Hard Top container
Also known as: HT · 20HT · 40HT · 20' HT · 40' HT · Hardtop
A hard top container has a removable steel roof. The roof can be lifted off so heavy cargo can be loaded from above by crane.
Specifications
Typical figures — exact figures vary by shipping line and manufacturer.
| Specifications | 20' HT | 40' HT HC |
|---|---|---|
| Internal length | 5,886 mm | 12,020 mm |
| Internal width | 2,342 mm | 2,342 mm |
| Internal height | 2,388 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Door opening width | 2,336 mm | 2,336 mm |
| Door opening height | 2,274 mm | 2,582 mm |
| Tare weight | 2,700 kg | 4,800 kg |
| Max payload | 27,780 kg | 25,680 kg |
| Capacity | 32.9 m³ | 75.7 m³ |
| Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm) | 11 | 23 |
| Standard pallets (1200 × 1000 mm) | 10 | 21 |
Typical cargo
Heavy and tall items that must be loaded by crane but need a solid roof: machinery, marble blocks, heavy pipes, and valuable equipment.
In plain words
It is similar to an open top, but with a solid steel roof instead of a tarpaulin. On most models, the door header (the beam above the doors) can also swing out, which makes it easier to load tall items through the doors. The steel roof gives better protection against theft and weather than a tarpaulin.
Hard tops are stronger in the floor and walls than many standard containers, so they suit heavy, compact items. The roof is heavy, so a forklift or crane is needed to remove it. They are less common than open tops; ask your line or forwarder about availability.
Example from real shipping
An exporter ships a heavy marble block cutting machine that must be lowered in from above. The cargo is valuable and the route is long, so the exporter prefers a solid roof to a tarpaulin. The forwarder books a 20' hard top, the roof is lifted off, the machine goes in by crane, and the roof is put back and sealed.
Related terms
- Open Top containerAn open top container has no fixed roof. It is covered with a removable tarpaulin, so cargo can be loaded from above with a crane.
- OOGOOG cargo is cargo that sticks out beyond the normal outside size of a container — too high, too wide, or too long. It usually travels on a flat rack, open top, or platform.
- 40' HCA 40' HC is a 40-foot container that is about 30 cm (one foot) taller than a standard 40'. It gives more space for light, bulky cargo.
- Container typesA side-by-side comparison of the common shipping container types: sizes, weights, capacity, pallet places, and typical cargo.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.