UK General Permitted Development guidelines, shipping containers are generally viewed as temporary structures. However, Southampton City Council typically enforces a **28-day rule** for temporary placement without planning permission. If your unit will remain on-site longer than this, or is located in a Conservation Area, you may need to seek advice. We recommend reviewing our [local council planning rules guide](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/blog/shipping-container-planning-permission) to ensure your project remains compliant.

  ### Are open-top containers watertight?

Yes, providing the roof bows are in place, and the heavy-duty tarpaulin is correctly lashed and tensioned. However, we recommend checking the tarpaulin regularly for sagging if heavy rain is expected, to prevent water pooling.

### Do I need a crane to load the container?

You do not need a crane to load the container itself onto our truck (our HIAB driver does that). However, you will likely need a crane or overhead gantry to load your heavy cargo *into* the container through the roof opening.

### What is the minimum hire period?

The minimum hire period for our specialist open-top units is **8 weeks**. This allows us to manage the complex logistics of specialist equipment while providing competitive weekly rates for engineering projects.

### Can you deliver over a fence?

Yes, our HIAB cranes can lift empty 20ft open-top containers over fences or walls. However, please note that we deliver the container **empty**. We cannot transport a container loaded with your goods unless it is certified and secured for transport.

  [Container Quote](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/quote-form) **Tel: [0330 0130 636](tel:03300130636)**

## Schema

```json
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Rent Shipping Containers", "item": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "20ft Open-Top Containers", "item": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers" } ] }
```

```json
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "name": "Container Hire", "serviceType": "Container Hire", "description": "Rent 20ft open top containers in Southampton. New & used options, ideal for oversized cargo. Call 0330 0130 636 for a quote", "image": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/", "url": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers", "provider": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Shipping Containers of Southampton", "telephone": "0330 0130 636", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "addressLocality": "Southampton", "addressRegion": "GB", "postalCode": "SO40 4JN" } }, "offers": { "@type": "AggregateOffer", "offerCount": 1, "lowPrice": "0.00", "highPrice": "0.00", "priceCurrency": "GBP" } }
```

```json
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": [ "LocalBusiness", "ProfessionalService" ], "@id": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers#localbusiness6", "name": "Shipping Containers of Southampton", "image": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/images/logo.jpg", "url": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers", "telephone": "03300130636", "priceRange": "£2-£5000", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "addressLocality": "Southampton", "addressRegion": "Hampshire", "postalCode": "SO40 4JN" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "50.91449027130267", "longitude": "-1.4805666820943937" }, "openingHoursSpecification": [ { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": "Monday", "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:30" }, { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": "Tuesday", "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:30" }, { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": "Wednesday", "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:30" }, { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": "Thursday", "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:30" }, { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": "Friday", "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:30" } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "4.8", "reviewCount": "262", "worstRating": 0, "bestRating": 5 } }
```

```json
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers" }, "headline": "20ft Open Top Container", "description": "Rent 20ft open top containers in Southampton. New & used options, ideal for oversized cargo. Call 0330 0130 636 for a quote", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/images/websiteimages/Special-Container-Southampton100.jpg" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Shipping Containers of Southampton", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/images/logo.jpg" } }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Shipping Containers of Southampton", "url": "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/20ft-open-top-containers" }, "datePublished": "2023-12-21T11:20:14+00:00", "dateCreated": "2023-12-21T11:20:14+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-01-29T10:58:13+00:00" }
```

```json
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are open-top containers watertight?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, providing the roof bows are in place, and the heavy-duty tarpaulin is correctly lashed and tensioned. However, we recommend checking the tarpaulin regularly for sagging if heavy rain is expected, to prevent water pooling." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a crane to load the container?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You do not need a crane to load the container itself onto our truck (our HIAB driver does that). However, you will likely need a crane or overhead gantry to load your heavy cargo into the container through the roof opening." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the minimum hire period?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The minimum hire period for our specialist open-top units is 8 weeks. This allows us to manage the complex logistics of specialist equipment while providing competitive weekly rates for engineering projects." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you deliver over a fence?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, our HIAB cranes can lift empty 20ft open-top containers over fences or walls. However, please note that we deliver the container empty. We cannot transport a container loaded with your goods unless it is certified and secured for transport." } } ] }
```