---
title: "Hire 40ft Open Top Containers Ex Southampton"
description: "Hire 40ft open top containers in Southampton. New & used options, nationwide delivery. Call 0330 0130 636 for a quote."
url: "https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers/40ft-open-top-containers"
date: "2026-05-01T08:27:45+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![Open Top Containers](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/images/websiteimages/IMG_0909.jpg)

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 # 40ft Open Top Container Hire in Southampton

Shipping Containers of Southampton is the premier provider of specialist rental solutions across the South Coast. The 40ft open-top container is an essential engineering solution for large-scale "out-of-gauge" (OOG) cargo. It offers the structural integrity of a standard [forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU)](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/blog/feu-guide) but features a removable roof for vertical loading. Whether you need to [hire shipping containers](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/rent-shipping-containers) for a major infrastructure project or require temporary transport for heavy plant machinery, our local 40ft open-top **stock** is ready for rapid dispatch. For permanent requirements, we also offer [40ft open-top containers for sale](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/buy-shipping-containers/40ft-open-top-containers).

  ## Strategic Advantages of Open-Top Hire

Handling bulky or heavy **stock** often requires overhead crane access. Hiring a 40ft open-top unit from our Southampton depot offers several key technical benefits:

- **Vertical Loading Capacity:** Removable roof bows and heavy-duty tarpaulins allow you to load oversized items (such as steel beams, scrap metal, or machinery) directly from above with a crane.
- **Cost-Effective Logistics:** Renting avoids the high capital cost of purchasing specialised equipment that may only be needed for specific project phases.
- **Maintenance Included:** We ensure the tarpaulins, roof bows, and TIR cables 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/UK-containers-southampton71.jpg)

  ## Logistics: The Risk of Racking on 40ft Units

Delivering a 40ft open-top in Southampton’s busy maritime hub requires specialised articulated equipment. We utilise **articulated HIAB crane-mounted lorries** to lift and position your container. However, 40ft open-top containers are highly susceptible to **racking** (frame twisting).

> **Critical Warning:** A 40ft open-top lacks a fixed steel roof, relying entirely on the rear header bar and removable roof bows for lateral rigidity. Because of its 12-meter length, if the unit is placed on uneven ground, the long steel frame will twist. This misalignment makes it **impossible to re-fit the roof bows** and prevents the doors from closing.

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).

  ## 40ft Open-Top Technical Specifications

Quantifying technical value is essential for crane operators and logistics managers. A 40ft open-top allows for a roof opening length of approx 11.8m. For a full breakdown of internal clearances and weight limits, please [check our 40ft open-top technical specs page](https://shippingcontainersofsouthampton.co.uk/container-dimensions/40ft-open-top-container-dimensions).

 | Description | Metric Measurements | Imperial Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Payload | 26,600 kg | 58,643 lb |
| External Dimensions (LxWxH) | 12.192 x 2.438 x 2.591 m | 40' x 8' x 8'6" |
| Internal Length | 12.032 m | 39' 5 3/4'' |
| Internal Width | 2.352 m | 7' 8 5/8'' |
| Internal Height | 2.348 m | 7' 8 1/2'' |
| Roof Opening Length | 11.810 m | 38' 8 7/8'' |
| Roof Opening Width | 2.232 m | 7' 3 7/8'' |
| Tare Weight | 3,820 kg | 8,422 lb |
| Gross Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,197 lb |

  ## Hire Terms and Local Compliance

Our standard hire terms are transparent and designed for Hampshire industrial users. For 40ft 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 is required upfront.

**Site Access:** An articulated HIAB truck is approximately **65ft long** and requires roughly **100ft of straight-line space** to offload. Please ensure your site has adequate turning circles.

**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.

  ### Can I transport the container while loaded?

No. Our standard hire delivery and collection service covers **only empty containers**. If you intend to ship a container of cargo internationally, you will need to arrange freight transport. The container itself is CSC-plated and suitable for this purpose, but our HIAB trucks are for site positioning of empty units.

### What is a swivelling rear header?

Many of our 40ft open-top units feature a swivelling rear header bar (the metal bar above the doors). This can be swung open to allow easy loading of cargo that is taller than the door aperture, or to allow forklifts better access. Please confirm if you need this feature when requesting a quote.

### What is the minimum hire period?

The minimum hire period for our specialist 40ft open-top units is **8 weeks**. This allows us to manage the complex logistics of articulated vehicle delivery while providing competitive weekly rates for long-term engineering projects.

### Are the tarpaulins difficult to fit?

On a 40ft unit, the tarpaulin is heavy and requires two people (or a forklift assist) to manoeuvre safely. You must ensure the roof bows are inserted correctly first to provide the necessary support structure for the canvas.

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

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